How New York Nightlife Impacts New York Politics

By Gamal Hennessy

Primaries in New York are almost a non issue because voter turnout is always obscenely low. Political groups that attempt to influence elections on this level understand that it only takes a few votes to make a substantial difference. This year, a new political group focused specifically on nightlife got involved in the primary race. Paul Seres, a community activist, nightlife operator and one of the founders of the Nightlife Preservation Community (NPC) sat down with me to discuss the results of this year’s election.

NYN: What was the NPC goal for this year’s primary? How close did you come to meeting that goal?

PS: The main goals were establishing the organization and using that organization to make nightlife a politically active industry. Establishing the NPC was a success. We got a lot of participation from NYNA members, promoters and the politicians themselves. We were able to reach out to about 700,000 registered New York voters via our website and email lists. By the time the election was over, the NPC was recognized as a legitimate vehicle for political discourse on nightlife.

NYN: How much impact do you think the NPC had during the election?

PS: The number of people who actually vote during primaries has always been terrible and this year was no different. The current estimates show that only 4% of registered Democrats turned out for this election. I’m not sure how many of our people actually voted and considered nightlife when they did vote, but it is clear that primaries are decided by a very small number of voters. If NPC can get more people out to vote in subsequent elections, the overall impact could be huge.

NYN: What is the NPC planning to do to impact the general election in November?

PS: We’re getting together soon to discuss our next steps, but New York is so heavily Democratic that many of the races are decided in the primaries. Three out of the four candidates that we backed won their primary races, so they shouldn’t have a problem winning their races next month. Our main goal now is looking past the general election to political action in 2010.

NYN: What issues is the NPC planning to take up with elected officials in 2010?

PS: As a small business organization, there are several issues that the NPC needs to take up with the City Council and other elements of government. We need a better method of coordinating with the various agencies that operators need to deal with in terms of permits and licensing. We need to continue to build the relationship between the industry and the NYPD. And we have to develop and maintain a dialogue between operators and local community boards to deal with issues before things get out of hand and angry neighbors are demanding for a venue to close down.

NYN: What is the best way for operators and patrons to get involved in the NPC now that the primaries are over?

Our long term success is going to revolve around educating more people about the positive impact of nightlife on the city and how it affects them. Operators and patrons can get involved with the NPC and get the information they need on our website. Then they can join in our upcoming voter registration events, information forums and other activities. Nightlife is an issue that has ramifications for city, state and national politics. Joining the NPC now gives people a chance to get involved on the ground floor and have an impact on a vital part of life in New York City.

Have fun
Gamal