I am so pleased to announce that Senator Chuck Schumer has endorsed me in my race for City Council in the 33rd Council District!

I recently stood next to Senator Schumer on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall as he announced his endorsement of my campaign for City Council. Not only is Senator Schumer a Senior Senator from New York, but he is actually a resident of the 33rd Council District. To me, that makes his endorsement all the more significant. Senator Schumer had some very kind words to say about me:

“He is a very capable person, the kind of person we need in the city government” said Senator Schumer, noting my work with reducing lead paint in homes, creating affordable housing, and working labor leaders. He concluded, “put it all together and you get Steve Levin.”

As I said last Friday, I am honored, humbled, and excited to receive Senator Schumer’s endorsement and I look forward to working with him to help improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. As this campaign moves forward, I am inspired by Senator Schumer’s support, as well as the support of the many unions and progressive organizations that are standing with me, including the UFT, DC 37, the Working Families Party, and the New York League of Conservation Voters.

If you would like to read more, this story was published in the Brooklyn Heights Courier.

On my website you can see the full list of my endorsements coupled with the press releases that announced those endorsements.

Thank you again for your support and look for updates in the coming weeks—the September 15th primary is just around the corner!

All My Best,

Steve

“33rd Council District:

Steve Levin

Neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint, and parts of Williamsburg, Park Slope, Boerum Hill

Open seats for an elected government office with no incumbent running are usually a dog fight, and this Democratic Party primary race has been no exception.

Seven candidates have slugged it out through many debates, in the newspapers and on the blogs. At the end of the day, this paper gives a resounding endorsement to the candidate who has most pounded the pavement – Stephen Levin.

Throughout the campaign season, Levin, 28, has spent most of his time knocking on doors from public housing to working-class to the well-to-do in a mainly waterfront district. While doing this, he has learned residents’ concerns and formulated his own ideas.

While Levin formerly worked for and is a favorite of Kings County Democratic boss Vito Lopez, he has also shown to be a clear thinker with an independent streak. For this city to prosper and endure, we need bright young minds like his to enter into public service.

We strongly urge Democratic Party voters to pull the lever for Stephen Levin on September 15.”

Here’s a link to the endorsement on the NYLCV website.

And here’s a note from Steve about the endorsement:

I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters. NYLCV has a proven track record of advocating strenuously for the environmental health of New York City and a history of getting real results. I look forward to working closely with NYLCV as Councilmember on their efforts to create a clean energy future, effectively clean up environmental hazards in our communities, and create long-term 21st Century green jobs. It is again an honor to receive the NYLCV endorsement, and I am proud to share their commitment to the environmental sustainability of New York City.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The UFT and DC 37 Endorse Stephen Levin for City Council

Brooklyn, New York, July 13, 2009: The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and DC 37 AFSCME AFL-SEIU announced their endorsement of Stephen Levin for City Council who is running in the 33^rd District in Brooklyn. Levin now adds these two prominent unions to his long list of supporters in his race for City Council.

Levin has worked as a community organizer in Brooklyn and as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Vito Lopez. He has received the endorsements of The New York State Court Officers Association, the Hotel Motel Trades Council, 32 BJ SEIU, the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 1500, the Detectives‘ Endowment Association, the United Auto Workers Region 9, and the Working Families Party.

Paul Egan, UFT Director of Legislation and Political Action, said the UFT chose to endorse Levin because of his “strong record as a tireless advocate for education.” Egan also cited Levin’s “commitment to ensuring quality public education and creating new schools in New York City” motivated the UFT’s decision to endorse Levin.  Egan concluded, “the UFT is proud to support Stephen Levin for City Council, the candidate that shares the same values and goals for New York City education as the UFT.”

Levin’s dedication to New York City is shown not only by his commitment to education, but to his commitment to ensuring better lives for New Yorkers. Levin secured the endorsement of DC37, New York City’s largest municipal employee union, because he is dedicated to providing the public employees of New York City with affordable housing, good work place conditions, and a better quality of life.

Levin said, “I am honored and thrilled to receive the endorsement of the UFT and DC 37. As City Councilman I will work closely with these unions, whose progressive visions have helped build our city and provide a strong voice to those who work tirelessly to keep our city running well.”

The 33^rd district includes Brooklyn Neighborhoods the North Slope, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Vingera Hill, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.

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Endorsing the Candidacy of Steve Levin for New York City Council in the 33rd District

June 5, 2009

I am pleased to endorse the candidacy of Steve Levin for New York City Council.

A remarkably dedicated and effective public servant, Steve Levin successfully helped create more affordable housing and support the clean-up of contaminated brownfields in Brooklyn. Prior to entering government, Steve Levin was a passionate and tireless community organizer who put his Ivy League education to use in serving others by battling the hazards of lead paint and predatory lending while fighting for New Yorkers’ quality of life. I know he will bring those same qualities to bear as a City Councilmember fighting for better public schools and early childhood education; more affordable housing; preserving neighborhoods, park and open space; and protecting our environment.

