Statement from PEF President Susan M. Kent

ALBANY, NY (09/10/2014)(readMedia)-- Zephyr Teachout's stunning 35 percent of the vote and Tim Wu's 40 percent in yesterday's primary election affirms the political power and clout of the new Public Employees Federation, under the leadership of the Kent/Garcia administration. The overwhelming support in the heart of New York's capital for the Teachout/Wu candidacy cannot be ignored.

This campaign believed in what we, as a union, bring to the state of New York and highlighted the need for respect for public services, while speaking out against the negative impact of privatization and diminishment of vital state services.

Given the impact of the Teachout/Wu campaign, Gov. Andrew Cuomo should understand a little better, the feeling of an uncertain future as so many PEF members have felt during his tenure. We hope this learning moment for the governor will result in a true partnership with us, his professional workforce, and a more humanistic approach to the services we provide to the citizens of New York state.