For Immediate Release
UFT endorses Cy Vance for Manhattan DA
Aug 26, 2009 5:13 PM
UFT President Michael Mulgrew praises Vance’s commitment to school safety, and to New York’s teachers and their families
The UFT on Aug. 26 announced its support for Cy Vance, Democratic candidate for Manhattan District Attorney. UFT President Michael Mulgrew cited Vance’s plans to prevent school bullying, protect teachers and staff, work closely with schools to help prosecute and prevent domestic violence and sex crimes, and keep schools safe. The union’s president also heralded Vance’s commitment to union members and their families.
“Cy Vance is a leader with principles,” said Mulgrew. “Not only is he a talented lawyer, he is also a committed progressive. But we are endorsing him for one reason above all others: as District Attorney, he will work with us to keep our schools, our students and our educators safe. He is also committed to working with schools to educate children about guns, drugs, bullying and violence in order to prevent crimes long before they occur. That work will strengthen our schools and make our communities stronger.”
“Nothing is more important than the safety and education of our children — that is why I am so honored to receive the endorsement of the UFT, which has done so much to serve our teachers, children and our schools,” said Vance. “As someone who was a parent in our public school system, so I have had the opportunity to see both the possibilities of our schools and their failings. As DA, I will always make protecting our schools my first priority. I know that the state of our schools now will determine the state of our city tomorrow. So I will make sure that the DA’s Office is coming into schools and educating children in order to prevent future crimes, as well as working to prevent the domestic violence and sex crimes that can permanently derail a young life. And I will make sure that our schools are safe environments for students and teachers alike: school should always be a refuge where children can go to feel safe, report problems, and learn how to pursue a productive, crime-free life.”
Vance is far outpacing his rivals in endorsements. In the last three weeks Vance has been endorsed by the New York Times and the Daily News, U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, State Senator Tom Duane, RWDSU, Tenants PAC and the Innocence Project Co-Founders Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld. Earlier this summer Vance was endorsed by current District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, former Mayor David Dinkins, Caroline Kennedy, Gloria Steinem, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Council Member Alan Gerson, former Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Teamsters Local 237, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, former U.S. Attorneys Robert Fiske and Zachary Carter, the founder of the Doe Fund, and many more. He is also supported by more than 100 former ADAs — men and women who have worked with all three candidates and know what it takes to be an exemplary District Attorney.
