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Letter to the NYT in Response to "So Hip and So Loud"

I wasn't the only person put off by the tone of this New York Times article that sought to contrast the happenings of election eve through that of gentrification. According to those that I've spoken to that were there, it was a wide range of the community celebrating. So I wrote this letter to to the editor that at this date is unlikely to be published:

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Old and new Williamsburgers have more in common than separates them ("So Hip and So Loud, and Stirring Up Williamsburg", Nov 7, 2008). We all care about improving our quality of life, keeping our neighborhood affordable, and preserving the unique mixed character of our neighborhood.

The events of election night in Williamsburg are best viewed not through the lens of gentrification, but through the lens of community needs. There is a clear need for a new civic space in Williamsburg--where old and new residents can meet, mingle, and yes, even celebrate an election victory together. Old residents bring experience and their long-term perspectives, while new residents bring passion and energy. If the Obama/Biden ticket can encompass both qualities, surely our neighborhood can as well.

Michael Freedman-Schnapp
Co-Chair, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth

Noted: People-Power Can Work!

The closing quote in this article about our presumtive State Senator-elect Daniel Squadron (at least for part of North Brooklyn) makes us think that grassroots democracy sometimes might still have a chance:

Mr. Squadron added: “There is something important about the democratic process that happened here. It wasn’t about institutional support. It was about, at its basic level, me going out and talking to a lot of people and people being excited. And that is what can make someone a new state senator.”

Note: NAG is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates.

Live Here? Vote Here!

Voting in local eletions is key to improving the neighborhood!
Greenpoint and Williamsburg are underserved in part because of low voter registration and voter turnout. Some important primary elections have only seen turnout of only 3% in Williamsburg.

Register to vote and participate in the local primary on Sept. 9, 2008.
There is a competitive race in the 25th State Senate district which covers parts of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Find out if you're in this district. (NAG is a non-partisan entity and does not endorse candidates for office).

Are You Registered Correctly?

• The registration deadline for the primary is August 14, 2008.
• If you moved since you last registered, you need to register at your current address. File a "change of address" registration (see below for getting a form).
  
• You can confirm your registration online.
• In NY State, you can only vote in a primary if you are a registered member of that party. Changes in your party registration do not go into effect until after the general election, so we recommend that you change your registration now if you are not registered in a party and want to vote in primaries. Fill out a voter registration form (see below) to change your party.
  

How to Register

• You pick up a voter registration card at libraries, post offices, and most government agencies.
• You can stop by the NAG office to pick up a voter registration form (call 718-384-2248).
  
• You request a form in the mail, call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
• You can fill out a PDF form, print it out, and mail it to the Board of Elections.

How to Vote

• Find out where your polling place is.
• If this is your first time voting in NY State, bring a photo ID with you, or proof of residency like a phone bill or bank statement with your current address--you do not need to bring the card the Board of Elections sends you in the mail.