2021 Citywide Elections: Weekly Endorsements & Other Tidbits

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Weprin Endorsed by Italian American PAC

David Weprin (Photo source: David Weprin's facebook page)
State Assemblymember David Weprin

Assemblymember David Weprin, a candidate for New York City Comptroller, announced that he was endorsed by the Italian American Political Action Committee (I AM PAC).

“Just like any other group in New York, Italian Americans expect a comptroller who will do what he or she is hired to do – protect the pensions and ensure the city’s financial stability,” said Weprin. “As a former city council finance chair and more than a decade in the State Assembly, I am by far the most qualified person in the race to use my lifetime of experience to help all New Yorkers secure a better and more fiscally sound future.” 

James Lisa, President of I AM PAC, said that Weprin earned their support because he has always been a friend to New York’s Italian American community. He’s shown a commitment to seniors and retirees by safeguarding pensions, he said. 

“We are honored to put our faith in David to be the kind of Comptroller who will look out not only for our community, but for all communities in New York,” Lisa said.

Local 372 Co-Endorses Brian Benjamin for Comptroller

State Senator Brian Benjamin

Local 372 NYC Board of Education Employees announced their co-endorsement of State Senator Brian Benjamin for New York City Comptroller at a press conference held outside PS 33 Chelsea Prep. Union President Shaun D. Francois praised Benjamin’s unmatched experience and commitment to the people of New York City.

“Local 372 with the Executive Board is proud to co-endorse City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Senator Brian Benjamin for the office of New York City Comptroller. Both candidates consistently demonstrated a desire and drive to help the people of New York, especially those suffering with homelessness, the economically disadvantaged, a desire to keep our neighborhoods safe and always a fighter for workers’ rights,” said Francois. “We know without a doubt that they will also keep us fiscally sound.”

Benjamin was joined by his mother, Yvonne Saunders, who is a retired member of Local 372.

“As an immigrant from Guyana who moved to this country in pursuit of a better life, I was able to provide for my children because of the well-paying job I secured as a teacher,” said Saunders. “Local 372 always ensured that my rights were protected, and as a current retiree on a city pension, my son has seen first-hand the importance of protecting the rights of union workers and the pensions of New York City’s hard-working retirees. I am proud to see my son gain the support of my very own union in his campaign to be the next New York City Comptroller.

Cornegy Endorsed by NYC Firefighters and Fire Officers

City Councilmember Robert Cornegy

The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) announced their endorsement of City Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. for Brooklyn Borough President.

“Every day, New York City firefighters are saving lives, protecting our city, and helping New Yorkers in crisis. And every day, Rob Cornegy is there, standing up for New York City firefighters, so we can do our job for you,” said UFA President Andrew Ansbro.

They praised Cornegy’s experience with and commitment to public safety and public safety professionals. They stressed the need to elect individuals who will protect the economy and growth of New York City, and support the hard-working people and families who live here.  

“His experience and passion for public service makes him an excellent community leader to represent the great borough of Brooklyn and a friend of the UFOA,” said UFOA President James Lemonda.

CSA Local 1 Endorses Reynoso

City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso

The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA) endorsed City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso for Brooklyn Borough President.

“It’s critical that we elect leaders like Antonio Reynoso who have a long track record of fighting for our children,” said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. “We know he will advocate for all students including our most vulnerable populations, win valuable resources to support their evolving needs, and ensure our public schools finally get long-overdue funding.”

Reynoso said that he was proud to receive their endorsement and that he understands the importance of education.

“I’m ready to keep fighting alongside CSA and its hard working members for stronger, more equitable schools,” he said. 

Sherman Endorsed by United Auto Workers Region 9A

Stu Sherman

Stu Sherman was endorsed by United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 9A in his campaign for City Council in District 33. Sherman is a UAW member (ALAA 2325) and said he was honored to receive their support. 

“It is always incredibly exciting when we have the opportunity to endorse one of our members”, said Beverley Brakeman, Regional Director of United Auto Workers Region 9A. “Stu’s record of service with Association of Legal Aid Attorneys Local 2325 and priorities for making the lives of working people better in real ways made him the clear choice for UAW’s endorsement in this race. We are happy to stand with him and his vision for District 33.”

 

 

Kim Endorses Won in City Council District 26

Julie Won

State Assemblymember Ron Kim endorsed Julie Won in her campaign for New York City Council in District 26.

“We need leaders like Julie who will fight relentlessly for working families and have the courage to speak truth to power,” said Kim. “Her advocacy for tenants, small businesses, and the Invest in our New York campaign proves her commitment to our people-powered movement. She will be a true ally for grassroots activists seeking to realize a truly progressive agenda for our city.”

