John Liu for NYC Comptroller

The September 29th runoff for NYC Comptroller pits John Liu (with a degree in mathematical physics and extensive financial experience) against David Yassky (a lawyer and career politician with no financial experience, whose financial abilities are so challeneged he threw $15,000 of taxpayer money to a fake non-profit that did nothing but pay salaries to a former City Councilman's family). Here is a sampling of people and organizations who have endorsed John Liu for Comptroller, with quotes where available. I should note I may have been the first person in the city to endorse Liu for Comptroller! Since then he has gathered a broad coalition of people supporting him, from firefighters to teachers to most of the LGBT organizations in the city to the UAW, etc. etc. etc. Here's just a sampling:

Uniformed Firefighters Association

Steve Cassidy, UFA President said, “John Liu has demonstrated his leadership as a member of the City Council, supporting firefighter and public safety issues and has a background in finance as an actuary. He fought to halt the efforts in 2003 and 2009 to close our community firehouses and reduce fire company staffing to unsafe levels. John Liu fully understands that while budgetary priorities must be made in the city, public safety must be at the forefront.”

“We are here today because we believe that John Liu is the candidate that fills the duties of Comptroller of the City of New York and can be an advocate for all New Yorkers,” concluded Mr. Cassidy.

United Federation of Teachers

“John’s vision, strong leadership skills and fiscal know-how make him the best candidate in this race in a field of very strong contenders,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Those attributes will be crucial during this time of economic uncertainty. The enormity of the challenges ahead requires someone who can bring people together and find smart and responsible solutions. John has proven that he can and will be that person.

“John is committed to strong public school communities and has had a solid record on education issues throughout his distinguished career,” continued Mulgrew. “He recognizes the importance of oversight, transparency and fiscal responsibility, and has never been afraid to take on the Department of Education or City Hall. John also steadfastly supports and defends working families, and has been a forceful voice in the fight to protect important safety-net services from devastating budget cuts. Once he is elected, New Yorkers can count on Liu to be a relentless and dedicated public servant who will work hard on their behalf.”

Teamsters Union:

“It is my pleasure to announce on behalf of the more than 120,000 working men and women in the Teamsters Joint Council 16, our endorsement of Councilman John Liu for New York City Comptroller," said Teamsters President George Miranda. “Over the past eight years, as a Councilman and Chair of the Transportation Committee, he has consistently backed the interests of working people. John’s financial experience will make him a fine Comptroller, but his passion for public service will make him the people’s watchdog in an era of economic uncertainty. We look forward to doing all we can to make sure that John becomes New York’s next Comptroller."

Gay City News

We are impressed by the commitment of one candidate to go further. “I don’t see the comptroller as a bureaucratic position,” Liu said in a recent Gay City News interview. “It absolutely can be and should be an office as agent of change." That posture is what leads us to endorse John Liu, who has amply demonstrated his follow-through in his eight years on the City Council. Last year, as the Council acquiesced to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s request to extend term limits, Liu took a principled stand in opposition. In a body where bucking the powerful office of speaker carries political risks, he bit the bullet, and says, “I haven’t felt any changes in my role in the budget process.”

“It would be fair to say that my background is one of being excluded, whether blatantly or de facto,” he said of his childhood in Flushing as an immigrant from Taiwan. The first Asian American elected to any legislative position in New York City, Liu has been a stalwart friend and highly visible ally of the LGBT community. That record lends substantial credibility to his pledge to “shatter all the records” in using New York City’s substantial pension investments as a tool to nudge corporate America toward fair workplace and marketplace practices for the LGBT community.

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez

“John, with his extensive fiscal management experience at Pricewaterhouse and his strong commitment to serve all New Yorkers, is the best candidate for Comptroller,” said Congressmember Nydia Velázquez. “In this economic crisis, we need a Comptroller who can improve efficiencies in our government and agencies and save taxpayers’ money. We need a Comptroller who will be prudent with our pension funds and invest wisely. John Liu is the best person for the job.”

