Assemblyman Michael Blake was at the Bronx Drafthouse Yesterday to speak about restaurant workers who rely on mostly the tips they receive from patrons. He did not make any drinks, but for about half an hour he greeted patrons, took their orders, and brought the food and drinks to them.
After wards he held a press conference with members of a state membership of owners who are fighting for several items that most workers receive, but not those who work mainly on tips from patrons. The idea is to have a livable wage, paid sick days, a safe and healthy workplace, among other items not currently afforded to these workers many who feel they are being taken advantage of.
During the press conference Assemblyman Blake was asked "why are you having this event outside of your district, but in the congressional district you are running?' That question was met with resistance from Blake who answered that his district boundary was only a few blocks away, and that constituents of his patronize the establishment we are in. That reporter came back with follow up questions only to be told by Blake that he was not going to entertain a character assassination from that reporter, and the conversation is over.
Above - Assemblyman Blake welcomes a few patrons handing them menu's, and taking their orders.
Below - Assemblyman Blake brings the food to the patrons.
Assemblyman Blake tells of his short stint as a waiter, which he said was harder than he thought it would be remembering what each patron ordered and who ordered what. He would take questions from reporters, and blew up at a question that he was outside his district, but in the congressional district he is running for.
