Endorsements
“My 43 years as a professor of political science were dedicated to training new generations of leadership. Jeffrey Omura is emblematic of the new generation of leadership that New York City needs. He's proven his leadership skills in the labor movement and in the performing arts and our City Council desperately needs someone with his expertise in the arts. He also brings needed diversity to the Council. Jeffrey would be its first Japanese-American elected in NY State, our district's first openly gay elected official, as well as a spokesman for the arts. I'm proud to endorse him.”
Kenneth Sherrill | Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Hunter College, CUNY | Photo: @julienstull
“The urgency of this moment calls for strong, compassionate, progressive, out-of-the-box, big-thinking leadership. Jeffrey Omura embodies all of these things. As a union leader, he understands the value of organizing. As a creative person, he sees the importance of culture to the health and recovery of this city. And as a friend, he exemplifies what it means to really listen. I can’t imagine a better candidate to help us through this crisis.”
Adam Chanler-Berat | Actor
“We have always been a city of Arts and Commerce- we cannot have one over the other, they must pull in tandem. Which is why I am confident that having Jeffrey Omura on the City Council will be one of the best decisions New Yorkers can make, as we come out of this Pandemic and move forward. Jeffrey Omura, his heart is in the work.”
Erin Quill | Actress
“I believe that having a City Council Person who understands that Art supports a city’s economy, but is also a vital part to a community’s culture, is key to leading District 6 out of this pandemic. I know that Jeffrey will use creative ways to look at the homelessness and housing issues facing NYC while advocating for the Arts and the Artists that make up the Upper West Side”
Jennifer Cody | AEA
“I think the best actors are keen observers. I think our most effective government representatives act on their observations on our behalf. I know from Jeffrey's work in the theatre that he understands action, and knows how to focus and deploy it for best results. Jeffrey will apply those skills and his passion to great effect, assuring that the Arts continue to be a vital element that defines the excellence and vibrancy of NYC.”
Mia Katigbak | Actor-Manager
“The Arts is an essential component of our City's identity, as well as our economy. Jeffrey understands that, and will work to ensure that our city will once again be as vibrant as it ever was.”
William Jackson Harper | Actor/Writer
“Jeffrey is a thoughtful leader with a personal stake in the health and impact of the arts in New York. He will fight to help us recover, and fight for us as we rebuild.”
Aaron Rossini | Artistic Director
“Jeffrey Omura has a real devotion to the community and a plan to brIng the arts back. He knows how important the arts (and artists) are to restarting the economy. I hope you will support him.”
Ann Harada | Actor
“I’ve worked side by side with Jeffrey offstage on issues critical to performers and the arts as well as onstage as an actor and I can tell you firsthand, he’s an indefatigable champion of and for the arts, performers and live stages.”
Jonathan Walker | Actor
“Jeffrey isn’t biding his time. He’s ready to act NOW to aid struggling performers and get live arts back on track in New York City. Jeffrey’s plan to utilize the proposed Open Culture Law is the ticket to get the arts back on track in New York City.”
Max Jenkins | Actor
“I've been in the trenches fighting for fairness with Jeffrey Omura, and I'm so grateful he's taking his passion and fearless advocacy to City Hall. To recover from this pandemic, NYC will need the Arts — NYC needs Jeffrey Omura.”
Manoel Felciano | Actor
“The Upper West Side is comprised of many communities, and they deserve the visibility of the rich and beautiful diversity that exists within them. Jeffrey brings a voice to the forefront that has been left in the margins for far too long.”
Andy Hyndman | Actor
“Jeffrey's fierce intelligence and empathy and thorough--and achievable!--plans for revitalizing our city should excite all New Yorkers, not just the artists whom he understands completely, and the proud and independent thinking Upper West Siders in his neighborhood. Jeffrey is a complete breath of fresh air.”
Reed Birney | Tony Award Winning Actor
“Our industry has been devastated by the pandemic. Jeffrey Omura has a clear Arts & Culture recovery plan that will support our community, promote artist engagement in the city and foster a new generation of artists and art-lovers.”
