Governor ducks TV debate in frontrunner strategy PRIMARY, continued from p. 20
PHOTO BY TEQUILA MINSKY
to be safe from the dangers of fracking and that we should be leading the country in renewable energy — and we couldn’t agree more. And he’s the Hulk!” Representatives from the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter were also present, highlighting their recent endorsement of Teachout and Wu. The environmental group’s Roger Downs said, in a statement, “Like Mark, we’ve been inspired by the Teachout-Wu vision to rebuild New York through a robust, clean energy economy and reinvigorate a democracy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected. We look forward to working with Mark and so many New Yorkers who want to change history on Sept. 9.” Fracking-impacted residents from Pennsylvania who met with Teachout and Wu on their recent fracking tour also came to the press conference to support them. “The oil and gas industry is lying to the people of New York, just as they have lied to the people of Pennsylvania and every other state that Stand-up comic Randy Credico, who is also on the Democratic ballot for governor, handed out fliers at the West Indian Day Parade. has fracking,” said Ray Kemble, an ex-gas worker and affected resident from Dimock, Pennsylvania. “I came sues to technology. He is the one who issue — which many inner-city fam- When running for Congress Upstate, down to New York City today to tell coined the term ‘’Net neutrality’! ilies feel offer their children a better she was endorsed by the N.R.A. She the truth about what is happening Timothy Wu is a...Harvard-educated education and a chance at a brighter supported weakening environmento those of us on the front lines who lawyer, renowned author and fighter future. Co-location remains the most tal protections in some areas, and have had our water and air poisoned for the consumer. fraught aspect of the ongoing charter voted against aspects of Obamacare, and our communities made sick by “ ‘Zephyr’ is a word for a breeze school debate. as well as a bill to allow undocuthis industry.” or a light wind. Along with Timothy Teachout has also made campaign mented immigrants to get driver’s On Aug. 28, Downtown Indepen- Wu, we need this fresh air in our gov- finance reform in Albany a campaign licenses. Reporters also asked Teachout dent Democrats endorsed Teachout ernment.” plank, and is a critic of the Common and Wu. In doing so, they joined the Also endorsing Teachout were Core state-standards school curricu- about accusations that she recently ducked repeated opportunities on Village Independent Democrats, Co- Paul Newell, a Lower East Side Dem- lum. alition for a District Alternative and ocratic district leader, as well as a In addition, both the Times and Fred Dicker’s Albany politics radio the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic number of publications, including Daily News — which endorsed Cuo- show to take a position on the recent Club. D.I.D.’s endorsement was unan- The Nation, Rochester City Newspa- mo — said Teachout lacks executive Gaza war. At the time, Cuomo was in Israel. imous. per, Metroland (Albany) and the Red experience. In her most detailed response yet, “Zephyr Teachout zeroes right in Hook Star-Revue. Asked by The Villager about her on issues of great concern to us: FrackThe New York Times didn’t en- lack of executive experience or busi- she said on Tuesday, “New York has a ing, government corruption, infra- dorse either Cuomo or Teachout, but ness leadership background — for very special relationship with Israel.” New York has the world’s second structure investment, schools, natural hammered Cuomo for “hobbling” example, Mike Bloomberg ran a mulresources, the business economy up- his own anti-corruption Moreland tinational corporation before becom- largest Jewish population outside of state and downstate,” a D.I.D. press Commission’s activities, while add- ing mayor — Teachout said that one Israel, she noted. “As governor, it will be part of my release on the endorsement said. “Her ing that many voters might well see in 12 U.S. lack such executive expelegal and academic expertise are well Teachout — a corruption fighter — as rience. However, she countered, her job to be supportive of that relationsuited to the job at this time in our an attractive alternative. The main experience as an educator and head- ship,” she stated. Asked afterward in a follow-up history. She is an expert on political reason for the Times’s lack of an en- ing a good-government nonprofit corruption and antitrust/big bank dorsement was Cuomo’s hypocrisy group are just as valid qualifications. question by The Villager about her issues. She’s clerked in the U.S. Court on the corruption issue, the paper She is often retained as a consultant position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, of Appeals, was a director in Howard said, since he came into office claim- on startups for businesses and non- Teachout, said, “I’m not running for president. The way I feel is the way Dean’s campaign, and was part of a ing to clean up Albany. His actions profits, she added. foundation that focused on the role of on the Moreland Commission flew in “I am very confident about my most New Yorkers feel — which is for peace and compassion.” money in politics and advocating for the face of his own pledge, the Times management ability,” she asserted. Taking a stance on Israel certainly policy changes. She also hang-glides. said. Green also chimed in on Teachout’s We like the whole package. On the other hand, the state’s econ- behalf, noting, “Bloomberg made risks alienating some left voters, sim“Timothy Wu has the attitude and omy is doing well and Cuomo has money — she made policy. [Mitt] ilar to how Cuomo would lose some forward voice to push New York State whipped the State Legislature into Romney ran a big company,” he add- support if he were to make a decision into the future,” the D.I.D. release shape in some regards, repeatedly ed. “But it’s obviously not the only on fracking before the primary. Currently, he continues to say the state is continued. “He believes in open de- bringing the budget in on time. He consideration.” mocracy as well as an open Internet. won gay marriage and passed the The Times did endorse Wu over studying the health issues involved in That works for us. His background nation’s toughest gun laws. He stood Hochul, though. Hochul has been fracking. State voters are estimated to is extraordinary, from antitrust is- up for charter schools — a hot-button criticized as being too conservative. be about evenly split on fracking. EastVillagerNews.com
September 4, 2014
21