Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Assembly Member Richard Gottfriend Throw Support Behind Ben Kallos

Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Assembly Member Richard Gottfriend Throw Support Behind Ben Kallos

More New York Democratic Leaders Back Ben Kallos

New York, N.Y. – Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried threw their support behind Ben Kallos, Democratic nominee for City Council in the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island today, citing his dedication to reform and progressive agenda:

“Ben represents a new generation of political leaders for the city of New York, one dedicated to economic empathy, legislative transparency, and progressive reform. He will bring new energy and bold ideas to the City Council,” said Congressman Nadler, who has represented Manhattan and Brooklyn in Congress since 1992.

"Ben worked to make Assembly legislative records more readily accessible to the public, a vital service that signals what kind of councilmember he will be. He is strongly committed to preserving, improving and expanding health services, fundamental to the city of New York,” said Assembly Member Gottfried.

"Ben shares many of the concerns I have prioritized in the Comptroller's office, including promoting transparency in the budgeting process and establishing controls to prevent waste and fraud. His commitment to keeping government accountable to the people he represents will bring positive change for the voters in his district and the City as a whole,” said State Comptroller DiNapoli.

They join elected officials Representative Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President and Democratic nominee for Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senator Liz Krueger and Councilmember Jessica Lappin in backing Kallos, the Democratic nominee for City Council in the fifth Council District, who will run in the general election on November 5.

“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of these public servants who have served New York so well, and with whom I have had the pleasure of working. Congressman Nadler is a staple of the progressive movement and a longtime inspiration, while Assembly Member Gottfried and Comptroller DiNapoli are pillars of reform and ethics in Albany. Their endorsements are crucial reminders of the good work we can do together,” said Kallos.

“Assembly Member Gottfried has been an example and mentor, particularly as one who is deeply involved in policy development. As a chief of staff in the Assembly and later at New Roosevelt, I had the pleasure of working with Comptroller DiNapoli to promote open, accountable government. I look forward to continuing to work with these leaders to benefit New Yorkers.”

A progressive trailblazer, Rep. Nadler has represented Manhattan and Brooklyn in Congress since 1992 after serving 15 years in the State Assembly. He is the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. Congressman Nadler is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.  

Assembly Member Gottfried has been in the Assembly for over 40 years and has chaired the Health Committee where he has been a national figure on public health, healthcare and reproductive health. Assembly Member Gottfried introduced the first same-sex marriage bill in the Assembly in 2003, and was a co-sponsor of the bill that became law in 2011. He also sponsors the Gender Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Comptroller DiNapoli was elected to the Assembly in 1987 and was appointed the 54th Comptroller of the State of New York in 2007.  He has been a key figure in budget reform in Albany. His life of public service started when he was elected as a trustee of the Mineola Board of Education, becoming the first 18-year old in New York State to hold public office. He’s been making government more accountable and transparent to the people for more than 35 years.