Gregory Hildreth | Actor
“There is no economic recovery for NYC without the Arts & Culture sector, which has been devastated by the pandemic. As an actor, activist and labor leader, Jeffrey has the experience, ideas, and the passion we desperately need right now on City Council. He can help to not only bring our city and the arts community back to where it was, but to make it stronger, more inclusive and more vibrant than ever. I am proud to give him my endorsement.”
Judy Kuhn | Actress
“I’ve been a fan of Jeffrey as a human being for so long. It’s such a thrill to now be a fan of him as an activist and city council candidate. The arts ARE New York City. Art is the engine that drives everything else in this city. Having an inside knowledge of theatre, having helped start #FairWageOnStage, and understanding the arts inside and out, Jeffrey is the right person for this job. He’s not just the right person...he’s a necessary fixture in this position.”
Alex Brightman
“The innovation Jeffrey brought to labor organizing is incredible—he changed the game and then won it! Having worked with him I also know he's a great collaborator; insightful, and open to others, but tenacious. Jeffrey is not only the advocate the Arts needs but who all NYC does too!”
Katherine Kovner | Artistic Director
“Jeffrey is a passionate and brilliant advocate for the Arts, and for New York City. He knows that the 5 boroughs will only flourish again when the Arts flourish, and he will dedicate himself to making that happen. I urge you to support him.”
Matthew Rauch | Actor
“I continue to be impressed by Jeffrey and his undying commitment to the arts community. We have seen a lot of disparity this year, but I can breathe more easily knowing we have a true advocate in Jeffrey Omura.”
Jay Johnson | Actor
“For years Jeffrey has committed himself to fighting for what is right, and ensuring New York takes care of its own. It's high time the arts has a seat at the table, and no one is better suited.”
Raviv Ullman | Actor/Director
“As an LGBTQ Asian American, I am also keenly aware of the inequities in our city. I want Jeffrey’s voice—my voice—at the table.”
Maulik Pancholy | Actor, Author, Activist
“Jeffrey understands the value of artists and that they deserve livable wages. He’ll create actionable initiatives to get artists back to work under safe and equitable conditions.”
April Matthis | Actress
“As an artist himself Jeffrey will bring a unique perspective to the work of rebuilding our city. He understands from the inside out how Arts organizations function and what they will need to become healthy and vibrant again. He is clear, smart, committed and passionate and understands that revitalizing the arts will revitalize our city.”
Didi O’Connell | Actress
“Jeffrey and I have known each other personally for nearly two decades. Throughout that time he has made his commitment to leadership and community organizations clear.”
Drew Gehling
“Jeffrey has been a consistent and active advocate for artists for the many years that I’ve known him. I know his heart and how deeply he cares for the well being of our city. He understands that the Arts keep NYC alive and will work hard to bring back the heartbeat to our city.”
Kara Lindsey | Actress
“In my time serving with Jeffrey on our labor union’s national council, I’ve seen him be the best kind of listener and problem solver—someone who approaches issues with an open mind, but who quickly develops clear and precise strategy ideas.”
Kelley Faulkner | Actor and Labor Leader
“I moved to NYC 20 years ago to make a career in the theatre. Where else would I go? NYC is where Arts and Artists thrive. It’s about time that the Arts had true representation on City Council.”
Todd Buonopone | Actor
“New York artists are in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. No one one understands this plight more than Jeffrey Omura. Jeffrey is a true champion for the arts, a kind and determined advocate who understands this battle because he himself has been in the trenches. He is the bold leader we need right now.”
Frankie Alvarez | Actor/Writer
“Having served alongside Jeffrey on the Actors' Equity Council, I’ve seen how instinctive and effective he is in governance and how committed he is to fighting the good fight.”
Jeff Blumenkrantz | Actor
I know Jeffrey from theatre. He’s a born leader. If the world was ending, I’d want him on my team. And right now? It feels like the world is ending. I pick Jeffrey.
Ryan Spahn | Actor/Filmmaker
“Jeffrey knows New York is not New York without the arts. He will put the arts on the ballot and ensure our stages thrive again.”