New political club pushes Obama’s progressive agenda by Daniel P. Bader At the March 12 inaugural meeting of the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, speaking to a packed room, club founder and 71st Assembly Democratic District Leader Mark Levine laid out his vision for the group. “It’s a myth that regular people can’t impact elections,” Levine told the audience at the Washington Heights Armory on Ft. Washington Avenue and W. 168th Street. “Our timing could not be more perfect.” The club, he said, has the opportunity to advance a progressive agenda in several political city races in the coming months, including public advocate, district attorney, comptroller and mayor. “And there’s a whole host of judgeships,” Levine said. Levine said the group would be moving into the endorsement phase right away, and is holding a forum for candidates for public advocate and comptroller on April 21 at 7p.m. at the Church of the Intercession on W. 155th Street and Broadway. Walking through the door, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was visibly taken aback at the large attendance. He told the crowd he’d expected a round-table discussion, not a packed room. A number of local elected officials made cameos at the meeting, including City Council Members Miguel Martinez and Robert Jackson and State Senator Bill Perkins. Members of the audience expressed their interest in being part of something new. “I don’t want to be part of a normal club,” one member said. “I want to be part of an open discussion.” Levine opened the floor to anyone who wanted express what they thought the club’s agenda should be. Public health, city infrastructure and the environment were just a few suggestions mentioned. Mimicking the club’s presidential namesake, Levine said it would embrace the Internet and openness. “We’re going to be a very technological club, we already have a Web site,” he said. “[And] we’re going to be incredibly transparent.”
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