EDITORIAL

Dear Readers,

I had the opportunity to visit Albany this past month when our legislators were in session working on the state budget. I testified on behalf of the JCCMP before the NYC Council’s Jewish Caucus, led by Councilman Chaim Deutsch, regarding some of our new citywide initiatives. We are grateful for the relationship and the partnership we have with our elected officials, and we are very aware of how important it is to work closely with them since their actions and decisions really affect our community.  You may not be aware, but we have a special election coming up in May to replace Councilman Jumaane Williams (District 45, representing parts of Marine Park and Midwood ) who won the race for public advocate and therefore vacated his City Council seat. There are several people vying for the position, and we look forward to meeting with all of the candidates to convey our specific concerns and issues.

People often ask how they can be helpful in advocating for our community. I always respond by saying that voting is the most important means of generating change. When our elected officials see that we vote, regardless of who we vote for, they understand that we are a force to be reckoned with. I know that we all have busy schedules, but if you want to make a difference, go vote. Many of us are registered as Republicans, but almost all elections have only Democrats running. Election outcomes are generally decided in primaries, so Republicans will have almost no opportunity to make their votes count. I would therefore recommend that even if you feel that your politics are aligned with the Republican Party, you should still register as a Democrat so you can vote in all the local, city, and state elections. Please understand that when it comes to voting for presidential elections, you can still vote for a Republican, if that’s how you feel.

To get more involved and find out more about how you can be proactive in addressing community issues, feel free to reach out to me. I welcome your feedback.

With Pesach rapidly approaching, I’d like to wish each one of you a beautiful and kosher Yom Tov. May the new season that accompanies this chag usher in much brachah to all.

Warm regards,

Shea Rubenstein