MUSIC TO OUR EARS: Why musicians, union members and all working people should support Bill de Blasio’s campaign for mayor

68By Local 802 President Tino Gagliardi

The following is a transcript of Local 802 President Tino Gagliardi’s remarks on Aug. 12 in support of Bill de Blasio’s candidacy for mayor of New York City. The announcement event was held on the pedestrian plaza at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street in the heart of the Broadway theatre district. This article will also appear in the September 2013 issue of Allegro, the magazine of Local 802.

from-the-De-Blasio-campaign

Bill de Blasio accepted Local 802′s endorsement on Aug. 12 at a spirited press conference in Times Square that featured live music performed by Local 802 members. Photo: New Yorkers for de Blasio

 

I am proud to announce that the Local 802 Executive Board has unanimously endorsed Bill de Blasio to become the next mayor of New York City.

Why do New York City musicians support Bill de Blasio for Mayor?

Bill de Blasio has dedicated his career to championing economic and social justice for every New Yorker — including the hard-working musicians whose artistry is key to our city’s cultural and tourism economy. He understands the need for performing artists to be able to live and raise their families right here in the five boroughs. And he knows that to do this, we need:

* Affordable housing

* Livable wages

* Affordable transportation

* Access to hospitals and health care in our communities

* And strong public schools that offer instruction in music and the arts

Bill has distinguished himself from the other mayoral candidates in this election, emerging as the one leader with genuinely progressive ideas and the fortitude to stand up to entrenched special interests to truly improve the quality of life of New Yorkers citywide……Read more here: http://conta.cc/15jQNll (Published in Allegro, September 2013, Vol. 113, No.8 issue)

Allegro