Amsterdam News:

Liu has a five-point plan in his quest for this position. Liu proposes to diversify the comptroller's investment portfolio by going back to basic portfolio management of stocks and bonds. He wants to bolster diversification of the city's economy by expanding opportunities for WMBEs (women and minority business enterprises) and emerging industries. Liu also wants to support a more graduated income tax for city residents based upon wealth. The Industrial Development Agency that oversees small business development in the city is also in need of reform and Liu believes that the comptroller should have a greater role in this agency's operations. And finally, he believes in using the comnptroller's audit bureau to review the city's business development programs, including the Department of Small Business' services.

This is just where Liu wants to begin. He sees a strong future for this city and wants to make sure that all New Yorkers are part of the success that can be achieved. This is why the New York Amsterdam News endorses John Liu in the Democratic primary for comptroller of the City of New York.

El Nuevo Caribe Democratic Club of El Barrio/East Harlem

Members of Nuevo Caribe, the oldest democratic club in New York, came together to announce their support for John Liu for City Comptroller. Club President Mr. Hector Santana hailed Liu as a strong advocate for all communities and the right leader for New York's future.

504 Democrats (disabled rights)

"The leadership and members of the 504 Democratic Club are proud to stand
with our candidate for City Comptroller, John Liu," said Edith Prentiss,
President of the 504 Democratic Club. "From Access-a-Ride to access in
subway stations, he has been a champion for increasing accessibility in New
York City. He has earned our endorsement with his strong commitment to our
issues, his policy platforms and clear vision for the office. He has
pledged to audit existing and future developments to ensure that promises
made by the City are kept, especially with regard to compliance with ADA
requirements, and that existing developments will meet their obligations
where incentives were allowed in exchange for accommodations for PWDs,
public amenities, affordable housing, or other community-minded provisions.
We are confident that prioritizing accessibility issues, especially in
public transit infrastructure like escalators and elevators, is more than
just campaign rhetoric from Liu--it's a promise."

Lower East Side Democratic Club

“John Liu has the fiscal management experience and would be a huge asset as Comptroller to manage our pension funds. Our members have long appreciated John’s integrity and leadership in fighting against racism, sexism and bias of any kind. He has always stood with us as we fought for fairness and justice for immigrant rights, job protection for working men and women, and expand opportunities for small businesses," said John Quinn of the Lower East Side Democratic Club of Manhattan. “John understands the needs of the middle class as they seek to keep more of their hard earned dollars in their pockets. He would ensure that the billions in stimulus money would be used fairly to create and keep jobs in New York City. We are proud to support him.”

United Democratic Organization in Lower Manhattan

Mrs. Virginia Kee, President Emeritus of United Democratic Organization in Lower Manhattan, stated, “We are so very proud of John. His story is similar to that of many immigrants - one full of determination, courage and desire to succeed. John’s leadership has had such a positive influence on our community.
We will demonstrate our commitment to John by coming out in record numbers
for him for Comptroller.”

Northern Manhattan Democrats For Change Club

On-hand for the announcement were President Rolando Cespedes, District Leader Maria Morillo, State County Committeeman Ricardo Ureña and members of the club.

“John’s career in public service has been dedicated to advocating for the rights of the people in this city without a strong voice, and we know as Comptroller, he will continue to help level the playing field for the hard-working men and women of this City,” said Mr. Cespedes.

Democratic Organization of Richmond County

“After consideration of all candidates, John Liu stands as a true reformer and leader and will make a great Comptroller. Moreover, John has the knowledge of issues particularly important to Islanders, ranging from transportation to job creation, and we can count on him to be a champion for our borough,” said Gary Lane, President of The Democratic Organization of Richmond County.

The Democratic Organization of Richmond County is an important progressive political organization in the 13th Congressional district, which encompasses Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Staten Island.


