Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 30, 2020 at 3:57 PM

No, New York City isn't "over"

But to make our city work for everyone, we need new citywide leadership. Dear John: In dueling op-eds and online conversations, some people are asking if New York City is “over.” I love this city. I love its unmatched energy, diversity, and creativity. I love that we’re simultaneously scrappy a…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

August 29, 2020 at 3:06 PM

re: Contributions from police unions

At the RNC, the president of the NYPD's union issued a dangerous threat to New Yorkers. Dear John: Pat Lynch, the president of the Police Benevolent Association, which represents NYPD officers, told the RNC this week: “We can have four more years of President Trump, or you can have no safety, n…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 28, 2020 at 1:07 PM

The best antidote to anxiety is action ☎️

Starting 9/9: Weekly phone banks to beat Trump and flip the Senate! Dear John, As Trump took the stage to campaign last night, in a pageant of authoritarianism and COVID denial, on the White House lawn no less, we are reeling from a series of crises.  Racist police and vigilante violence in W…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 27, 2020 at 8:46 PM

COVID-19: Strikes, Segregation, Solidarity

Updates and resources from the office of Councilmember Brad Lander Dear John, We did not need to see the horrific video of the shooting of Jacob Blake this week to know that abuse of force by police against Black men is a national emergency.  Jacob Blake’s three young children will never be ab…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 24, 2020 at 8:45 PM

COVID-19: Not too Early to Make your Plan to Vote

News and Updates from the Office of Councilmember Brad Lander Dear John, New York has long had some of the most restrictive voting laws and lowest turnout in the country. In 2016, New York ranked as the state with the eighth worst voter turnout rate. But after 2018, when we elected a new slat…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

August 23, 2020 at 5:53 PM

⚡️ John vs. Mitch McConnell

Need your quick feedback, on which races to target → Dear John: We've already gotten a big response from our General Election survey! One big takeaway: Our team isn't just fired up to defeat Trump -- we know that to pass progressive policies that support and uplift all of our communities, we’re…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 20, 2020 at 8:08 PM

Here comes the general -- election! (Quick survey for John)

Need your input: What races are you most interested in volunteering for this fall? Dear John: We didn’t need the sabotaging of the U.S. Postal Service to remember that the stakes of this November’s election couldn’t be higher. We have to put everything we have into defeating Trump, flipping th…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 19, 2020 at 4:02 PM

COVID-19: Listening To Our Principals

  Dear John, The debate about when, whether, and how we reopen our public schools remains one of the most wrenching. So many families (my staff and my own very much included) are desperate for their kids to be back in the classroom. We know their growth and development -- and the chance fo…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 17, 2020 at 9:40 PM

COVID-19: Recovery for Small Businesses

Dear John, Commercial rents have been rising across the city for years, straining small businesses and leaving our neighborhoods with vacant storefronts. As with many other challenges facing our city, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing problems into crises.  Now, with restaura…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 16, 2020 at 7:50 PM

Reflecting on what we've done together

In the last few months: Dear John: Our entire team has been working truly nonstop since the start of the pandemic. Finally, this week, my family and I took a few days to rest and reflect. Here are just a few things we’ve done together in the last few months: • We hosted more than 20 public Zoom…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 12, 2020 at 9:01 PM

COVID-19: Caring for our collective resources

Even as we fight for a much stronger response, from the city, from the state and from the federal government, there are many ways that we can show up locally to care for one another and our collective resources. Dear John, The challenges facing our city are enormous, and it is going to take a …

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

August 11, 2020 at 8:25 PM

Fwd: I'm putting together a special team

Dear John: It couldn’t be clearer right now that NYC needs bold, visionary leaders who respond to crises with creativity and compassion, and confront long-term challenges like deep inequality, crumbling infrastructure, and climate change head on to avert future emergencies. Our city elections …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 7, 2020 at 2:27 PM

Whatever storm may come

Here’s my pledge to you: Dear John: Sometimes the storm is a literal storm, like Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Isaias. Sometimes, the storm is an unprecedented pandemic. Sometimes, the storm is political, like the 2016 election of Donald Trump. No matter what dark clouds we face, New York…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 6, 2020 at 9:01 PM

