Clarke, progressive Dems endorse Parker for city comptroller
The Progressive Democrats Political Association of Central Brooklyn (PDPA) and Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke have endorsed Brooklyn State Sen. Kevin Parker in his bid for New York city comptroller.
A lifelong Brooklynite, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, has served Brooklyn in Congress since 2007, and, prior to that, in the City Council, representing the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, from 2002 to 2006.
As councilwoman, she succeeded her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, who has also endorsed Sen. Parker.
“On behalf of the members of the Progressive Democrats Political Association of Central Brooklyn, we are proud to endorse my dear friend and colleague in government, State Sen. Kevin Parker for New York City Comptroller,” said Clarke, who represents the 9th Congressional District.
“Sen. Parker has a distinguished track record of public service, dedication, excellence and compassion, and is a leading voice nationwide on energy matters,” she added. “He is a tireless advocate for women, the environment, public safety, and our communities —including the Caribbean-American community.
“Sen. Parker is built to lead,” the congresswoman continued. “His unique qualifications make him well suited to excel as our next Comptroller, starting day one. Sen. Parker has received the endorsement of the Progressive Democrats of Central Brooklyn and a coveted endorsement from the Hon. Dr. Una S.T. Clarke.
“I am confident Sen. Parker is committed to advancing and fortifying our values, and will continue to be a beacon for innovation and leadership in New York City,” Clarke said. “Sen. Parker’s record speaks for itself. In the Comptroller’s race, he is the right man for this job,” Clarke concluded.
Parker, who has served in the New York State Senate for 18 years, representing Brooklyn’s diverse 21st Senate District, said he was
grateful for the endorsement of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and PDPA.
“The congresswoman has proudly represented Brooklyn, taking inspiration from the trailblazing work of her mother,” he said. “I look forward to the advice and counsel of the Clarke matriarchs when I am Comptroller.”
The elder Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to serve in the New York City Council (from 1992 to 2001), on Feb. 4 endorsed Parker for New York City Comptroller.
“I am extremely proud to endorse Kevin Parker for New York City Comptroller,” said Jamaican-born Dr. Clarke. “Kevin is a true public servant and fearless leader who has continuously delivered for his district, New York City and the entire state since he entered public office.
“As the first Caribbean-born woman to serve in the City Council, I am grateful for the work he has done for New York’s Caribbean community, and I think he is the most qualified candidate for the job in this race,” she added.
“Kevin’s tremendous background and breadth of governmental experience is exactly what New Yorkers need in a Comptroller to revitalize our city’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Clarke continued. “During these uncertain times, we need a champion like Kevin — a tireless champion who will work for all New Yorkers.”
Parker said he was “honored to have the endorsement of Dr. Clarke — a champion for hardworking New Yorkers and relentless advocate for her district and city.
“I am running to ensure we have a recovery with Economic Justice for All New Yorkers, and I know Dr. Clarke shares this vision,” he said. “With the future of our city at stake, I am committed to achieving this by rebuilding our city and securing a more safe and prosperous future for all.”
A lifelong Brooklynite who grew up in the Bushwick Houses, Parker serves as the Majority Whip, the third-ranking member of the Senate.
He is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, and serves on the Finance, Banking, Insurance, and Internet and Technology Committees.
Parker claims he is one of the most accomplished legislators in Albany history, having passed over 40 bills, including 21 in the 2019-20 session.
Sen. Parker previously worked in the chairman’s office of UBS PaineWebber, was a project manager for the New York State Urban Development Corporation, and managed intergovernmental relations for the New York State Comptroller.
An alumnus of the New York City public school system, Parker holds a BS in public service from Penn State, an MS in Urban Policy and Management from the New School, and is a Ph. D candidate in political science at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center.
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