On May 1st, Village Independent Democrats (VID) hosted a candidate’s forum at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Christopher St. The following candidates/surrogates made brief presentations followed by Q&A sessions:

• Keith Wright, Chairman of the NY County Democrats, Assembly Member, and a Co-Chair of the NYS Democratic Party*, spoke on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo. 
• Randy Credico, Candidate for NYS Governor
• First Deputy Comptroller of the State of NY, Pete Grannis, represented Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. 
• Brad Hoylman, NYS Senator- 27th District
• Deborah Glick, Assembly Member-66th District, who also represented AG Eric Schneiderman.
• Dan Squadron, NYS Senator– 26th District.
• Rachel Lavine, 66th AD, Candidate for NYS Democratic Committee
• Alan Shulkin, 66th AD, Candidate for NYS Democratic Committee
• John Quinn 65th AD, Candidate for NYS Democratic Committee.

A founder of the NYS Progressive Caucus, Rachel Lavine introduced a resolution detailing the failures of the NYS Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) in advancing important Democratic legislation, and calling upon the IDC to rejoin the Democratic Conference. Led by Jeff Klein, the IDC’s breakaway is largely seen betraying Democratic values for narrow self-interests.

One of the lead topics at the forum was the need for Campaign Finance Reform. Sen. Hoylman advocated for the proposed reforms, while Chairman Wright declined to comment.  Chairman Wright’s assurances  that Gov. Cuomo is strongly in favor of the NY Dream Act were met with some skepticism. 

It was a lively (and sometimes raucous) evening. Greater NYC for Change was please to co-sponsor the event, along with the Downtown Independent Democrats, Downtown Progressive Democrats, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Lower Manhattan Democrats, Manhattan Young Democrats, and the Village Reform Democratic Club.

*NOTE: Since this event took place, Chairman Wright has stepped down from his position as Co-Chair of the NYS Democratic Party