COVID-19: The Eviction Crisis is Not Our Only Option

There aren’t many things more cruel than evicting families into homelessness in the middle of a pandemic. Dear John, There aren’t many things more cruel than evicting families into homelessness in the middle of a pandemic. Yet that is exactly what we are facing when housing courts reopen aroun…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM

COVID-19: Sustaining our city

The need for emergency food services isn't going away anytime soon. Dear John, Since the very first days of the pandemic, we’ve seen an inspiring outpouring of mutual aid and organizing to support vulnerable New Yorkers. In the grimmest of times, that spirit of dedication and service has been …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 3, 2020 at 10:56 PM

I'm putting together a special team

Because of you, we’re going into the fall in a strong position to bring progressive values to our City leadership. Dear John: We have a lot to accomplish in the next 92 days. Not only are we continuing to build a citywide campaign for next year, we’re also mobilizing volunteers to help Democra…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

August 1, 2020 at 3:47 PM

COVID-19: When there are no good answers

The DOE’s “Return to School” plan still leaves more hard questions than good answers. Dear John, Yesterday the NYC Department of Education released more information about health and safety protocols for school this fall, including how they plan to handle testing & tracing of coronavirus c…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 31, 2020 at 10:02 PM

The match is always unlocked

No tricks, no gimmicks, no match to "unlock." If you give $5, our campaign gets $45. Dear John: Our end-of-month deadline is coming up in the next few hours, and we’ve got $2,083 left to raise to stay on track in this critical race! We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: All donations …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 31, 2020 at 2:51 PM

Barcelona, Spain. Austin, TX. New York, NY?

I wanted to share two news items from other cities you may have missed this week. Dear John: I’m about to ask you to chip in before our end-of-month deadline at midnight. But first, I wanted to share two news items you may have missed this week. Watching the disturbing images from Portland has …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 30, 2020 at 2:20 PM

COVID-19: No "right" time and place

NYPD officers chose that time, place, and tactics precisely to mimic the behavior of federal agents in Portland who have been seizing and detaining protesters without identification. Dear John, On Tuesday night, a frightening video circulated on social media, showing plainclothed NYPD officer…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 29, 2020 at 2:33 PM

SIGN ON: Let NYC Schools Use Outdoor Space

Teachers, parents, health experts, and school administrators are coalescing behind an out-of-the-box idea: Moving school outdoors. Dear John: We are hurtling toward the beginning of the school year, and NYC parents still don’t have clear answers about how classes are going to work and how we …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 25, 2020 at 2:30 PM

COVID-19: Making Brooklyn Count for more than 50%.

New York City, and Brooklyn in particular, is lagging well behind where we need to be in the once-a-decade count of our population. Dear John, 50%.  That is the proportion of people in Brooklyn who have filled out their Census so far this year. Here in District 39, we are doing a little bette…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 22, 2020 at 9:01 PM

COVID-19: Social isolation endangers seniors’ lives. You can help.

Social isolation can be deadly. In positive terms, social connection can be lifesaving. Dear John, I hope you and your loved ones are finding (safe, socially distant) ways to beat the heat. Heatwaves, like the one NYC experienced over the past few days, can be dangerous, especially for senio…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 20, 2020 at 1:05 PM

COVID-19: Excluded Workers Are Fighting for Their Lives, and Our Democracy

For tens of thousands of immigrant New Yorkers, there has been no relief at all. Dear John, Like many of you, I am looking anxiously towards July 25, when the additional $600 monthly in federal unemployment payments is set to expire. More than 1 in 5 New Yorkers is currently unemployed, and bi…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 15, 2020 at 1:17 PM

Back-to-school has to work for working families

Without a plan for child care and workplace accommodations for parents, there’s no way that the DOE’s plan will work. Dear John, Parents, teachers and students are looking anxiously towards September, wondering how they will cope with whatever iteration of school will be available to them. None…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 13, 2020 at 9:59 PM

