As the primary election for the 57th district assembly seat draws nearer, a new endorsement for current Assemblymember Walter Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) begs the question as to why this endorsement hasn’t gone to his opponent Phara Forrest – a nurse and a member of the NYSNA.
The announcement came late last week from Ari Moma, a registered nurse (RN) and NYSNA leader at Interfaith Medical Center in Bedfrd-Stuyvesant, which has been n the frontlines of hospitals battling the coronavirus.
“Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley has a track record of advocating for Brooklyn communities—helping to make sure that safety net hospitals remain open for care, and addressing the social determinants of health, such as affordable housing and criminal justice reform,” said Moma.
“As co-chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, Mosley puts issues of equity where they belong—front and center—in policy. NYSNA is proud to endorse his re-election in Assembly District 57.”
Forrest, although a nurse, has not worked on the frontlines treating COVID-19 patients. She is practicing the profession, however, as a city nurse providing medical care to children for the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
In addition, Forrest has spent the COVID-19 pandemic time assisting the Muslim Democratic Club of New York with their Ramadan meal program both with in-person delivery and with fundraising efforts. She has also helped facilitate the donation of over 100 face shields to University Hospital in Brooklyn.
“Phara is proud of the work she’s done with NYSNA to advocate for safe staffing and the New York Health Act. She looks forward to continuing that work in the future,” said her campaign spokesperson Nathan Pensler.
Meanwhile, Mosley thanked the union for their heroism during the current health crisis.
“Our nurses are on the front lines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and they need our support now more than ever. I’ll always fight to ensure that we provide them the support and resources that they need to stay safe on the job,” said Mosley.
“We will not forget their hard work and sacrifice that they have gone through to take care of our fellow New Yorkers. I thank them for their support and look forward to continuing to stand with them as we fight this virus.” said Mosley.
Early voting starts June 13. The Democratic Primary is on June 23.
