Bob Zuckerman, one of the candidates for City Council in the 39th District responds to the Independent Neighborhood Democrat's endorsement of John Heyer. The IND endorsement, decided on May 21, came down to a close contest between Zuckerman, an openly Gay progressive, who is the Director of the Gowanus Conservancy and John Heyer, an aide to Borough President Marty Markowitz, who is against abortion and same-sex marriage,
“I am deeply troubled that the Independent Neighborhood Democrats
decided to endorse a conservative candidate who is anti-choice and
anti marriage equality. This club is in danger of becoming an
irrelevant voice because of its endorsement process over the last few
years.
decided to endorse a conservative candidate who is anti-choice and
anti marriage equality. This club is in danger of becoming an
irrelevant voice because of its endorsement process over the last few
years.
"IND is made up of many wonderful and smart people who are committed to
the progressive values it was founded on over thirty years ago. But
the actions of some have continued to tarnish the progressive
reputation of this club and it saddens me to think, as last night’s
vote demonstrated, it’s no longer independent or reform.”
Josh Skaller, another candidate for City Council in the 39th district was also dismayed by the vote. He has been endorsed by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and issued this statement:
“It is sad that a majority of IND’s voting membership insulted many
IND members and community residents by choosing to support a
conservative Democrat for City Council who opposes Superfund relief for
the Gowanus Canal and whose opinions on choice and marriage equality
are confusing, at best.
IND members and community residents by choosing to support a
conservative Democrat for City Council who opposes Superfund relief for
the Gowanus Canal and whose opinions on choice and marriage equality
are confusing, at best.
“The residents of the [district] want progressive leadership
committed to reforming city government and unafraid of marriage
equality, a woman’s right to choose and a real, federally supported
clean-up of the Gowanus Canal.”