As a former Member of the City Council and as someone who represented Greenpoint and part of Williamsburg in the U.S. Congress, I am confident that Steve Levin will make an outstanding Councilman for the 33^rd District. I am proud to support his candidacy.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Major Unions Endorse Stephen Levin for City Council

Brooklyn, New York, May 18, 2009: Four major diverse and progressive unions, The New York State Court Officers Association, The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, The New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, and the local chapter of Service Employees International Union SEIU 32BJ have all announced their endorsement of Stephen Levin for City Council who is running in the 33rd District in Brooklyn.

Levin has worked as a Community Organizer in Brooklyn and is currently Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

Peter Ward, President of The New York Hotel and Motel Trades council chose to endorse Levin because he has “a clear vision of how to bring leadership and change to [his] district.” Ward cited his decision based on Levin’s commitment for fighting for affordable housing and improving the quality of life in his district.

“Stephen Levin is dedicated to progressive change and works tirelessly to provide all New Yorkers with affordable housing, greater job opportunities, access to quality public education and a better quality of life,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ SEIU-the largest private sector union in New York. “We can count on Steve to bring vision, fresh ideas, and commitment to his work on the City Council.”

Levin says “I am greatly honored and deeply humbled by these endorsements. I stand strong with the over one hundred thousand members of these vital unions for the issues that we care about most – affordable housing throughout New York City, greater job opportunities and living wages for working New Yorkers, and a progressive vision for our City’s future.  As City Councilmember, I will work hard every day on behalf of the working families in New York City.”

The 33rd district includes Brooklyn Neighborhoods the North Slope, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.

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I would just like to send a quick note of thanks to everyone who has volunteered during our petitioning drive this past month. It’s been a lot of hard work and a lot of door-knocking, but, with your help, we’re rapidly approaching our target number of signatures-we have well over 3,000 to date.

Everyone here at the Levin for City Council campaign is very grateful.

On a personal note, I’d like to express my gratitude to all the friends and family that have helped out. It’s been wonderful and humbling to have the support and encouragement of so many folks that I esteem and respect.

We have 70 days left until the September 15th Democratic Primary and we’re going non-stop, 7 days a week, until then. If anyone wants to volunteer and knock on some doors, we could always use more help. Let us know at info@levin2009.com.

Again, thank you all so much for your help. Your support has been the engine of this campaign.

All the best,
Steve

Steve is Endorsed by the Working Families Party!

Friends & Neighbors,

Last week, I had the honor of being endorsed by the Working Families Party. What a thrill! The following is a press release put out by the Working Families Party:

June 2, 2009

The Working Families Party announced today its endorsement of Stephen Levin, who is running for City Council in the 33rd District in Brooklyn, citing his strong record of hard work and dedication to the community.

“Levin stands out for his progressive values and commitment to the ideals of the Working Families Party,” said Dan Cantor, Working Families Party Executive Director. “He is a true advocate for the issues that matter to the working families of Brooklyn, from creating and preserving affordable housing to protecting pre-school and day care programs from devastating budget cuts. We are proud to support a candidate who will stand up for all New Yorkers.”

Levin, who is currently chief of staff for Assemblyman Vito Lopez, has spent his entire career fighting to enhance the quality of life for Brooklyn’s working families.

In response to the Working Families endorsement, Levin said, “I’m honored to receive the support of the Working Families Party. The WFP understands the need to stand up for working- and middle-class concerns in Brooklyn and I look forward to continuing to work with them to promote their progressive vision.”

Also in the last two weeks, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 joined SEIU Local 32BJ, New York State Court Officers Association, New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council, and The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UAW Region 9. I am very humbled to have the support of such fantastic organizations.

As always, I am out every night knocking on doors throughout the district and attending community events and forums, meeting wonderful and kind folks, and talking about the issues that we all care so deeply about. I must admit, it is a tremendously rewarding experience.

Just a quick note about petitioning. Petitioning to get on the ballot begins next Tuesday, June 9. Anyone that would like to volunteer is welcome to drop us an email at info@levin2009.com. We’re always looking for new volunteers to join up at the Levin 2009 team.

Talk to you all soon and, as always, thank you for your continued support!

Steve

Steve Joins Parents, Kids, Teachers, and Unions to Demonstrate Against Child Care Cuts at City Hall

On Monday, March 23, I joined several hundred parents, children, teachers, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Councilmembers Alan Gerson, Julissa Ferreras, David Weprin, John Liu, Helen Sears, and Robert Jackson, and members of CSA and DC 1707 to tell Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council that the planned cuts of UPK funding and 3,300 ACS day care center Kindergarten slots cannot and must not go forward. The message was clear-our children’s future is too important. We can’t balance the City’s budget on the backs of our kids.

ACS provides critical center based child care to over 22,000 kids in NYC, ages 2-5 in over 300 child care centers throughout the City. These centers are a lifeline to the working families that make our City run. They provide quality day care, UPK, and Kindergarten services in a community-based environment that allow thousands of parents to educate their youngsters in their own neighborhoods.

Times are tough. We all need to do our share of sacrifice to keep our City going strong and moving forward. But we cannot go back on our commitment to Universal Pre-K and quality Kindergarten in New York City. It’s been said before, but our kids are the key to our future. They will be the next generation of doctors, scientists, lawyers, CEOs, elected officials, leaders, but only if we nurture their talent now. Their education, especially when they are just starting out, should not be compromised through budget cuts. We need to do more, not less.