This is the inaugural year YBPNewYork.com has a voice in which local constituents should vote for in an election.

Yes, the mission of YBPNewYork is to increase the level of community involvement, social consciousness and political awareness for persons of Black descent within the age range of 18 and 40 living in the greater New York City area. But, that doesn’t mean we are tied to selecting Black candidates.

Our task here is to select those Black candidates that are best qualified and because of discriminatory practices are overlooked for the position; and select the best candidate – who may not be Black – that is best for the city in terms of ensuring sound, fair and equitable action when it comes to employment, education and fighting crime.

The hottest ticket in town this year is the mayor’s seat.

Yes, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has polished the city up a bit when it comes to tourism and image. However, a major beef we have with Bloomberg is winning a third term. Despite voters in New York approving term limits for the mayor and other elected officials, Bloomberg managed to get his name on the Nov. 3 ballot anyway. What happened to upholding the wishes and wills of the people?

Also, our mediocre to low approval ratings for Bloomberg when it comes to the economy, public safety, public schools, MTA, race relations and communications with Albany, have forced us to go with William (Bill) C. Thompson to become the next mayor of New York City.

Thompson is the nominee of the Democratic and Working Families parties in the 2009 Election.

Our pick is more than Thompson being Black – he offers a fresher, smarter perspective on producing effective local government. His credentials within the New York government system are deep and exceptional: City Comptroller of America’s largest city; Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn; and Brooklyn’s representative to the New York City Board of Education among other titles.

The Tufts University graduate has worked to diversify the pension portfolio from primarily public equities into private equity, real estate and other asset classes. And, since 2003, the funds have grown at a pace of 12.33 percent a year, outperforming its actuarial return assumption of 8 percent, according to reports.

In addition, during Thompson’s tenure, assets managed by minority- and women-owned firms have increased from less than $2 billion to over $6 billion.

YBPNewYork 2009 Endorsements:

Mayor:
Wiliam C. Thompson

Public Advocate – Citywide:
Bill de Blasio

City Controller:
John C. Liu

Justice of the Supreme Court – 1st Judicial Court:
Lucy Billings

Borough President – New York:
Scott M. Stringer

District Attorney – New York:
Cyrus Vance Jr.

Member of the City Council – 1st Council District:
Margaret S. Chin

Member of the City Council – 2nd Council District:
Rosie Mendez

Member of the City Council – 3rd Council District:
Christine C. Quinn

Member of the City Council – 4th Council District:
Daniel R. Garodnick

Member of the City Council – 5th Council District:
Jessica S. Lappin

Member of the City Council – 6th Council District:
Gale A. Brewer

Member of the City Council – 7th Council District:
Robert Jackson

Member of the City Council – 8th Council District:
Melissa Mark-Viverito

Member of the City Council – 9th Council District:
Inez Dickens

Member of the City Council – 10th Council District:
Ydanis A. Rodriguez

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 3rd Municipal Court District – New York,
Vote for Two:
Cynthia S. Kern
Lynn R. Kotler

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 6th Municipal Court District – New York:
Analisa Torress

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 9th Municipal Court District – New York,
Vote for Two:
Jennifer G. Schecter
James D’Auguste

1-Ballot Proposal Number One, An Amendment – Citywide:
Amendment to section 1 of article 14 of the Constitution, in relation to the use of certain forest preserve lands by National Grid to construct a 46 kV power line along State Route 56 in St. Lawrence County. The proposed amendment would authorize the Legislature to convey up to six acres of forest preserve land along State Route 56 in St. Lawrence County to National Grid for construction of a power line. In exchange, National Grid would convey to the State at least 10 acres of forest land in St. Lawrence County, to be incorporated into the forest preserve. The land to be conveyed by National Grid to the State must be at least equal in value to the land conveyed to National Grid by the State. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? YES

2-Ballott Proposal Number Two, An Amendment – Citywide:
Amendment to article 3 of the Constitution, in relation to authorizing the Legislature to allow prisoners to voluntarily perform work for nonprofit organizations. The proposed amendment would authorize the Legislature to pass legislation to permit inmates in state and local correctional facilities to perform work for nonprofit organizations. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? YES