In an interview with Zev Brenner Saturday night, Josh Mehlman, the chairman of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition told the radio host that only the major five Democratic candidates, that stand a chance to become the next mayor of New York City, will participate in Tuesday night’s mayoral forum on Jewish issues. Sal Albanese and Erick Salgado, the host of the event said, were not invited due to the fact that they have not met the minimum criteria of being considered a viable candidate, at least according to public opinion polls.
“Our community is best served if we take the candidates who’re most likely to win – the major candidates who have any shot on winning – and force them to confront the issues and address our concerns,” said Josh Mehlman.
While it was rumored that the remaining serious candidates – Sal Albanese and Erick Salgado – were invited in the last minute to participate, the organizers of the event deny that claim.
In a conversation with this reporter, Mr. Mehlman confirmed that only the five major candidates were invited, since the issues at stake are too serious to waste the time given for filibuster.
“We have sent invitations to all of the candidates to meet with the members of our Coalition,” said Mr. Mehlman. “We intend to give all of the remaining candidates an opportunity to lay out their vision and plans to make New York City a better place to live in, and discuss with them their positions on the issues that are at great concern to our community.”
The date and format of the meetings have yet to be finalized, Mr. Mehlman added.
The forum will take place Tuesday evening, June 4, 8:30 PM, at Public School 193, Bedford Ave. & Ave L in Flatbush.
The Honorary Chairman of the Mayoral Forum is Malcolm Hoenlein, prominent Flatbush resident and Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, and talk show host at WABC 770 Radio.
“We are urging you to attend. It is very important that we have a diverse crowd that will positively represent our community. Your attendance is vital to our success. Please make sure your shul announces this community event on Shabbos and on Tuesday and sends out a reminder to the Shul email list as well,” Mr. Mehlman wrote in an email blast
This article was first published in Yeshiva World News
