In the weeks leading up to the Sept. 13 primaries and the Nov. 6 general election, 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.
State Sen. 15th Dist. Plumbers Union Supports Ulrich
Plumbers Local No. 1 and Steamfitters Local 638 recently joined Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to endorse City Council Member Eric Ulrich for election to the 15th State Senate District seat at the Plumbers Local No. 1 union hall in Howard Beach.
“Eric has a proven record in the City Council as a champion for the middle class,” said Plumbers Local Number 1 Business Manager John Murphy. “He understands the importance of creating prevailing wage union jobs and making Queens an affordable place to live and raise a family. We know he will be a powerful voice for those causes in Albany and we’re proud to endorse him as our next state senator.”
“We’re thrilled to be here today to endorse Councilman Ulrich for state senate,” said Pat Dolan, Steamfitters Local 638 President. “Eric doesn’t just talk about the importance of quality union jobs for New Yorkers, he takes action and stands up for organized labor. He has never hesitated to work across party lines to deliver results for his constituents and that is exactly the kind of leadership we need from our representatives.”
“These endorsements mean a great deal to me,” said Ulrich, whose grandfather, affectionately known as “Buddy,” is a 25-year member of Steamfitters Local 638. “Growing up, Buddy was the breadwinner of the family. If it were not for the prevailing wage and health care benefits he earned, we simply would not have been able to make ends meet. When I am elected to the state senate, I will be a strong voice to protect the collective bargaining rights of hardworking people just like him.”
Addabbo Meets $$$ And Ballot Deadlines
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who is running for his third term representing New York Senate’s 15th district, recently announced that he has filed over 3,000 petition signatures, raised over $100,000 in time for the July 16 filing deadline, and has gathered enough signatures to be placed on the Working Families Party line.
While Addabbo only needed 1,000 signatures to be eligible for placement on the Democratic ballot, he has exceeded the requirement by over 2,000 signatures, totaling around 3,300 signatures, a clear testament to his continuing support throughout the district.
“I’m very pleased with the early success my campaign has witnessed,” says Addabbo, “Through the efforts of myself and many volunteers, we have gathered petition signatures and support from the entire district.”
Addabbo filed $147,311 in time for the July Campaign Finance Board’s filing deadline, and had $104,804 on hand.
He also announced that he has gathered more than the necessary 24 signatures to be placed on the Working Families Party Line.
“The Working Families Party is an essential player in New York Senate politics,” says Addabbo, “No one works harder and cares more about the working people of New York, and I am proud to have collected enough signatures to be on their party line.”
Assembly 38th Dist. Latino Lawmakers Are Backing Miller
Assemblyman Mike Miller recently received the endorsements of leading Democratic Latino elected officials including Rep. Nydia Velázquez, State Sen. Jose Peralta, and Assemblyman Francisco Moya for re-election to the 38th Assembly District seat.
In their statements of support, these elected officials emphasized that Miller has fought to improve the community’s schools, create good jobs, and raise the minimum wage for working men and women.
“I am truly humbled by the depth of support I have received,” said Miller. “I entered public service to make a real difference in my community. While we have done much over the past few years to improve our schools and create good jobs, there is much more to do to support all of our families. I pledge to continue this fight in the months and years ahead.”
Velázquez stated, “Mike Miller is a leader who has been delivering results for our families and community. He fights to improve our schools, works to protect the most vulnerable citizens among us, and is committed to bringing good jobs back to Queens, and that’s why I fully support him.”
Peralta added, “Mike Miller has been a champion for Queens families. I am proud to support him because he works each and every day to create jobs and expand economic opportunities for his constituents. Mike Miller is a leader who focuses on delivering real results for Queens. I am proud to support his re-election.”
Moya stated, “I support and endorse Mike Miller because he is not afraid to make the tough choices on behalf of Queens’ families. He supports raising the minimum wage because he recognizes that working men and women form the backbone of our local economy. Mike exemplifies what public service is about and is the kind of leader we should all support.”
State Sen. 16th Dist. Ex-Mayoral Hopeful Endorses Stavisky
Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx Borough President and Democratic Nominee for Mayor, announced his endorsement of State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky for re-election to the 16th State Senate District seat.
“Toby is a champion for hardworking, middle class families in Queens,” said Ferrer. “She is a true public servant focused only on how best to serve her community. As the first woman from Queens elected to the State Senate, Toby knows what it takes to break down barriers. Now, more than ever, we need courageous leaders unafraid to take on the status quo to get things done. I am proud to support her because she is just that type of leader.”
“I’d like to thank Freddy for his admirable service to New York City,” said Stavisky. “He is always on the side of working men and women and this city is a far better place because of Freddy Ferrer. I am delighted that he has joined me in this campaign because there is much more to do for Queens’ families.”
Stavisky has been endorsed by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, City Comptroller John Liu, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, City Council Member Peter Koo, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, City Council Members Karen Koslowitz, Mark Weprin, Julissa Ferreras, Daniel Dromm and James Gennaro, Rep. Joe Crowley, and former Borough President Claire Schulman.
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-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.
