I. Judicial Candidates 

1. Tehilah Berman, Civil Court Judge, Countywide, Brooklyn (unanimous endorsement)

2. Janice Robinson, Civil Court Judge, 6th District, Brooklyn (Endorsed – 78% in favor, 22% abstaining)

3. Lou Nock, NYC Criminal Court Judge, Manhattan (unanimous endorsement)

II. Assembly Candidates 

1. Harvey Epstein, 74th Assembly District (Endorsed, 90% in favor, 10% abstain)

2. Alicia Hyndman, 29th Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

3. Rebecca Seawright, 76th Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

4. Latrice Monique Walker, 55th Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

III. Congressional Candidates

1. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York 14th Congressional District (unanimous endorsement)

IV. President’s Report

1. Club Board members were encouraged to assist in getting signatures for Club endorsed candidate petitioning during February and March 2024. 

2. Club members were encouraged to make suggestions for people to be honored at the 2024 Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club annual dinner/awards ceremony. 

I. New York State Assembly and State Senate Candidates Endorsement

1. Alex Bores, 73rd Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

2. Robert Carroll, 44th Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

3. Joanne Simon, 52nd Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

4. Emily Gallagher, 50th Assembly District (endorsement pending receipt of questionnaire)

5. Jessica Ramos, 13th State Senate District (unanimous endorsement) 

6. Grace Lee, 65th Assembly District (unanimous endorsement)

7. Brad Hoylman, 47th State Senate District (unanimous endorsement)

II. Congressional Candidates Endorsement

1. Jerrold Nadler, 12th Congressional District (Endorsed – 87% in favor, 13% opposed)

III. Treasurer’s Report – Charlotte Mimiasie

            Treasurer gave report of balances. 

IV. President’s report – Allen Roskoff

1. JOLDC will likely focus its efforts on the upcoming Congressional elections on a few swing districts, including possibly the 11th Congressional District in Staten Island/Brooklyn and the 19th Congressional District in Hudson Valley. 

2. JOLDC’s annual fundraiser, which will honor Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and feature David Hogg, Richard Kind, the cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and Billy Porter (by video), is scheduled for next week. Several elected officials (and JOLDC’s Board members) are encouraged to send in pictures wearing the most recent JOLDC T-Shirt that will be displayed at the fundraiser. 

• Club President Allen Roskoff said that the Club's Campaign Coordinator, Jacob Priley, was in an accident while riding his bicycle in Brooklyn. He was seriously injured and is in the hospital. He is in our thoughts.

• There was a discussion about Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres, a member of the club's Board of Governors. Rep. Torres began his career in politics as a sometimes progressive and has moved rightward since then. He has become somewhat reactionary on issues including those pertaining to the Middle East, charter schools, policing and his take on progressive members of Congress who we look up to. Allen also spoke of endorsements Torres made for moderate Democratic candidates who run against progressive candidates for various offices. Allen asked club board member Tony Hoffman to reach out to Rep. Torres. Tony is active with J Street and agreed discuss Torres’s status with our club.(*)

• Allen announced that Jay Marcus will resume the position of Board Recording Secretary and that other members have agreed to help in other capacities.

• The Club is looking forward to 2024 races and is looking for challengers to incumbents who are undeserving of reelection.

• Allen said that during the meeting a lengthy story was posted on the Daily News website about the club and its efforts to seek a progressive candidate for Mayor in 2025.

• Finally, Allen said that Gov. Hochul has done three more clemencies. He is engaged in continuing discussions with the Governor about clemencies, and she has said that she will announce them on an ongoing basis, not only during the winter holidays as customary in the past.

• A BBQ followed the meeting and then, the showing of “Bella! A Documentary Film”

(*) Torres decided to no longer serve on the Board of Governors citing the time commitment.

President Allen Roskoff opened the meeting with a discussion of the Four Ballot Propositions.  All four were endorsed unanimously.

Allen stated this would be a short meeting as the candidates who were invited could not attend.  Dan Goldman said he was not available, and Robert Zimmerman was already interviewed by the club.  Max Rose won't come, as he would not answer questionnaire.

Councilmember Carlina Rivera gave a disposition on the Koch Bridge initiative, the Medicare Advantage plan which the mayor and unions are trying to force on city retirees, and other City Council matters. Questions and answers took place.

Allen said there may be some action after Governor Hochul wins the election--possibly going to Hochul's home to demand releasing elderly incarcerated people from prison.

Next was a discussion of Judicial Delegates:  Our club got 7 delegates in the Chelsea- Hells Kitchen district while Chelsea Reform Democrats prevailed for three and Hells Kitchen Democrats 5.  A major victory for our club. A major defeat for the two opposing clubs.

The club next endorsed Robert Zimmerman running for congress in the 3RD  Congressional District.  There was a no endorsement of Dan Goldman running in the 10th Congressional as he did not have time to attend either of the two endorsement meetings to which he was invited; Max Rose of the 11th Congressional District was not endorsed as he did not return our club’s questionnaire.

