Squadron's Community Convention Gathers More Than 350 Community Members to Engage in Government

Squadron, Keynote Speaker Schumer Highlight Community Engagement

Community Members Participated in 14 Discussion Groups on District and Statewide Issues

NEW YORK – State Senator Daniel Squadron hosted his seventh annual 26th District Community Convention on Sunday afternoon, bringing together over 350 community members to make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.

In his opening remarks, Senator Squadron discussed the importance of community engagement. He noted that there is hope for the process when community members join together, voice constructive concerns, and become an active part of creating a more responsive government.

"The more that people of goodwill engage and take back the public square on days like this, and all year round, the better we will all be," said State Senator Daniel Squadron. "We need to have a public debate we can trust -- one in which an unlimited deluge of money is not drowning out people's voices."  

Senator Chuck Schumer delivered this year's keynote address on the importance of local representation, and the resiliency of Lower Manhattan from 9/11 through Hurricane Sandy to today. Additional elected officials on the program included Congressmember Jerrold Nadler, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and Councilmember Corey Johnson.

Following the opening plenary, participants shared ideas and feedback in 14 moderated discussion groups in topics ranging from tenants' rights and parks, to ethics reform and social justice; there was also a Chinese-language conversation. The suggestions and concerns voiced by constituents during those sessions will help drive Senator Squadron’s priorities in the district and Albany.