C O V E R

S T O R Y

Why the Sephardic Community Federation Is Endorsing Christine Quinn and Joe Lhota
The Sephardic Community Federation (SCF) is the umbrella public policy and political advocacy arm of our Community. The primary goal of the SCF is to ensure that our community receives its fair share from government and that we have a seat at the table on all major policy issues in New York. So far, we have had great success. We at SCF support candidates who we believe will serve New York Citys best interests while being the best on important issues to our community including public safety, anti-terrorism, lower taxes, support for business and education.

Christine Quinn

Why We Support Speaker Quinn in the Democratic Primary and Joe Lhota in the Republican Primary for Mayor of New York City: Experience Christine Quinn Speaker Quinn was elected to serve as speaker of the city council in 2006, New York Citys second most powerful elected official, behind the mayor. Speaker Quinn has successfully balanced every single New York City budget since she has been elected. She has refused to raise taxes and is a strong supporter of the NYPD. Joe Lhota Mr. Lhota most recently served as Chairman and CEO of the MTA. He was widely lauded for getting the trains and buses up and running immediately after Superstorm Sandy. Joes experience in running New York City is vast. He served under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani as Deputy Mayor for Operations as well as New York Citys Budget Director and Commissioner of Finance.

why the scf endorses.indd 1

Joe Lhota

8/22/2013 1:07:13 PM

Public Safety Christine Quinn We all know that crime is down and many people attribute that to Police Commissioner Kelly. Speaker Quinn is the only Democratic candidate who has pledged to keep Ray Kelly as Police Commissioner. Speaker Quinn has prevented the closure of 20 fire companies in NYC. She has also pledged to increase the number of police officers on our streets. Simply put, she has the best record, of any Democratic candidate, of keeping New Yorkers safe. Joe Lhota As the Deputy Mayor during 9/11, Joe Lhota knows the importance of security and safety. Joe has pledged to develop new strategies and approaches to maintain and enhance the reduction of crime and continue to keep our city the safest large city in the United States. Joe has also pledged to keep Ray Kelly as Police Commissioner. Stop, Question & Frisk Christine Quinn When a NYPD officer reasonably suspects a person is about to commit a crime they can stop, question and if appropriate, frisk that person. Speaker Quinn is the only Democratic candidate for Mayor who within constitutional limits would keep this important crime-fighting tool.

Joe Lhota Mr. Lhota has stated, repeatedly, that he would never handcuff the police department by altering, reducing or stopping this police tactic. Supporting Business Christine Quinn As Mayor, Speaker Quinn plans to create a new pool of city capital that would act as a backstop for community lenders, empowering them to make bigger loans to new and growing businesses. For every $2 million the city puts up, there would be a guarantee of as much as $5 million in small business lending. Speaker Quinn is the most business friendly of the Democratic candidates for Mayor. Joe Lhota Mr. Lhota has publicly condemned constant visits by various inspectors to small businesses. He considers it to be harassment and done strictly for revenue driven purposes. He wants to create a climate that will encourage and sustain job growth, including reducing burdensome regulations and taxes that will stifle private sector growth. Education Christine Quinn Speaker Quinn supports funding for security, nursing and other programs at non-public schools. She has
Continued on page 40

why the scf endorses.indd 2

8/22/2013 1:07:13 PM

C O V E R

S T O R Y

The SCF Is Endorsing...

Continued from page 39

pledged to overhaul the citys onerous way of dealing with special ed students to a way that would simplify the process and benefit the affected child. Speaker Quinn supports charter schools. Joe Lhota SCF President Sam Sutton has had a close working relationship with Joe Lhota throughout the years. They served together as trustees of the Board of The City University of New York (CUNY). Joe is a very public supporter of charter schools and school vouchers.

Israel/West Bank Christine Quinn Speaker Quinn is a strong supporter of Israel and even shares the same position on the West Bank as the Israeli government. Christine Quinn has visited Israel three times as Speaker and has worked to help Israeli companies that are doing business in New York City. She also supported a bid by Israels Technion to build a campus with Cornell in New York City. Joe Lhota While Joe has never visited Israel, he is an outspoken supporter of the State of Israel and intends on working hard to promote the USIsrael relationship.

CHARLES J. HYNES for District Attorneys Office (D/C-Brooklyn)

Perhaps the most important race that no one is focused on is the race for District Attorney. Charles Joe Hynes is a 20 year incumbent who has gone out of his way to work with the Jewish community. He has incredibly close relationships with our communitys leadership and his fairness has been his hallmark. Mr. Hynes works closely with SAFE, for example. When a community member is arrested for possession of drugs, Mr. Hynes works to get that community member treatment rather than prison. Its no coincidence that Brooklyn is the safest borough in America. Its the leadership of Joe Hynes that keeps our community safe. This is one election that will be decided in the Democratic Primary, so please make sure to vote to re-elect Charles J. Hynes on Tuesday, September 10th.
Continued on page 42

why the scf endorses.indd 3

8/22/2013 1:07:17 PM