Exclusive: Brooklyn lawmakers back de Blasio bid for 2nd term

August 9, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Mayor Bill de Blasio meets voters at a recent campaign event. Photo by William Alatriste

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Dozens of Brooklyn’s Democratic elected officials have stepped forward to endorse Mayor Bill de Blasio’s bid for a second term in office, citing the his success in lowering the borough’s crime rate, expanding affordable housing and turning Prospect Park West Drive into a car-free zone as reasons for their support.

The Brooklyn Eagle has learned that the lawmakers endorsing de Blasio include members of Congress, the state Senate, state Assembly and City Council.

The long list of de Blasio supporters includes Rep.Yvette Clarke, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, state Sens. Martin Malavé Dilan, Velmanette Montgomery, Roxanne Persaud, Kevin Parker and Martin Dilan; Assembly Members Joseph Lentol, Jo Anne Simon, Rodneyse Bichotte, Felix Ortiz, Latrice Walker, Tremaine Wright, Nick Perry, Walter Mosley, Erik Dilan, Robert Carroll, Martiza Davila, Jamie Williams, Helene Weinstein and Steve Cymbrowitz.

Members of the City Council include Alan Maisel, Brad Lander, Laurie Cumbo, Robert Cornegy, Stephen Levin, Rafael Espinal and Carlos Menchaca are also in de Blasio’s corner.

In addition, de Blasio has picked up support from several of the borough’s political organizations, including the Independent Neighborhood Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, Bay Ridge Democrats, Stars and Stripes Democratic Club, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Progressive Democrats Political Association, New Era Democrats and the Vanguard Independent Democrats Association.

The mayor, who lived in Park Slope before he was elected mayor, said he was pleased with the level of support he is receiving from Brooklyn’s elected officials and grassroots political clubs.

“Four years ago on 11th Street, I promised to make this your city, not just a city for wealthy. Together, we’ve launched universal pre-K, built and preserved record affordable housing units and made the city safer for our residents. Here in Brooklyn, we’ve funded major improvements in city parks, purchased the last site needed to complete Bushwick Inlet Park and expanded ferry services to neighborhoods in need of better transit,” de Blasio said in a statement.

“As a proud Brooklynite, I’m honored to receive your endorsements. Together, we can keep up the fight for a fairer, stronger city for all New Yorkers,” the mayor added

The mayor’s re-election campaign also cited other initiatives he has achieved during his first term, including his fight to expand the paid sick leave law to cover thousands of more workers, the effort to raise the minimum wage for all city employees and contractors and his work to expand the number of affordable apartments. Under his watch, rents in stabilized apartment were frozen for two straight years.

The mayor is facing a re-election battle that will likely pit him against Republican Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge-Staten Island).

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.