Under New Business:

Kathy Slawinski brought out that if we continue accepting that there is no money for progressive initiatives like Medicare for All, the situation will only get worse.  Kathy maintains there is plenty of money here, and the super-wealthy must pay taxes to distribute that wealth more equitably.

10th Screening and Endorsement Meeting for 2022

I. Strategy Conversation with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez:

• The meeting began with a strategy discussion between Club President Allen Roskoff and Congress Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

• Rep. Ocasio-Cortez shared with the Club her view on the path to victory for Democrats in Congress in 2022 and White House in 2024.

• She also discussed key issues important to the Club, including working together for clemency in New York State

II. Candidates Interviews

• Brittany Ramos Debarros - 11th Congressional District

• Max Rose - 11th Congressional District

• Mondaire Jones - 10th Congressional District

• Elizabeth Holtzman - 10th Congressional District

• Jo Anne Simons - 10th Congressional District

• Yuh-Line Niou - 10th Congressional District

• Carlina Rivera - 10th Congressional District

• Suraj Patel - 12th Congressional District

• Jerrold Nadler - 12th Congressional District

• Carolyn Maloney - 12th Congressional District

III. Candidate Endorsements

Unanimous

• 9th Congressional District -Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

• 11th Congressional District -Brittany Ramos Debarros

Endorsed

• 12th Congressional District-Jerrold Nadler 52%; Carolyn Maloney 44%; Suraj Patel 4%

• 10th Congressional District – Carlina Rivera 45%; Yuh-Line Niou 42%; Jones 12%; Holtzman 1%; Simon 0%

**NOTE** For the 10th Congressional District, candidate Daniel Goldman was not interviewed but sent in a questionnaire subsequent to the meeting.

Candidate de Blasio did not submit a questionnaire or come before the Club for an interview.

I. New Business

A. No new business.

Board of Governor’s Interview Endorsement and Business Meeting

I. CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED

• Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson – 31st AD, Queens

• Assembly Member Harvey Epstein – 74th AD, Manhattan

• Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas – 34th AD, Queens

• Senator Jessica Ramos – 13th NYS Senate, Queens

• Sarah Blas, Candidate - 23rd NYS Senate, Brooklyn/Staten Island

• David Yassky, Candidate - 23rd NYS Senate, Brooklyn/Staten Island

• US Representative Jerry Nadler – 10th CD, Manhattan/Brooklyn

• US Representative Ritchie Torres – 15th CD, Bronx

• Sherveal Mimes, Candidate, Civil Court, Brooklyn

• Pamela Patton Fynes, Candidate, Civil Court, Brooklyn

II CANDIDATES ENDORSED

Unanimous Endorsements:

• Congressional District 10, Manhattan/Brooklyn: Jerry Nadler

• Congressional District 15, Bronx: Ritchie Torres

• Assembly District 31, Queens: Khaleel Anderson

• Assembly District 34, Queens: Jessica González-Rojas

• Assembly District 74, Manhattan: Harvey Epstein

• Senate District 13, Queens: Jessica Ramos

• Senate District 23, Brooklyn/Staten Island: Sarah Blas

• Civil Court (Kings County):Pamela Patton Fynes and Sherveal Mimes

III PRESIDENTS REPORT
The president gave a summary of the status of Statewide contests; what races are to be considered. On the local side, Mr. Roskoff reported on recent meetings at City Hall, in particular, the need for inclusion of LGBTQ community and appointments in the Mayor’s agenda.

The meeting concluded at 3:30 PM.

Next Meeting: April 5th, 2022 at 5:45pm (Virtual) – Congressional and NYS Legislative Interview, Endorsement and Business Meeting

Board of Governor’s Interview Endorsement and Business Meeting

I CANDIDATES INTERVIEWS

A. Cordell Cleare - 32th State Senate District

B. Shana Harmongoff - 32th State Senate District

C. Angel Vasquez - 33rd State Senate District 

D. Christian Amato - 36th State Senate District

E. Harrison Marks - 75th State Senate District

F. Tony Simone - 75th Assembly District

G. Keron Alleyne - 60th Assembly District

H. Nicki Lucas - 60th Assembly District

I. Edward Gibbs - 68th Assembly District

J. Tomika Mapp - 68th Assembly District

K. John Ruiz Miranda - 68th Assembly District

L. Inez Dickins - 70th Assembly District

M. Carmen Pacheco - 2nd Municipal District, Manhattan Civil Court Judge

II CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

Unanimous

• 32th State Senate District - Cordell Cleare

• 36th State Senate District - Christian Amato

• 75th Assembly District – Tony Simone

• 60th Assembly District – No Endorsement

• 70th Assembly District – Inez Dickins 

Endorsed

• 68th Assembly District - John Ruiz Miranda 

• 2nd Municipal District, Manhattan Civil Court Judge – Carmen Pacheco 

III Agenda Business

A. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer reported on the Cash Balance in the both the Jim Owles LDC account and the Federal PAC account. 

IV NEW BUSINESS

A. The Board President indicated he is seeking to put together a NYC based press conference, indicating LGTBQ issues and history have a place in the school curriculum. This effort “Say Gay” is in reaction to recent efforts, including a recently Legislatively approved Florida law, to remove discussion of LGBT issues and history in schools. Relatedly, there was discussion of a recent controversy at PS295 in South Park Slope, where a Black Lives Matters and Trans Black Lives Matter mural was removed (the principal was disciplined subsequently for doing so).

