Readers Write: Story fails to recognize D’Arrigo’s contributions

The Island Now

I read Robert Pelaez’s April 10 article, “D’Arrigo withdraws petition challenge,” and I was struck by its skewed and completely inaccurate portrayal of Democratic congressional candidate Melanie D’Arrigo, whom I have volunteered for and consider a friend.

 Firstly, Melanie is one of the most compassionate individuals I have ever met.  She is running for office solely to make the lives of those she would represent better and to make her district (New York’s third), her state and her country more just, equitable and humane places to live.

 Since declaring her candidacy, Melanie has sacrificed an immeasurable amount of time with her family, firm in the belief that her efforts are necessary for the greater good and that she has a duty to ensure that future generations inherit a world in which everyone can live and thrive.

Just a few months ago, as the refugee crisis at the southern border was spiraling out of control due to the Trump administration’s cruel and callous policies, Melanie joined a group of volunteers, who met with asylum seekers in a Mexican shelter and wheeled suitcases full of donations, including backpacks, shoes and toys, across the border.  (This was before she began her run for office.)

 It strains credulity to claim that this same woman would take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis to harass or even risk the life of one of her political opponents. 

In fact, Melanie has taken the pandemic very seriously, suspending door-knocking and other public activities prior to the petitioning period being officially cut short.

 She has also created a comprehensive COVID-19 resource page on her campaign website (www.darrigo2020.com/covid19), hosted an informational Facebook Live session with local pediatrician Dr. Eve Krief and reached out to fellow residents of her district to check on their well-being.

The claim that Melanie purposely challenged her own petition signatures in some Machiavellian attempt to garner sympathy is equally spurious. 

Such challenges are a matter of public record.  Even if a candidate wanted to engage in such deception, which Melanie clearly did not, it would be impossible.

Further, New York State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, a business partner of incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi and the personification of the anti-progressive Democratic machine, is the last person with standing to question Melanie’s progressive credentials.

 In fact, if Melanie were some “phony progressive,” as Jacobs put it, I don’t think she would have been endorsed by Indivisible (both at the state and national levels), Brand New Congress, Nassau NOW, Muslims for Progress, Matriarch, the New York Progressive Action Network, Long Island Activists, Our Progressive Future and New York Communities for Change.

 I am proud to support Melanie and know that she will serve with honesty, passion and integrity should she win the Democratic primary on June 23 and the general election on Nov. 3. 

Matthew Zeidman

New Hyde Park

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