March 6, 2013
More than 100 Diverse Supporters Unite Behind Democrat Shafran
Queens, NY- Austin Shafran was joined by a diverse coalition of over 100 supporters to officially launch his campaign for City Council in the 19th District. Kicking off the campaign at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, Shafran was joined by special guest speakers Congressman Joseph Crowley, Bright Limm, President of Korean Americans for Political Advancement (KAPA), and Demos Demopoulos, Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 16.
Also attending were city, state, and federal elected officials, members of the local community, and prominent leaders in the Korean, Chinese, labor, business, and religious communities.
The diversity and size of the crowd showed that Shafran has a very broad coalition of support. Having received the first two big labor endorsements of this closely-watched race from Teamsters Joint Council 16 and UFCW, Shafran is building real momentum in his campaign to create more jobs and economic opportunity for working families.
“I’m thrilled to have the support of such a large and diverse group as we work together 
to prove that people who love their community can change it. I’m running to make the community I’ve lived in and loved my entire life a better place to live, work, and raise a family. From improving our schools, to protecting our neighborhoods, to creating jobs and reducing taxes for middle class families, we must do better, and I have the right experience to make city government work for us,” said Austin Shafran.
Throughout his years in public service, Shafran has helped enact policies and legislation to improve the lives of middle class families in New York.
Shafran most recently served under Governor Cuomo as Vice President of Public Affairs for the state’s economic development agency, where he played a significant role in executing an aggressive job growth and small business development agenda. Shafran has also worked for Congressman Gary Ackerman, Councilman David Weprin, the New York State Senate Democrats, and was elected a Democratic District Leader in Northeast Queens in 2012. A former semi-professional athlete, Shafran has volunteered to coach little league and mentor young players in local youth sports organizations throughout the community.
For more information about the campaign and to get involved, please visit www.austin4council.com.
