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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2009
Contact: Jeanne Wilcke, Campaign Manager, rednyc@mac.com
ALAN GERSON MISSING IN ACTION AT HIS OWN FUNDRAISER
Incumbent City Councilmember Alan Gerson was a no-show at his own fundraiser Monday night.
Gerson has been widely criticized for his poor attendance record at City Hall, as well as at community events. Indeed, protesters distributed flyers outside the event at the Police Building on Centre Street in SoHo asking "Where were you Alan?". According to the Gotham Gazette, Gerson has one of the worst attendance records in the City Council, missing almost a quarter of sessions without excuse.
Pete Gleason, a civil rights lawyer challenging Gerson in the 1st Council District Democratic Primary, was not surprised. "For eight years, Alan has been nowhere to be found on the education, healthcare and quality of life issues important to our neighborhoods. It's hardly a wonder that he can't be bothered to make it to his own campaign events."
Paul Newell, a downtown community activist, added "Gerson's miserable attendance record - despite the fact that City Hall is in his district - is unacceptable. The issues facing our families, businesses and communities cannot wait to be squeezed into Alan's light schedule. We need real change, and someone with the energy to get the job done. We need someone like Pete Gleason."
Campaign donors backing the elusive Gerson's reelection campaign were disappointed when he missed yet another opportunity to communicate with his constituents and supporters. Gerson got a late start on fundraising this year, as he could not begin his campaign until he overruled New York's voters by voting to extend his own term limits. The event was hosted by nightclub owner Chris Goode and several of Gerson's political allies.
It was not immediately clear if Gerson's campaign intended to refund contributions to disappointed donors expecting to see the Council member.
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