Group of Community Leading Men Endorse Anna Kelles for NYS Assembly
We, the undersigned, are endorsing Anna Kelles for State Assembly, 125th District. We represent medical, higher education, hospitality, business, the arts, youth services communities, and private citizens who are leaders in our various fields and in the community. We are registered Democrats and independent/unaffiliated citizens who believe that this race is too important to not take a public stand in support of the ideal candidate to be our Assemblyperson.
We have watched and appreciated Kelles’ leadership as a Tompkins County Legislator on issues of health care, environmental protection, affordable housing, human rights, and immigrant rights; specifically authoring and introducing legislation to support New York State’s Green Light Law (allows immigrants, documented or undocumented to use foreign-issued documents for ID purposes), Public Safety for All legislation (i.e. sanctuary county), and formation of the Tompkins County Affordable Housing and Landlord Support Task Force. The latter was a tangible effort by Kelles to help address the affordable housing crisis.
As a scientist, activist, and dedicated public servant, Legislator Kelles knows how the current global crisis relates to medical and social justice diseases. Her visionary leadership, willingness to make sure constituents are informed, and her commitment to progressive change put her head and shoulders above the other candidates in this race to tackle policies about this crisis head on. Her intelligence, public service record, and ability to bring people from all walks of life together are unquestionably solid. Anna works relentlessly to move the needle of change. At this time of national unrest and economic uncertainty, a time when the continued austerity coming from State government in light of the lack of federal funds to municipalities is frightening, we need an Assemblyperson who will work tirelessly for our needs. We need a candidate who understands budgeting, can balance it with keen knowledge of the issues, and knows how to navigate the systems and legacy practices in Albany, where often a privileged few make the decisions. We need Anna Kelles.
A position as fundamental as Assemblyperson is antithetical to a popularity contest. It is about proven work, common sense, integrity, conviction and ability to hit the ground running from day one. Kelles is the candidate who can do that. A diverse group of unions -- Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 267, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Tompkins-Cortland Building and Construction Trades Council – have already cast their vote of confidence in Anna’s ability to do the job with their endorsements of her. And now we, a group of male community leaders are doing the same. We stand with Anna Kelles for New York State Assembly 125th District.
– Jed Ashton, Brett Bossard, Travis Brooks, Will Burbank, Dr. Kenneth Clarke, Dr. Robert Howarth, Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, Tim Joseph, Joe Mareane, John-Paul Mead, Jack Nelson, Joe Sammons, Joey Steinhagen, Joe Wetmore
