Stonewall Dems is having its endorsement meeting tonight, June 2, 2009.
STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB ENDORSEMENT MEETING
6:30 TO 9:00 P.M.
LGBT CENTER, 208 W. 13TH
Look at some of the letters the Club has received:
Following are the letters from Council Candidates and also one letter from a Comptroller candidate.
- 3rd Council District: Christine Quinn and Yetta Kurland
- 25th Council District: Helen Sears and Danny Dromm
- 26th Council District Deidre Feerick and Jimmy Van Bremer
- 29th Council District: Lynn Schulman
- 33rd Council District: Ken Diamonstone, Steve Levin and Joanne Simon
- 39th Council District: Bob Zuckerman
- Comptroller: John Liu
Richard Allman
President
June 1, 2009
Mr. Richard Allman
President
Stonewall Democratic Club
Dear President Allman:
I am writing to ask for the endorsement for my reelection to the 25th Council District from the Stonewall Democratic Club.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with the members of the Stonewall Democratic Club throughout these many years. My journey began with Council Member Arthur Katzman many years ago as he would ask me to accompany him to many meetings organizing the gay community. I have advocated endlessly for these issues that I believe we all should have the right to experience, including the equal rights to marriage. Together we have seen much of our objectives realized, however we have a lot more to accomplish. During the next term I will continue to fight for the struggles that face the gay community, that in the end these injustices face us all.
Thank you very much and I sincerely hope that we continue to work together in the next term.
Sincerely,
Helen Sears
Dear Member of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC,
I am writing to ask for your support in the Stonewall Democratic Club's endorsement election on Tuesday, June 2nd. Below I have included a list of some of my accomplishments. Since 1992, I have been a leader in the fight for LGBT equality in New York City. I founded the Queens Pride Parade and I am still involved in its production 17 years later.
Together, we have created a sea change in the public's attitude toward LGBT people in Queens. Together, we have also created a powerful LGBT political movement in Queens. I would be most honored if you would support my efforts to become the first openly gay public official in the borough.
I have been endorsed by NYS Senator Tom Duane, NYC Council Member Rosie Mendez, the Working Families Party, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), NYS Assembly Member Jose Peralta (Jackson Heights), NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras (Corona/Jackson Heights), the League of Humane Voters and the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, among others.
I invite you to visit my website www.DanielDromm.com and view my News Blog. There you will see many of the issues with which I am involved in my district.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniel Dromm
DANIEL DROMM FIGHTS FOR LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS
Daniel Dromm is the thread that runs through LGBT life in Queens. He has been involved in the formation of almost every LGBT group in the borough. As a champion of marriage equality, Daniel organized a huge, groundbreaking rally in Jackson Heights, Queens in support of amending the law to allow civil marriage for same-sex couples. Daniel will be a true civil rights leader in the New York City Council.
DANIEL DROMM IS A LGBT PIONEER
* founded Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee and the annual Queens Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Parade and Festival
* established Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens
* started Queens chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
* co-founder of Queens Pride House
* created Generation Q Youth Services Program and Queens LGBT Pride Community Center
* initiated annual AIDS Memorial Service
* brought an annual LGBT Pride Celebration to Queens Borough Hall
* helped organize first inclusive Saint Patrick's Parade in Sunnyside, Queens
* fought for transgender inclusion in all LGBT legislation
DANIEL DROMM IS AN EDUCATOR
* stood up for inclusive Children of the Rainbow curriculum
* came out in 1992 as an openly gay teacher, risking his livelihood to fight for LGBT students and teachers
DANIEL DROMM HAS FOUGHT AGAINST HATE CRIMES
* fought to secure justice in the Julio Rivera antigay murder case and worked with then Council Member John Sabini to name the corner of 37th Avenue and 78th Street in Julio's memory
* worked with Congressman Joseph Crowley to secure permanent resident status for the parents of Edgar Garzon, a naturalized American citizen who was brutally murdered in a bias crime and worked with the current Council Member to name the corner of 37th Avenue and 77th Street in Edgar's memory
* founded Queens Come Out Against Violence Day
. . . and much, much more! Visit www.DanielDromm.com to learn more about Daniel's record as a civil rights leader, educator, union activist and community organizer. VOTE for Daniel Dromm in the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC endorsement election on June 2nd.
