Breaking- Today, Russell Simmons announced his support of David Yassky for New York City Comptroller.
His endorsement reminded me of something Barack Obama said in his Iowa victory speech…
"I know you didn't do this for me. You did this -- you did this because you believed so deeply in the most American of ideas -- that in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it."
It wasn't just about Barack Obama....he made that clear on a cold night in Iowa when Democrats, Republicans and Independents came out to deliver a victory that we were told would never come. That victory signaled the start of a movement of those who finally found reason to place their hope in the political process.
We have an obligation to continue to remain involved in our communities-- and for young people, in particular, that means that we must vote every time.
New Yorkers, there is a Democratic Primary THIS Tuesday, September 15th, and Russell Simmons signaled out David Yassky as the Comptroller who can lead us through this financial crisis. In a press release today he said,
"While I typically don't endorse in local elections, this race is too important to sit out. We all owe it to the future of New York to ensure that we have progressive individuals in local office, particularly in an office as important as City Comptroller. I found Councilman Yassky to be sincere and I look forward to working with him to advance the causes of our youth and poor New Yorkers in the years ahead."
I agree with him wholeheartedly. Perhaps you've never heard of David Yassky. Perhaps you don't know what a Comptroller does. Perhaps in years past you would choose to stay home on primary day- but in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, after what we did in 2008, this year must be different.
David’s career in public service consists of him on the front lines with his mentor and supporter Chuck Schumer fighting the NRA to pass the Brady Law, Assault Weapons Ban and, Violence Against Women Act. In the City Council, he has an unmatched record on the issues that matter– affordable housing, education, jobs, and the environment.
As impressive as his record in the Council, is his vision for the office that he seeks, articulated in page after page of position papers on his website. David has a progressive vision for using this office to make a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers– whether it’s divesting City pension funds from Sudan and Iran, auditing education budgets to make sure money is invested in future generations, or fighting to ensure that families receive the resources they need and deserve, he intends to fight for us.
David's vision for the Office surpasses the job description, his policies are innovative and audacious, forward thinking and worthy of the 21st century. Believing there should be greater transparency in government, he's already put the entire city budget
online and in the words of the
New York Times stands out as "the one most suited to do the job, with skill, intelligence and independence."
We are now of a generation that stands on the shoulders of Barack Obama...we stand on the shoulders of the impossible. Last year, we set a precedent by electing the best person for the job, with the understanding that our voices and votes could help change our country. What he inspired us to do must transcend that one election, because the movement we helped build isn't about that one election, it's about the role we play in determining our own futures.
The skeptics are at again, suggesting that we’re not going to go out to the polls, that primaries have a low turnout, and that young people won’t come through. I’d be tempted to believe them- if it weren’t for the fact that we’ve already proven ourselves able to make the difference.
Twitter, facebook and blast out this blog post. On September 15th
vote and bring everyone you know with you. Help insist that we will vote every time with the intention of ushering in a new generation of leadership, in every level of government, to compliment the President that drew us to the process.
Leadership like that promised by the election of David Yassky.
On Tuesday September 15th, I hope you’ll join Russell Simmons and I in casting your ballot to elect him the next City Comptroller.
Sara Haile-Mariam is the Campaign Coordinator for David Yassky's Campaign and a regular Global Grind Contributor.