Press Release: Citywide Democratic Club Blasts Independence Party Candidate Chris Marte for Running On Ballot Line that Refuses to Support LGBTQ & Women’s Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allen Roskoff, aroskoff@gmail.com, (917) 553-7180

Marte joins slate of Republican candidates running against progressive Democrats in critical election year

GREENWICH VILLAGE – The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club denounced Council District 1 candidate Christopher Marte for running on a line shared exclusively by right-wing supporters of President Donald Trump. 

Allen Roskoff, President of the Jim Owles Club and co-author of the nation’s first gay rights bill, said: “People frequently note that you are often judged by the company you keep. That is why Chris Marte’s decision to embrace the Independence Party’s endorsement is so troubling. The Independence Party does not support Gay Rights or Abortion Rights, and has given its ballot line to candidates who do not share our values on issues such as immigration, health care, taxes, and social justice. Instead of actively seeking and accepting their ballot line, Marte should be repudiating it and standing up for progressive values.”

Despite losing the Democratic primary, Marte has continued his attacks against the Democratic nominee, Margaret Chin, and her long record as a progressive fighter for her community. 

Marte’s own record in the community is thin. He has never been a member or been affiliated with any Community Board or neighborhood association. At age 28, Marte has only voted in one election – last year, when he voted for himself in a losing bid for State Committee.  

By contrast, Margaret Chin has served on Community Boards 1 and 3, and spent decades fighting for equality, affordability, and social justice for all residents of Lower Manhattan.

“Fortunately, there is a better choice for voters on Tuesday,” Roskoff said. “Margaret has been an outspoken leader in the struggle for LGBTQ rights for the past four decades. Margaret would never align with a party that doesn’t support our community and aligns itself with Trump supporters.”