B. The Board President reported on the Club slate of Judicial delegate candidates.

C. The next Club meeting is Saturday, March 19th at 10:45 AM.

Board of Governor’s Interview Endorsement and Business Meeting

I. CANDIDATES INTERVIEWS

• 21st State Senate District – David Alexis

• 21st State Senate District – Kaegan Mays-Wlliams

• 43rd Assembly District – Timothy Hunter

• 65th Assembly District – Grace Lee

• 65th Assembly District – Illapa Sairitupac

• 65th Assembly District – Denny Salas

• 65th Assembly District – Alana Sivin

• 73rd Assembly District – Alex Bores

• 73rd Assembly District – Kellie Leeson

• 73rd Assembly District – Mary Malik

• 73rd Assembly District – Adam Roberts

• 73rd Assembly District – Russel Squire

• 78th Assembly District – Shanequa Charles

• 84th Assembly District - Amanda Septimo

II. CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

The following candidate was endorsed unanimously

• 84th Assembly District, Bronx - Amanda Septimo

The following candidates were endorsed by majority vote

• 21st State Senate District, Brooklyn - David Alexis – 76%; Kaegan Mays-Williams – 6%; No Endorsement -12%; Abstention – 6%

• 73rd Assembly District, Manhattan - Kellie Leeson - 50%; May Malik – 44.5%; Abstain – 5.5%

III. NEW BUSINESS

• The Board President discussed the Club’s involvement in condemning the Mayor’s appointment of three officials with a history of anti-GLTBQ views and actions.

• The Board President encouraged members to recruit Judicial delegates and Alternate candidates to be on the Club’s slate.

• The next Club meeting is Thursday, March 3rd at 6pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50pm

Board of Governor’s Candidate Presentations/Discussion Endorsement and Business Meeting

I. CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT INTERVIEWS

a. 39th City Council District – Shahana Hanif- Endorsed

II. CANDIDATE DISCUSSIONS (LGBTQ Democratic candidates)

a. 3rd City Council District – Erik Bottcher

b. 9th City Council District – Kristin Richardson Jordon

c. 29th City Council District – Lynn Schulman

d. 36th City Council District – Chi Osse

III. GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES ENDORSEMENTS

a. Mayor – No Endorsement – 69%, Eric Adams – 23%, Abstentions – 8%

b. Comptroller- Brad Lander-No Response—Endorsement Denied

c. 39th City Council District – Shahana Hanif 92%, No Endorsement – 8% ENDORSED

d. 46th City Council District- Mercedes Narcisse- No Response- —Endorsement Denied

IV. DISCUSSION ON THE STATE OF ABORTION IN AMERICA

Danielle Castaldi-Micca – Vice President for Political and Governmental Affairs, National Institute for Reproductive Health spoke to the Club regarding the implications of the recent US Supreme Court decision in the Application for Injunctive Relief in the Whole Woman’s Health et. al. v. Austin Reeve Jackson, Judge, et. al. 

 Speaker discussed. the likelihood that several states will adopt similar laws before the end of the year to create

Locally – a) pass Constitutional amendment to prevent discrimination based on decision regarding pregnancy, b) support legislation to create a state fund (based on tax period request) to cover abortion services; c) support legislation to require insurance parity of abortion coverage with pre-natal care; d) she also suggested boycotting corporations that support candidates that sponsor/support legislation that restricts abortion rights (ATT, Famer’s Insurance, Time Warner – for example) e) Congress should get rid of the Hyde amendment (House recently passed a budget bill without it) and should pass a law providing abortion rights.; f) Support (age appropriate) sex education in all grades K-12.

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED

Manhattan Supreme Court Judge (2 candidates to be selected)

• Margaret Chan

• Louis Nock

• Paul Getz

• JJ Kelley

• Lisa Sokoloff

ENDORSEMENTS:

• Manhattan Supreme Court Judge  - Margaret Chan (unanimous), Lisa Sokoloff (87%), JJ Kelley (13%)

• Mayor – No Endorsement (87%), Eric Adams (13%)

• Comptroller – Tabled (pending candidate interview)

• Staten Island Borough President – Mark Murphy (unanimous)

• NYC Council 6th District – No Endorsement (62%), Table (23%), Gail Brewer (15%)

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting

CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED 

New York City Civil Court Judge, Kings County 

• Casilda E. Roper Simpson 

7th Municipal Court District Judge of the New York City Civil Court, Kings County

• Carmen A. Pacheco

 2nd Municipal Court District Judge of the New York City Civil Court, Kings County 

• Marva Brown

• Lisa Lewis

ENDORSEMENTS:

• New York City Civil Court Judge, Kings County – Casilda E. Roper Simpson, Unanimous

• 7th Municipal Court District Judge of the New City Civil Court, Kings County – No Endorsement - Unanimous

• 2nd Municipal Court District Judge of the New York City Civil Court, Kings County – Marva Brown – 50%; Lisa Lewis – 34%; Abstain – 16%

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED

Mayor

• Shaun Donovan

• Raymond McGuire

• Dianne Morales

• Maya Wiley

• Andrew Yang

Comptroller

• Brian Benjamin

• Corey Johnson

• Brad Landers

Public Advocate

• Jumaane Williams

Rachel Brody spoke about NICPAC (Nicole is Complicit Political Action Committee), a nonpartisan PAC seeking to defeat U.S. House Representative Nicole Malliotakis in the 11thCongressional District in Staten Island and South Brooklyn based on her vote to not verify the electoral college vote in Presidential election and support of the former Trump administration’s goals. 

