Affinity Group of Broadview Democrats Host Local Officials to Promote Voter Engagement and Education

By Isabelle Veloz

On Saturday, the Affinity Group of Broadview Democrats gathered to see local officials, including Democratic encompassing candidates and elected officials.

Some of these officials included state Sen. Shelly Mayer; Surrogate Court Judge Brandon Sall; White Plains Mayor Tom Roach; Assembly Member Chris Burdick; County Legislator Nancy Barr; Harrison candidate for supervisor Mark Jaffee; Harrison, N.Y., candidate for council George Latimer; Ken Jenkins; Gina Evangelista; Harrison candidate for council Elizabeth Brown; and the candidate for town clerk, Angela Sposato.

Members of the Affinity Group of Broadview Democrats intently during gathering (Photo by Isabelle Veloz

Various SUNY Purchase groups attended the event, intended to advocate for democratic change and promote voter registration, including NYPIRG representatives, representatives of the Affinity Group – Broadview Democrats, student guests, and the intergenerational LGBTQ group.

Victor Mesh, Democratic committeeman, says the Affinity Group was organized organically by the citizens of Broadview who identify as Democrats and seek change within Harrison, N.Y., and throughout neighboring counties. Mesh said "[The affinity group] was created on its own initiative by like-minded people." 

photo by Flores

Harrison candidate for supervisor Mark Jaffee collaborates closely with Purchase students and alumni to promote democratic change within Harrison, N.Y. He states, "I'm working with the SUNY Purchase students because I know they care about their future… they also care about their safety, and we're able to work with the Senate and the Assembly, who were signed into law by our great governor, who couldn't be here today. Under the Education Department law, we now have an anti-bullying law."

"One of the things the Jaffee mayoral team will do is bring opportunities for everybody… we're gonna keep you safe, we're gonna give you opportunities, and we're gonna be your champions," Jaffee said, "Voting is a privilege; we hope you all get out and vote… We need education for our future generations."

Shelly Mayer, current state senator and chair of the Senate Education Committee, notes the importance of education and assisting students, states, "One of the fantastic programs [SUNY Purchase] has, the ACE program, helping make sure that new students who are having challenges making sure that they are going to be successful… at the state level we're working extremely hard to make sure that every school has the resources it needs."

Mayer highlights financial challenges that directly impact New York state citizens, including students and the economy: "The changes to Medicaid eligibility and the rules about Medicaid impose an incredible financial burden on the state of New York and on the counties. As a result, we anticipate next year's fiscal budget in New York will be a very, very lean one," Mayer said, "because of the budget that was adopted by the Republican majority in the so-called big beautiful bill, which we don't think of that way, the impact on New York state's economy and finances is grave." 

Photo by Isabelle

Assembly Member Chris Burdick raises concerns regarding fiscal stress and an uprise in the lack of resources available, "A lot of people are going to lose their food stamps. These are the most needy in our society, and yet we're turning a blind eye on them, at least the Republicans are doing [this]" Burdick continues, "It is estimated that 1.5 million people are going to lose their health insurance… There are going to be many hospitals under fiscal stress."

George Latimer, Westchester County executive, emphasizes the importance of democracy and the fight for it, "If I don't [win], it's because you've thought about it and you know why you'd be for somebody else or you'd know why you'd be for me. And if we do that to defend democracy here and now, then we will win the battle for democracy."

Judy Zweig, president of the plastic reduction community at Broadview, and Howard Zweig, president of the residents' council at Broadview, are Broadview residents who have been living at the senior center since its grand opening and have been members of the Affinity Group of Broadview Democrats since it was formed.

Inside the Broadview dining hall where residents gathered to listen to Democratic candidates (Photo by Isabelle Veloz)

Howard Zweig is fond of the Democratic work done by Broadview residents, thus far, and commends the Affinity Group, stating, "We started from ground zero and got this community operating, and we're very proud of what we've done. Being on campus here is really great." Zweig said, "I thought [this event] was terrific. I think all the candidates are number one as far as I'm concerned; they're going to represent us correctly. We're happy to be here, and we'll be happy to cast our votes for them."

Judy Zweig shows much appreciation for the opportunity to hear what local politicians stand for. She states, "We think these events are very important to meet them in person and hear what they have to say because we don't understand what happens on the district level, the county level, so this was just a wonderful introduction."