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.
Retiring Rep. Gary Ackerman, the National Troopers Coalition and the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers endorsed Assemblywoman Grace Meng last week in her bid to win the Democratic Party nomination for the new Sixth Congressional District seat in central Queens.
“Grace is without question the most qualified candidate in this race,” said Ackerman, who currently represents the Fifth Congressional District, which includes areas of Middle Village, Elmhurst, Corona, Rego Park and eastern Queens and western Nassau County neighborhoods. “She has been a dynamic legislator in the Assembly and has focused on getting the hard work done, never forgetting her working, middle-class roots. I know Grace can be trusted to continue her exemplary record of public service in Washington as a continuation of my long service.”
“”It’s time we reprioritize what’s important in our country. Government has become captured by elites in ways that risk destroying what is special and fundamental about America,” Meng said. “Congressman Ackerman has been fighting to protect the middle and working class families of Queens his entire career. That’s why I am truly honored and grateful to have the support of Congressman Ackerman and I look forward to carrying on his extraordinary legacy and commitment to the working, middleclass as a member of the House of Representatives.”
The NTC consists of 42 members associations in 38 states and represents more than 40,000 State Troopers nationwide. The New York State PBA claims a statewide membership of more than 6,000 active and retired, uniformed members of the New York State Police.
“Grace Meng understands the important role that State Troopers across the country play in homeland security, and the National Troopers Coalition is confident that she will remain committed to public safety through various efforts as a representative in Congress,” said Executive Director of the National Troopers Coalition Dennis Hallion.
Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers President Thomas Mungeer added, “During her time in the Assembly, Grace Meng has demonstrated strong support for our law enforcement officials. The challenges facing the law enforcement community are greater than ever before, and we need individuals like Grace in leadership positions to help law enforcement officers better serve the residents of New York State. The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers trusts that Grace Meng will work diligently in Washington to ensure that national security and public safety issues are a priority for all federal lawmakers.”
Lancman & Green Eye Political Reform
Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a candidate for Congress in New York’s Sixth Congressional District, was endorsed by Former NYC Public Advocate and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Mark Green last Tuesday, May 29, and both leaders called for major campaign finance reform laws at the federal level.
The announcement, held in front of the Exxon-Mobil station on 63rd Drive and Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, used the link between political contributions from “Big Oil” and federal subsidies for oil companies as an example of the influence of corporate money on democracy, and a demonstration of the need for campaign finance reform.
In March of 2012, the Senate voted 51-47 for a bill that would end tax subsidies for the biggest oil companies, but the measure failed due to a GOP filibuster. The 47 no votes reportedly received a total of $23.5 million in career contributions from the oil and gas industry, while the 51 yes votes received only $5.8 million in contributions.
In 2010, Lancman said, the oil and gas industry spent $10.5 million in campaign contributions, and over the last 10 years, taxpayers have paid subsidies of $21 billion to just the five biggest oil companies.
“The Sixth District and America need to stop big corporate money from privatizing our democracy, which means public funding for public elections as we have in New York City and a DISCLOSE act so anonymous money from billionaires doesn’t buy our government,” said Green. “Because Rory Lancman has been a leader to take the ‘for sale’ sign off our State government, I’m to endorsing him today because he’ll continue to lead that charge when he gets to Washington. We need a smart, strong progressive voice in Washington- Rory’s it.”
“Taxpayer subsidies for oil companies- companies that are already making money hand over fist-are clear examples of why campaign finance reform is so desperately needed,” Lancman said. “I’ve fought to get corporate money out of our state government, and I’ll take that fight to Congress. Queens needs a representative who will fight for the needs of working New Yorkers-not the desires of special interests, big corporations and wealthy campaign contributors.”
Lancman and Green called on Congress to pass three separate proposals as part of an agenda to reform the campaign finance system: the DISCLOSE Act (S.2219) would require disclosure of donations by corporations, unions, and SuperPACs require top funders of a SuperPAC or independent expenditure to reveal their names in television or radio advertising; the Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1404), which would create a matching funds system for federal elections-similar to the New York City matching funds system-where candidates would receive 5:1 matching funds on contributions under $100; and a constitutional amendment
(S.J. 29/H.J. 86) introduced by six Senators to give Congress the authority to regulate the campaign finance system, allowing them to correct the controversial Citizens United case.
CWA Backs Crowley; Job Report Reaction
City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, a Democratic candidate in New York’s Sixth Congressional District, has received the endorsement of Communication Workers of America Local 1101.
CWA Local 1101 represents more than 7,000 Verizon, AT&T Mobility, and other workers. Many Local 1101 members are still fighting for a contract from Verizon, following a twoweek strike in August.
“Elizabeth Crowley has stood with our union and all workers throughout the city fighting for fair contracts and workers’ rights,” said CWA Local 1101 President Keith Purce. “We are proud to support her for Congress and know she will improve conditions for working class families around the country.”
“It is an honor to receive the support of Local 1101, whose members have been leaders in the fight against attempts to weaken labor rights,” said Crowley. “People throughout Queens have been struggling, and I will be a strong voice in Washington advocating for fair treatment of workers and the creation of more jobs through infrastructure investments.”
