New York - Jewish Press Endorsing Shelly Silver

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New York - The Jewish Press urges voters in the 64th Assembly District in Lower Manhattan to reaffirm their support for Assemblyman Sheldon Silver in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, September 9.

Mr. Silver is an extraordinarily able elected official who also serves as speaker of the New York State Assembly. He has represented the 64th district in an exemplary fashion, played an invaluable role in the growth and maintenance of its infrastructure, and tirelessly serves the needs of all segments of its diverse, vibrant population. Indeed, his advocacy for seniors and the disadvantaged has been nothing short of remarkable.

As speaker, Mr. Silver has fought for the interests of all New Yorkers in epic controversies that defy easy solution, and on issues ranging from housing and health care to improving bus and subway service, he's gotten results. In the course of these efforts he has often been the target of personal invective from those who, not being able to prevail on the merits, sought to ridicule some of his positions. They have often done so in collaboration with elements of a local media all too eager to demonize an elected official who refused to play by their elitist rules and still came out on top. This despite the fact that, as polls indicated, his positions more often than not reflected the views of most New Yorkers and, as it often later became apparent, sound judgment.

The Jewish community of the Lower East Side has a special reason to demonstrate its support for Speaker Silver. Without doubt, he has transformed the way Jewish New Yorkers are able to go about their daily lives while remaining true to their religious convictions. Legal protection for Sabbath observers in employment, education, and professional licensing has been one of his signature achievements. He has also been a pioneer in securing various legal protections for agunot, religious objections to autopsies, religious considerations in defining death, religious considerations in the regulation of organ donations, and many more. Further, his work in New York has served as the model for similar legislation in other states across America.

Residents of Lower Manhattan have a unique opportunity to express their support for this rare kind of public service. They should come out on September 9 and vote for Assemblyman Sheldon Silver.