Next week we will be sharing with our readers a full list of our recommended candidates for the November 6 elections. In that connection, we interviewed Mayoral candidates Mark Green and Michael Bloomberg. Both came across as intelligent and committed and each offered a vision for New York City. Details of the Green/Bloomberg interviews and our conclusions next week.
Here are some of our endorsements:
Judiciary
For Supreme Court in Brooklyn we support Judge Howard Ruditzky. In his term as a judge on the Civil Court, Judge Ruditzky has earned a reputation for fairness and knowledge of the law. He comes highly recommended by community leaders.
Judge Martin Ritholtz is our choice for Supreme Court in Queens. As a Judge on the Civil Court, he has impressed us with his legal expertise and judicial demeanor. An accomplished student of the Talmud, he is a noted lecturer on the interplay between secular and religious law.
Eric Vitalliano is our choice for the Staten Island Civil Court. As a longtime New York State Assemblyman, he was always sensitive to the special needs of our community.
New York City Council
We endorse Michael C. Nelson for re-election in the 48th Council District (D-Flatbush, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach). Since his election a little over two years ago, Councilman Nelson has quickly emerged as a forceful advocate on behalf of our community. He has fought for increased funding for many of our vital organizations and has worked with all levels of the police department and community patrols. He has been in the forefront in the battle against bias crimes, graffiti and noise pollution.
Ulster County Treasurer
We support the re-election of Lew Kirschner as Ulster County Treasurer. During his tenure, he has introduced many innovations that have streamlined the operation of his office and has been responsible for impressive increases in returns on county investments. He has a long record of sensitivity for the needs of our community.
Ramapo Town Supervisor
For Ramapo Town Supervisor, we support Kathy Ellsworth, currently serving as Mayor of Montebello. She has the enthusiastic support of the leading Rabbis and others we customarily look to in the Rockland County Jewish community and has also managed to attract strong bi-partisan support for her candidacy.
Ramapo Town Councilman
Harry Reiss is our choice for Ramapo Town Councilman. We have endorsed him in the past and he has distinguished himself since his election as councilman in 1994. An Orthodox Jew, he has worked hard to foster governmental accommodation of the special Sabbath and holiday needs of our community. He has played an important part in Holocaust sensitivity efforts in the area.