COVID-19: Resilience in the face of the COVID and climate crises

These last few months have highlighted how unprepared we were for a crisis we did not see coming. And also that it’s only by taking action together that we might keep each other safe.  Dear John, This past Saturday was the first day since March when no one died from COVID-19 in New York City, …

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 10:56 PM

Before midnight

Dear John: I’m reaching out one last time before midnight. With just a few hours before our campaign’s most important deadline yet, we are still $623 short of our grassroots goal. Please, if you’re able, chip in $10 or any amount to fuel this progressive movement before midnight. Every $1 you …

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  Alessandra Biaggi · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 4:13 PM

Why I'm standing with Brad Lander

When I launched my campaign against the head of the IDC, most observers said I had no chance. But Brad was with me from Day One -- not because of a backroom deal, but because he knew that together, we could make real, tangible, positive change in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. "Brad wa…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM

Yes, the match is real. Yes, the deadline is real.

Your donation to our campaign is honestly, really, actually matched 8-to-1 by public financing. Dear John: We’ve gotten the same political emails you have, promising a "double match," "triple match," or "quadruple match!!!!!" And we’ve rolled our eyes too. But thanks to the work of Brad Lander …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 10, 2020 at 6:00 PM

COVID-19: NYC Needs a Plan for Working Families

Under the proposed DOE plan, you can have a kid, or you can have a job, but you can’t really have both.  Dear John, The NYC Department of Education has put forward the outline of its plan for our public schools next fall. They call it “blended learning.” But to many parents, it sounds more lik…

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  Ady Barkan · [email protected]

July 10, 2020 at 2:46 PM

New York City has a tremendous opportunity

I'm reaching out today because my dear friend Brad Lander has a big fundraising deadline this week. I've seen his compassion, selflessness, and effectiveness up close. New York City will benefit tremendously from his leadership as Comptroller. Dear John: I’m reaching out today because my dear f…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 9, 2020 at 6:17 PM

Two new endorsements from the people who make NYC run

This couldn't have come at a more important time. Dear John: Yesterday was Brad’s birthday, and our campaign received wonderful birthday gifts from two of New York’s most hardworking unions. We’re proud to announce that Communications Workers of American (CWA) District 1 and United Auto Worker …

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 7, 2020 at 9:00 PM

TOMORROW: Tiffany Cabán is joining our party!

Don’t miss this event -- join Tiffany Cabán and the rest of our incredible special guests for a celebration and discussion tomorrow night at 6:30 PM →   Dear John, Great news! Tiffany Cabán, game-changing 2019 candidate for Queens District Attorney and National Political Organizer for the Worki…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

July 7, 2020 at 2:15 PM

COVID-19: The test of Phase 3

The next six weeks represent a critical test for NYC.  Dear John, Phase 3 of NYC’s reopening began yesterday. Nail salons and other personal services are open at 50% capacity. Some low-contact sports can start up again (the Parks Department is working diligently to get the basketball hoops bac…

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  Jumaane Williams · [email protected]

July 6, 2020 at 2:57 PM

My partner-in-safety, Brad Lander

I hope you can join me, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, Dr. Rachael Bedard (a geriatrician on Rikers Island), and hundreds of grassroots supporters across New York City for Brad Lander’s Virtual Birthday Party on Wednesday night. Dear John, I hop…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

July 2, 2020 at 4:10 PM

Will we see you next Wednesday?

Dear John: We hope you can join us NEXT WEDNESDAY for Brad’s virtual birthday party! With special guests like Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, and more to be announced, this is one virtual event you won’t want to miss.…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 30, 2020 at 10:01 PM

Why I’m voting NO on the budget today

The budget that the City Council is being asked to approve today does not meaningfully shrink the NYPD’s budget. Dear John, A few weeks ago, I wrote to you with a set of principles for how I would be approaching the City budget this year, during this time of public health pandemic, economic cr…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 29, 2020 at 8:08 PM

The first big deadline of 2020

Send a clear message that NYC needs proven, progressive leadership that puts people first. Dear John, did you see Brad's message? We have just a few days left before the first public reporting deadline of 2020 (see below). Donate today and send a clear message that NYC needs proven, progressive…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 27, 2020 at 3:01 PM

