8 Days Till Runoff -- Your Vote Can Help Animals!

[Guest guest]

NYLHV shocked the political establishment last week when we defeated 3 incumbents with awful records on animal welfare. Political circles are still chattering about our near-victory in the 3rd council district, where Speaker Christine Quinn narrowly won re-election to the City Council with just 52% of the vote. Quinn's poor showing in the primary, combined with her refusal to endorse the Democratic nominee for Mayor and the losses of several of her political allies in the election last week, may spell the end of her Speakership when the Council votes in January.

 

That's not just us talking. Even the New York Times (9/16/09) says there are "doubts about whether Christine C. Quinn, who had a surprisingly close primary in her own district, can survive as speaker when the new Council convenes in January."

 

There's no doubt in my mind that animal lovers are the sleeping giants in local politics -- and we are finally waking up. Together, we have already had a tremendous impact on this year's election. The results of our work will be felt for years to come.

 

Next week, on September 29, we can continue our string of victories and elect a Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio, who will advocate for animals as well as people. de Blasio's record of supporting legislation like Intro 389, which would ban the use of wild animals in the circus, Intro 545, which would restrict prolonged tethering of dogs, and Intro 13, which would protect pets in housing, makes him the clear choice in

September 29th's runoff election.

 

We can also elect a Comptroller, David Yassky, who isn't afraid to stand up to powerful special interests like the carriage horse industry or their union. Yassky supports a ban on horse-drawn carriages and all of NYLHV's legislation at City Hall. Meanwhile, Yassky's opponent in next week's runoff, John Liu, is one of only 6 sponsors of a bill which would take away the ASPCA's oversight power and give carriage drivers a rate increase.

 

The Public Advocate and Comptroller positions are extremely important - they are the #2 and #3 spots in city government. NYLHV can have a huge impact and elect some powerful new allies for the animals - with your help and your vote on September 29.

 

Will you help us reach out to animal people before the runoff on 9/29? Can you get 5 friends to pledge their vote for the animals at www.nylhv.org/pledge? Take a minute to look through your address book and forward this e-mail. Do you know 5 pet owners? 5 vegetarians? 5 animal lovers? Help us expand our base of voters. We can't do this work without you.

 

For the animals,

 

John Phillips

Executive Director