It was all fun and games until CNN joined the chat…suggesting Biden allies are urging him to step aside… now it’s serious… Will the Democratic Party choose another nominee to replace President Biden after his performance on the debate stage last night? A wide range of Democrats – from progressives to moderates are calling for a replacement…With the Democratic National Convention happening in Chicago August 19th through the 22nd, what on earth will happen between now and then?
If we took more time to invest in, cultivate, and get to know and trust, stronger local candidates, perhaps we’d have more options in higher ranking positions as time goes on… And that’s why I enjoy writing about our New York local political personalities 🙂
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was on-site this week to re-open the Astoria Park Pool after undergoing a $19 million restoration over the past two years… (Did you know NYC has 49 public pools?) We hear OEM Commissioner Zach Iscol jumped into the pool while neither NYC Mayor Eric Adams nor the Queens Beep took the jump… Many Bronx officials including Senator Jamaal Bailey, Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson, Assembly Members Kenny Burgos and Alex Bores, as well as NYC Council Member Kevin Riley, were on-site election morning to campaign for Assemblyman Landon Dais, who won his primary election after his special election in February to take the seat of LaToya Joyner who resigned…
Something to be ‘pumped up’ about: Community Offshore Wind’s Retha Fernandez competed in her first powerlifting competition… Robyn Enes, Chief of Staff to NYC Council Member Catalina Cruz, celebrated her daughter Liliana being named 8th grade valedictorian of PS 19… and Mayor Eric Adams was in Southampton at the Capri Hotel for the opening of Ketchy Beach…
As prevalent as antisemitism is in our community and across social media, Zionism prevails in these places as well, with a Stop Jew Hatred rally held this week outside Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s office led by Columbia University professor Shai Davidai, who will be launching a Jewish Civil Rights podcast next month… And plenty of Jewish pride and support was seen at the George Latimer victory party this week in White Plains, where Doug Forand and Red Horse Strategies claimed their win over Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who’s been a big critic of Israel… we learned that former NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is working with the Solidarity Network, contributed to the victory in Westchester… Spotted at the event after polls closed Tuesday: Democratic State Committeewoman Bessie Schachter, who also works for Latimer; DHC’s Arthur Goldstein, speaking with NYCEDC’s Adrien Lesser, about his client the Hunts Point Farmers Market and his new grandson Ari Jack; Wildlife Conservation Society’s John Calvelli; Deloitte’s Jazmin Kay; Senators Shelley Mayer and Pete Harckham, and Dynamic SRG’s Darren Rigger overheard gushing about his newest hire, Jessie Kay, as a fundraiser – who previously worked for both Rep. Carolyn Maloney and NYC Council Member Keith Powers…
In the green room before speaking on The Big Money Show on Fox Business News, Yiatin Chu, the Republican candidate for State Senate District 11 in Queens and President of the Asian Wave Alliance, was speaking about the dynamics of Whitestone, and how much the community there adores NYC Council Member Vickie Paladino – who has joined her colleague Bob Holden to propose legislation to establish NYC’s first Office of Quality of Life…
…and last but not least, I made my first live in-studio national news debut this week 🙂
STAY TUNED: Style Across the Aisle: a first-of-its-kind fashion show is coming to New York City during Fall Fashion Week, September 2024… Elected officials model the runway wearing designers from their districts. Mayor Eric Adams will be modeling, and Ingrid Lewis-Martin will be emceeing. Guess whose idea this was? 😉
Where will our favorite political personalities be next week for July 4th? Send us photos, updates and gossip! We love to hear from you
XO
Political Personality of the Week
George Latimer NY-16 Democratic Nominee for Congress & Westchester County Executive
George has over his three decades experience working in public service, after beginning his career in the private sector. From his early days on the Rye City Council and County Legislature to his current role as Westchester County Executive, Latimer has built a reputation as a moderate and sound legislator. He has consistently fought for the rights of all individuals and enacted effective policies that improve lives.
As the first Democratic Chair of the County Legislature, Latimer successfully cut property taxes for three consecutive years and passed significant legislation, including the creation of Westchester’s Human Rights Commission and Smoke-Free Workplace Laws. In the State Assembly, he was a leader on housing issues, environmental protection, and social justice reforms, such as Marriage Equality and women’s reproductive rights.
As County Executive, Latimer has continued his progressive achievements, implementing social justice reforms, investing in green initiatives, and easing financial burdens on working families. Now, as the Democratic nominee for Congress, Latimer aims to bring his extensive experience and dedication to Washington, standing up to Republican extremism and advocating for progressive change.
George grew up in Mount Vernon and attended local public schools before earning a B.A. from Fordham University and a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University.
Fast Facts:
- Beautiful singing voice
- Formerly worked in sales and marketing in the hospitality industry
- First Democratic Chair of the Westchester County Legislature
- Served in State Assembly & Senate
- Attributes his upbringing in a diverse neighborhood to his success navigating all types of political personalities
- Big sports fan: played baseball
- Never lost an election
