Happy Pride Week

Dear Democrats,

This Tuesday marks the third anniversary of Marriage Equality in New York. We celebrate this victory with our brothers and sisters in the LBGTQ community and look forward to the day when justice always prevails against hate.

I wish you all a happy Pride Week!
May both the resounding sense of community and of individual freedom inspire us all to stand up for the democratic cause.

Keith L. T. Wright
County Leader
New York County Democratic Committee

 

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Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright Remembers Political Icon, Basil Paterson

“Today I join all of Harlem, the state of New York and the nation, in mourning the passing of one of our proudest and most courageous icons, Basil Paterson. This profound loss is deeply felt by me, personally. I have met many men and women throughout my life, but very few have inspired me as greatly as he did on what it means to be an exceptional leader, public servant and dignitary. His legacy, cemented in greatness by a lifetime of defending those who society had denied a voice, will live eternal in the soul of Harlem and in the hearts of all those who were blessed to have known him.”

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension.
We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear Democrats,

Today we commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we look back on the tremendous gift Dr. King gave to America, we are reminded of a life not only filled with inspired words but also a life defined by formative actions. It is this legacy of action that has led America towards a brighter future.

I stand today with 32BJ SEIU and many of New York County’s finest Democrats to protest increasing low wages for airport workers. The Port Authority of NY and NJ has the power to impose minimum baseline wage and benefit standards that would lift airport workers out of poverty. Democrats everywhere say this can and should be done.

We must continue Dr. King’s legacy by fighting for equal justice for all. This means standing up for fair wages not just for some workers but for all workers. It means demanding affordable housing and access to basic human services not just for some New Yorkers but for all New Yorkers.

Join me in continuing Dr. King’s march towards justice. We celebrate his life and his legacy as we too take action to make America truly a country “with liberty and justice for all.”

Sincerely,

Keith L.T. Wright
Chairman
New York County Democratic Committee

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New York County Democrats in Action at LaGuardia Airport on MLK Day 2014. In the photo (from left to right): NYC Councilman Ben Kallos, NYC Councilman Mark Levine, and County Leader Assemblyman Keith L. T. Wright. New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez were also in attendance at the event.

Congrats to OUR New Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito!

I am pleased to congratulate my friend and local colleague, the new Speaker of the New York City Council, Melissa Mark-Viverito, on her historic win today. New York County has once again proven that it is at the forefront in cultivating dynamic leaders that bridge communities across the entire city.

I am sure that Speaker Mark-Viverito will lead the City Council in an independent and fearless way. Her stewardship will reflect the principles of fairness and reform that are the hallmark of New York County. Our new Speaker will undoubtedly face many challenges, but her ability to make decisions based upon a total landscape and to push past special and singular interests will be of collective benefit to us all.

I would also like to commend Councilman Daniel Garodnick, who was an exemplary statesman in his withdrawal from consideration. I could not be more proud of New York County’s legislators than I am today. They have shown the entire city that New York County is willing and able to continue carrying the mantle of progressive leadership in the greatest city in this nation.

Keith L.T. Wright
Chairman, New York County Democratic Committee

 

PLEASE JOIN US for January 15, 2014 Cocktail Reception

County Leader Keith L. T. Wright invites you to a Cocktail Reception and Superbowl Kickoff!

WHO:
You & the Manhattan Democratic Party

WHAT:
A community event and great excuse to start of the year celebrating with fellow Democrats!

WHEN:
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
From 6PM to 8PM

WHERE:
W Hotel Union Square
201 Park Avenue South
New York, New York

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Letter to Mr. Joseph Lhota

October 25th, 2013

Mr. Joseph Lhota
Joe Lhota for Mayor
51 East 42nd Street
Suite 1502
New York, NY 10017

Re: Commercial Attacking de Blasio’s record on crime

Dear Mr. Lhota,

As an organization dedicated to enhancing the democratic process, the Executive Committee of the New York County Democratic Committee would like to express its displeasure with your most recent commercial and refute the claims made therein. Our mission is to help elect candidates who share our progressive views and ideals, but we also strive to increase the electorate. Every political season, the District Leaders in New York County talk to eligible voters and many are apathetic and turned off by the dirty tactics candidates use to disparage their opponents. In a City of more than eight million people, it is rather telling that only seven hundred thousand New Yorkers cast a ballot in this year’s Primary Election.  The next Mayor will face incredible challenges and the voters deserve a vigorous debate on the City’s most pressing issues.

Instead, this commercial distorts Mr. de Blasio’s positions on crime and it preys on people’s darkest fears and prejudices. It is very reminiscent of the Willie Horton ad used by the George Bush campaign during the 1988 Presidential Election. The images chosen elicit memories of a tense and difficult time in the City’s history but as you know, New York is the safest big city in the world. We’ve come a long way but there are still inequities in our approach to policing and Mr. de Blasio cannot ignore the impact “Stop, Question, and Frisk” has on communities of color. It is indeed possible to protect and preserve personal liberties while keeping the City safe.

You have a formidable professional resume and a strong base of support in the City’s Republican Party. It is unwise and unnecessary for you to resort to tactics used by your counterparts in Washington. I ask that you cease running the ad and issue an apology for the offensive images and conclusions expressed in the commercial. The New York County Democratic Committee supports Democrats exclusively but we are dedicated to expanding the electorate and making sure all New Yorkers have a voice in the political process. Commercials like yours do not help this cause and actually exacerbate voter apathy.

Regards,

Keith L.T. Wright
County Leader

2013 Independent Judicial Screening Panel Report

Manhattan Appelate

In addition to Honorable Peter J. Moulton and Honorable Ann O’Shea being approved, the following were approved by the Independent Screening Panel for the three (3) County-wide Civil Court vacancies:

Denise Dominguez
Josh Hanshaft
Ta-Tanisha James
John Kelley
Sabrina Setareh Kraus
Dakota Ramseur
Mary Rosado
Carol Sharpe
Richard Tsai

We extend our gratitude to the Panel and its Administrator, Martin E. Adams of Adams & Commissiong LLP, for their diligent work.

Thank you,

Curtis Arluck and Louise Dankberg
Co-Chairs
Judiciary Committee