This opinion piece is part of a series written by community members from New York’s 22nd state senate district, explaining why they are voting to reelect Senator Andrew Gounardes in the 2020 election. Early Voting begins Saturday, October 24 and runs daily through Sunday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Find your polling site at: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/
I met Andrew Gounardes in 2012, when he made his first run for public office. Of course, that election was overshadowed by the tragic devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Although Andrew lost on election night, the true proof of his character showed through even the sting of defeat. Driven by the plight of those affected by Sandy, he immediately refocused his campaign apparatus to direct supporters to aid with Sandy relief. Andrew himself not only rolled up his sleeves to pitch in, he went the extra mile to co-found Bay Ridge Cares to continue the work. What mattered wasn’t the position, but what good he could do for his community.
Community is everything to Andrew, and his affinity for ours is contagious. Through him, my wife and I got to know and love Bay Ridge, not just for the friendships we forged from volunteering for him, but through the way Andrew would crow about the houses, schools, parks, restaurants and people that he was proud to grow up around. He not only convinced us to move here but put us in contact with the realtor who found us our home. His zeal helped us put down roots and take pride in our community in ways we hadn’t anywhere else.
There can be no question that Andrew has a great love for his Brooklyn roots, and gives of himself to do right by its people. As our district suffers through another sweeping crisis, Andrew Gounardes was once again on the ground providing food and supplies throughout the early months of the pandemic. When the mayor and governor couldn’t get their acts together and businesses suffered, Andrew spoke up for our shops and restaurants, putting forward legislation to protect their rights and ease the burdens imposed by pandemic restrictions. And as the city suffers a massive budget shortfall that forces cuts to public services, Andrew has drawn on the power of our community to organize more than a dozen clean-up events to keep our streets beautiful and maintain our local pride.
It’s galling to see political opportunists not only try to erase Andrew’s record of service and dedication, but to challenge him with an unqualified right-wing candidate who has never contributed an ounce of effort to this district. They expect to win on cynicism and division, while Andrew stands on his words and deeds. The choice could not be clearer.
Just as in that 2012 election, the true test of leadership in this race is how each candidate faces the prospect of defeat. The Republicans are running an avowed scofflaw who has never shown up for South Brooklyn before, and when he loses we may never hear from him again–except maybe in the crime blotter. But whatever the outcome of this race, Andrew Gounardes will still be here to advocate for us the next day, and the day after that. The goal is not the position, but the good he can do.
That’s who Senator Andrew Gounardes is. No matter what, the work goes on and the cause endures. That is why we owe it to our district to send him back to Albany.
