Tish James Supporter Shoots For the Stars

September 30, 2013

Junette James, a CNA at Brooklyn’s New Carlton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is an old hand at politics. She’s worked on both of President Obama’s campaigns, numerous local elections, and for the last few weeks she’s been devoting her energy to electing Bill de Blasio as the New York City Mayor and Letitia James as New York City Public Advocate.

On a recent Friday she was at 1199SEIU’s Manhattan headquarters preparing campaign materials for the October 1 runoff election for New York City Public Advocate.

“I’ve never worked on a runoff election before. This is so important,” says James, no relation to the candidate. “When I go to the doors and talk to people, I tell them that Tish has done a wonderful job on things like immigration and education. She’s a really progressive leader.”

Junette James says that because she lives and works in Brooklyn, helping Tish James become Public Advocate is personal mission.

“Her office is walking distance from my job,” says James. “I take time from my lunches to go over and knock on doors for her. She has fought for a lot for us – ending stop and frisk and housing with construction of the Barclay’s Center.”

Junette James says she won’t stop until every voter knows how important it is to get out there for the runoff.

“I’m not tired,” she says. “We’re shooting for the stars and I know we’re going to get there. I know she’s going to win.”