14 days

Two weeks from today, July 11, is our first public reporting deadline of 2020. This is the biggest chance we have so far to show the strength of our movement to bring proven progressive leadership to the NYC Comptroller’s office.  Dear John: Two weeks from today, July 11, is our first public re…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 26, 2020 at 12:31 PM

COVID-19: From the school year into the summer

Dear John, Congratulations to all the students, educators, and parents who made it through remote learning this semester! I know it was not easy. This may have been some of the hardest learning, teaching, and parenting in human history. But dedicated teachers, resilient students, and infinite…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 24, 2020 at 3:42 PM

With results still coming in, progressives are on the rise

Dear John: While they are still counting the votes from yesterday’s Democratic primary (and will be for at least another week), one thing is clear: Progressive ideas and leaders are on the rise across the state, throughout the city, and up and down the ballot.  We couldn't be more excited abou…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 23, 2020 at 10:04 AM

Primary Election Day is here

Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm today. Dear John, Today is Primary Election Day in NYC.  If you already voted early or sent in your absentee ballot, thank you! If you haven’t yet and are able, today is the day to vote.  Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm today. Find your poll site here. Soc…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 22, 2020 at 6:20 PM

COVID-19: Welcome to Phase 2. Let’s be smart about it together.

While we all are looking forward to enjoying a little more flexibility, we have to be even more vigilant. Dear John, I hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weekend, celebrating fathers in your lives and taking part, in person or remotely, in the Juneteenth celebrations and demonstra…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 21, 2020 at 5:04 PM

It's Father's Day -- and almost Election Day!

Dear John, First of all, Meg and Marek and Rosa and I want to wish you a happy and healthy Father’s Day!  My kids (who I’ve had the great good-fortune to march with in recent days), and especially my dad (together with my mom, he’s found some safe ways to join #BlackLivesMatter marches in St.…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 19, 2020 at 12:39 PM

COVID-19: Juneteenth

This year, Juneteenth comes amid a national uprising against police violence and systemic racism unlike any time in decades.  Dear John, As some of you are likely observing for the first time, today is Juneteenth, which Black communities have long celebrated as the day the last slaves learned …

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 18, 2020 at 4:54 PM

5 days left to elect Jamaal Bowman →

Progressives are uniting around Jamaal because he represents a new and hopeful future -- one that puts people first. Dear John: A few days ago, Brad wrote to you about Jamaal Bowman, an educator and progressive leader in the Bronx who is running to unseat 30-year incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel.  Th…

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 17, 2020 at 10:01 PM

COVID-19: Budgeting for the pandemic, for justice, and for the future

The City Council is currently in the middle of negotiating the fiscal year 2021 budget with the mayor’s administration, in order to reach an agreement by July 1.  Dear John, There's no way around it: this year’s City budget must be different. NYC is facing an estimated $9 billion dollar defici…

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  Team Lander · [email protected]

June 16, 2020 at 3:28 PM

[SAVE THE DATE] Brad’s (Virtual) Birthday Party on July 8

No shuffleboard this year, but so many more friends can fit onto Zoom than in one room, and we’ll have some exciting guests too! Dear John: You’re invited: Please join us in celebrating Brad Lander's birthday and support his run for NYC Comptroller! WHEN: Wednesday, July 8th at 6:30PM. WHERE: …

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  Councilmember Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 15, 2020 at 10:45 PM

COVID-19: What will the fall look like for our students?

The DOE is soliciting feedback from families and students on plans for the Fall Dear John, At this time of year, I’m usually running around the district, trying to make it to as many public school graduations as I possibly can. I’ve said it many times: to me, that there’s no better celebratio…

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  Brad Lander · [email protected]

June 13, 2020 at 3:53 PM

I'm with Jamaal Bowman. Because "we need political imagination."

I'm incredibly proud to endorse Jamaal Bowman for Congress in New York's 16th District. Dear John: I’m incredibly proud to endorse Jamaal Bowman for Congress in New York’s 16th District! If you’re able, I urge you to please chip in to support Jamaal and my campaign for new leadership with the p…

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