Brittany Ramos DeBarros introduced herself as a candidate for the 11thCongressional District running to replace Nicole Malliotakis. 

Endorsements:

 Mayor: Dianne Morales

 Comptroller: Corey Johnson

 Public Advocate: Jumaane Williams

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED

Manhattan District Attorney

• Tahanie Aboushi

• Alvin Bragg

• Diana Florence

• Lucy Lang

• Eliza Orlins

• Dan Quart

• Tali Farhadian Weinstein

NYC Comptroller

• David Weprin

Queens Borough-wide Civil Court Judge

• Michael H. Goldman

ENDORSEMENTS:

Tahanie Aboushi, Manhattan District Attorney

Michael H. Goldman, Queens Borough-wide Civil Court Judge (unanimous)

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTEVIEWED:

Staten Island Borough President

• Lori Honor

• Mark Murphy

• Brandon Stratford

• Cesar Vargas

City Council District 49

• Amoy Barnes

• Morounranti (“Ranti”) Ogunleye

ENDORSEMENTS:

Lori Honor, Staten Island Borough President (91% Lori Honor, 9% Cesar Vargas, 0% Mark Murphy, 0% Brandon Stratford)

Amoy Barnes, City Council District 49 ( 55% Amoy Barnes, 27% Ranti Ogunleye, 18% Abstain)

- President’s Report

- Campaign Report

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTEVIEWED:

City Council District 40 

• Rita Joseph

• Blake Morris

• Edwin Raymond

City Council District 49

• Morounranti Ogunleye

Brooklyn District Attorney

• Eric Gonzales

District Leader, 76 Assembly District Part A

• Rebecca Weintraub

Civil Court Judge, District 2

• Lola Waterman

ENDORSEMENTS:

Rita Joseph - 40th City Council District (67% Rita Joseph, 29% Edwin Raymond, 4% Abstain)

Motion to Reconsider, after interview with Blake Morris (81% Do not reconsider, 19% Reconsider)

Eric Gonzalez - Brooklyn District Attorney (unanimous)

Rebecca Weintraub - District Leader, 76th Assembly District, Part A (unanimous)

No Endorsement, Civil Court Judge, District 2 (67% No Endorsement, 33% Abstain) 

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTEVIEWED:

City Council District 26

• Julia Forman

• Julie Won

City Council District 32

• Shaeleigh Severino

• Felicia Singh

 City Council District 46

• Judy Newton

• Shirley Paul

 Manhattan District-Wide Civil Court Judge

• Kim Parker 

• Jeffrey Zellan

 Manhattan District 2 Civil Court Judge

• Chris Chin

• Edward Irizarry

 Kings County-Wide Civil Court Judge

• Heela Capell

• Inga O’Neale

• Casilda Roper-Simpson

ENDORSEMENTS:

Julie Won - 26th City Council District (Julie Won 81%, Julia Forman 19%)

 Felicia Singh - 32nd City Council District (Felicia Singh 75%, Shaeleigh Severino 12.5%, Abstain 12.5%)

Shirley Paul - 46th City Council District (Shirley Paul 92%, Judy Newton 8%) 

Kim Parker, Jeffrey Zellan - Manhattan County Wide Civil Court Judge (Kim Parker, unanimous; Jeffrey Zellan, unanimous)

 Edward Irizarry - Manhattan District 2 Civil Court Judge (Edward Irizarry 86%, No Endorsement 14%)

Heela Capell - Kings County-Wide Civil Court Judge (Heela Capell, unanimous)

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED:

8th City Council District

• Diana Ayala

• Tamika Mapp

19th City Council District       

• Austin Shafrin

22nd City Council District 

• Tiffany Caban

• Evie Hantzopoulos

23rd City Council District

• Jaslin Kaur      

26th City Council District 

• Amit Bagga

• Julia Forman

• Jesse Laymon

• Brent O’Leary

• Julie Won

27th City Council District

• Harold Miller

• Nantasha Williams

32nd City Council District

• Michael Scala

• Shaeleigh Severino

• Felicia Singh

34th City Council District

• Jennifer Gutierrez

36th City Council District

• Chi Osse

• Jason Walker       

Kings County Surrogate

• Rosemary Montalbano 

• Dweynie Esther Paul

ENDORSEMENTS

Diana Ayala - 8th City Council District (80% Diana Ayala, 13% Abstention, 7% No Endorsement)

