Erick Salgado, the only candidate in the Democratic Primary who supports traditional family values, won a straw poll taken after the COJO of Flatbush/Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition candidates’ forum Tuesday evening. 26 percent of those polled said that they would vote for Salgado if the election were that day. His closest competitor received 18 percent. The forum was held in Midwood’s PS 195.

“While I was pleased to have received the support of the majority of the audience last night it was not a surprise since I am the only candidate in the Democratic Primary for Mayor who shares their values. I have seen my support mounting in the Orthodox community for several months,” Salgado said.

“The poll only confirms what I see when I campaign in the Orthodox communities. The people I meet connect with my traditional values,. The reception I have been receiving from the frum community has been consistently enthusiastic,” Salgado explained.

“I want to thank all those who attended the forum for caring enough to listen to the candidates present their ideas for the future of New York City. I understand their concerns. While I might be of a different religion, I believe in the same values as the majority of the audience,” Salgado continued.

Among the issues that drew the strongest positive response from the audience were Salgado’s pledge not to restrict Bris Milah, to fight for an income tax credit for private school tuition and to reverse the trend of City Hall getting involved in religion such as the City’s court action against Williamsburg stores imposing a dress code on customers and the Health Department’s banning the use of well water in the matzah making process.

“City Hall must partner with religious organizations, not put obstacles in their path. While I understand the importance of separation of church and state, I will work with religious leaders to address the challenges that this City faces,” Salgado explained.

(YWN Desk – NYC)