Member Spotlight

Meet Melissa Carty!

Vid Role: Vice President and Chair of the Out of District Committee and the Democratic Strategy Committee

Vid member since: 2017


Questions:
 
How did you get interested in politics:
I grew up in Jersey and in High School started volunteering for Amnesty International. That was my first civic action and I was hooked. I went to college and majored in Political science and then started volunteering on campaigns when I moved to NYC in 1995. The first campaign I worked on was the Clinton election in 1996 and worked on many other campaigns throughout the years. In New York,  I also volunteered for the ACLU and NYCLU and was especially active in protection for immigrant rights and women's health and reproductive freedom rights. Someone on my ACLU People Power's team told me I should join VID in 2017 and I did! 
 
What issues are most important to you: 
Equal rights and equal pay....women's rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights... (all rights:)). Affordable housing. 
 
What do you like about VID: 
Before VID I didn't really understand or engage in local politics. So I've learned a ton about the city and the state and love that VID highlights local issues and electeds. In my role as Chair, I'm passionate about supporting dems across the board and taking back the House in 2024. I'm also eager to improve the NY State party so our candidates have better resources to win!
 
What races are you excited about: 
ALL!!! New York Congressional Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 18, 19, and 22!!! LOL. It's a big year for Congress of course and I'm excited to help make it happen and win these seats through our grassroots work!
 
Lightning round:
Where you grew up? Long Island and New Jersey
Live now? Union Square
Day job? Wealth advisor 
Pets/roomies?  My cats Mathilda and Lulu
Fav NY restaurant? Pastis or ABC Kitchen
Fav NY thing to do? See art exhibits
Fav politician? Elizabeth Warren
Cocktail/drink? Dirty martini
Fav binge show? The Wire 
Quote or song lyric? If you smile at me you know i will understand because it is something everyone everywhere does in the same language. (Crosby Stills and Nash)....from my highschool yearbook
 
Submitted by: CFD
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