Austin Shafrin - 19th City Council District (unanimous)

Tiffany Caban - 22nd City Council District (52% Tiffany Caban, 35% Evie Hantzopoulos, 13% Abstain)

Jaslin Kaur - 23rd City Council District (72% Jaslin Kaur, 14% No Endorsement, 14% Abstain)

Nantasha Williams - 27th City Council District (83% Nantasha Williams, 11% Harold Miller, 6% Abstain)

Jennifer Gutierrez  - 34th City Council District

Chi Osse - 36th City Council District (65% Chi Osse, 35% Jason Walker)

Rosemarie Montalbano - Brooklyn Surrogate Court (unanimous)

Arthur Schwartz - District Leader 66th Assembly District Part A (73% Arthur Schwartz, 27% Abstain)

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

Candidates interviewed:

Bronx Borough President

• Nathalia Fernandez

• Vanessa Gibson

Manhattan Borough President

• Lindsey Boylan

• Elizabeth Caputo

• Brad Hoylman 

• Ben Kallos

• Mark Levine

11th City Council District

• Jessica Haller

45th City Council District

• Anthony Beckford

Endorsements:

Vanessa Gibson - Bronx Borough President  (86% Vanessa Gibson, 10% Nathalia Fernandez, 4% abstain)

Brad Hoylman - Manhattan Borough President  (unanimous) 

Anthony Beckford - 45th City Council District (unanimous)

Board of Governor’s Endorsement Meeting 

Candidates interviewed

Brooklyn Borough President

• Kimberly Council

• Jo Anne Simon

3rd City Council District

• Leslie Boghosian Murphy

• Erik Bottcher

• Phelan Dante Fitzpatrick

• Marni Halasa

• Aleta LaFargue 

• Arthur Schwartz

7th City Council District

• Shaun Abreu

• Dan Cohen

• Marti-Allen Cummings

• Stacy Lynch

• Maria Ordonez

14th City Council District

• Pierina Sanchez

20th City Council District

• John Cho

• Sandra Ung

33rd City Council District

• Elizabeth Adams

• Lincoln Restler

• Stu Sherman

37th City Council District

• Sandy Nurse

39th City Council District

• Bridget Rein

• Doug Schneider

• Brandon West

Endorsements:

Erik Bottcher – 3rd City Council District (78% Erik Bottcher, 9% Arthur Schwartz, 13% Abstain)

Shaun Abreu – 7th City Council District (35% Sean Abreu, 17% Dan Cohen, 13% Marti-Allen Cummings, 9% Maria Ordonez, 26% Abstain)

Pierina Sanchez – 14th City Council District (85% Pierina Sanchez, 15% abstain)

Lincoln Restler – 33rd City Council District (61% Lincoln Restler, 35% Elizabeth Adams, 4% No Endorsement)

Sandy Nurse – 37th City Council District (unanimous)

Bridget Rein – 39th City Council District (78% Bridget Rein, 22%, Brandon West)

Jo Anne Simon – Brooklyn Borough President (unanimous)

Other Business

Thomas DiNapoli was added to the Board of Governor’s by unanimous vote.

Candidates interviewed:

Queens Borough President:
• Donovan Richards

1st City Council District:
• Gigi Li 
• Jenny Lam-Low

2nd City Council District:
• Carlina Rivera (Incumbent)

4th City Council District
• Keith Powers (Incumbent)

10th City Council District
• Angela Fernandez
• Carmen de la Rosa

11th City Council District
• Mino Lora

13th City Council District
• Marjorie Velazquez

15th City Council District
• Elisa Crespo
• John Sanchez

18th City Council District
• Amanda Farias

25th City Council District
• Carolyn Tran
• Shekar Krishnan

29th City Council District
• Aleda Gagarin
• Lynn Schulman

37th City Council District
• Sandy Nurse

43rd City Council District
• Justin Brannan (Incumbent)

Endorsements:

Donovan Richards – Queens Borough President (unanimous – Lisa Mehos moved and Kathy Slawinsky seconded)

Jenny Lam-Low – 1st City Council District (74% Jenny Lam-Low, 8% Gigi Li, 8% abstain)

Carlina Rivera – 2nd City Council District (86% Carlina Rivera, 7% no endorsement, 7% abstain)

Keith Powers 4th City Council District (unanimous)

Carmen de la Rosa 10th City Council District (77% - Carmen de la Rosa, 15% abstain, and 8% Angela Fernandez)

Marjorie Velazquez 13th City Council District (unanimous motion - Lisa Mehos moved Kathy Slawinsky seconded)

Elisa Crespo 15th City Council District (92% - Elisa Crespo, Abstention 8%)

Amanda Farias 18th City Council District (unanimous motion – Danny Drum moved Kathy Slawinsky seconded)

Shekar Krishnan 25th City Council District (92% - Sekar Krishnan, 8% abstain)

Lynn Shulman 29th City Council District (unanimous motion – Danny Drum moved Allen Roskoff seconded)

Justin Brennan 43rd City Council District (unanimous)

The Club interviewed and voted to endorse the following candidates for New York County Supreme Court 

