By Dan Murphy
Calling the idea of holding a special election for Assembly in the 58th District, Brooklyn, a waste of time and money, democrat Otis Danne wrote a letter to Governor Hochul urging her not to call the special election.
A story in City and State highlighted what many are calling political shennanigans
Danne writes, “Dear Governor Hochul:
“My name is Otis Danne, a democratic candidate for Assembly in the 58-District, in Brooklyn. “It
has come to my attention that our former NYS Assemblyman resigned from his office before
April 1st, giving you the power to call for a Special Election in May.
“I urge you not to call a special election for several reasons. First, there is a lack of transparency
in Assemblyman Perry’s decision to resign on March 30. The public was not made aware of the
important date of his resignation until an article appeared in City & State.
“The people in my district are hurting, Governor. After two years of COVID, a lack of jobs, lack of
affordable housing and food insecurity, the people of the 58th Assembly district are struggling to
make ends meet. And now with energy prices skyrocketing, their struggles have gotten worse.
“Please use the $2 Million that it would cost to hold a special election to directly help the people
in my district to better fund the social safety programs that will better help them.
“I would also argue that calling a special election in May will result in a low turnout from the
voters in my district. The voters have finally become accustomed to a June Primary and a
November election. A special election in May will confuse them and asking them to vote three
times for one election is the wrong path to take.
“Third, if you do decide to call for a special election, the winner will still face a challenge both in
the democratic primary in June, and in November.
“Unfortunately, I believe that the timing of former Assemblyman Perry’s resignation was aimed at
helping his hand-picked successor. Our system is flawed and keeps the powerful in power
while keeping any challengers at bay.
“And that type of backroom political deal is the reason that I’m running for Assembly as a
first-time candidate. I want to serve the people of my district by winning honestly and fairly in the
elections that have already been set. Calling a special election is a waste of time, taxpayer
money and our community’s focus.
“I also believe that you want that also Governor. Please do not call a special election in
Assembly District 58 in Brooklyn.
Sincerely,
Otis Danne
For more informaton on Danne’s campaign for Assembly in NY-58, Visit otisfornys.com/ for more information. Danne also has the endorsement of the SAM Party of NY.
