Volume 74, Number 26 | October 27 – November 03 , 2004
The Villager’s endorsements
Although Downtown Manhattan often sees hotly contested primary elections, this year in the general election there are no competitive races. While our incumbent representatives have mostly done a good job, we are always eager to see viable challengers take on sitting politicians. This causes a vigorous airing of views on the issues and forces candidates to stake out positions. That being the case, here are The Villager’s endorsements for Nov. 2.
Senator Charles Schumer has been a reasoned voice on gun control, anti-terrorism initiatives, transportation issues and allocating funding for Lower Manhattan. We endorse his reelection. However, given he has a noncompetitive race, we suggest he give some of his $20 million war chest to one or several of the reputable groups fighting to get the vote out and elect John Kerry.
Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, longtime congressional incumbents, have been forceful voices calling for the city’s fair share of federal post-9/11 rebuilding funds. Nadler has been a leader on World Trade Center environmental concerns and an advocate for the cross-Harbor rail-freight tunnel, which will remove trucks from our streets, and a staunch First Amendment defender. Maloney is a leader on gun control and women’s rights and a champion of the Second Ave. subway. Republican Peter Hort has waged an energetic campaign, but we feel Nadler does a good job and we need his voice in Washington. The Villager endorses Nadler and Maloney.
Congressmember Nydia Velazquez has been a top advocate for small businesses and the Hispanic community. The Villager endorses her for reelection.
In the State Senate, Tom Duane has had to fight an uphill battle against the Republicans. He is an outspoken crusader for gay rights and gay marriage and school anti-bullying legislation. We endorse Duane.
State Senator Martin Connor has a larger chunk of Downtown, as well as the W.T.C. site, following redistricting. Yet, we wish an opponent had at least tested Connor, whose local profile continues to be too low.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, one of the state’s most powerful Democrats, has been effective in fighting for rent protections and drawing post-9/11 funds to his Lower East Side/Lower Manhattan district. New York State government is highly dysfunctional, and until it is fixed, Silver is at least an effective check on unfettered Republican power emanating from the State Senate and the governor’s office. We endorse the speaker’s reelection.
Assemblymember Deborah Glick is in the forefront on women’s, health and gay and lesbian issues and takes a leading role on the Hudson River Park, as well as the West Side stadium debate. We strongly endorse her reelection.
Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, likewise, is an intelligent, ardent activist for Hudson River Park, against the stadium and for affordable housing and health care. He deserves to keep his seat.
Steve Sanders has served well as chairperson of the Assembly’s Education Committee and ably represents his Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village constituents. He deserves another term.
Don’t forget to vote for John Kerry for president!
