I am writing to urge NY-based Guyanese to come out today and vote. There is a run off primary to fill the vacant positions for City Comptroller and Public Advocate. The Comptroller is like the Auditor General of the City overseeing the city’s budget of about US $60 billion and investing US $83 billion in public employees’ pension funds. The Public Advocate oversees policies.

In addition to voting, I implore Guyanese to become actively involved in the political process as volunteers or workers for the various candidates who may be in a position to implement policies beneficial to their communities.

I am a volunteer for John Liu, an immigrant from Taiwan, who is running for the Comptroller’s Office.

Guyanese, we urge you to come out and vote for John Liu for Comptroller and Mark Green for Advocate. Liu is an immigrant from Taiwan similar to those of us from the Caribbean.

Like Guyanese, Liu learned early in life that strong communities can only be built with hard work, vision and leadership. As his website noted, Liu’s story is similar to that of many immigrants – “one full of determination, courage and desire to succeed”. His parents also encouraged John and his two brothers to live by the proverb that “a rising tide lifts all ships,” so their actions should always have a positive influence on their community. Liu was a newcomer to politics when he was elected to the City Council in 2001, the first Asian-American elected to legislative office in New York history. He is responsible for the recognition of Diwali as a parking holiday and introduced celebrations of Diwali and Phagwah in City Hall. Last Thursday evening, several Guyanese organized a fundraiser for Liu in Richmond Hill raising thousands of dollars for his campaign.

Opinion surveys show Liu with a 4% lead over his opponent but with a margin o f error of 4%, it is a tie. Yassky is Jewish and has the advantage in funds and support from Jews who generally vote in larger numbers than other ethnic groups. In addition to endorsements from Asian groups and Guyanese, Liu has been endorsed by the Queens establishments and prominent Black and Hispanic politicians. Guyanese are urged to vote.
Polls open at 6:00 A.M and closes at 9:00 P.M.