WE NEED A SENATOR OF THE PEOPLE

Gustavo Rivera for State Senate 2010

As a community leader and progressive activist in the Northwest Bronx, the need for drastic reforms in state government have been obvious to me - as they've been obvious to you - for far too long. These needs became even more desperate and critical with the return of Pedro Espada, Jr. to Bronx politics. Since his return, he has demonstrated his total disregard for his office, the needs of the constituents, and a complete disloyalty to he Democratic party. The real truth here is this: We need a Senator of the people who will fight for us. We need a Senator who isn't the object of multiple lawsuits, who doesn't rip-off and take advantage of his constituents to the tune of millions of dollars to line his own pockets. We need a Senator who will stand side by side with the residents of his district and fight to build a stronger Northwest Bronx community and to bring much needed reform to the Democratic party.

This is why I originally decided to run for the 33rd Senate Seat. While I decided not to continue my candidacy, I am writing today to ask you to support Mr. Gustavo Rivera, candidate for New York State Senate in my 33rd district in the Northwest Bronx.

The election is just a few days away. Whatever you can give - $25, $50, $100 or more - every dollar will get us closer to ensuring that we defeat Pedro Espada this Tuesday, September 14th, build a stronger Democratic party and get Albany back to doing the work for the people!

Years of grassroots organizing in the Bronx built my commitment to strong families and stronger communities. My on-the-ground experience has taught me that who represents us in Albany matters tremendously. Having the wrong political leaders destroys any opportunity to build communities, welcome responsible development and can wreak havoc in our neighborhoods. Pedro Espada has to go. He is the poster-child for what a leader is not and an embarrassment to his party. It is our responsibility to remove him from office. We need to elect Mr. Gustavo Rivera as our next Senator for the 33rd district. We have an opportunity now to get it right and hold him accountable to us.

My responsibilities as president of the largest privately owned and financed cooperative apartment complex in the Bronx, our recent battles for the "responsible development" of the Kingsbridge Armory and my continued commitment to working with our Bronx faith communities, has me convinced - more than ever - that we can make a positive difference and get the leadership we deserve when we work together.

Participating in our civic life dictates that we must stand up, actively use our voice and be counted. That's how we build a stronger America, one neighborhood at a time. My community deserves a better leader. So please stand with me in supporting Mr. Gustavo Rivera for the New York State Senate. The 33rd of the Bronx, and all New Yorkers, deserve better than we have in Albany. Make a difference today!

Thank you,

Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter

P.S. - The primary is less than five days away - contribute today so that Gustavo has the resources he needs to beat Pedro Espada on September 14th!