Voters in Queens and Brooklyn will go to the polls on Tuesday, June 26, to choose nominees for Congressional seats up for grabs in the November election.
In the weeks leading up to the contests, the Times Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times will feature in this column press releases and statements sent by the campaigns of the candidates on the ballot.
The statements in this column do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Times Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times or its staff. Mud-slinging statements which include personal attacks on candidates are omitted.
Lancman Gets Nod Of Services Union
Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a candidate for the new Sixth Congressional
District seat in central Queens, has won the endorsement of 32BJ SEIU, the largest private-sector union in New York.
In announcing the endorsements for the House seats in the newly drawn Sixth and Eighth districts, the union committed to a voter outreach campaign, including mailings, doorto door canvassing, and member mobilization in support of Lancman and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, the union’s choice for the Eighth District in Brooklyn.
“As members of the New York Assembly, Hakeem Jeffries and Rory Lancman have championed the rights of working people in our state,” 32BJ President Mike Fishman said. “Now we need candidates like them in Congress to stand up for the working men and women of this country.”
“I’m proud to accept the endorsement of SEIU Local 32BJ and its 120,000 in my bid to represent New York’s Sixth Congressional District,” Lancman said. “Together-in the legislature and on the streets-we’ve fought for fair wages, safe workplaces and the right of working people to organize, and I can’t wait for us to bring that fight to Washington.”
In the weeks leading up to the June 26 primary election, 32BJ members will work to reach and talk to fellow members. With 70,000 members in New York State, 32BJ is known for its strength in mobilizing members and voters to support endorsed candidates.
In recent years, the union has strengthened its political endorsement program by putting resources toward door-to-door campaigns as well as mailers, phone banking and other independent expenditures to reach voters.
The endorsement process is guided by an extensive screening of candidates by members and by the union’s policy agenda, which emphasizes the creation of jobs and support for prevailing wage standards and responsible economic development.
Firefighters Union Supporting Crowley
The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) endorsed City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley in her bid for the Sixth Congressional District last Thursday, Mar. 29, in front of Engine Co. 306 in Bayside.
As chair of the Fire Committee in the City Council, Crowley fought against Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to close 20 fire companies, including Engine Co. 306.
“Elizabeth Crowley has a proven record. When she became chair of the Fire Committee, I saw someone dedicated to improving public safety,” UFA President Stephen Cassidy said. “In my view she’s the best candidate because I’ve seen her in action, and the Uniformed Firefighters Association is proud to endorse her for Congress.”
“New York City firefighters are like no other firefighters in the world. When tragedies happen here, whether accidental, acts of God, or acts of terror, the fire department is always our first line of defense,” said Crowley. “To New Yorkers, there is no cause or concern that is greater than public safety, and that is why I am honored to stand with the Bravest and accept their endorsement for Congress.”
Crowley also outlined her plans to improve counterterrorism and homeland security by firefighters and other first responders to keep New Yorkers safe. She vowed to fight against cuts to programs like Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which was cut by $135 million in the FY 2012 budget.
Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security, these two programs provide critical funds to support local fire departments. Another Homeland Security grant, the Urban Area Security Initiative was cut $173 million.
Overall, Homeland Security funds that could prepare Fire Departments against terrorist attacks were cut $308 million for a 21 percent decrease from last year, Crowley noted.
The Council member also said she would work to ensure as much money as possible reach cities like New York, which is a top terrorist target. Currently, urban cities like New York are penalized by being forced to provide matching funds at a higher rate than other towns.
Finally, Crowley stated that she would fight to expedite the creation of a wireless broadband network for emergency response teams, which was authorized through legislation recently passed by Congress. This network will allow firefighters to download blueprints of buildings, allow firefighters and police officers to easily communicate with each other.
Italian-American Pols Backing Meng
Numerous Italian-American politicians have endorsed Assemblywoman Grace Meng in her bid to win the new Sixth Congressional District seat.
Among those who endorsed her were Italian-American Political Action Committee (IAMPAC) Chairman Jack Como, President James Lisa, Vice President Bob Fonti and Secretary Vincent D’Angelo. Also offering their support to Meng were City Council members James Gennaro, Domenic Recchia and Peter Vallone Jr.; Paul Vallone, president of the Clinton Democratic Club; and Joe DiPietro, a community leader.
“I am honored to have the support of these energetic and genuine longtime community activists, who are embracing diversity while staying attached to the neighborhoods and the institutions that make this district great,” Meng said. “Our shared civic pride and priorities guide this endorsement and will shape how we govern and solve problems together.”
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As noted, only voters who are registered with a party may vote in that party’s primary election on June 26 (Democratic voters may only vote in the Democratic primary; Republican voters may only vote in the Republican primary, etc.). There will also be a Republican presidential primary on Apr. 24 open to registered Republican Party members.
For more information on voting or to obtain a voting registration application, contact the New York City Board of Elections at 1-212-VOTENYC or visit www.vote.nyc.ny.us.
Press representatives of candidates may send their information to this paper by fax to 1-718-456-0120 or e-mail to info@times newsweekly.com. All releases are subject to editing.
