A Timely Boost for Moscaritolo

Former Upper East Side Assembly Member Pete Grannis announced Thursday he would be endorsing Kim Moscaritolo for City Council in District 5, citing her long history of leadership in the community.

The endorsement is a timely one – coming right as New Yorkers will be able to start casting their ballots during the early voting period, which begins Saturday – and adds to the existing support Moscaritolo has received from other UES leaders, including state Sen. Liz Kreuger, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, and former District 5 Council Member Jessica Lappin.

“Kim Moscaritolo will make a great Council Member who I know will be readily available to her constituents, an essential hallmark of being a good representative,” Grannis said in a statement. “She’s incredibly passionate about local neighborhood issues, and I encourage voters to rank her #1 on June 22nd.”

Grannis represented the 68th and 65th districts (encompassing the UES and Roosevelt Island) from 1975 to 2007. He later served as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation from 2007 to 2010, and is currently the Deputy Comptroller of New York State.

Grannis lauded Moscaritolo’s involvement in Upper East Side politics and helping to engage others in the community on neighborhood issues.

“As the founder of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club and a Democratic District Leader, Kim has spent years reforming our local political process to make it more ethical, diverse and inclusive, and has encouraged community members to get involved,” said Grannis.

Moscaritolo thanked the former assembly member for his support.

“Mr. Grannis fought hard for tenants’ rights in his years chairing the Committee on Housing,” said Moscaritolo. “He spent decades advocating for environmental protections, long before it was popular to do so, and was always a great advocate for his constituents. I know his support will inspire our neighbors to get excited about voting in this consequential primary.”

The District 5 Democratic primary has proven to be one of the most competitive Council races in Manhattan, with seven candidates running to replace the term-limited Council Member Ben Kallos.

Early voting takes place between Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 20. Voters can also cast their ballots on Primary Day, Tuesday, June 22.