Feel like voting is a little like playing blackjack, blindfolded, after a night of too many drinks, your head cloudy, completely confused by sensational headlines, relentless punditry and media spin? You’re not alone. In the past month, a surprising number of friends, neighbors and colleagues have solicited my opinion on who to vote for in the Democratic Primary — desperate for a clear understanding on the $1 million dollar question of the governor’s race: What’s more important — vision or experience?
Uncharacteristically exciting, Tuesday’s primary will undoubtedly be a testament to what New Yorkers hold dear: an experienced Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose critics claim has not done enough for the city, or the actress, Cynthia Nixon, who has a socially-democratic vision that embraces ordinary New Yorkers, but no track record. Governor Cuomo may be leading in the polls, but we all know to never underestimate the winds of progressive change, bringing out newly energized voters, as well as the insurgent candidacies of Nixon, Attorney General candidate Zephyr Teachout, and the win of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This new brand of politicians, challenging the direction of the Democratic Party, is inspiring voters to turn out on election day.
Which election factor are you for?
Such renewed participation will ultimately help settle what is important: vision or experience. But either way, voters want a governor who’s truly committed to the people: someone who has a plan and the courage to solve our city’s crisis of unaffordable housing, dying small businesses, broken transportation infrastructure and unlivable wages. We want a leader who will push for policies and pass laws that will upwardly lift the lives of the working and middle class and keep our city affordable — no matter which donor or special interest group they anger. To me the choice is clear, if it is to you, get out and vote!
Make sure you are at the correct polling site and Election District (E.D.) for your address. You can also call the Voter Phone Bank at 1-866-VOTE–NYC (1-866-868-3692) or e-mail your complete home address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us and we’ll e-mail your polling place location back to you.
Marni Halasa, a lawyer, journalist and professional figure skater, ran in the last election for City Council for District 3 as an independent, and is now with The Green Party. In addition to her protest consulting group, Revolution Is Sexy, she recently founded Community Control of Land Use (ccluny.com), a group that collectively organizes small businesses and tenants about intrusive neighborhood development.
