Ezra Friedlander Becomes Senior Jewish Adviser to Christine Quinn’s campaign

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s campaign for Mayor of New York City announced this afternoon that Ezra Friedlander has joined as a senior advisor to Jewish constituents.

Friedlander, CEO of the Friedlander Group, a consulting firm based in Borough Park, has gained a street cred as a political and public relations honcho for government agencies and non-profit organizations.

“I couldn’t be more proud to welcome Ezra to the team,” said Quinn. “He is a tireless advocate for the Jewish community and will bring an unparalleled wealth of knowledge to our campaign. His presence will be invaluable and a key component for our path to victory.”

Friedlander, who’s been advocating for Quinn in private conversations, has good timing, as the latest New York Times / Siena College poll shows Quinn back on top of the Democratic mayoral primary race with 27% of the support, compared to 18% for Anthony Weiner on Thursday.

A son of the Liska Rebbe, Friedlander said Quinn understands the needs and struggles of a middle-class Orthodox Jewish family in any of New York’s five boroughs, that is despite her stance on the single-gender debate.

“She is the right kind of candidate we need–she delivers results, has years of experience, is honest, dependable, and has shown me that she understands and can work with the Jewish community,” he said in a statement to COLlive.com.

He pointed out how Quinn led the fight to restore day care vouchers for the frum community, which many families depend upon and “will ensure that Yeshiva kids have their transportation needs taken care of, recognizing the safety concerns of a late dismissal.”

Noting her experience as housing organizer, he said Quinn “understands the invaluable communal infrastructure that the Orthodox community has built in NYC and our commitment to this city. Her blueprints for creating affordable housing will help our community continue to flourish and grow.”

Trailing after Quinn and Weiner in the primary polls are former City Comptroller Bill Thompson and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio tied at 11% and current City Comptroller John Liu with 7%.

The Democratic primary elections are scheduled for September 10, 2013. The 2013 New York City mayoral election to succeed Michael Bloomberg will be held November 5, 2013.

Source: COLLIVE.COM

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