Harlem’s Frederick Samuel Democratic Club drew four candidates to a Harlem public advocate candidate forum co-sponsored by the Michelle Obama Community Democratic Club. Danny O’Donnell, Dawn Smalls, Jumaane Williams and Michael Blake spoke separately, with Manhattan Democratic Chairman Keith Wright moderating. The Frederick Samuel Club and Wright previously endorsed O’Donnell.
The Co-op City Working Families Party hosted a public advocate candidate forum, drawing nine candidates. Dawn Smalls, Eric Ulrich and Manny Alicandro participated in the first panel discussion (which I did not attend), Ron Kim, Ben Yee, David Eisenbach, Rafael Espinal and Jumaane Williams participated in a second panel and Michael Blake was interviewed solo by moderator Ray Raimunidi.
The United Progressive Democratic Club, led by Assembly Member William Colton, hosted a public advocate candidate forum at its Bath Beach headquarters. Candidates participating included Jared Rich, Ben Yee, David Eisenbach, Rafael Espinal and Jumaane Williams.
Five local civic groups, Hearts Across Queens, Hunters Point Civic Association, Long Island City Coalition, PrimedOutNYC and Sunnyside Woodside Action Group, hosted a public advocate candidate forum at the Irish Center in Long Island City. Candidates participating included Ben Yee, Danny O’Donnell, David Eisenbach, Dawn Smalls, Jumaane Williams, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Michael Blake, Nomiki Konst, Rafael Espinal and Ron Kim. Ify Ike, previously a candidate but unsuccessful in getting on the February 26th ballot, also participated. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who previously endorsed Jumaane Williams, was the only non-candidate elected official to attend.
Public advocate candidate Eric Ulrich’s campaign strategy includes pursuing a large bloc of votes from orthodox communities in Borough Park. This late night visit included a dinner with supporters and campaigning on the street. His hosts included fellow Council Member Kalman Yeger. Yeger is a Democrat.
The Staten Island Civic Association hosted a public advocate candidate forum at New Dorp High School. Candidates participating included Jared Rich, Eric Ulrich, Dawn Smalls, Ydanis Rodriguez and David Eisenbach.
Eric Ulrich’s campaign for public advocate has Staten Island as as essential, and central, part of his potential path to victory. A recent visit included a live-streamed appearance with a homeowner in Prince’s Bay and campaigning at a Shop-rite in Charleston. He was joined by Council Member Joe Borelli and Assembly Member Mike Reilly in Prince’s Bay and by Reilly in Charleston.