He may be considered a long-shot, but Sal Albanese doesn’t take any vote for granted. It’s the Rick Santorum strategy, which bought the latter a spot in the national field of presidential candidates by winning Iowa. If that means putting on a yarmulke, greeting voters, and listening to their concerns during the Erev Shabbos shopping rush, so be it.
Our photo journalist contributor, Shimon Gifter, accompanied Democratic mayoral hopeful Sal Albanese during his meet and greet on 13th avenue, the heart of Borough Park, last Friday afternoon. In a recent conversation with this reporter, Mr. Albanese vowed “to compete heavily in the Jewish community, too,” adding, “The things we are saying will resonate well among Jewish voters.”
“I’m gonna’ do it. I am going to campaign in Borough Park aggressively” he said.
At least on that campaign promise, Mr. Albanese delivered. Voters, and not community leaders who pop up at every single meeting, voters who are not used seeing citywide elected officials or candidates running for office since the Giuliani and Pataki days, warmly greeted Mr. Albanese, if not for his policies, at least for the effort and for his willingness to listen.
Below is the 26 minute-long video of Mr. Albanese’s Borough Park campaign tour.