Step aside Joe Lhota, you’re not the only one who registered a new campaign account today.
Assemblyman Micah Kellner, who had been “inching” towards a City Council campaign as far back as April of last year, officially pulled the trigger by forming “KELLNER 2013” and, in a statement, announced the bid as the next step towards representing his Upper East Side constituents.
“I entered public service to tackle the tough issues, and to fight for our community. This year presents a new opportunity to serve by running for New York’s 5th City Council district,” Mr. Kellner said. “In 2013, New Yorkers will elect a new Mayor and a new City Council. Our city needs experienced leaders who can get to work on day one. As a member of the City Council, I will be able to use my legislative experience to make a difference for New Yorkers when it matters most. I am humbled by the early encouragement that I have received from community leaders and I am very excited to take this next step.”
Mr. Kellner won’t have the field to himself, however, and there are a number of other candidates in the race, including attorney Benjamin Kallos and adjunct professor Hill Krishnan, who is notable for his impeccable dance moves.
The incumbent, Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, is leaving a vacant seat behind her as she campaigns for Manhattan Borough President.
Update (4:45 p.m.): In a statement touting his résumé and not mentioning his new electoral rival by name, Mr. Kallos welcomed Mr. Kellner with some critical words:
“We’re building a grassroots army of activists and volunteers that want to see more than politicians switching up their commutes and increasing their pay. We won’t get the accountability from the MTA, access to quality education and affordable housing or reliable services for our seniors so long as government is built to work for the politicians, not the people.”
