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/
For much of my life, I was politically minded without being involved in politics. I had sincere admiration for some political figures who I saw taking brave stands or making a difference, while having the kind of healthy skepticism of politicians shared by many reasonable people. I paid little to no attention to local politics and local politicians.
Then Super Storm Sandy hit in 2012. I saw firsthand the difference that elected officials can make in their communities. I appreciated the distinction between elected officials who are just politicians and those who are public servants, truly serving their communities.
That same year I met Andrew Gounardes by volunteering in a local pop up relief kitchen that fed thousands of people impacted by the storm. I really got to know him when we both served as founding board members for the nonprofit that grew out of that experience. I had a front row seat to his intelligence, thoughtfulness, work ethic, and kindness. His ability to help achieve consensus was invaluable. His sense of humor added lightness when it was needed.
When Andrew was elected to the NYS Senate in 2018, it was like I moved to a new neighborhood, one more reflective of my values. I had a voice in Albany that sounded like mine and many of my friends, and neighbors felt the same way, even those who do not live in our district.
Watching him do the work these past two years has made me proud and grateful. I am unsurprised that the skills I appreciated in my fellow board member and friend are serving him well in Albany. He does not cave to pressure when he believes in something, even when that pressure is fierce and unrelenting. He will not sign on to legislation until the language is right and then, he is all in. Anyone can see that when there is work to be done, he shows up AND actually works.
One of the most striking things about Andrew is his ability to focus. We have all likely had the experience of talking to someone who is looking at a phone or over our shoulder at something else going on. Not Andrew. He is not thinking about anything else or looking for the next conversation. When he asks, “How are you?”, he wants to know and waits for an answer. When he asks, “Is there anything I can do to help?”, he means it. For as long as I have known him, Andrew has consistently shown up, spoken up, and pitched in – to help a neighbor, to clean up a park, to fight for schools, to push for better and accessible transit, to defend immigrants and DREAMers, to march for women, to support union members, to demand civil rights for others, and more. He has truly been a participant, rather than an observer. Now he is all that for his constituents.
There are old adages about how one person can make a difference and Andrew has proven them true, not just by helping to flip the NYS Senate blue but by the legislation he proposes and backs. During his first term, New York State launched early voting, created better protections for 9/11 first responders, protected women’s healthcare, made streets safer for school kids, gave adult survivors of sexual abuse recourse to go after their abusers, and SO MUCH MORE. Early voting, alone, is transforming our community and state as record numbers of voters turned out in just the first two days!
We live in a complex district within a complex city within a complex state. We need what Andrew has to offer in Albany – intelligence, compassion, a strong work ethic, a clear moral compass, an ability and desire to work well with others, and a dedication to solving real problems.
I hope you will join me in voting for State Senator Andrew Gounardes in this general election. NY22 needs Andrew in Albany!
