September 21, 2023, 7:00 pm
Subotnick Center; Brooklyn Law School and via Zoom
Ilyssa Meyer, President of IND, welcomed those in attendance in person and on Zoom, especially new members.
Ilyssa announced that our first annual Jaz Brunch, held last week, was tremendously successful. She thanked all who were involved in planning the event.
A vote to endorse candidates who will run as Democrats in November’s general election was held. The following candidates were endorsed:
City Council:
- Lincoln Restler
- Shahana Hanif
- Crystal Hudson
Kings County Surrogate Court Judge:
- Bernard Graham
Kings County Municipal District 1 Judge:
- Rena Malik
Kings County Civil Court Judge:
- Betsy Jean-Jacques
- Linda Wilson
- Monique Holaman
- Marva Brown
NYS Supreme Court Judge:
- Heela Capell
- Sharon Clark
- Caroline Cohen
- Rachel Frier
- Sol Stein
- Joann Quinones
Caroline Cohen, who has a contested election explained that she had declined the opportunity to run on the Republican and Conservation lines and therefore has a Republican challenger. She thanked members of the club for their support.
Ilyssa made the following announcements:
- IND will have a table (in front of Sahadi’s) at the Atlantic Antic and passed around a sign-up sheet, giving members the opportunity to fill slots at the table during the event.
- The Club will sponsor a Day of Action to support Justin Brannan in his run for City Council in the 47th CD on September 30 and she encouraged members to participate.
- There will be a meeting of the County Committee members in the 52nd AD on October 11.
A representative from the Bay Ridge Democrats spoke about Justin Brannan’s campaign and asked for IND members’ participation. Justin Brannan is running in a newly created district (47th) and is opposed by a Republican climate denier, as well as an even more far-right write-in candidate. The main issue is voter turnout—raising the consciousness of people from Bay Ridge and Coney Island, many of whom are not aware that there is an election. In addition to the September 30 Day of Action, there are phone banks every Tuesday and Thursday evening and additional Days of Action every Saturday until the election.
A representative from NYC 2030 gave a slide presentation about his group’s efforts to address climate change in NYC, with a specific emphasis on buildings. The group is eager to promote changes that will result in greener and healthier buildings in our City. These will also involve new job opportunities.
Congressman Dan Goldman joined the meeting from Washington via Zoom. He discussed the current situation in the House of Representatives and noted that in New York, the most pressing issue is currently the influx of migrants. He then answered questions from a number of members.
Ilyssa closed the meeting with thanks to Danielle Zuckerman, vice president of the Club, for tech support during the meeting.