In the months leading up to the citywide primary and general elections, 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.
Mayoral Race
Melissa Mark-Viverito Endorses de Blasio
East Harlem and Bronx City Council Member Melissa Mark- Viverito today endorsed New York City Public Advocate and Democrat Bill de Blasio for Mayor. A cofounder and co-chair of the City Council’s Progressive Caucus, Mark- Viverito pointed toward de Blasio’s bold progressivism and vision for New York, as well as his consistent efforts to support New York City’s immigrant communities, as her reason for the early endorsement. Mark- Viverito, a highly visible Latina leader, represents one of the city’s most diverse districts with the most affordable housing units and is the first council member to endorse de Blasio.
“As the true progressive candidate for mayor, Bill de Blasio would create a universal city ID for undocumented immigrants and has fought to create and preserve 200,000 affordable housing units. Bill de Blasio has proven himself a consistent ally and champion for immigrant and working class communities across our city- and I’m proud to endorse him today,” Mark-Viverito said. “We both understand that every New Yorker deserves a fair chance to get ahead-no matter what neighborhood they live in or where they come from-and Bill de Blasio will lead our city in a new direction.”
“Council Member Melissa Mark- Viverito is a progressive standard bearer who is unafraid to fight for the communities she represents and speak up for our city’s underrepresented communities, and I’m honored to have her support,” said de Blasio. “City Hall should speak to the needs of every community across all five boroughs the way that Melissa fights for her constituents. Having her on my team is an endorsement of my commitment to helping middle and working-class New Yorkers. We must provide strong schools, affordable housing and supportive immigrant services to every neighborhood across our city-and I look forward to having Council Member Mark- Viverito’s support in this effort.”
Queens Borough President’s Race
Hotel Union Backs Katz
The New York Hotel Trades Council (HTC) endorsed Melinda Katz’s campaign for Queens Borough President, June 4. The HTC represents over 10,000 members across Queens and has played a pivotal role in past races there. They have been highly successful at organizing their membership and leading sophisticated Get Out The Vote drives for their preferred candidates. This announcement by Katz’s campaign comes just days after the endorsements of the Queens County Democrats, RWDSU, and numerous elected officials.
“HTC is proud to endorse Melinda Katz for Queens Borough President because she is the kind of elected official who cares deeply about the quality of life issues that are important to our members and all Queens residents,” said Josh Gold, political director of the HTC. “Melinda’s dedication to affordable housing, quality jobs and better education for our children makes her the clear choice. We will stand up for Melinda in this race and fight to get her elected, because she has stood up for workers time and time again during her years in office.”
“I’m grateful and pleased to have the support of the Hotel Trades Council in this election. HTC has fought hard for working families and the wellbeing of all New Yorkers,” Katz said. “We share a common vision for smart development that makes the needs of the community its top priority. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, that sort of foresight and intelligent planning is needed now more than ever. I’m looking forward to winning this election and working with them on many issues with the support of their terrific members and dedicated campaigners.”
HTC represents 32,000 hospitality and gaming workers in New York & New Jersey.
Comrie Announces Bid For BP
Councilman Leroy Comrie, announced his run for Queens Borough President in front of cheering supporters on the steps of Queens Borough Hall, June 3.
Comrie, who serves as deputy majority leader of the City Council and chairman of its Queens Delegation and brings a cross-cultural, allinclusive approach to his work, said, “Queens is the most diverse borough in the city. We will seize this unique opportunity to use and build on the energy and vitality of our neighborhoods and its diverse economy to push every community forward for the betterment of the entire borough.”
“As Queens Borough President, I will continue to build coalitions, because they work. Here’s the proof: together, we’ve ensured the building of affordable housing, such as the 100 units in construction right now on 161st Street in Jamaica. We have ensured small businesses do not get fined for violations they were unaware of, and we have expanded tax exemptions for the disabled and elderly so they can afford to stay in their homes. We have made great strides and as Borough President we will have an opportunity to expand our work throughout the borough.”
As the Queens Delegation chair, Comrie worked with his colleagues to ensure tax dollars were appropriated to organizations such as the Queens Library System, the Alley Pond Environmental Center and the Asian Americans for Equality just to name a few.
Comrie’s impressive council legislative initiatives include: Increasing tax and property exemptions for seniors, curtailing “pay-day” loans, ensuring safety on construction sites, controlling truck traffic, developing a special database on city contracts, improving electrical and building codes, advocating to contain waste transfer stations and increasing job opportunities by establishing directto work training programs.
“Leroy Comrie has delivered for the residents of Queens time and time again, said Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jamaica.
“As the economy recovers, Queens’ future looks brighter every day. We have two world-class airports as well as a world-class casino, which will help bring tourists and jobs to the Borough. With the great strides downtown Jamaica has made over the past several years, I will also continue to advocate for more growth and investment in this community, which will only benefit Queens mainstays such as the Mets and USTA,” Comrie concluded.
Comrie resides in Saint Albans with his wife Marcia Moxam Comrie and their two children Liana and Benjamin.
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 email to info@times newsweekly.com. All releases are subject to editing.
