Williams Launches State-Wide Listening Tour In Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse
Meets with New Yorkers of All Backgrounds As He Continues Exploring Run For Lieutenant Governor
Two weeks ago, New York City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams announced his plans to form an exploratory committee for the purpose of running for the office of Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York.
This past weekend, Williams visited three cities in Central and Western New York - Rocheseter, Buffalo and Syracuse - as part of a planned listening tour around . He has said that his visits to diverse areas of the state are part of his process in speaking with New Yorkers from all backgrounds, discussing the kind of issues that are impacting their lives, how helpful and responsive is our state government to their needs, while gauging the appetite for new progressive leadership in Albany:
Rochester.....8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Williams kicked off the listening tour by meeting with dozens in the Rochester community at Mt. Hope Family Diner Friday morning for breakfast He discussed his record as a Council Member, and how he believes that Rochester and many other cities across the state face similar challenges such as affordable housing, gun violence and economic development. Listening for over two hours to the concerns of a diverse group of residents assembled from across Monroe County, Williams got the opportunity to hear first-hand their concerns regarding the future of our state. Williams was introduced at the event by Brighton, NY.
University of Rochester.....11 a.m.
Council Member Williams also visited the Frederick Douglass Institute at the University of Rochester (above), and discussed the diverse array of programs and offerings that the Institute presents to the campus community and surrounding area. He spoke briefly at an event hosted by the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Initiative (below) about the importance of recognizing Douglass as a radical activist of his time. Next month will mark the 200th anniversary of the noted African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, author and statesman.
Mt. Hope Cemetery.....1:30 p.m.
Before leaving Rochester, Council Member Williams stopped by the Mt. Hope Cemetery where paid his respects at the gravesites of both Frederick Douglassand Susan B. Anthony, calling them "two icons for civil rights" who "took up their cause with energy, passion, and conviction, and are truly an inspiration to all those who continue their work." Additionally, Williams stopped by for a meeting with Rochester residents at the Irondequoit Public Library.
Buffalo.....5 p.m.
Council Member Williams continued on to the city of Buffalo for an event at the Allen Street Hardware Cafe, where he spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of over 50 Buffalo progressives on issues of housing, climate change, gun violence, and what it means to be a core progressive. Council Member Brian Nowak of Cheektowaga introduced Council Member Williams, who continued to speak with the crowd, hearing their concerns and answering questions for two and a half hours. At the conclusion, several attendees made donations to his exploratory camapign.
Syracuse.....8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Saturday morning, Council Member Williams paid a visit to the Syracuse Regional Market to speak to artisans and farmers from the area before holding a meet and greet with Syracuse Common Council President Helen Hudson (above photo - bottom left), Council Member & President Pro-tem Khalid Bey, Council Member Latoya Allen (District 4) and several community advocacy groups.
After an insightful dialogue with the spirited crowd, Council Member Williams met with former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner (above photos) to discuss the issues that still face the city and how best to take them on. Miner has long been considered a potential primary challenger to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Williams returned to Brooklyn on Saturday evening after his three-city swing.
"It was incredible to feel the progressive energy across the state, at stop after stop," Williams said of his trip. "People are energized by the prospect of finding progressive solutions to the problems that we all face together, upstate and downstate alike. Everyone wants affordable, sustainable housing, better jobs, safer communities, and quality education. It was a privilege to discuss how we can all achieve these goals together."
In his eight years on the New York City Council, Council Member Williams has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing and tenant protections. Referring to himself as an "activist elected official," he has passed an exceptionally large amount of legislation, including landmark legislation in police reform and worker safety, and helped to create anti-gun violence programs which have led New York City to its lowest crime rates in decades. Williams was recently re-elected to a third term representing the 45th District in the City Council, earning 96% percent of the vote.
He has long been a critic of Governor Cuomo and other officials who he says "put on a progressive cloak" when it is politically expedient and "test the political winds." In announcing his exploratory committee on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Williams argued that the Capitol needs people who will help to "create those political winds." He is expected to decide whether to officially enter the race for Lieutenant Governor in the coming weeks.
For more information about Jumaane's vision and the previous work he has done during three terms in the NYC Council, log on at www.jumaanewilliams.com
If you would like to invite Jumaane to your neighborhood to meet and discuss New York's future, send an email to jumaanefornewyork@gmail.com
