by Bill Batson
As a person who cares deeply about the future of my county and my country, I enthusiastically endorse the re-election campaign of New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee.
Ellen is running in the most consequential election year of our lifetime and needs your down ballot support. Her opponent is a natural gas lobbyist and receives funding from Trump’s America First Action pact. He will not represent the needs and interests of the constituents of the 97th Assembly District.
On Tues., Sept. 22, at 6p, I am hosting a fundraiser for Ellen There will be a special musical performance by Samuel Waymon. Click here to join me.
Turnout for Ellen
Next, Tuesday, September 22, I am hosting a fundraiser New York State Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee. There will be a special musical performance by Samuel Waymon. The event will be held on Zoom. Tickets can be purchased here: This photo was taken during the civics class that I teach at the Learning Collaborative. I was impressed at the affection that the student at this continuing education program had for Ellen.
Here are a five examples of how Ellen Jaffee has positively impacted the 97th legislative district.
Thurgood Marshall Memorial Highway: A05939
Along with pillars of the African American community in Rockland County like Dr. Willie Bryant, Ellen played a leadership role in preserving the legacy of Thurgood Marshall’s work in Rockland County. Marshall’s legal challenge of segregation in Hillburn in 1943 led to the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education that integrated America’s public schools. Marshall argued the case before the court.
Ellen also co-sponsored the legislation that established May 17 as Thurgood Marshall day in New York State. After winning Brown, Marshall went on to become the first African American Justice on the Supreme Court, a journey that took a significant detour through Rockland County.
Edward Hopper Citation: A02121
In Nyack, Ellen created the Edward Hopper Citation, which resulted in an exhibit by celebrated photographer Carrie Mae Weems. The community component for the Weems exhibition, which I directed, generated over 30 African American oral histories that are now accessible to the public on the Nyack Library website.
Breast Density Law: A07774
Ellen secured passage of a bill that requires doctors to notify patients who have dense breast tissue. Men and women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Classroom Teacher to Legislative Leader
Born in Brooklyn, Ellen and her late husband Steve Jaffee moved to Suffern in 1978 where they raised 2 children, Marc and Allison. She earned her B.A. in Education from Brooklyn College, her M.S. in Special Education from Fordham University, and worked as a resource room teacher at the Pomona Junior High School / Middle School for 20 years. Elected as a Village of Suffern Trustee in 1994, Ellen went on to serve in the Rockland County Legislature where she remained until her election to the Assembly in 2007.
The Boss Bill: A00584
Ellen’s legislation prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on reproductive health decisions.
The East Ramapo Monitor Bill : A05355
Ellen established a fiscal Monitor in the East Ramapo Central School District to review the district’s fiscal practices, conduct, and history, and to make recommendations.
With education up-ended by an out-of-control pandemic, I cannot think of a more important time than now to have a 20-year classroom teacher turned activist representing our communities.
A deep concern for children and families animate Ellen’s public service. When you turnout votes for Ellen Jaffee’s re-election, by donating and volunteering, you reject the division, rancor and cynicism that has overwhelmed our national government and is taking root here in Rockland County.
To donate or volunteer, visit ellenjaffe.com
Bill Batson is an activist, artist and writer who lives in Nyack, NY. “Nyack Sketch Log Re-Elect Ellen Jaffee” © 2020 Bill Batson. To learn more visit billbatsonarts.com