Won said she was honored to receive Kim’s endorsement.

“From taking on corporate greed, to advocating for seniors, to standing up to the governor of New York, Assemblymember Kim has proven himself to be a champion for working people, and a paragon of political courage,” Won said. “As a fellow immigrant and Korean-American, I am proud to count Assemblymember Ron Kim as an ally in my fight for a just and equitable city.”

Koslowitz Endorses Schulman in City Council District 29

Lynn Schulman

City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz endorsed candidate Lynn Schulman in the City Council District 29 race.

“Lynn is a progressive force. She is unafraid of standing up for the needs of the people,” said Koslowitz. “I first appointed her to Community Board 6 in 1994 and she’s never failed to impress me since. Her command of policy, especially on health care, worker’s rights, and retirement security, is first-rate.” 

Schulman said that she was honored to be endorsed by Koslowitz.

“We both understand the unprecedented issues facing our Queens communities amidst the pandemic. Karen knows I will bring my vast experience, neighborhood values, and robust policy agenda to deliver results for our district,” Schulman said. 

Young Endorsed by Public Safety Expert

Ellen Young

Dr. Henry Lee, who has served as an advisor for more than 80 law enforcement agencies and helped solve more than 8,000 cases, endorsed Ellen Young in the District 20 City Council race. 

Lee said that the district needs an experienced leader with a proven track record of keeping her community safe.

“My years of experience tell me that Ellen Young is the only candidate in this race ready on day one to protect the safety and quality of life of Queens residents,” said Lee.

Young was the first female Asian American Auxiliary NYPD Officer in Queens. She is also a former Assembly Member and the first Asian American woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

Meng Endorses Gennaro for Re-Election

City Councilmember James Gennaro

Congresswoman Grace Meng endorsed City Councilmember James F. Gennaro for re-election. 

“Jim Gennaro has been a dedicated and hard working public servant and he will continue to fight for his constituents in the City Council, I am excited that Jim recently reentered public service, and look forward to working with him to help our city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as strengthening our economy and addressing the many other issues impacting Queens,” Meng said.

Gennaro said he was honored to receive her endorsement.

“I share Rep. Meng’s vision and look forward to working with her to deliver for our community and fight for our shared values. I will be Rep. Meng’s partner as we lead the community to a post-pandemic brighter future,” he said.

Bronx BP Diaz Endorses Sanchez in Manhattan’s District 7

Ray Sanchez

Ray Sanchez, Democratic candidate for City Council in Manhattan’s District 7, announced that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. endorsed him in June’s Democratic primary.

Diaz announced his endorsement at a press conference at NYCHA’s Grant Houses. Sanchez served as counsel and director of policy for Diaz from 2011-2018.

“I have seen Ray Sanchez in action firsthand, and I know he has the temerity, knowledge and passion to fight for transformative change for our city,” said Diaz. 

Sanchez said that Dias has been a mentor, friend, brother and advocate for him.

“I deeply appreciate our relationship and could not be more grateful,” he said. 

Innocence Project Co-Founder Endorses Bragg for Manhattan DA

Alvin Bragg

Peter Neufeld, Co-founder of the Innocence Project, announced that he endorsed Alvin Bragg for Manhattan District Attorney in his personal capacity. 

“Alvin’s experience as a defender of civil rights, as co-director of the Racial Justice Project, as a prosecutor of those who physically obstruct a woman’s right to choose, of those who unlawfully withhold wages from our most vulnerable, of those who redline and racially profile is the best evidence that as our next District Attorney Alvin Bragg will pursue transformative racial justice while keeping everyone safer. He will help us replace fear with hope and retribution with compassion,” Neufeld said.

 

West Side Leaders Endorse Jenny Low in District 1

Jenny Low

Jenny Low, candidate for City Council in District 1, was endorsed by progressive leaders representing west side Manhattan neighborhoods from Tribeca to SoHo to Greenwich Village, including Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Brad Hoylman, and Progressive Action of Lower Manhattan (PALM), a chapter of NYPAN. 

“Our communities in SoHo, Tribeca, the Village, and beyond need a leader who’s ready to hit the ground running from day one on the Council and deliver real investment in our communities,” said Low. “I’ve spent my life advocating for our shared progressive values, and I’m ready to keep fighting for protecting our communities, stronger schools, access to high quality healthcare, and relief for our small businesses. I’m proud to have the support of Congressman Nadler, Senator Hoylman, and PALM and look forward to working with them toward a stronger future where all our families can thrive.”