Ceasar Zuniga announces UFT endorsement, by George Fiala

Longtime Assemblyman Felix Ortiz is facing his first well-organized challenger in almost 20 years in this year’s Democratic Primary, which will be held September 9. 

Caesar Zuniga is an education professional specializing in programs for the very young. He has been a member of Community Board 7 (Sunset Park) for the past five years, and this year has mounted a primary challenge. He held a small press conference today at the PS 503 School of Discovery.

He was joined by Tim Wu, who is running for Lieutenant Governor on the ticket headed by challenger Zephyr Teachout.

The school was closed as it’s still summer, and so the small delegation met the press at the steps by the front door. Zuniga began by saying how he is “humbled and honored” by his recent UFT endorsement. He acknowledged that he is running a longshot campaign against a powerful incumbent, which makes the teacher’s endorsement special. He noted his longtime commitment to education, starting with his roots as the son of immigrants. He called his entry into middle class life due solely to his parent’s insistence on his receiving a good education.

“We need to double-down on education in order to give today’s underserved population the same chance that I have had,” Zuniga stated.

He said that he would work on state priorities – saying he was disappointed at the push into charter schools while the public school system remains underfunded.

Speaking of his specialty –  early childhood education – he remarked that “early childhood education is an investment in our society. It’s a no-brainer.”

In Albany he would work to put all parties together to push his educational priorities. “We all need to work together.” he said.

Wu, who has been campaigning in the Chinese portion of the districts, spoke a bit about the Teachout campaign. He lambasted Governor Cuomo for cuts to education. “It’s the wrong direction!” he said.

He called it open season on incumbents, as the public is disgusted with the entrenched power structure up in Albany. “No more handouts to the wealthy!” he said, refraining from shouting. “Democrats were elected to bring up the middle class – and it’s not happening,” he said.

As the floor opened for questioning, Caesar was asked what specific initiatives he would bring to the table.

“Excellent question,” he said. He spoke of a proposed federal program which unfortunately was defeated, called Promise Neighborhoods. Its goal was to “The vision of the program is that all children and youth growing up in Promise Neighborhoods have access to great schools and strong systems of family and community support that will prepare them to attain an excellent education and successfully transition to college and a career.”

He promised to bring this program to the state level, and work to get it passed.

Zuniga also spoke of a commitment to preserve the Red Hook and Sunset Park working waterfront. He said that state initiatives can improve the maritime infrastructure, setting the table for increased private investment. He would work together with Councilman Menchaca to maintain industrial zoning – keeping out mixed use, which would bring the real estate industry to the waterfront. Jobs, and union jobs would be a priority in a manufacturing future of the piers. He would also push to ensure local hiring.

The primary will be held September 9th. The September 1st issue of the Star-Revue will include a comprehensive rundown of all the races.