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He’s against austerity and he’s in favor of the PSC-backed New Deal for CUNY legislation. He’s Brad Lander, and the PSC has endorsed him for city comptroller.
A Brooklyn City Council member who has been a vocal part of its progressive caucus, Lander is the best candidate for the position of the city’s top fiduciary officer. PSC President Barbara Bowen said, he “will simultaneously safeguard the city’s fiscal health and fight for an economic recovery that repudiates austerity,” because he “understands that an economic crisis that has been devastating to the city’s working class, its poor and its communities of color cannot be solved without visionary investment.”
“Investments in CUNY provided a platform for young people, especially those from immigrant and low-income backgrounds, from across this city to thrive in generations past,” said Lander in a statement. “The cuts and tuition hikes of recent years fall hardest on those students who can least afford it, denying them the chance to succeed. As comptroller, I will be a strong partner to faculty and students in advocacy to fully fund CUNY as the essential institution it is to secure an equitable recovery and shared prosperity.”
Among other fiduciary responsibilities, the comptroller oversees the city’s five pension funds, including the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York.
PROGRESSIVE SUPPORT
Lander is backed by a coalition of progressive state and city lawmakers, as well as unions and organizations, including the Working Families Party, Our Revolution and the Communications Workers of America–District 1.
The union also endorsed several New York City Council candidates in February: Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, Julie Menin, Maria Ordoñez, Diana Ayala, Tiffany Cabán, Jaslin Kaur, Adrienne E. Adams, Felicia Singh, Sandy Nurse, Alexa Avilés, Kevin Riley, Marjorie Velázquez, Juan Ardila, Lincoln Restler, Michael Hollingsworth, Brandon West and Josue Pierre.
The union will conduct a vigorous get-out-the-vote effort for these and other candidates, including Jumaane Williams for public advocate (Clarion reported on this endorsement in February). The Democratic primary will be held June 22.
