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DFNYC Newsletter for June 4, 2008 |
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Written by Tracey Denton
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Wednesday, 04 June 2008 |
(1) Tonight! (Wed) Linkup: Discussion
& Vote
for Endorsements, 7pm & 7:30pm
- Attn: Astoria! Linkup rescheduled, vote
by mail
Join
us for
the June Linkup tonight Wednesday, June
4th, at 7pm (7:30pm in some locations).
On the first Wednesday of a every month, Democracy for America groups
across the country gather for Linkups, formerly known as Meetups during
the Dean campaign. We will discuss how we can win the presidential
race, the primary challenge in the 8th CD, an important local global
warming issue (stores leaving their air conditioning on and doors wide
open), and voting members of DFNYC will be able to cast ballots for
our candidate endorsement votes, see #2 below.
Upper West Side, with host Merle McEldowney,
Cosi,
2186 Broadway at 77th Street, 7pm
West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th
Ave.) with hosts Christoph V. Friedeburg and Josh Silverstein, 7pm
Sunnyside, Queens, at The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd. in the
back room, with host Dan Jacoby. Note: this Linkup will begin
at 7:30.
Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right
near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New
Politics, 7pm
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff Bennett Homestead, 1669
East 22nd Street, 7pm with hosts Annette Mont and Estelle
Glasser.
Astoria,
Queens: There has been a serious problem with the Sanford Diner.
This Linkup may be rescheduled to Monday or canceled for this month. If
you would like to attend Monday or you want more information, please
contact host Costa Constantinides at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
and he and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson
will
keep you posted. If you would like to vote, please visit this link and
download a ballot"
http://dfnyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2229
(Scroll down to where it says "here" in red)
(2)
DFNYC Endorsements in Manhattan & Brooklyn: Read Candidates'
Statements Here
~ in alphabetical
order ~
- CD 10: Kevin Powell / Edolphus Towns
- SD 25: Martin Connor / Daniel Squadron
- AD 64: Luke Henry / Paul Newell / Sheldon Silver
Democracy for NYC is holding an endorsement vote in Congressional
District 10 (Brooklyn), as well as for Senate District 25 (Lower
Manhattan & Brooklyn) and Assembly District 64 (Lower Manhattan).
DFNYC hosted forums in both races, joining up with Manhattan Young
Democrats for a forum in the Senate and
Assembly races on May 18th.
DFNYC members who have been to three events within the past year are
eligible to vote. If you are not sure, you should vote, and we will
determine your voting member status before counting your ballot. You
can vote at events or by downloading a ballot and mailing it in. Visit
this page of our website for a link to download a ballot:
http://dfnyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2229
(scroll down)
For more on endorsement rules, visit this page at our website:
http://dfnyc.org/content/view/24/107/
Candidates' Statements are in Alphabetical Order
~ 10th Congressional
District: (candidates' statements are in
alphabetical
order)
Statement of Kevin Powell, 10th Congressional District
Dear DFNYC,
Americans are demanding a fresh set of ideas and leaders that can
effectively meet the new challenges that face our nation. I am running
for the 10th Congressional district in Brooklyn because I believe that
we can be both progressive and fiscally responsible. As Congressman,
these are some of the measures I believe necessary to change our future
for the better. In the first place, we need a responsible, aggressive,
and forward-looking energy plan. I will support measures to boost
energy efficiency, promote conservation and transportation
alternatives, and realign our nation’s energy initiatives with those of
the rest of the world. I will create programs to bring jobs back to
the community. Reinvigorating our manufacturing base by converting old
factories into clean technology leaders is one route available to us.
Confronted by a rapidly aging population, I will stand up to protect
and strengthen social security and its benefits to guarantee the
welfare and wellbeing of our parents and grandparents. I support
Immigration policies that accommodate America’s security needs but do
not penalize the millions of hard working immigrants who came to this
country seeking a better life. Additionally, we need to work in closer
coordination with regional partners to enact sound economic policies
that point toward alleviating this crisis. I will work passionately to
put an end to No Child Left Behind, and give students and teachers the
resources they need to succeed. Beyond education funding, though, we
need more community-based after-school programs to keep kids out of
trouble and enrich their lives. Finally, underlying our need for
change is a shift in foreign policy. I will work to bring the troops
home and the stop hemorrhaging of our country’s blood and treasure.
