Five Towns Has Its Own Socialist, Anti-Israel Candidate

By Cindy Grosz

It was bound to happen. A young candidate from the Democratic Party running for office comes out as a socialist, progressive, fighting for every cause except Jewish ones.
Juan Vides, a resident of Oceanside who seeks to represent District 20 in the New York State Assembly, has supported almost every ethnic group and attended events supporting women, Latinos, the LGBT community, and business leaders. He posted support for veterans on Memorial Day and holiday greetings on Easter. Nothing at a Jewish event, nothing opposing BDS, nothing on yeshiva safety, and nothing wishing a happy Passover.

Don’t be fooled by sudden concern, attending events and asking for Jewish donors. Support incumbent Missy Miller.

Republican Assemblywoman Missy Miller stands up for local, state, and federal Jewish issues. Her website includes a list of multiple sponsorships supporting yeshivas, shuls, and help for multiple Jewish organizations. She is the leader of all things special needs, education, and community services.

On Vides’ campaign website it states, “Vides is the best candidate to represent us in Albany, given his life and career experiences that have prepared him for the fight that is ahead so that he can win on our behalf. Juan was brought to the United States by his parents at age four, where in his native El Salvador, he had already seen firsthand more than what any child should see. Civil war was ravaging his homeland. Loud noises at night spoke of bombs and violence that carried through into the light of fearful days, often riddled with the sounds of bullets and the smell of death.”

Vides, 40, came with his parents to the United States as a Salvadoran refugee at the age of four. When he was 16, he became a U.S. citizen after former President Ronald Reagan granted amnesty to his family.

“They came to this country with a seventh-grade education. Neither spoke English. Nevertheless, they made a comfortable life for their children through their hard work, perseverance,” Vides’ website continues. “Juan’s mother was a domestic housekeeper; his father’s job at a local country club and his pension were washed away by hurricane Sandy.”

“Juan Vides’ career is defined by many striking accomplishments. He has served on the boards of financial institutions, business and professional associations, and not-for-profits. In partnership with his younger brother, he has built a technology consulting family-owned business. He is also a proud member of various community organizations in his district like the NAACP, where in addition to membership he donates his time and talent in their benefit.

“These defining moments gave Juan a great sense of family and taught valuable life lessons. The experiences imparted the importance of keeping faith, continually moving forward and conquering fears and challenges. Juan learned to value hard work and to never give up on the goals and dreams that he has for himself, his family, and their future. And these achievements in a career that spans for more than one decade, provide insight into the type of leadership we will all benefit from once we elect Juan, he is dedicated and committed to his community, and he will continue to tackle the issues that matter most to the residents of Assembly District 20 and beyond. He is married to Lisa Ferris, a public school teacher and has two school-age children. He is a lifelong resident of Long Beach, Island Park, and Oceanside, where he now resides with his family.”

Our community has only one choice, Missy Miller for Assembly, District 20.