• Lisa Sokoloff

• Ta-Tanisha James

• David Cohen

• Carole Sharp

The Club also interviewed the following candidates for New York County Supreme Court Judge:

• Margaret Chan

• Melissa Crane

• Paul Goetz

• Jackie Gordon

• Nancy Goroff

• John J. Kelly

• Sabrina Kraus

• Louis Noch

• Dakota Ramseur

• Machelle Sweating

The Club interviewed former Assemblymember Christine Pellegrino, the Democratic Candidate for State Senate in the 4th State Senate District on Long Island

The Club voted unanimously to endorse several candidates who won the Democratic primaries:

• Christine Pellegrino (4st State Senate District)

• Jabari Briport (25th State Senate District)

• Emily Gallagher (50th Assembly District)

• Marcella Mitaynes (51st Assembly District)

• Nancy Goroff (1st Congressional District, New York)

• Jacqueline A. Gordan (2nd Congressional District, New York)

The Club also voted unanimously to endorse  

• Rebecca Seawright (76th Assembly District) who will be on the ballot on an independent line

Next Meeting August 18th, the Club will invite and talk with the Manhattan District Attorney candidates.

I) Candidate Interviews (in order of interview)

1. Olanike Alabi, (District Leader, 57th Assembly District) 

2. Sandy Nurse (37th City Council District)

3. State Senator Andrew Gounardes (22nd State Senate District)

4. Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright (76th Assembly District)

5. Darma Diaz – (37th City Council District)

6. Kim Council (37th City Council District)

II) Candidates Endorsed

1. District Leader, 57th Assembly District – Olanike Alabi unanimous

2. State Senator, 22nd State Senate District – Andrew Gounardes unanimous

3. Assembly, 64th Assembly District – No Endorsement, unanimous

4. Assemblymember, 76th Assembly District - Rebecca Seawright unanimous

5. 37th City Council District – Kim Council unanimous* (if Kim Council is not on the ballot the Club will approve a no endorsement)

III) Other business – 

1. Josue Pierre did not respond to the Club’s invitation to address concerns we had related to his involvement challenging petitions of candidates. Based on the motion approved at the May 9th Club meeting, he is thus removed from the Board of Governors

2. David George reported on RAPP’s continued efforts to encourage the Governor to release elderly people from prison, particularly given the heightened health risks during COVID and the Governor’s failure to take any actions. 

It was decided that any further endorsements for the June 23rd primary will be decided upon by the officers.

I) Candidate Interviews (in order of interview)

1. Amanda Septimo (84th Assembly District)

2. Assemblymember Deborah Glick (66th Assembly District)

3. State Senator Jamaal Bailey (36th Assembly District)

4. Emelio Decaudin (District Leader, 37th Assembly District)

5. Nathalia Fernandez (80th Assembly District) 

6. Roxanne Persaud (17th State Senate District)

7. Brandon Patterson (64th Assembly District)

8. Grace Lee (65th Assembly District)

9. Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou (65th Assembly District)

10. Karen Koslowitz  (District Leader, 68th Assembly District)

II) Candidates Endorsed

1. President – Joseph Biden 71% Endorsed, No Endorsement 14%, Abstain 14%

2. 17th State Senate District  - No Endorsement 62%, Roxanne Persaud 15%, Abstain 23%

3. 36th State Senator District – Jamaal Bailey Endorsed, unanimous

4. 24th Assembly District – David I. Weprin Endorsed, unanimous

5. 64th Assembly District –  Brandon Patterson tabled 

6. 65th Assembly District – Yuh-Line Niou Endorsed, unanimous 

7. 66th Assembly District – No Endorsement 79%, Deborah Glick 7%, Abstain, 14%

8. 80th Assembly District – Nathalia Fernandez Endorsed, unanimous

9. 84th Assembly District – Amanda Septimo Endorsed, unanimous

10. District Leader, 37th Assembly District – Emilia Decaudin 93% Endorsed, 7% Abstain

11. District Leader, 68th Assembly District – Karen Koslowitz 93% Endorsed, 7% Abstain

III) Richard Torres (candidate, 15th Congressional District) – reported on the current state of the 15th District Congressional race. He indicated that the Governor’s recent action to mail ballots to all households along with the inability to do door to door/street campaigning during COVID has changed the dynamic of the race. He also indicated the likelihood that most votes will be cast before the primary date, moving up required campaigning. His major emphasis in the next few weeks is to increase name recognition and ensure Congressional district voters are aware of that Ruben Diaz Sr. is not his son (Ruben Diaz Jr.) and has views that are more conservative than the District. 

IV) City Council Speaker Corey Johnson discussed the current state of the COVID crisis in NYC. He indicated that we are still a distance from being out of the crisis, citing the 263 deaths in New York yesterday. He indicated the city will need availability of testing, an active coordinated effort of “Disease Detectives,” a method for reporting that does not infringe of personal privacy and hotels/apartment for those who test positive (to avoid transmission to other household residents). He also discussed the racial disparity and injustice in the city that the virus has exposed – the disproportionate number of cases in minority communities, 70% of essential worker’s being African American women, and the arrests related to social distancing being primarily African American, as primary examples.   

