Does Your Political Party Stop You From Receiving Help You Need?
Ten months ago, I contacted State Senator’s office with a small problem which neighbors believed he could help with. A staff member of Golden’s office said he would handle it. I received hardly any assistance even though I contacted the office repeatedly over the next seven months. (You can read about it here). Every time we tell the story to another friend here in Bay Ridge, they ask me if I am Republican like the Senator.
I’m not – I’m a registered Democrat. Why? Because it allows me to vote in the Democratic primaries. There are hardly any Republican primaries here in NYC. Everyone can vote in the regular elections, but this allows me to vote in the primaries as well. If I was in Hampton Bays, Long Island, I would be a registered Republican because they have more Republicans there and primaries for Republican candidates. I don’t vote for parties – I vote for people who I hope want the job for the right reason. I have most everything I need, but I am a teacher of over 4oo students each year and I vote in favor of things for my students and their families. Last election, I voted for Golden.
I didn’t realize that your political party can be seen by different offices. Did my political party registration stop me from receiving the help we needed?
This weekend, a friend of mine told me about their friend Gerry Kassar, Marty Golden’s Chief of Staff. I was surprised to find him on Twitter. He follows John Quaglione on Twitter and he probably saw our exchange. If Gerry Kassar saw the poor communication I received, why didn’t he contact me? The only way Mr. Kassar didn’t see the exchange was if someone else operates his account. Would he really allow someone else to post their thoughts on his page? I don’t think so because he also has a blog. I’ll update this, if and when he responds.
Many people are not receiving help from local officials; others hear about stories like ours and they become discouraged in asking for help when it’s needed. Who do people go to when their local officials are not assisting them?
When 311 didn’t work, I went to Marty Golden’s office. When Marty Golden’s office failed to assist me, I went to the Public Advocate. Who can I go to if the Public Advocate doesn’t follow through? I’ll update this when I hear.
Does someone who is buying a home in the area need to change their party to Independent so they can get the assistance they need from local politicians?
Hugs,
marlene
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