Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brendan Griffith, Chief of Staff of New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, opposing open primaries
1:07:10
·
140 sec
Brendan Griffith, Chief of Staff at the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, testifies against proposals for open or jungle primaries.
He argues these systems could weaken labor unions, community organizations, and political parties that represent working people, potentially making it easier for wealthy interests to influence elections. Griffith suggests that aligning city elections with even-numbered years is a more data-driven approach to increasing voter turnout, citing potential cost savings as well.
- Opposes open or jungle primaries, fearing they could diminish the influence of labor and community groups.
- Expresses concern that such systems could favor wealthy candidates and outside spending.
- Advocates for moving city elections to even-numbered years to increase turnout, aligning with when more voters already participate in federal/state races.
- Highlights the role of unions in civic engagement and voter mobilization.
Brendan Griffith
1:07:10
My name is Brendan Griffith.
1:07:12
I'm the chief of staff at the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL CIO, which represents over 300 unions and more than 1,000,000 union members across the five boroughs.
1:07:21
We urge the Commission not to move forward with proposals to introduce so called open or jungle primaries.
1:07:26
These ideas are not new, and they are not neutral.
1:07:29
While some who support this idea may be well intentioned, jungle primaries have also been backed by the same kinds of interests.
1:07:36
Billionaires, corporate groups that want to weaken labor unions, community organizations, and political parties speak for working people.
1:07:43
When this kind of proposal was pushed more than twenty years ago, it came from wealthy interests frustrated that working class New Yorkers, through their unions and community groups, had too much influence.
1:07:52
Even today, at this commission, it is concerning that there is not a single member appointed specifically to represent of the labor movement and working people.
1:08:01
Unions and community groups are how everyday New Yorkers get a voice in the political process.
1:08:06
We help working people understand the issues, talk to each other about candidates, and get to the polls.
1:08:11
Labor is one of the most effective civic institutions New York City has because of our decades of organizing experience.
1:08:19
When turnout increases, it's because unions, community organizations, and political parties are out talking to people.
1:08:26
As labor organizations, we knock on the doors, we make the calls, we talk to our members in their workplaces and in their communities.
1:08:32
Member to member outreach and direct voter contact are proven tools to bring working New Yorkers into the democratic process.
1:08:40
If the commission is serious about increasing voter turnout, we join our partners in encouraging you to consider aligning city elections with even numbered years when voters are already showing up for federal and state races.
1:08:50
This is a change rooted in data and in reality.
1:08:53
And, you know, I believe there was an estimate from the New York City IBO that every other year the city would save $42,000,000 if they did that.
1:09:01
We cannot support proposals that would effectively sideline labor and other organizations from this process.
1:09:07
Primary elections are one of the most important opportunities union members have to meaningfully shape the direction of their city.
1:09:13
Replacing them with a process that rewards massive outside spending and candidate self branding would not create more democracy.
1:09:20
It would make it easier for the wealthiest New Yorkers to buy the outcomes they want while shutting working people out.
1:09:25
Thank you for the opportunity to testify this evening.
Sharon Greenberger
1:09:29
Thank you both so much.