The union representing New York City’s public school teachers threw their support for Barry Grodenchik in the race for the 23rd City Council District seat previously held by Mark Weprin.
During an announcement on Tuesday in front of Bellerose’s P.S. 133, United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew announced the endorsement on the union’s behalf, calling Grodenchik “a strong supporter of public education.”
“Our schools and our profession are under attack,” Mulgrew said. “With so much at stake, we need leaders like Barry to help protect and strengthen New York City schools. Barry has always been a great ally for teachers and schools, and he’ll be a great council member for Queens.”
Numerous Queens elected officials — including Borough President Melinda Katz, Congressman Joe Crowley, City Councilwomen Elizabeth Crowley and Karen Koslowitz, state Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymen Ron Kim, Michael DenDekker, Francisco Moya and Michael Simanowitz — were on hand for the announcement.
Grodenchik himself is a product of the public school system and the father of a graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School.
“Each child in this city deserves access to a quality public education, and that requires that we support the teachers who work so hard to provide our kids with that opportunity,” Grodenchik said. “I’m so incredibly humbled to have the support of the United Federation of Teachers, as well as the great elected officials who stand here today. I look forward to working together to tackle the big issues our schools face here in eastern Queens as the next council member.”
Grodenchik is one of six candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the Sept. 10 primary. The winner faces Republican candidate Joe Concannon in the Nov. 3 general election. The 23rd City Council District covers all or parts of Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village.