Reacting to anemic jobs numbers released last Friday, June 1 by the U.S. Department of Labor, Crowley said, “There is no shortage of work to do here at home. Two thousand bridges across New York are in poor condition and thousands of miles of roads are in need of repair. To create good jobs for hardworking Americans, we need to invest now here at home.”
To get the economy moving upward, Crowley has called for: expanding the “helmets to hardhats” program to help returning veterans transition to construction jobs; creating new public-private partnerships to invest in repairing our decaying infrastructure; and investing in homeland security to keep our tunnels, trains and ports safe.
State Sen. 15th Dist.
Qns. Conservatives, Turner Like Ulrich
The Queens County Conservative Party and Rep. Bob Turner have endorsed
City Council Member Eric Ulrich in his bid to win the 15th State Senate District seat.
“Eric understands that job creation is the key to strengthening our communities and putting New York back on the right path,” said Queens Conservative Chairman Tom Long. “He will fight for lower taxes on small businesses and provide incentives for businesses to hire and grow. We need new leaders in Albany, like Councilman Ulrich, who will focus on fixing the economy and making our neighborhoods safe.”
“I’m extremely grateful to Chairman Tom Long and the Queens County Executive Committee for their support,” said Ulrich. “The residents of Queens are struggling to get by in this difficult economy, yet our current representative has consistently voted for higher taxes and wasteful government spending that is driving jobs out of New York. I will work tirelessly to bring new, goodpaying jobs to our community and make Queens more affordable for the middle class.”
“Eric is part of a new era of leadership that will make state government work again,” added Turner, who is currently seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. “I have the great fortune of serving alongside him and I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to the community. He understands the kitchen-table issues that Queens families are facing and he is by far the most qualified candidate to bring New York out of its economic decline and put people back to work.”
“I’m extremely thankful to Congressman Turner for his friendship and support,” said Ulrich. “Bob and I both entered politics on a clear mission to fix the problems we saw wrong with government. Our challenges at the state and federal level are great, but with smart fiscal management and policies that enable job growth, we can make New York strong once again.”
NY- 7 Dem. Primary
Bevy Of Dem Pols Support Velázquez
Rep. Nydia Velázquez was endorsed for re-election on Sunday, June 3, by Sen. Charles Schumer, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Rep. Jerrold Nadler.
“Nydia has been a great partner in Washington. We’ve stood together fighting hand in hand and accomplished major successes together. From the landmark appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to saving affordable housing for thousands by federalizing neglected public housing projects to leading the charge on the DREAM Act,” Schumer said. ” I am proud to stand with her today and look forward to many more years of fighting together for New Yorkers.”
“Nydia Velázquez is a tireless fighter for the working families of this district and I am looking forward to seeing her re-elected to Congress so she can continue her strong advocacy for our community,” added Silver. “She is a leader on protecting and preserving affordable housing, supporting small businesses and ensuring fairness and opportunity for all New Yorkers.”
“Nydia has been a tremendous advocate for New York and a great fighter for small businesses across this nation and has always been a true friend on issues of concern to the Jewish community,” Nadler said.
“I consider it a great honor to have the support and endorsements of these colleagues, each of them a leader in their branch of the legislature,” Velázquez said.
Velázquez sits on the Financial Services Committee, and on the subcommittees on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit; Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity. She also serves as ranking member on the Small Business Committee.
State Sen. 16th Dist.
Four Big Unions Backing Stavisky
Four major labor organizations announced their endorsements of State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for election to the new 16th State Senate District, including the IBEW Local 3, New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, CWA District 1, and the UFCW Local 1500.
These hard-working men and women include electricians, telecommunications and health care workers, and grocery workers and represent more than 150,000 workers.
“When I think about leaders who make the right choices when it comes to working men and women, I think of Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. She is the progressive choice who understands that good jobs are the key to a bright future for working families. Our endorsement today was easy because Toby is the right choice for Queens’ families,” said Chris Erickson, business manager for IBEW Local 3.
“Senator Stavisky is a battle tested leader who puts working families first. Toby stands on principle and never wavers in her support for our members’ rights. We are ready to get to work and send her back to Albany, added Josh Gold, political director for the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council.
“Senator Stavisky understands the burdens and challenges faced by union workers in this economic environment. In spite of these challenges, she has remained committed to the progressive ideals that form the foundation of the CWA. I know Toby to be a leader in the New York State Senate and a fighter for the middle class. Toby is an aggressive and tireless leader who deserves our support,” said Chris Shelton, vice president of CWA District 1.
“UFCW Local 1500 supports Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for reelection because she works every day to create jobs, expand access to health care, and protect our rights. She has always stood with the working men and women who have made this country great. I am proud to call Toby a friend and we are thrilled to support her once again because there is more work to do,” added Pat Purcell, director of special projects for UFCW Local 1500.
“I am honored and proud to have the support of these unions,” Stavisky said. “I have worked with the members and leadership many times over the years, and look forward to continuing to address the needs of working New Yorkers in Albany.”
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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.).
For more information on voting or to obtain a voting registration application, contact the New York City Board of Elections at 1-212-VOTE-NYC 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.
