Vote Tuesday
Vote for Kellner

Micah Kellner is so stunningly qualified to represent the 65th Assembly District that it’s hard to imagine any possible candidate more ready for the job.

Roosevelt Island was fortunate to have a great friend – Pete Grannis – representing us for so many years. He seemed to be a permanent fixture – likely always to be part of our lives. He still is, of course, as a member of Eliot Spitzer’s cabinet, and it’s that move up that makes it necessary for us to replace him with just the right candidate.

In this special election, Roosevelt Island has special power.

It’s important that we use that power to elect Micah Kellner.

Here’s why:

• Micah Kellner knows Roosevelt Island. Working for Carolyn Maloney from June, 2004, through May of 2005, he was a regular presence here – since then, as well – listening at meetings and learning the territory at every opportunity. He was in a position to look behind the curtains of power and understand the particular frustrations Roosevelt Island’s resident leaders faced in trying to get sensible government attention to this community’s unusual needs and special problems.

• He’s connected and liked in all the right places. Kellner’s history with Maloney, with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, and with Assemblymember Jonathan Bing, and his strong ties to Borough President Scott Stringer, City Comptroller William Thompson, City Councilmember Jessica Lappin, and State Senator Jose Serrano – all these strong lines of communication mean that he’s ready to fit – to be nimble in using the system for his constituents.

It’s a powerful combination that will work for Roosevelt Island and Roosevelt Islanders.

But it’s important beyond imagining that Roosevelt Island turn out every possible vote for Kellner on Tuesday.

• This is a special election. Turnout elsewhere could be light. But Republicans would love to snatch this seat that has been Democratic "property" for so long, and there will be a special effort on Tuesday to turn out the district’s conservative voters. Because turnout will be light, a child’s handful of votes could swing the election.

• That light turnout gives Roosevelt Islanders a special power. Whatever happens in the rest of the district, a solid turnout here can determine the outcome.

• Kellner is a young man, likely to serve in this seat for a long time. Now is the time for our representative there to start building experience and power. A solid win now will secure the seat and avoid a future battle to win it back for the Democratic majority in the Assembly.

It’s important, then, not to take a pass on this special election.

Mark your calendar, send yourself an e-mail, and ask friends to remind you.

Your vote has a special power on Tuesday. Use that power. Vote for Micah Kellner.

DL