The New York League of Humane Voters Announces Endorsement of Yetta Kurland for City Council Race in 3rd District
Thankfully, this September, voters in the West Village , Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen have the opportunity to elect Yetta Kurland as their representative for the 3rd City Council District.
New York League of Humane Voters (NYLHV) is proud to endorse civil rights attorney Yetta Kurland, who will challenge Quinn in the Democratic primary. Kurland is the antithesis of Quinn. A vegan and guardian of two adopted greyhounds (Sal & Luca), Kurland has not only pledged her support in the future as a Council Member, she’s been there already on the frontlines of animal advocacy. Kurland has attended numerous NYLHV events, spoken at press conferences in support of the pets in housing bill and testified at City Hall in support of a ban on horse-drawn carriages (extra kudos since the stables are in her district). Kurland walks the walk.
Yetta We Can!.
Visit the New York League of Humane Voters (NYLHV) online at nylhv.org
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GO Magazine Endorses Yetta Kurland for NY City Council
Kurland is running for City Council in November and GO is behind her
by Julie Bolcer & Staff
March 11, 2009
In a year synonymous with political change and challenges, New Yorkers will have the opportunity in November to select fresh voices or familiar faces to serve them in citywide and local offices.
It wasn't always supposed to be that way.
Previously, under the term limits twice approved by the city's voters, elected officials could only serve two consecutive terms in an office. But thanks to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial proposal to extend term limits, which the City Council passed in the fall, he and many other powerful incumbents will be asking New Yorkers once again to re-elect them to their seats.
That turn of events is just one reason why it is time for the city's residents to look carefully, and consider a new candidate unencumbered by tired old debates, someone who boldly presents ideas for the future.
Yetta Kurland is that candidate for City Council District 3. A resident of the district for nearly 15 years, she understands the issues facing the community she aspires to represent. "I have fought my whole life to work to empower those around me to be able to be themselves and to express themselves, and I will continue to do so as the next City Council Member for the West Village, Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen," says Kurland. She may be a newcomer to elected office, but she is no stranger to the political life of New York City, and to urgent items on the agenda, such as civil rights, education and development.
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New York Blade
Editorial: Blade Endorses Yetta Kurland for City Council
With Obama in the White House and a Democratic majority (barely) in the State Senate, we can now focus on Election Day 2009. The mayor and 36 of the 51 city council seats are up for re-election, so November could be game-changer for New Yorkers. We are excited to jumpstart the season with a hearty endorsement of Yetta Kurland for City Council in District 3. This includes the West Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen and Clinton-certainly one of the gayest districts on the planet.
Kurland has been a civil rights attorney the past decade, which has given her experience empowering people. She is an impassioned teacher who has worked as an adjunct professor at New York University; she also opened an alternative language center, and she's been the vice president of the Stonewall Democrats.
Currently, District 3 is represented by Christine Quinn, who is openly gay and is the City Council speaker. Quinn is likely to seek reelection, which is possible since the council, with the backing of Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg, extended term limits for this election (Kurland opposed the extension without a referendum).
"I have respect for Christine Quinn and honor her contributions to our community," Kurland told us. "But it's time for change in this city, and the term limits issue typified that. I think I offer a chance to restore the voice of our community to city government and to be able to stand up for those too often ignored by those in power." We agree. Kurland has dedicated her life and career to speaking up for people who don't have a voice. As a civil rights attorney, she represented "Top Chef" contestant Josie Smith-Malave, who was gay bashed. Kurland is currently working with a group of lawyers to address the accusations that the police are entrapping gay men at adult video stores. And she has contacted us countless times to talk about LGBT issues in the city. She is always passionate, fair, curious and well-spoken.She is a staunch advocate for education reform. Regarding today's economic crisis, she tells us "Raising taxes and cutting programs is not the way to get us out of a recession. We need to create work. As someone who has owned and operated small businesses, I see myself empowering and developing opportunities for small businesses." She says District 3 should invest in the creativity that flourishes there via the art galleries and theater district. Kurland is concerned about over development in the city and wants to ensure that future real estate development enriches instead of overcrowds and overtaxes the neighborhoods. She also advocates for affordable housing.
Her candidacy is not built on LGBT issues alone. We are confident Kurland will represent our community at City Hall. And in the bigger picture, we know she'll fight for what is right and for what will make this city a better, safer and more fair place to live.
