Public Employee Press


2016 Primary
Union-backed candidates win citywide

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

DC 37 activists were out in force on primary day, Sept. 13, going door-to-door to get out the vote for the union's endorsed candidates.

In the weeks preceding the primary, they also made thousands of telephone calls from union phone banks.

"We have to support those candidates who support our issues," said union volunteer Luis Romero, a member of Local 1597, who went knocking on doors in Brooklyn.

The DC 37 green machine's hard work pays off

Retiree and Local 371 member Aurea Mangual was assigned to Co-op City in the Bronx. "We had a nice turnout of volunteers," said the veteran activist.

"So much is at stake now for working families and public service workers on the national, state, city and local levels," said Political Action Director Jeremy John.

"It is crucial that we continue to build an army of activists to engage our members in the political process and help shape the future of our communities," he said.

Among the key races in which DC 37 volunteers and activists helped make the difference:

Manhattan: DC 37 was the first union to support Yuh-Line Niou, who made history by becoming the first Asian American to represent Chinatown, in the 65th Assembly District.

Bronx: State Sen. Gustavo Rivera won 63 percent of the vote in the 33rd District, which includes the West Bronx and Fordham Heights.

Assembly member Victor Pichardo won 67 percent of the vote in the 86th District, which includes University and Morris Heights.

State Sen. Jamaal Bailey of the 36th Senate District, which includes Mount Vernon and the North West Bronx, won his election by 55 percent.

Bronx native Rafael Salamanca won the race for the City Council's 17th CD in the South Bronx.

Brooklyn: State Sen. Roxanne Persaude received 76 percent of the vote in the 19th District, which includes East New York, Canarsie and Brownsville.

State Assembly member Latrice Walker won her election in the 55th District with 74 percent of the vote The district includes parts of Brownsville.

State Assembly member Pamela Harris was re-elected in the 46th District, which includes Coney Island and Bay Ridge, with 64 percent of the vote.

Queens: DC 37 was the first union to support Clyde Vanel for Assembly in the 33rd District in Queens.

He faced four opponents and won his election with 32.5 percent of the vote.

James Sanders won his state Senate election in the 10th District, which includes South Jamaica and Rochdale Village, with 57.9 percent of the vote.

State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky was re-elected in the 16th District, which includes Rego Park and Flushing, with 57.6 percent of the vote.