The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA) has endorsed two of its senior members for the New York State Legislature: Assemblymember Tremaine S. Wright to fill the 25th State Senate District held by Velmanette Montgomery, the longest-serving member of the state senate and who is retiring; and Stefani L. Zinerman to fill the 56th Assembly District seat that will be vacated by Wright.
Political newcomer Stefani Zinerman has a career that spans over thirty years as a management professional in the public and private sectors. Currently, she serves as the Director of Special Projects for New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery. In this role, Zinerman works towards institutional sustainability for community-based, cultural and educational organizations.
"VIDA's 2020 candidate slate includes experienced incumbents and community leaders with deep roots in Central Brooklyn like rising stars Assemblymember Tremaine S. Wright, Stefani Zinerman and Henry Butler, who was selected to succeed [City Councilmember Robert] Cornegy as Male District Leader," said Montgomery.
VIDA was founded in the late '60s in Bedford-Stuyvesant by former NYS Assemblymember and NYC Councilmember Albert Vann and the African-American Teacher's Association, as part of an effort to gain greater community control of schools. Since that time, VIDA has nurtured leaders in the African-American community and created a leadership pipeline that has supported generations of elected officials, judges, lawyers and activists.
"I am excited about this entire slate, as I believe these candidates rank among the best public servants in our district. I wholeheartedly support the nomination and endorsement of Stefani Zinerman for election to the 56th Assembly District seat," said Vann.
Wright added, "I know that Stefani has the skills, passion, and the knowledge necessary to be an effective legislator. Stefani will continue her dedicated advocacy for our community in Albany. She has a proven track record of service and commitment to community empowerment. I look forward to working with her in the NYS Legislature."
