By Colin Campbell 2/13 6:16pm

labor

(Photo: Facebook)

1199 Backs Marc Landis in Upper West Side Council Race

In one of its first endorsements this year, the influential 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers union has backed District Leader Marc Landis to replace outgoing Upper West Side Councilwoman Gale Brewer. The race to replace Ms. Brewer is one of the most hotly contested in the city, so the backing from one of the state’s labor powerhouses is undoubtedly a nice boost for Mr. Landis’ campaign.

“Marc Landis has a proven record as a progressive activist dedicated to improving our public schools, creating good jobs, advocating for affordable health care and protecting affordable housing for the working families of New York City,” George Gresham, the union’s president, said in a statement. Read More

By Hunter Walker 2/11 10:00am

Schoolhouse Rock

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

Robert Jackson’s Manhattan Beep Bid Endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers

Councilman Robert Jackson has racked up the endorsement of the United Federation of Teachers in his bid to be Manhattan’s next borough president. UFT President Michael Mulgrew announced the endorsement, which was voted on by the members of the teacher’s union, in a statement today.

“For more than 30 years, Robert Jackson has fought for New York City’s public school children and has been their champion and advocate,” Mr. Mulgrew said. “He understands personally the power of education and has fought to make sure every child has the chance for the best education possible.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 12/03/12 3:19pm

Uptown

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson Flexes Harlem Machine Muscle for BP Campaign

Councilman Robert Jackson is rolling out his high-profile allies in the Harlem political establishment to help him celebrate his birthday and raise money for his bid to be Manhattan borough president later this month. Former Mayor David Dinkins sent out an email this afternoon announcing a fundraiser and birthday celebration for Mr. Jackson that he will be attending along with Congressman Charlie Rangel, State Senator Bill Perkins and Councilwoman Inez Dickens on December 17.

“Robert Jackson is an effective and energetic fighter who understands the challenges we face in this borough and has proven that he can get the job done,” Mr. Dinkins wrote. “He has been a strong, hard-working, progressive leader in the City Council, and I have great confidence that he will continue to advocate for measures that promise to improve the lives of all the people of the Borough of Manhattan.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 6/06/12 4:26pm

FLOTUS

Michelle Obama (Photo: Getty)

Michelle Obama: ‘Change Happens Because Of Women Like Us’

At the “2012 Women For Obama” fundraiser this morning at the Hotel Pierre the vast majority of the audience who turned out to hear First Lady Michelle Obama speak were, naturally, women.

“Are there any men here today?” Ms. Obama asked as she began her speech.

The handful of men in the crowd responded with a smattering of cheers.

“A few good men,” Ms. Obama said. “There you go–stand proud. Stand proud.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 4/09/12 12:36pm

Cash Money

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

Robert Jackson Ramps Up Fundraising Efforts In BP Bid

Councilman Robert Jackson is ramping up his fundraising efforts in his bid to be Manhattan Borough President. On April 17, Mr. Jackson is having a fundraiser in an apartment adjacent to Lincoln Center. Mr. Jackson has good reason to step up his efforts to draw donations. As of January, he had a much smaller war chest than two of his rivals in the race for the borough presidency. Read More

By Hunter Walker 2/17/12 9:35am

a campaign brewing

Gale Brewer (Photo: Facebook)

Brewer Says She’s ‘Definitely’ Running For Manhattan Borough President

Veteran Upper West Side Councilwoman Gale Brewer is jumping into the race for Manhattan Borough President.

“I’m going to definitely do it I. haven’t gotten myself organized, because I’m working on so many different issues, but I will,” Ms. Brewer told The Politicker last night at a public forum hosted by Police Reform Organizing Project at the LGBT Community Center.

Ms. Brewer is entering a crowded field. With current Borough President Scott Stringer gearing up to run for mayor next year, Councilman Robert Jackson, Community Board 1 Chair Julie Menin and Councilwoman Jessica Lappin have all already begun campaigning for the position.  Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/13/12 2:04pm

council campaigns

Ken Biberaj (Photo: Facebook)

The Russian Tea Room’s Ken Biberaj Files for UWS Council Seat [Updated]

Ken Biberaj, who works as Vice President at the Russian Tea Room restaurant in Manhattan, looks like he might be throwing his hat in the ring to succeed term-limited Councilwoman Gale Brewer. This afternoon, he registered a committee for the seat, allowing him to fundraise and campaign for the City Council position in 2013.

Mr. Biberaj came to his executive position at the iconic restaurant through his family’s real estate business. The Russian Tea Room has often been featured in pop culture, making appearances in shows ranging from When Harry Met Sally to Gossip Girl. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/11/12 12:23pm

opposing bad things

Ydanis Rodriguez speaking at the event.

Scott Stringer Hosts Anti-Antisemitism Event [Video]

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who is seen to be running for Mayor in 2013, held a press conference yesterday to call attention to a recent string of antisemitic events. The conference was held across the street from a Midtown bookstore that was defaced with swastikas a couple days ago. “We come here today to ask New Yorkers for help in tracking down the people who are spewing this hate,” Mr. Stringer announced. “We’re going to ask again for the NYPD to work with us, to give us the sense, statistically about where we are as it relates to different hate crimes around the city.”

At the event, Mr. Stringer ticked off a string of 9 acts of antisemitic violence and vandalism, stretching from mid-October to January. All of the incidences were in in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Read More

By Hunter Walker 12/20/11 8:50pm

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Mel Wymore

Madame Chairperson Now Mister Candidate: Transgender Wymore Runs For UWS Council Seat

At his first meeting after being elected chair of Community Board 7 on the Upper West Side, Mel Wymore had quite an announcement to make: he was no longer a woman.

Prior to declaring his new gender in April 2010, Mr. Wymore spent more than a decade serving on the community board. He realized he wanted to become a man about a month before taking the chairmanship.

“I’ve held many roles on the community board, however always in the role of a woman,” Mr. Wymore told The Observer. “I knew that I was going to be changing very overtly in front of everybody when I was elected, so on my very first meeting as chair, I announced to the community board that I would be transitioning and that they could expect changes. At the time, I said I would maintain the female pronoun until I announced otherwise and that if anyone had questions please don’t be afraid to ask me directly.” Read More