Last week the powerful Ben Franklin Democratic Club endorsed its favorite son Congressman Eliot Engel for re-election in the 16th Congressional District. However due to redistricting two years ago Congressman Engel is no longer the sole representative in Congress for the 81st Assembly District or the Ben Franklin Club. The 13th Congressional district now makes up close to 35 percent of the 81st Assembly District (36 election districts). Last night there was a meeting to hear from the three current candidates, and decide which if any of the three the club shall endorse. The petitioning process of gathering signatures for candidates for federal office begins on March 4th for the June congressional elections.
The first candidate heard by the club was Harlem Pastor Michael Walrod. Candidate Walrond spoke about why he should be the choice in the 13th Congressional District. He gave a brief bio of himself, and mentioned that he is affiliated with the National Action Network headed by Reverend Al Sharpton. Walrond stated that only 6 percent of the eligible voters came out to vote two years ago in the last 13th district primary, and that he wants to bring out more people to vote.
To questions Walrond answered that he believes in woman's rights going into a story on how his son was born two years before he and his wife were married. He said that he left it up to his future wife to decide if she wanted to have the child or not. He added that he is on Mayor de Blasio's UPK group seeking Universal Pre-Kindergarden learning. On a question of gay rights Walrond said that he is a Baptist minister, but believes in them along with marriage equality. When asked his position on Israel Warlrond answered that the U.S. must maintain the current levels, but he said that he does want to see peace in Palestine.
Next came State Senator Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat spoke of the diversity and needs of the people in the district. he said that he would have a Bronx district office also, and that the Bronx should not be left behind. Espaillat spoke of the gridlock in Washing ton that states are having to take up. He wants to work with his friend Congressman Engel when it comes to the subject of Israel, adding that the biggest threat to not only Israel but also the u>S. is the country of Iran. Espaillat finished by saying that he wants a higher minimum wage that will help to stimulate local economies, more job creation, and more housing.
Last was the incumbent Charles Rangel. Rangel spoke about his over 40 years in congress. He said that he wants to know why anyone else is better than him to represent the people of the 13th district. Rangel spoke of his friendships with President Obama and the Prime Minister of Israel. He said that he has spoken with Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie to find a place for a district office in the Bronx, but because of the sequester last year there was no money to find such an office. Rangel concluded by saying "Until the last breath in him he will defend the United States".
After all three candidates had left Ben Franklin Club President Ellen Feld asked if the club should endorse in the 13th Congressional District. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz rose and said that the club should not commit tonight to a candidate. He continued by saying that the club endorsed Senator Espaillat two years ago. He said that he thinks that both Congressman Rangel and Senator Espaillat have done a good job in office, and that this meeting was called in order to meet the new federal guidelines that were put in place two years ago for the new election and petitioning process for federal elections. Dinowitz also said that it is not known if anyone else may decide to run in this district or if one of the candidates may drop out.
81st A.D. District Leader Bruce Feld said that he gave a speech in favor of a candidate two years ago in May after petitions were finished then the club then endorsed a candidate. Feld suggested that this endorsement be decided again in May since there are more questions of the candidates as there were two years ago.
Sergio Villavarde a club member then made a motion to table the vote on the 13th congressional district. An amendment that the vote be postponed was unanimously passed by a voice vote.
13th Congressional District candidate Michael Walrond speaks to the Ben Franklin Democratic Club for their endorsement.
