Democratic Primary Opponent Ed Hartzog Endorses Ben Kallos for City Council

New York, NY — In a further show of unity among East Side Democrats, Democratic nominee for City Council in the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island Ben Kallos accepted the endorsement of Community Board leader and Democratic Primary opponent Ed Hartzog today. Hartzog cited Kallos’ community involvement and dedication to improving quality of life for residents of the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.  Hartzog received 15% of the vote in the three-way City Council primary.

“My friend Ben Kallos will do an excellent job in the City Council on behalf of those in our community who need an advocate. I am proud to join a coalition of Democrats united behind Ben Kallos, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger, Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, Borough President Scott Stringer and many others. All of us stand firmly behind Ben as someone with the courage to stand up for our community and the best person for the job,” said Hartzog.

Hartzog is a member of Community Board 8 and serves on the Youth and Education Committee, the Environment and Sanitation Committee and the Borough President’s Task For on Education. He is the founder of Kids Voting New York City, a nonprofit that encourages youth civic engagement and has served as a mentor to High School students through Minds Matter.

“I’m truly gratified to receive the endorsement of Ed Hartzog, who is a longtime friend and partner in community activism. I especially admire how powerfully he’s led the charge to keep developers accountable to the community, and look forward to working with him to continue this fight. Together, our team of elected officials and community leaders on the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island who will work to achieve real change – from adding seats in schools to fighting the Marine Transfer Station on 91st St,” said Kallos.

Ben already received the backing of Hill Krishnan, another candidate who dropped out of the race earlier in the year, who tweeted on Election Day: “I asked all my friends (& my wife) in our district to vote for you. Good luck & make us proud!”

Kallos, the Democratic nominee in his district, has been Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Jonathan Bing, head of good government reform group New Roosevelt and Policy Director for former Public Advocate Mark Green.  Learn more about his run for City Council District 5 at http://KallosForCouncil.com