Local Shuls, PAC Endorse Raitport

By COLlive reporter

Ahead of the upcoming May 5th election, local Shuls have endorsed Crown Heights resident and fellow Lubavitcher Mendy Raitport for New York State Assembly candidate.

The group of Shuls, listed with the names of their presidents, have signed the endorsement stating that Raitport, a business owner and volunteer in the community, has “seen much and done much for our community. His loyalty to the community now compels him to do more,” they said.

“Now he wants to serve our community as assemblyman…We cannot think of anyone more suited to the job,” they said.

The influential Crown Heights PAC, the local Political Action Committee, also endorsed Raitport, with members Chanina Sperlin, Leibish Nash, Zaki Tamir, Moshe Malamud and Yossi Spalter signing a letter in support.

Raitport was also endorsed by the Jewish Press Newspaper, who noted that “Mr. Raitport is a solid citizen of the Crown Heights community: he is a business owner there and comes from a family that for decades has been deeply involved in its religious, social service and educational institutions.

He is a strong advocate of self-help and job training and for a fair and balanced housing program including subsidized housing where appropriate. He has championed the construction of underground parking lots to deal with the chronic lack of parking spaces in the district and calls for a common sense policy regarding bike lanes, urging that more attention be paid to the needs of motorists.”

In a letter to the community, Raitport’s wife Esther Raitport appealed to residents to come out and support a fellow Lubavitcher candidate who has the community’s needs at heart.

“Mendy has been helping people all his life,” says Esther Raitport. “Being raised in a family that is charitable and giving, it is in his blood to help people. In the past, Mendy has helped people quietly, without any fanfare or recognition… He is very passionate in what he believes in. I give you my word, he will take that passion and be a voice for us in Albany.

“It is all up to you! We need every one of to vote on Tuesday May 5th! Please do not rely on your friend, or neighbor. Every vote counts. As has been said, the last special election was won with only 12 votes! We are relying on you to make this a reality,” she said.

A special election for the position will be taking place on Tuesday, May 5, and the Democrat vote will be divided between three competing candidates due to a filing error.

Candidates vying for those votes are Shirley Patterson of the Independent Party, Diane Richardson of the Working Families & Green Parties and Geoffrey Davis of the Love Yourself Party.