Progressive Democrat Issue 106: NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Two special elections

There are two special elections that will be decided by a very small number of voters. One is the 7th State Senate Seat in Nassau County, and the other is the 51st City Council race on Staten Island. If we can get some grassroots enthusiasm behind the good candidates, we could really tip the balance.

Special Election to Take Back the State Senate (Just Outside NYC) (partly taken from Democracy for NYC):

On February 6th, voters in the 7th Senatorial District will vote in a special election to replace Republican Michael Balboni, who was recetnly appointed to serve as Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Director of Homeland Security. Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson has been selected as the Democratic candidate.

I have not met Mr. Johnson, but people I respect such as State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assembly woman Joan Millman, speak highly of him. He strikes me as a Suozzi Democrat: a tad too conservative for my tastes, but good, solid and reasonable.

Here's how you can help:

NARAL Phonebanks

Two phonebanks have been set up so far, one at NARAL (midtown) and the other at CWA (downtown). If you are interested in volunteering for one of the weekday evening phone banks, please email Keith Powers at TakeThe7th-at-gmail.org (replace -at- with @) with the dates they are available and which location is preferred, or call Sid Tickoo at 978-761-1109. Phones will be set up at various locations in Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

NARAL Phonebanks - 470 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor (between 31st & 32nd)
Beginning Thursday, January 19th, 2007 Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9PM
20 Phones

CWA Phonebanks - 80 Pine Street, 37th Floor
Beginning Tuesday, January 16th, 2007
Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9 PM
12 Phones

ACT NOW

Phonebanking
Monday through Thursday, now until Feb. 6th
6:00 to 8:30 each night
At NARAL, 470 Park Avenue (btw. 31/32), 7th Floor

RSVP at www.actnowny.org or e-mail actnewyork-at-gmail.com (replace -at- with @) or call 212-714-7125.

If you live outside NYC, contact Craig Johnson's campaign to see how you can help.

Just an hour from you could make a huge difference in an election that will have a very low turnout.


51st City Council District:

This race will probably be decided by even fewer voters and so can really be worth a little of your time. The Democratic Candidate is Manny Innamorato. Here is some info on him from his website:

As Deputy Director of Management Information Systems for the City of Yonkers, Manny has learned from the ground up how a city is effectively managed on a “day-to-day” basis. He managed innovative technology projects that have enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of the City of Yonkers including their Police and Fire Departments.

Closer to home, Manny held management positions in a variety of New York City agencies such as the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the NYC Department of Probation, and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. His depth and breadth of experience in these various agencies provides a solid foundation for him in his quest to be Staten Island’s new City Councilman in District 51.

In his service to the people of the City of New York, Manny was responsible for streamlining government services so municipal agencies are more responsive to the families who need their help. Manny also played a pivotal role in improving the process in which the city decides land-use matters, leading to smart growth and reasonable development in our boroughs. Over his professional career, no one has devoted more time and energy to improving the quality of life of all New Yorkers.

Manny has been a committed, active union member throughout his career, beginning when he joined the UFCW Local 1500 at the age of 19. As an employee off the City of New York, Manny was a member of SSEU371 and Local 2627 of DC37. In Yonkers, Manny is the Vice President of AFSCME Council 66 Local 1897 and has served on contract negotiation teams.

Manny’s commitment to public service is not only exhibited in his professional life. His wife Deidre is a registered nurse and a member of the New York State Nurses’ Association. Both Manny and his wife are actively involved in their children’s live, serving on the PTAs of their children’s schools. Manny is also the Assistant Director of The St. John Neumann Soccer Club and devotes his time and energy in coaching youth soccer teams.

I have heard of no organized outside help being offered to Manny, though I suspect there is some. If you want to help, contact his campaign.

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