Also:

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery
State Senator Diane Savino
American Heritage Democratic Club
United Progressive Democratic Club
New Visions Democratic Club
United Auto Workers
National Association of Letter Carriers
Rosa Parks Democrats
Sojourner Truth Democratic Club
Stonewall Democrats
Lambda Independent Democrats
Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens
Out People of Color Political Action Club
Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats
Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan
East Harlem United Democrats
West Harlem Independent Democrats
East Side Democratic Club
Gramercy Stuyvesant Independent Democrats
Village Independent Democrats
Village Reform Democratic Club
Staten Island Democratic Association

Support Mark Green for NYC Public Advocate

Here is a sampling of people who have endorsed Mark Green for Public Advocate of NYC with statements:

Bobby Kennedy
Environmental Law Attorney

"My Uncle Teddy finally felt that, after the death of his brothers, the election of Barack Obama was the fulfillment of his life. That he had fought. That America had ultimately come around. And there is one other guy who has been there that long, with him, and that's Mark Green.

The post that he running for is the conscience of the City. It is the post that is supposed to remind all of us how democracy is supposed to function, how the little guy should have as much power as the big powerful wealthy voices. There is nobody who understands it better than Mark. "

Gloria Steinem
Feminist Icon and Activist

“Mark Green’s record of real progressive reform and his successful fights for women in particular – helping domestic violence victims in the workplace, changing divorce laws, stopping discriminatory pricing based on gender – show the kind of outspoken Public Advocate he was and should be again.”

National Organization for Women – New York City Chapter

"NOW-NYC is proud to endorse Mark Green, who clearly stands out as the candidate with the most skills, accomplishments and vision. New York City needs a Public Advocate who understands the struggles women in our city face on a daily basis. Mark Green is that person.”

National Latino Officers Association

"We've know Mark well for years and know his record on security and policing issues," said Miranda. "His courage in taking on Mayor Giuliani over the urgent issue of police misconduct and racial profiling is a perfect example of the type of leadership Mark has provided this City. His lawsuits and investigations led to better discipline and better police-community relations, which is essential to successful law enforcement."

"Especially during difficult times for our City, Mark's unequaled experience as Public Advocate is just what struggling families need to get effective city services and just the kind of watchdog a mayor must have."

Local 2507: Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics, and Fire Inspectors FDNY &
Local 3621: Uniformed EMS Officers Union

"There was a traumatic and tragic event eight years ago this week that deeply affected our City, our emergency medical service personnel members and Mark Green. He was running in a mayoral primary September 11 and our members recall his courage and grace that day and the difficult days that followed. He showed a real knowledge of what the City was going through and a real empathy about what our members were going through.”

"Like so many New Yorkers, Mark's a fighter and a survivor who doesn't quit when the chips are down. So we're endorsing him now because of his years of proven accomplishment and potential to do even more.”

"Our jobs involve the health of New Yorkers under stress. Mark in his way has been a champion of consumer health issues his entire public life. Look at how he exposed how HMOs were violating the state's HMO Bill of Rights by shunning patients when they needed care, how he exposed how major hospitals were ignoring the ‘Libby Zion Law’ to avoid overworking doctors and interns, how hospitals weren't disclosing adverse incident reports.”

504 Democratic Club (disabled rights group)

"We don't have to guess what Mark will do for our community because we saw what he did do -- especially his federal petition that forced Access-a-Ride to reduce its automatic 'denial rate' in picking up the frail elderly and disabled. Mark's an aggressive progressive who's always on our side."

I should note that I know Mark Green's opponent Bill de Blasio, and although his personality is more palatable than Green's, he is among the more corrupt politicians in Brooklyn, including being caught violating campaign finance laws and being one of the main participants in the slush fund scandals in the City Council. He is also well known in Brooklyn as doing just about anything developers want him to. It is important to support Mark Green so that the Public Advocate's position advocates for the public, not just for developers.

Break Time

Burn out from the primary election in NYC, too much work at my real job, Joy's dissertation defense, and the death of a pet all add up to my taking at least a week's break from the newsletter. After posting this I will add two pieces on the Sept. 29th runoff primary for NYC Comptroller and NYC Public Advocate (where I have endorsed John Liu (enthusiastically) and Mark Green (as being much better than his opponent) respectively, but otherwise take a break.

Hopefully will be back in a week or two.