I have stood with Barack Obama since he announced his candidacy, and I
believe that change is possible. I look forward to working with you in
this coming election season and beyond.
Kevin Powell - http://www.kevinpowellforcongress.org/
- 718-303-9620
Statement of Edolphus “Ed” Towns, 10th Congressional
District
I am honored to be serving my thirteenth term in the U.S. of
Representatives representing the people of the Tenth Congressional
District -- a district that is the most diverse in Brooklyn. I serve
on the exclusive Energy & Commerce Committee where I have worked to
bridge the digital divide, championed health care for children and all
American families, enhanced consumer protection, holding government
contractors accountable and reducing our Nation's dependence on foreign
oil. I have stood up to George Bush since day one when I proudly voted
"NO" to go to war in Iraq and have continued to do so and remain
committed to ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home safe
and soon. I know first hand how important veterans' benefits,
especially educational benefits, are to our service men and women and I
have stood by everyone of them who have put on the uniform in service
to our nation.
My legislative work in education, small business, telecommunications,
financial services, healthcare, labor, civil rights, affordable
housing, environment and energy policy have earned me numerous awards
and 100% voting ratings from groups like the Children's Defense Fund,
National Education Association, National Abortion Rights Action League,
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, the Sargent Shriver National Center
on Poverty, Planned Parenthood and a near perfect rating from the
League of Conservation Voters just to mention a few.
During my tenure in Congress, I have obtained more than $1 billion
dollars in Federal funds for my district in transportation studies,
hospital facilities, at risk youth drop-out prevention programs,
homeland security, courthouses, subway upgrades, improved street
signage, bi-lingual education, universities, passenger safety, small
businesses and economic development projects.
Now more than ever, experience counts. I would be honored and proud to
receive the endorsement of Democracy for NYC. With steadfast
dedication, I look forward to working with you to secure a progressive
agenda that safeguards the future of all Americans.
Edolphus “Ed” Towns - http://reelectedtowns.com
- 718-774-5682
~ 25th Senate District: (candidates' statements are in
alphabetical
order)
Statement of Martin Connor, 25th State Senate District:
This is an exciting and promising year for progressive politics in the
New York State Senate – and, thus, for all New Yorkers. We stand
at
the threshold of a Democratic majority – for the first time since 1965.
I obtained my college and law school education through full
scholarships and hard work on night shifts in factories and grocery
stores. Then I worked for a large Wall Street law firm – and
found
myself thoroughly bored.
I had been an activist in the anti-Vietnam and civil rights movements
in school. Thus, I found a political home in reform Democratic
politics in my neighborhood. Grassroots work led me to abandon the
“big bucks” on Wall Street for community-based endeavors.
After seven
years work in the neighborhood, I ran for the State Senate at age 32 –
and won!
>From the beginning of my Senate service I was a vigorous advocate for
gay rights, women’s rights, reproductive choice, and a leading opponent
of the death penalty. At the time, my district was quite conservative
on such issues.
I am the author of over 100 bills that passed into law – never letting
being in the minority prevent me from being effective as a legislator.
When Democrats are in the majority next year it is essential that we
deliver on our promises of progressive politics: reform of Senate
procedures to make it an open, participatory, responsive legislative
body; non-partisan redistricting; sound environmental laws; fair
education funding; affordable housing initiatives. As the senior
Democrat in service (though not in age, by far!), I pledge to hold my
colleagues to these commitments so that we can change New York for the
better.
Martin Connor -
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- 347-528-4181
Statement of Daniel Squadron, 25th State Senate District:
I believe that if we expect more from Albany, the potential of our
state government to make a difference is truly incredible. As our city
transforms before our eyes, a transformation that brings with it great
challenges, we need a change. We need change because the culture in
Albany – on both sides of the aisle – elevates self-preservation
over
bold solutions to deal with vanishing affordability, overcrowded public
schools, sagging infrastructure and irresponsible development.