Daniel Dromm
Candidate for City Council, 25th District
Jackson Heights, Elmhurst,
E. Elmhurst, Corona, LeFrak City,
Rego Park and Woodside
www.danieldromm.com
Dear Stonewall Democrat,
I am writing to ask for your support of my candidacy for the New York City Council in the 26th District In Queens. I have worked for issues important to all of us, advancing fairness in opportunities and protections. I have been lucky enough to have worked with some of you on issues of equality for all, and my work in the New York City Council has provided the experience to enable me to further those goals, at the Council and beyond.
Throughout my life, I have been involved in many community and charitable events. Besides volunteering as a coach, teacher and mentor, I have been involved in various causes, from community clean ups to food and clothing drives, as well as fundraising for local organizations. This has enabled me to know a great deal about the challenges facing the residents of the 26th Council District, and I am determined effect positive change.
I am running to succeed current Council Member Eric Gioia, who is pursuing the office of Public Advocate. As a lifelong resident of the 26th district, my decision to run for City Council stems from my steadfast belief that I can do the best job for the communities of Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria and Maspeth.
No one knows what the future will hold, but we can and should be prepared to face the challenges with the strongest advocates. My experience and commitment make me that advocate and I look forward to working with you to increase opportunities for all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
Deirdre Feerick
Jimmy Van Bramer for City Council
Working for us
June 1, 2009
Dear Stonewall member:
For nearly 20 years I have been fighting for LGBT equality. I am proud to have been on the front lines of the struggle for justice with so many of you and I ask for your support in my run for the 26th district in Queens.
As a student at St. John's University in the early 1990's, I helped form the first LGBT student group in the school's 130-year history. And In the mid to late 1990's I helped form Queens Pride House and served as its first treasurer. In 2001 I was proud to be the first openly gay man to run for City Council in Queens and prouder still to run with your endorsement. Since that time I have been elected the first openly gay State Committeeman from Queens in 2004 and I have served on Community Board 2 since 2006.
I care deeply about my neighborhood and I have a passion for public service that is deeply rooted in my experiences as a gay man and an activist. It is for these reasons that I am running for City Council. We have made tremendous gains in the 20 years since I came out but we all know that there is so much yet to be accomplished.
I've long been a supporter of marriage equality and I know that one day I will be able to get married to my partner of over 10 years, Dan Hendrick. No one should be denied this basic civil right. I am also enormously proud that my mother, Elizabeth Van Bramer, was one of the 13 constituents who met with State Senator George Onorato last week on behalf of marriage equality. I am told that my mother spoke movingly about her love for her gay son and her desire for all of her children to be equal under the law. My mom may have spoken about me in the meeting but in reality she was talking about all of you as well. I am so proud of her.
Just this past week the Working Families Party, The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and State Assembly Member Deborah Glick endorsed me. I would be proud to add the Stonewall Democratic Club to this growing list of endorsers. Thank you.
Yours truly,
Jimmy Van Bramer
Dear Stonewall Friend:
I am writing to ask for your vote on Tuesday, June 2.
The endorsement of the Stonewall Democratic Club is very important to me as both a Lesbian and progressive candidate running for a City Council seat in Queens where there are no LGBT elected officials - at least not yet.
Please help me make history. I have considered the Stonewall Democratic Club, and all of you, to be part of my family for more than 20 years, and I would be honored to have your endorsement.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
With much fondness, Lynn Schulman
Dear fellow Stonewall members,
I'm Ken Diamondstone and I am writing as a long time member of Stonewall with an even longer history of commitment and service to our community. Much of what I've been able to accomplish over the years for Brooklyn and NYC has come about with the loving encouragement of my partner of over 33 years, Joe Kopitz.
