Frances Villar (PSL)
2009 NYC Mayoral Candidate 

 Statement from Frances Villar to Democracy for NYC members

Dear DFNYC members,

My name is Frances Villar. I am a 26-year old tenant organizer, CUNY student activist and mother of two, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Washington Heights and the Bronx.

I am not a billionaire. I have never been a bank executive. But everyone who knows me knows that I am a fighter. That’s why I am running for Mayor of New York City—the first woman of color ever to appear on the ballot for Mayor.

At the time of one of the most severe economic crises in this country’s history, the city’s richest man has the audacity to try to buy a third term as mayor and to declare himself a “people’s candidate.” Too many New Yorkers have fallen into line behind him, either buying in to his billionaire-style populism or afraid to stand up to his wealth.

No other candidate in this race knows what it’s like to go to sleep hungry, to spend the night in a homeless shelter, or to worry how they will feed their kids the next day. Millions of New Yorkers face those realities every year, more so today than ever. When I decided to run under the slogan, “Put poor and working people first,” it was to give them a voice. 

I am running a socialist campaign. I do not accept the exploitation that this city and country is based on, where the profits of a tiny few take precedence over the interests of the vast majority. We need a new society that puts people’s needs first and working people in charge. 

I invite all of you to find out more about my campaign at www.votepsl.org. You can also see there the tremendous enthusiasm my campaign has generated.
Sincerely,
 
Frances Villar,
Party for Socialism and Liberation