Next is Pete Sikora, New York State Legislative Director for the Communications Workers of America. Sikora represents the new breed of Brooklyn Democrats that also includes State Senator Daniel Squadron and Councilmember Steve Levin and Brad Lander, who by the way, have endorsed him in this race.
Lander’s endorsement of Sikora has already set Simon off:
Brooklyn Eagle: Sikora’s opponent Jo Anne Simon fired back at Lander for his endorsement. On Tuesday morning Simon said that she was “dismayed that Brad would support a paid lobbyist with such limited involvement within our district and the organizations that are its lifeblood over my proven record of community activism, leadership and reform.”
“Brad and I had good conversations about this campaign and how my experience as a community activist and Democratic District Leader would be an asset in the State Assembly,” she said. “We have both been leaders in the progressive movement in Democratic politics. We have been on the same side of many of the issues we face in the 52nd Assembly District.”
When asked about Simon’s comment, Lander said that Sikora was a registered lobbyist, but for good causes. “If what lobbying means is somebody who’s lobbied to keep kids safe from lead poisoning, to protect the environment, to fight income inequality, and for progressive issues, that’s the kind of lobbying I want to support.”