I'm asking for your vote on Tuesday at the endorsement meeting for Brooklyn's 33rd City Council seat. Never has Brooklyn elected an openly gay or lesbian candidate to any legislative body in New York State - not the Council, the State Assembly or the State Senate. I believe that my election, at this crucial and pivotal moment in our history would give real impetus to our struggle around the State for justice, for our rights and for marriage equality. It would be historic. It would be an affirmation that Brooklyn is finally and belatedly on board and says "yes" to our struggle. It would be truly monumental if both Bob Zuckerman and I won.
So I ask you to join me.
When you read this, know that Joe and I are on our way to Albany to lobby State Senators for the upcoming battle for marriage equality at the behest of both Senator Duane and Alan Van Capelle. My victory and Bob's would give added cover to swing State Senators like Brooklyn's Karl Kruger to vote with us.
As an LGBT activist I have worked for or given considerable financial support to literally scores of LGBT candidates as far back as Virginia Apuzzo in 1978. I've been a major supporter or activist at ESPA, SAGE, Lambda Independent Democrats, the Audre Lorde Project, GMHC, the Astrea Foundation, the Gay Men's Chorus, Brooklyn's Rainbow Heights Club and the GRIOT Circle among others. I was an early and active supporter of Marriage Equality. As one of two LID representatives to the SONDA strategy session before its passage, I took the position that it was a betrayal of the transgendered community not to include them in the original legislation.
While I would work collaboratively with my colleagues, as one of the plaintiffs against the extension of term limits I would also take whatever political risks are necessary in opposing any further ethical, financial or political abuses in the City Council.
Prior to my efforts in the LGBT community, I worked in the civil rights and anti war movements. As a community leader I've been Vice Chair of my Community Board, the Brooklyn coordinator of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty, Chair of the Brooklyn Solid Waste Advisory Board and have fought for appropriate development that preserves our communities. I have a tangible record of accomplishments that literally touched the lives of 1,000's of people in areas like affordable housing, disabilities, economic development, the environment, seniors, transportation and more.
I've created 100's of affordable housing units including 107 units of senior housing; I created over 70,000 meals for people living with HIV; I created a permanent funding stream that preserved the Atlantic Antic street fair; I created a scholarship for disadvantaged kids at the Brooklyn Music School; I got Chrysler Motors to donate 30 electric vehicles to Brooklyn's non profits (and they then donated 300 more to NYC); and the list goes on.
As a progressive I continue to work for transformative politics. I would work to build a more just society that cherishes diversity and dissent and serves the underserved. And I would work to create a truly sustainable City.
As the openly LGBT candidate in this race, I am asking for your vote and Stonewall's endorsement on Tuesday. Thank you.
Dear Friends,
This Tuesday, when you consider your choices for the Stonewall Democrats 2009 endorsements, we urge you to endorse our very own Bob Zuckerman for City Council in the 39th district.
Serving as President of Stonewall for three years, Bob was one of the most successful presidents in Stonewall's history, laying the foundation for the club's unprecedented change and growth. Without a doubt, our brand as New York City's largest citywide LGBT democratic club has much to do with Bob's past leadership.
Bob has received many endorsements including State Senator Tom Duane, and Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Danny O'Donnell, Micah Kellner and Richard Gottfried. If elected, Bob will become the first openly LGBT legislator in the history of Brooklyn!
Please join us in casting your vote for Bob in the 39th district, which includes the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Windsor Terrace and Kensington. The vote will be held at the LGBT Community Center, Tuesday, June 2, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.We look forward to seeing you and Bob thanks you for your support.
Sincerely,
Charles Bayor (Board Member)
Matthew Carlin (Former President, Board Member)
Paul J. Del Duca (Former Vice President, Board Member)
Joseph Hagelmann III (Treasurer)
Eliyanna Kaiser (Board Member At-Large)
Tom LaBarbera (Former Vice-President, Board Member)
Aubrey Lees (Vice-President)
Marc Levine (Board Member)
Dirk McCall (Former President, Board Member)
Connie A. Ress (Corresponding Secretary)
Melissa Sklarz (Vice-President
Lew Todd (Tenured Board Member and Founder)
Will Weder (Board of Governors)
