Keeping Relevant With Ronnie Eldridge

Describing CUNY students as "..incredibly determined," Juvanie Piquant, elected head of the USS/CUNY, talks about her job to advocate, elevate and represent the 500,000 CUNY student voices, working to leave an issue "..better than you found it."

To prevent state legislatures from restricting our vote, guest urges political mobilization: federal legislation/litigation/citizen VOTING to change a state's political culture. 360 pending election bills; rules effecting ballot counting - a real crisis!

The Census is in the Constitution to allocate House seats across a state, and the basis of political representation. John Mollenkopf discusses the #1 surprise of the 2020 Census: NY's population has grown substantially to 8.8 million people and more.

In 1952, Cuba was named a sponsor of terrorism. Pres. Obama removed their name from the terrorist list, only to have it restored during the Trump years. The Cuban embargo, the Cuban government and the political culture of Cuban Americans is discussed.

If 61% of primary voters are women - why aren't more women in political office? Marti Speranza Wong describes the "un-level" playing field that women candidates experience: political parties controlled by men, provide exposure, endorsements; PAC and outside money favor men candidates. Wong outlines the work of Amplify Her, an organization dedicated to electing more women.

Friends since high school, renowned artist and feminist, Audrey Flack and host, Ronnie Eldridge discuss Flack's student years, her artistic development and success, the "angel with wings," and personal sadness. Mature women, enjoying their long friendship, they talk frankly about how it feels to be in the tenth decade of their lives.

Doug Muzzio outlines the extraordinary importance and the complexity of the NY Primary Election: the first post pandemic, the effect of term-limits, ranked-choice voting, and the large number of candidates making it difficult to know those in the race.

Robert Abrams describes his David vs Goliath wins against NY's political machine, family, Monroe HS, and 15 years of public service as NYS Attorney General. An allied/non-partisan office, the AG dealt with broader issues-think Love Canal! Book-a must read

The Frederick O'Reilly Hayes Prize, named in fond memory of NYC's Budget Director, awarded to City agencies' emerging leaders, has presented a special Corona Virus Crisis Response Award to 20 young public servants for projects in reaction to the pandemic.

Hank Sheinkopf's first experience with politics was in 1969, in Herman Badillo's unsuccessful campaign for mayor. Along with his long and successful career as a political consultant, Sheinkopf talks candidly about his sad history of abandonment, child neglect and abuse. Discussed: underfunded public education, Citizens United, a divided America.