Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

Endorses Democrat S.J. Jung

 

Latino Leaders Come Together to Support Democrat S.J. Jung for City Council

 

 

 

August 31, 2009                                                              

QUEENS -Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez announced her endorsement of S.J. Jung, giving another surge of momentum to Jung's campaign in the final two weeks before the primary election. Congresswoman Velazquez represents residents in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, serves as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Chair of the House Small Business Committee, senior member of the Financial Service Committee and is widely recognized as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In announcing her endorsement, Congresswoman Velazquez said, "S.J. Jung is a time-tested community leader who has devoted the last 20 years of his life to helping and empowering the people in the community.  Whether it's fighting for a fair budget or advocating for immigration reform, I know firsthand that S.J. Jung has always taken on tough issues, stood up for what's right, and brought together diverse communities to be part of the solution.  SJ Jung is a man of conviction and man of action.  We need his leadership at City Hall for the benefit of all New Yorkers."
 
S.J. Jung responded, "Rep. Velazquez has always inspired me as a shining example of principled and effective leadership in Congress.  She has been a hero to millions of New Yorkers - whether you are a public housing resident, home owner, recent immigrant or small business owner, her relentless pursuit of fairness and opportunity has improved the lives of countless New Yorkers from all walks of life.  I am truly honored and invigorated by Nydia's endorsement and I reaffirm my pledge to all our district residents that I will always put the community first and deliver real results." 

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez tops the list of Latinos for S.J. Jung. This leadership group is a coalition of prominent Latino political, civic, and community leaders who are backing S.J. Jung's campaign for the 20th New York City Council seat. The formation of the committee underscores Jung's decades of experience working to unite diverse communities to find solutions to common challenges.

Members of the newly-formed committee spoke passionately about Jung's track record as a leader:
New York State Assemblyman José Peralta said, "S.J. Jung's knowledge and experience come from working directly with middle class and immigrant communities in Queens. As the councilmember for one of the most diverse city council districts in New York, I know S.J. will effectively represent all of his constituents with integrity and commitment."

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras said, "S.J. Jung will be a strong and effective partner for Queens on the City Council, because he's already spent years as a non-profit leader and small businessman here.  He knows what needs to be done to put people to work, help families find homes they can afford, and make responsible investments for the future, and he has the experience to get the job done." Councilwoman Ferreras is the first Latina to represent the borough of Queens on the City Council.

"I am proud to support S.J. Jung for New York City Council. He's motivated thousands of people in my community to work together to improve working conditions for Latino and Asian workers, expand access to health care for vulnerable families, engage new citizens in the electoral process, and make immigration laws more humane. S.J. represents the kind of leadership that our city really needs: dynamic, visionary, and deeply rooted in the lives of New York's workers and families," said Ana Maria Archila, a prominent community leader.

S.J. Jung has served as the executive director of a nonprofit group and a successful small businessman, working to improve the quality of life for families in Queens for over two decades. With more leadership experience than any other candidate in the race and a proven track record of helping families, Jung is running for City Council to ensure that our community's future growth puts the needs of middle and working families first.

 

Key Members of Latinos for S.J. Jung include:
 

Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez, Congresswoman

Honorable José Peralta, NYS Assemblyman

Honorable Julissa Ferreras, NYC Councilwoman

Ana Maria Archila, Community Leader

Raquel Batista, Community Leader

Hector Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU, Secretary Treasurer

Camille Rivera, 32BJ SEIU, Labor Leader

Sonia Ivany, Labor Leader

Guillermo Chacon, Community Leader

Jessica Ramos, Working Families Party North Queens Club

Deycy Avitia, Community Organizer