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working families party

By David Freedlander 10/26/11 2:00pm

Lawsuits

Working_Families_Party

Working Families Party Settles DFS Lawsuit

The Working Families Party announced this afternoon that they have settled a civil lawsuit waged by attorney Randy Mastro on behalf of a handful of City Council candidates who believe that the WFP's field operation put them at an unfair disadvantage.

Under the terms of the agreement, Data and Field Services, the for-profit arm of the WFP, will be re-absorbed into the party proper and will cease to function as an independent for-profit entity.

In a statement, the WFP remained defiant over the question of wrong-doing. Read More

1 By Azi Paybarah 8/30/11 5:09pm
Council Member Jumaane Williams During the Press Conference (Photo Credit: William Alatriste)

Councilman with Tourette’s is a Spokesman for Reform

On a recent Thursday afternoon, Councilman Jumaane Williams was sitting half a foot away from the small round table in his office, lamenting that he can’t do as much as he’d like with the job he currently has.

"A lot of us are trying to do the best we can the way the rules are set up," said Mr. Williams. As he spoke, his body jerked, tossing his arms a few inches in either direction, and bouncing his long tightly-wound dreadlocks. "The rules are problematic, so, let's go and change the whole structure. The structure is bad." Read More

8 By Kara Bloomgarden-Smoke 7/15/11 12:23am

very special elections

Courtesy Jesus Gonzalez for Assembly

Personable Jesus: Reformers Hope for a Savior in Brooklyn Special

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Jesus Gonzalez finished a Newport outside his Bushwick office, then ducked to the back with a comb and some gel. He emerged with his close-cropped hair slicked down, and picked up a stack of campaign literature before setting out to knock on some doors.

“It is one of the oldest community organizing tactics,” said Mr. Gonzalez, in an untucked beige polo shirt, an oversized blazer, baggy jeans and shiny patent leather kicks. “Even Jesus’ disciples did it to spread the word.”

Mr. Gonzalez, who goes by the English pronunciation of his first name, Jesus – though some supporters have quietly tried to push the Spanish pronunciation for the campaign – will need some new converts to win the upcoming special election in New York’s 54th Assembly District. Read More

1 By Azi Paybarah 7/11/11 4:11pm

ny9

Source: WFP for Weprin [Updated]

The labor-backed Working Families Party is endorsing Democrat David Weprin for the NY-9 congressional seat vacated by Anthony Weiner, according to a source.

Weprin, an Assemblyman from Queens, already has the backing the Democratic Parties in Queens and Brooklyn, along with the Independence Party. Last time around, the WFP helped the Democratic candidate add 3,332 votes.

An official announcement is expected soon, I'm told.

Update: Statements after the jump.

1 By Azi Paybarah 7/08/11 12:31pm

budget fights

Working Families Party Executive Director Dan Cantor. (photo credit: azi paybarah / observer)

WFP Disses Obama ‘Timidity’ After He Inches Towards Medicare Cuts

In another sign President Obama isn't making friends on the left, or right, with his fiscal policies, out comes a harsh email from the labor-backed Working Families Party saying Obama shouldn't respond to Republicans with "timidity."

The outrage is over Obama signaling he may accept the GOP's push for cuts to Social Security and Medicare to close the federal budget fight. Read More