As Tuesday's primary approaches, Josh Skaller picks up two more endorsements: Congressman John Hall and a somewhat surprising endorsement from Gatemouth of Room 8.

From the press release of Congressman Hall's endorsement:

"In Congress, I've worked for a real environmental agenda and for alternate energy sources," Hall said. "Josh Skaller will fight that fight in the New York City Council.

"In 2006, I was honored that Josh worked on my campaign to win New York's 19th Congressional District," said Hall. "Today, I'm proud to endorse Josh Skaller because he has a true vision for a green New York."

Skaller's green credentials run deep. He was the first candidate to support an EPA Superfund designation for the infamously polluted Gowanus Canal. Skaller envisions a Gowanus Canal that evolves into the center of the new green economy, empowering Brooklyn's working class while greening the borough...

"New York City should be a leader, not a follower, in environmental stewardship," Skaller said. "Where are the pilot programs? I've met New Yorkers who are trying to make sustainability happen, but city government isn't doing its part to help them...  read more »

One of the hottest contested races in the September 15th primary is who will be the next City Council representative for the 39th district (Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Street, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Boro Park). I thought it was worth reviewing the candidates, all of whom I know fairly well, and all of whom I have heard speak and done some research on. Keep in mind I come into this as a supporter of Josh Skaller for this seat. So I save my endorsed candidate for last.  read more »

This comes from former police officer, founding member of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, and State Senator Eric Adams:

Dear Neighbor,

I’ve represented the people of Boro Park, Park Slope and Windsor Terrace (among others) in the State Senate since 2006. Before that, I served the people of New York City as a police officer for over 20 years.

As a cop, I’ve dealt with some of New York’s worst criminals. As a senator, I’ve dealt with lobbyists, Albany bigwigs, and greedy power players – and let me tell you, sometimes they’re just as bad.

In Albany, I’ve stood up to the power-obsessed, self-dealing insiders and focused on serving my constituents. In City Hall, we need someone who will do the same thing.

We need Josh Skaller.

Josh Skaller has the grit you need to make it in City Hall. I saw it in Josh from the first time we met – he has a fierce resolve that belies his friendly nature and his easygoing smile.  read more »

The Brooklyn Downtown Star just came out with their endorsements. Among them are endorsements for Josh Skaller for the 39rd City Council race, Tish James for the 35th City Council race, and John Liu for Comptroller.

Here's what they have to say about Josh Skaller:

The district must have a progressive-minded council member, capable of fighting for reform, who also understands the importance and distinct needs of the district’s more conservative and less affluent southern belt - an area made up of the neighborhoods of Windsor Terrace, Kensington, and Boro Park.

The job calls for a liberal but open-minded person of integrity, intelligence, and sound judgment. The job calls for Josh Skaller, whom this paper is endorsing for City Council...

Skaller, an outspoken civic activist for the past decade, has established a broad base of support through his commitment to a brand of progressive but pragmatic politics, a rare combination.  read more »

Americans for Democratic action, an abashedly liberal branch of the Democratic Party, has announced its endorsements for the September 15th Primary election. Founded in 1947, ADA is an independent liberal political organization dedicated to protecting individual liberty and expanding economic justice. Here are their recommendations (with my inevitable comments):

Mayor: Bill Thompson

Public Advocate: Norman Siegel (Siegel has also been endorsed by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Democracy for NYC, Park River Independent Democrats (Upper West Side), the Village Reform Democratic Club, the Grand Council of Guardians (an organization of African-American law enforcement officials), Room 8 blogger and Brooklyn City Council candidate Rock Hackshaw, the New York Metro Area Postal Union (APWU, AFL-CIO), Audubon Reform Democratic Club (Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights), and Brooklyn Democrats for Change (Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Bath Beach and Gravesend), The New York Community Council...and, of course, myself).

Comptroller: John Liu (Liu has also been endorsed by 504 Democratic Club (focused on disabled rights), El Nuevo Caribe Democratic Club of El Barrio/East Harlem, Lambda Independent Democrats, Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, Stonewall Democrats of New York City, Staten Island Democratic Association, United Auto Workers, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, American Heritage Democratic Club...and about a gazillion others, including myself).

Manhattan District Attorney: Richard Aborn (I haven't endorsed in this race. Aborn has also been endorsed by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Daniel Squadron, 504 Democratic Club, OutPOCPAC, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, Village Independent Democrats, and others).

39th City Council District (Brooklyn): Josh Skaller (Josh has also been endorsed by Howard Dean, Jim Dean, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, State Senator Eric Adams, Democracy for America, Democracy for NYC, The New York Community Council, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237, 111 and 854, Service Employees International Union (Special Officers and Guards, Local 177), Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus, Carroll Gardens Coalition for Respectful Development and others...as well as myself.)

33rd City Council District (Brooklyn): Ken Diamondstone (I have endorsed Jo Anne Simon for this race, but Ken Diamondstone is another excellent candidate.)

19th City Council District (Queens): Steve Behar (Steve Behar has also been endorsed by Councilman Tony Avella, Democracy for America, Democracy for New York City, Queens County Progressive Democratic Club, The New York Community Council, Democrats for New Politics, Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens...and myself).

25th City Council District (Queens): Daniel Dromm (Daniel Dromm has also been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats, the United Federation of Teachers, 504 Democrats, among others. I endorsed him quite some time ago and think he is a very promising candidate, but I am concerned about his involvement in the Working Families Party scandal and have been unable to get a statement from his campaign).