To change Albany’s culture, we must demand accountability at the ballot
box. That means no longer sending over 95% of legislators back every
two years – accountability to voters is the only way we will get
serious reform on campaign finance, districting, ethics and rules.
All of my experience – from coauthoring a book with Sen. Chuck Schumer,
to working to fix our public schools, to helping pass the $2.9 billion
Transportation Bond Act – tells me that it's possible for government to
solve big problems with ambitious and innovative solutions that make a
real difference in people's lives.
I am running to represent the 25th State Senate District because I want
the opportunity bring that experience, and my faith in the incredible
potential to deliver real solutions, to Albany.
Daniel Squadron - http://www.danielsquadron.org/
- (646) 472-5712
-
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~ 64th Assembly District:
(candidates' statements are in
alphabetical
order)
Statement of Luke Henry, 64th Assembly District:
We need a representative who will address our district's core
problems: skyrocketing housing costs, astronomical asthma rates,
overcrowded schools and congested streets. Addressing these issues
means fundamentally changing Albany. It is time for more transparency
in the legislative process, publicly financed campaigns, independent
redistricting, and an effective ethics commission. No one is a bigger
obstacle to these reforms than Sheldon Silver himself.
By helping our campaign, you will send a clear message to Albany. I
will fight soaring housing costs by working to repeal the Urstadt Law,
which favors landlords over renters. I will fight for a statewide
universal healthcare system that meets our needs until the federal
government implements an appropriate program.
I will move this progressive agenda forward by changing the way Albany
functions. I am a longtime backer of Clean Money, Clean Elections and
will fight to reverse the negative impact that years of partisan
redistricting have wrought on New York’s political landscape.
Our progressive campaign centered on Lower Manhattan's core issues is
mobilizing both the new voters and those who have become disillusioned
with the status quo that Speaker Silver has maintained. I know this
because I have experienced it before. As a passionate supporter of
Howard Dean, I was personally involved in the grassroots effort which
mobilized thousands of new political activists.
We have built a strong campaign with many volunteers and house party
hosts. My supporters include local activist and former district leader
Norma Ramirez, former Assemblymember Nelson Antonio Denis, and known
petition expert Alan Zimmerman. With DFNYC's endorsement, we will be
well on the way to taking the fight to Sheldon Silver.
Luke Henry - www.lukehenry.org
- (212) 542-0185 -
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Statement of Paul Newell, 64th Assembly District:
I am running for Assembly because I love New York, and because I fear
for it. I was born and raised Downtown. I attended NYC public
schools. I have marched, organized, campaigned, protested, and been
arrested in NYC streets. As a Community Organizer and Activist I
helped build Ubuntu Education Fund, which works with over 40,000
orphans in Africa and over 10,000 students in NYC. I am an Elected
Barack Obama Delegate to the DNC. Daily News recently called me "the
quintessential anti-establishment NY Democrat".
I have also seen this city change. Many of these changes have been
good. But we risk becoming a divided city – with room for the
very
rich and the working and middle classes struggling for the rest.
Albany has failed us for decades. Sheldon Silver, one of the
"Three-Men-in-a-Room", has been chief architect of that failure.
Outside of that room, New Yorkers are looking for real change - on the
affordable housing, quality schools and livable streets we deserve.
The only way we will win on issues supported by New York’s progressive
majority is taking on Sheldon Silver and Joe Bruno directly. It will
not be easy, but I know it can be done.
Silver has been unopposed for decades. Today, there are 2 progressive
challengers in this race. I am asking you to support me. I have
the
organization, experience, and Downtown roots needed to win. If I did
not believe that, I would not be in this race.
This year we have seen that given a choice, Americans will vote to
demand change. Please join me in providing that choice.
