Citizen Action of New York Endorses Paul Newell for Election in the 65th Assembly District

by | Jul 27, 2016 | Press Releases

Community Organization Cites Newell’s Leadership in Fighting for Affordable Housing and Against Political Corruption in Lower Manhattan

New York, NY – Today, Citizen Action of New York announced its endorsement of Paul Newell to represent the 65th Assembly District, which was formerly represented by Sheldon Silver. Citing Newell’s long history as an advocate for affordable housing in New York City, Citizen Action’s board voted unanimously on the endorsement.

“We are proud to throw our support behind Paul Newell for the Assembly,” said Citizen Action of New York Secretary, Margaret Segall. “As a lifelong New Yorker, Paul understands the struggles of working class families and has been a strong advocate for housing justice. One of the biggest issues that New Yorkers face is affordable housing, and we are excited to support a candidate who understands this and is ready to fight on our behalf.”

“Few organizations in NYS more closely align with my political philosophy and approach than Citizen Action of New York,” said Paul Newell. “At every issue of social, economic, and environmental justice, Citizen Action is effectively organizing New Yorkers to demand what is right, and making sure policymakers hear those demands. I have worked my entire career to engage communities in these fights. From working to extend rent regulations, fighting hospital closures, to standing up to corruption and a corrupt electoral system in Albany, I’ve been alongside Citizen Action at every turn.”

Newell, a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side, is currently a Democratic district leader and community activist. He has been fighting for reform in Albany since his 2008 primary challenge to then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. He has also worked to extend rent regulation to apartments in Lower Manhattan built with the 421-g tax abatements, an effort that has already brought hundreds of units under stabilization.

Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots, community organization with over 30,000 members across New York State. The organization works on issues important to our communities, including limiting the influence of money in politics, guaranteeing livable wages and economy-boosting jobs, quality public education for all children, reforms to the criminal justice system, and more. Citizen Action endorses candidates for public office who support the same vision for a New York that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.

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