Happy Birthday Martha

Happy birthday to the brilliant strong beautiful Martha Ayon, who managed my campaign; anxiety; self doubt; policy wonkiness; obsession with democracy reform, economics, infrastructure; and overly affectionate cat. She didn’t let me quit, told me to ignore the toxic and the trolls, reminded me that its always about constituents, community, and common sense. All during a pandemic when nothing about politics or New York was business as usual.

On a Saturday a few weeks before the primary when I should have been making phone calls but decided to march with my neighbors for Black Lives Matter, a lesser campaign manager would have said, “no” but Martha simply said, “make sure you post!”

Happy birthday to my friend Martha. Her friendship and advice went beyond my campaign. She showed me that I can use my power and privilege for justice and peace and love. She reminded me everyday of the woman I want to be — bc in many ways she is that woman.