Statement from NYC Mayoral Candidate Dianne Morales

Statement from NYC Mayoral Candidate Dianne Morales

“I continue to stand with Jean Kim and support her demands for justice.

I’ve spent the last 48 hours reflecting on the leadership needed in this moment and beyond. Words can’t even begin to describe how it feels to know a survivor has to continually relive and share traumatic moments under public scrutiny. This was the reason I chose not to wait for the press conference to validate Jean Kim. 

 

Believing survivors means believing them — and standing with them — from the very beginning. New York City is a village of survivors. To see the outpour of support for Jean Kim was a reminder of how strong the women of this City are for each other. My heart goes out to Jean Kim for everything she is enduring in this moment. She has my full and unequivocal support.

I’m also laser focused on the race at hand, because the last two days only underscore how much is at stake to build an equitable and just city. Unfortunately, it has also become clear that Scott Stringer refuses to take real accountability, and is using this moment to cause more harm. That alone disqualifies him from governing in this city. Running for office is a great privilege, as is holding office. Neither is a right. Our campaigns should evoke hope and possibility, not triggers and fears.

 
A mayoral race is not the right platform to dissect the many layers this situation warrants. The complexities of power, race, and white male privilege — and how it impacts all of us — requires a recognition of how those in power are credited with unearned wisdom, intelligence and truth. Likewise, the challenges of acknowledging violence against women, and the uphill path women of color continue to sojourn while facing humiliation, suppression and immediate skepticism are all deeply rooted in the fabric of this very nation and city. I can not attempt to fit all of my thoughts, emotions and analyses into the four corners of any page. I will, however, finish the job at hand: to fight with the people for a city every New Yorker deserves.
 
I empathize with Jean Kim, who for almost two days now has had her character questioned and, in so many ways, deserves so much more support from those who hashtag ‘believe survivors.’ Scott Stringer must withdraw from the Mayoral race and resign. And our City must move on with determining who has the strongest momentum, strategy and experience to protect all of us — especially the ones we still struggle to believe.”

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