V. New Business – Motion to remove Rodneyse Persaud from the Jim Owls Liberal Democratic Club Governing Board, 85% to remove from the Board, 15% abstain. Motion to invite Josue  Pierre to the next Board meeting to explain some reported troubling actions regarding removing names from petitions 67% in favor, 33 opposed

I. Candidate Interviews (in order of interview)

1. Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman (29th Assembly District)

2. Dion Powell (79th Assembly District)

3. Assemblymember Ron Kim (40th Assembly District)

4. Phara Souffrant Forrest (57th Assembly District)

5. Jesse Pierce (District Leader 52nd Assembly District)

6. Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley (57th Assembly District)

7. Elvis Santana (79th Assembly District)

8. John Zhuo Wang (Civil Court Judge, Manhattan)

II. Candidates Endorsed

1. 29th Assembly District – Alicia Hyndman 

2. 40th Assembly District – Ron Kim 

3. 57th Assembly District – Walter  Mosley 

4. 79th Assembly District – Elvis Santana 

5. 25th State Senate District – Jason Salmon  

6. Civil Court Judge, Manhattan – John Zhuo Wang 

III. State Senators Julia Salazar and Gustavo Rivera report

Senator Rivera discussed the NYS budget. He voiced concerns about the budget cuts to the public hospital system and Medicaid and the Governor’s using his popularity to increase control over the budget in inhumane ways. Senator Salazar expressed concerns about the roll-backs on bail and criminal justice reforms passed by the State Senate, as well as the slowness of the penal system to release older and COVID-19 virus vulnerable people from prisons. Neither of the State Senators were optimistic about the prospects for further action on Clemency or release of parolees or prisoners, given the Governor’s resistance (though he committed to releasing parolees, there has been limited action) to it and his popularity. There was also discussion of how the Attorney General could play a positive roll, particularly in releasing parolees, though she has not been receptive to date.      

IV. Allen made a motion to add Erik H, Zella Jones and Mitch Nowicki to the Board of Governors. He also moved for Louis Cholden-Brown to become Vice President in William Gerlich’s stead.  Gerlich was then voted unto the Board of Governors. These actions were approved unanimously. 

V. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson discussed three City wide priorities, 1) Getting to zero transmission; 2) Building hospital beds and accessing ventilators and other equipment required to provide urgent COVID-19 health care; 3) Starting to rebuild the city economy. He discussed various steps being taken on these initiatives including Federal funds for economic development and a City/State/Foundation initiative to increase shrunken food bank capacity. He also discussed the difficult choses that will be required due to the severe reduction on revenue for the city and indicated his focus will be to ensure the safety net for the most vulnerable. 

VI. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union pointed out that the current COVID-19 crisis has showcased the value of the most underpaid workers – cashiers, grocery and delivery workers. He condemned Amazon’s poor treatment of the whistle blower worker who exposed the unsafe working conditions at a New York Amazon warehouse. He discussed the RWDSU’s emphasis on organizing car workers, where exploitation of undocumented workers has been prevalent, and the poor conditions and extremely low wages for those workers. He also discussed the difficulties the Union has had in organizing the workers at the nonprofit Housing Works.

VII. Treasurer’s report

VIII. Vice President Louis Cholden-Brown reported on the consolidation of primary and special election to June 23 and that there are no contested Judicial delegates races. 

I. Candidate Interviews (in order of interview)

1. Rajiv Gowda (23th State Senate District)

2. Genesis Aquino (51st Assembly District)

3. Marcela Mitaynes (51st Assembly District)

4. Jason Salmon (25th State Senate District)

5. Jabari Bisport (25th State Senate District)

6. Katherine Walsh (51st Assembly District)

II. Candidates Endorsed

1. 51st Assembly District – Genesis Aquino 

2. 25th State Senate District – Jason Salmon 

III. Next Endorsement meeting will be the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of March

I. Candidate Interviews (in order of interview)

1. James Felton Keith (candidate 13th Congressional District)

2. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (13th Congressional District) 

3. Peter Harrison (12th Congressional District)

4. Lindsey Boylan (10th Congressional District)

5. Congressman Gerald Nadler (10th Congressional District) 

6. Saraj Patel (12th Congressional District)

7. Erica Vladimer (12th Congressional District)

8. Carolyn Maloney (12th Congressional District)

9. State Senator Brad Hoylman (27th State Senate District) 

10. State Senator Robert Jackson (31st State Senate District)

11. Samy Nemir Olivares – (53st Assembly District -- District Leader) 

12. State Senator Jose M. Serrano (29th State Senate District)

13. Lauren Ashcraft (12th Congressional District) 

14. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz – (39th Assembly District)