Paul Newell - www.NewellNYC.org
- 646-415-8273 -
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Statement of Sheldon Silver, 64th Assembly District:
Speaker Sheldon Silver’s campaign did not submit a statement
in time for this newsletter. If we receive a statement, we will post
it at our website, http://dfnyc.org.
To learn more, we encourage you to visit Speaker Silver's official
Assembly website:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=064&sh=bio
To vote by mail in DFNYC's endorsement in these races, visit this link
and scroll down for a ballot:
http://dfnyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2229
(3) Don Barber - Democrat for State
Senate - NYC Event, Tues. June 24, 7:30-10pm
Our upstate DFA groups are very excited about Don Barber, a progressive
grassroots Democratic candidate for state senate:
http://barberforsenate.com/.
Don is coming to NYC for an event in June.
When: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 7:30-10:00PM
Where: Hill Country, 30 West 26th Street,
New York, NY
10010
RSVP: www.actblue.com/page/barbeynyc624
Contribution Levels: Minimum: $50 per person /
Suggested:
$100 per person
Hosted by: Jake Abraham & Katie Sammis, Megan Barber,
Steven
Anthony Behar, Steve Buscemi, Patrick Canavan, Pearl Collings, Brian
Keeler, John McBride & Nance Shatzkin, Cara Nichols, Jenna
Rosenberg
With musical appearances by Dan Zweben (of Obama TV fame) and
other guests
From
the invitation:
Don Barber is running for New York's 51st State Senate District
(central New York State). Don is a true public servant, currently
serving as the Town Supervisor of Caroline, in Tompkins County (Ithaca
is the county seat.) As both a farmer and contractor, he is intimately
aware of the needs of many New Yorkers, from the working class to small
business owners. Don is a life-long environmentalist, has testified
before US Congress to protect the Finger Lakes, and has been working on
environmental initiatives in government since 1983.
Upset by the costs of health insurance in NY? So is Don. Don's
opponent, Republican Jim Seward, chairs the Senate Insurance Committee
and has consistently defended insurance companies over the rights of
individuals by undermining progressive efforts for reform at the
committee level.
For more on Don: BarberForSenate.com
(4) Save the Date:
Democracy for NYC's Annual
Fundraiser, Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Our annual fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, June 25th. For
updates, visit this link at our website:
http://dfnyc.org/content/view/2226/1/
(5) Victory for Human Rights in NYC:
Settlement
Reached at Flor De Mayo Restaurant
~ A message from DFNYC's Bernadette Evangelist
On Friday, May 2nd, the workers at Flor De Mayo restaurant reached a
settlement with the owners. The boycott of Flor De Mayo is now
officially ended.
As discussed in our previous newsletters, Democracy for NYC has
endorsed and participated in this important struggle. Meanwhile,
boycotts continue at Ollie's Noodle Shop Chain and Saigon Grill
Restaurants on the Upper West Side and University Place. Nail salon
workers are also coming forward to join this movement. We will keep
you posted on new developments and upcoming actions from the Justice
Will Be Served! campaign endorsed by DFNYC. They have extended their
thanks to us for our help.
(6) Seeking Activists Interested
in Student Loan
Issues - Signup at our website!
Longtime DFNYC member Jeremiah Frei-Pearson is coordinating DFNYC's
work on issues regarding student loans and is working to build a
network of activists in New York City that can be called upon to
contact government leaders in support of progressive education
legislation.
DFNYC's past work has included support of the Higher Education Access
Act of 2007 and the successful effort to get the College Cost Reduction
Act of 2007 passed.
Current efforts are focused on the Student Borrower's Bill of Rights
(S. 511) which was introduced by NY Senator Hillary Clinton but has
taken a backseat during the presidential campaign. With that campaign
entering a new phase, perhaps Senator Clinton and her colleagues can be
persuaded to move this legislation onto the Senate floor for passage
into law.
If you have an interest in these issues and wish to be part of this
network, visit this link at our website:
http://dfnyc.org/content/view/2215/16/
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12 days, 2 hours, 59 minutes until the end of the Bush administration.
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