New York’s state government is a mess, and we’re all paying the price.
But as Saturday’s New York Times reports, the Working Families Party is launching a major push to change that this election year – by kicking out the worst politician in Albany.
State Senator Pedro Espada has repeatedly blocked progress for working New Yorkers. He’s used taxpayer money for his own enrichment and switched political parties to kill pro-tenant legislation, shut down the state government, and increase his own power.
Working Families just endorsed a great progressive challenger to Espada, Gustavo Rivera. To get politicians like Espada out and real leaders like Rivera in, we’re planning to “knock on thousands of doors and recruit leaders of religious, tenants’ and civic groups,” as the Timesreports in today’s story.
To kick off our campaign, we’re launching a major grassroots fundraising drive. We’re asking 1,000 New Yorkers who want change in Albany to donate just $5 each. Can you chip in right now and ask your friends to help, too?
https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1306/t/4418/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3849&tag=esp710blog
Espada’s not going down without a fight. He’s funded by Albany lobbyists and big real estate interests, and they’ll spend serious cash to keep him in power.
But Espada’s constituents in the Bronx are sick of him siding with landlords over tenants and diverting their tax dollars to fund his personal schemes. Espada doesn’t even live in his own district, preferring a mansion in the suburbs.
Our candidate, Gustavo Rivera, is a true community leader. He’s spent years as an educator, organizer and progressive political leader. Putting him in office will be a huge step toward making Albany work for us.
There’s no doubt about it: if we want living wage jobs, stronger hospitals and schools, more affordable rents, lower property taxes, a cleaner environment, and a state government that actually gets things done, politicians like Pedro Espada have got to go.
Just $5 will help us make that happen. Can you take a moment to contribute right here?
https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1306/t/4418/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3849&tag=esp710blog
Thanks,
Dan Cantor
WFP Executive Director
