Towns Gets a Boost from Democrats at Starrett City

Here's an image that must be a welcome boost for Representative Ed Towns, who faces a primary challenge from former Real World guy Kevin Powell. The picture is from an event happening now about the importance of keeping the Brooklyn housing complex Starrett City affordable.

"Starrett City will be safe as long as I'm around," Towns said.

In attendance are Hillary Clinton, Representative Anthony Weiner, Assemblyman and Brooklyn Democratic chair Vito Lopez and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

A few people in the crowd chanted "Hillary, Hillary!"

"I think Ed Towns deserves a big round of applause and our gratitude," Clinton said.

(Along with other members of New York's Congressional delegation, Towns endorsed Barack Obama on June 5, shortly before Clinton dropped out of the presidential primary.)

Clinton's office just released a statement that offers some praise for Towns. It reads in part:

“I have made it clear that the sale of Starrett City must reflect our deep commitment to protecting the interests of our city’s working and middle-class families,” said Senator Clinton. “Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Towns and the cooperation of officials on all levels, we are able to ensure our residents’ concerns, including maintaining affordability, are heard loud and clear. As we struggle to address a disturbing national trend of rapidly declining affordable housing, Starrett City stands as a model of cooperation that proves affordability and profitability are not mutually exclusive.”