Saint Jermaine Endeley is a 21-year-old NYU student, and he’s running for the Democratic nomination for the State Senate seat in Staten Island and Brooklyn.
A self-described “pro-business Democrat” and creator of a his own 5–5–5 economic stimulus plan, Endeley’s taking a farther right stance than opponent, 4-term incumbent Democrat Sen. Diane Savino.
As of the night of December 12th, his Facebook is up to 56 likes (it was at 15 last week), and he is sporting three times as many fuzzy profile pictures as before. We e-mailed Endeley about his campaign, balancing NYU, and dining halls. He responded with two LOLs and a press release.
What made you decide to run now?
Well I simply felt like the time was now. I am looking at the way politicians behave today and it honestly makes me sick sometimes. There are so many important issues to be dealt with and here we are fighting over petty politics in both Washington and Albany. Politicians cannot even pass budgets and government can’t pay it’s bills. You see members of Congress insider trading and Governors selling U.S Senate seats. I feel like the last generation has dealt 90’s babies tough cards to play and we do not have many options. And I feel like a generational change in all levels of government might be what is necessary to restore some sense of responsibility.
Do you think your age or student status will be a factor going
forward in the campaign?
I think it will for some folks. I think it will be a positive factor for others. I am not the only young person in NYC politics who has successfully run for office. You have Eric Ulrich of Queens who was 23. David Carlucci upstate who was 22. And even Teddy Roosevelt was 18. I think if I have the issues and facts on my side I’ll be okay. Plus it’s my hometown, everyone knows me from my high school years.
I’ve read that the incumbent, Sen. Diane Savino, has a deep fundraising bank. How are you planning on competing with that?
It will be hard. Going against any incumbent is hard. But I cannot let that discourage or intimate me. [Note: in a later e-mail, Endeley said he meant “intimidate.”] I am going to have to see if grass roots and small dollar fundraising can still get the job done in the age of “Citizens United”. I think with the power of social media and good public policy, I can encourage people that I will be a better choice. But she will no doubt raise way more money than me. Unless NYU students want to help me raise small donations? LOL
Why are you running to the right of Savino?
Well thats just where I am on the issues. I will let the media determine if it is the right or left. I am no doubt a pro business Democrat. I think you would have to be crazy not to be in this economy. I am naturally a fiscal conservative- I think government should live within it’s means. People are going to label me as anti Labor but that is not true. How could I be when my mom is in a labor union that is the reason she is still even employed. I just think sometimes they over reach on policy issues here in NYC and I only want to be an honest broker between all interests.
I also think government should be efficient and limited to a certain extent. However I do believe government has a role to play in economics and solving the hardships of poverty. There just has to be a mutual responsibility between society and the individual. I occupied Wall street because their culture of greed crashed the economy and some still do not take full responsibility. But I do not think we should end, over regulate, or over tax America’s economic engine. I just think there needs to be some new rules of the road. Not only for wall Street but for everybody.
Why should we vote for you?
Im not sure how many of you live in my district but you should help campaign LOL. I say that because my election is more significant than me or even the policies I believe in. It is about a generational frustration with how politics are played today. I think conservatives and progressives are equally pissed off. I am young with no baggage and in debt to no interests. I am the most honest politician you can choose from.
How can you campaign and be an NYU student at the same time?
I wont be. I took a leave of absence and will return if I lose. If I win, I can also still finish- I’m not that far from graduation. The position is technically part-time. Most members of the New York Legislature make millions running businesses and law firms when they are not in session. If they can do that, I think I can handle a few courses here and there until I’m done.
Last question: Upstein or Downstein? YOU MUST DECIDE.
Upstein dude. Who can deny Chik-Fil-A…
Later, he e-mailed us a press release, noting various disappointments with Cuomo’s money distribution and the lack of attendence of Sen. Savino at regional economic distribution meetings. However, he does have big dreams for Staten Island:
“We could use a nice Imax Theater in St. George among many other development ideas on the table for the north shore. I am glad we got the park in Fresh Kills. I can’t wait to take a jog in the summer and go out for a kayak with my friends.”
Endeley also hopes for the legalization of “non-Indian Casinos and outer borough pick ups for livery cabs” as both are great for the NYC economy.