15. Michael Weinstock (3rd Congressional District)

16. Melanie D’Arrigo (3rd Congressional District)

17. Congressman Thomas Suozzi (3rd Congressional District)

II. Candidates Endorsed

1. 3rd Congressional District -    Thomas Suozzi

2. 10th Congressional District – Jerald Nadler

3. 12th Congressional District – Carolyn Maloney

4. 13th Congressional District -  Adiano Espailat

5. 27th NYS Senate District -     Brad Hoylman 

6. 29th NYS Senate District -     Jose M. Serrano

7. 31st NYS Senate District -     Robert Jackson

8. 39th NYS Assembly District – Catalina Cruz

9. District Leader - 53rd NYS Assembly District -  Samy Nemir Olivares unanimous

III. Governing Board voted unanimously in favor a Board restructuring that included adding three new Governing Board members, all present at the meeting – Scott Kaplan, Briget Rein, David George

IV. Several people agreed to participate in a Club trip to Maine this summer to support the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate

V. Releasing Aging People in Prison (RAPP) update - David George reported several current RAPP initiatives including some progress on the Elder Parole Bill currently in the NYS Senate and efforts to prevent roll backs on the Bail Reform Bill passed last year. 

I. Treasurers Report – Charlette Mimiasie reported the finances of the club post the recent Gala. Money is still owed and expected.

II. Tony Hoffman, representing Release Aging People In Prison (RAPP), encouraged Club Board members to attend a January 14th 2020 Day of Action at the Capital in Albany and provided information on free Transportation. Several members indicated they would attend.

III. The Club decided endorse State Senator Michael Gianaris -12th State Senate District Queens. Senator Gianaris spoke to the club at our November meeting and we saw no need for him to appear again.

IV. Board – Allen encouraged Club Board members to recruit potential Board members given expected for January review of Board of Governors.

V. Candidate Interviews

• Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (52nd Assembly District-Brooklyn)
• Assemblymember Robert Carroll (44th Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez (68th Assembly - Brooklyn-District)
• Assemblymember Dan Quart (72nd Assembly District-Manhattan)
• Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo (86th Assembly District-Bronx)
• Brandon Stratford candidate ( 23rd State Senate District-Staten Island)
• Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa (72nd Assembly District)


VI. Endorsements. The Club voted to unanimously endorse

• Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (52nd Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Robert Carroll (44th Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez (68th Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Dan Quart (72nd Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo (86th Assembly District)
• Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa (72nd Assembly District)
• The Club voted unanimously to postpone endorsement in the 23rd State Senate District

VII. The Board created a Committee to review Board of Governor membership - Vice President William Gerlich, President Allen Roskoff, Political Director Louis Cholden-Brown volunteered to be on the Committee

Agenda

1. Presentation by YAFFED (Young Advocates for Fair Education) .

2. Discussion with Melissa Sklarz regarding her position with the Democratic Party versus the progressive agenda of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and our efforts to elect progressive members of the LGBTQ community to public office.

3. Presentation on Ballot Measures proposed by 2019 Charter Revision Commission with Jimmy Vacca and possible additional speaker.

4. Presentation on recent events in Venezuela and Iran with Leslie Cagan

5. Recap of Queens DA race, Judicial Delegate Campaign and campaigns of other endorsed candidates.

6. Discussion about 2020 Presidential and 2021 Citywide / Borough-wide Elections.

7. Preparation for 2020 NYS Primaries. 

8. Treasurer’s Report.

9. New Business.

I. CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED:

a) New York County-Wide Civil Court Judge
- Ashlee Crawford
- Robert Rosenthal

b) 3rd District - New York County – Civil Court Judge
• Eric Shumacher
• Anna Lewis
• E. Grace Park

c) 4th District – New York County – Civil Court Judge
• Lynne Fischman Uniman

d) District Leader – 66th Assembly District Part A
• Arthur Schwartz

e) Queens District Attorney
• Jose Nieves
• Rory Lancman
• Tiffany L. Caban
• Mina Malik
• Melinda Katz

II. CANDIDATES ENDORSED:

a) New York County-Wide Civil Court Judge
• Ashlee Crawford – unanimous
• Robert Rosenthal – unanimous

b) 3rd District – New York County – Civil Court Judge
• E. Grace Park 62%; Eric Shumacher 23%; abstain 15% *

c) 4th District – New York County – Civil Court Judge
• Lynne Fischman Uniman - unanimous

d) District Leader – 66th Assembly District Part A
• Arthur Schwartz – unanimous

e) Queens District Attorney
• After discussion and a straw poll, the club voted to postpone an endorsement vote till our next meeting

III. TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer reported on the assets and liabilities and revenues and expenditures of the JOLDC and its PAC

IV. BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board unanimously voted to add Sheila Rule to the JOLDC Board of Governors

V. JUDICIAL DELEGATE RACE

• It was reported the JOLDC will have 2 candidates each for Delegate and Alternate for the Judicial Convention on a slate with three other area Democratic Clubs in the 66th Assembly District. Thanks given to Jim Owles board members David Ziffer and Katherine Slawinsky making this happen.
• We will be running an entire slate in the 75th Assembly District

VI. The club’s webmaster, Daniel Ravelo, has agreed to assist the president in learning how to use Mail Champ, organize mailing lists and emailing lists and create updated graphics for club notices and to oversee our social media.


* Subsequent to our endorsement meeting Grace Park withdrew from running in this particular race and thus the club has a non-endorsement in this district.