By Adam Kluger

It was an interesting couple of years for Todd J. Stein; especially time spent “learning from the best”, Stein said describing volunteer work he did for Democratic candidates Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, newly elected Assembly Member Alex Bores, and Governor Kathy Hochul. Over the past 2 years, after spending time with our hardworking elected officials, advocating for his parents, and volunteering at the Lenox Hill Senior Center, Stein became passionate about advocating for others.

When he first needed help for his parents, his first calls were to Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and Senator Liz Krueger. Their staff provided guidance to Stein. He realized issues he and his parents faced were intergenerational. Stein learned about the important work District Leaders do, and in the past 6 months, has been asked numerous times, “What is a District Leader?” When he further researched this role, he realized he is a perfect fit for this position. And since his birthdate overlaps two generations (Generation X and Baby Boomers), he relates well to these 2 large generations and understands their needs. Stein was born in 1965 at New York Hospital. He was raised in the same building since he turned six, at East 68th and 2nd Avenue, just a few blocks from the hospital. This neighborhood has been his home his entire life.

Stein said, “I would be honored if I were elected District Leader of AD76 Part A to represent my community.” Additionally, Stein fostered relationships with several elected officials and has huge respect for their work; including Assembly Member of the 76th District, Rebecca Seawright, Manhattan Borough President, Mark Levine, and Council Members, Keith Powers and Julie Menin. They work hard for the community. Stein said “I look forward to doing the same!”

Stein’s goal is to gain endorsement from the Four Freedoms Democratic Club. Stein found he shares interests with many members, especially those relating to eldercare and civic engagement.

Stein’s campaign has over a dozen small businesses (in the East 60s and 70s) already endorsing his campaign. Marlene Schneider, Stein’s Campaign Manager, said “It will be the first time that Todd is campaigning for himself. Over the past year, he canvassed, door knocked and participated in phone banks, etc. He’s well suited for the role; his appeal is he’s approachable and cares about the neighborhood.” “Now it’s time to petition for my election so I can help upper east siders, and I am looking forward to it,” Stein said with confidence.

For more information please visit: https://www. toddjstein.com/

“As a native New Yorker, I see many issues we are facing in our community. We need safer streets, better access to public transportation, and healthcare for our loved ones. Let's open the dialogue and listen to our neighbors. ”

– Todd J. Stein, Community Advocate

On November 23rd, 2003 Adam Kluger Public Relations launched into unchartered waters with a 300+ person party at Planet Hollywood in Times Square, featuring 6 live bands, costumed characters from Troma films and a mermaid (actress Maria Setaro) wearing a $10,000 rubber tail flown in from Northern California just for the event. AKPR was originally known as Bonehead Public Relations and the name was a perfect fit for a rag-tag bunch who thought outside the box and looked at running a PR firm as part performance art and part intuition. For about a year prior, I had gone back and forth from freelancing as a television writer producer (Fox5NY, MSNBC, E! News) and trying my hand as an independent publicist. One of my first clients in 2002 was a highschool pal who wrote a novelty book called "The Guide to Picking Up Girls" After helping promote the book over the course of a few months, the book peaked on the Amazon Best-Seller list at #77. That was after a second Howard Stern Radio Show appearance and after Jay Leno's producer saw some funny late night commecials we had written/cast and produced for the Guide that Jay featured on The Tonight Show.

Publicity didn't seem that hard. Even kind of creative and fun.

The motto then was "Excellence, Creativity & Integrity." Along the way, we have all been blessed to have developed trusted friendships and life-long relationships that we will always cherish. Here's an old article on AKPR written by New York Times reporter Diana Greenberg...so honored and grateful that all the folks mentioned in this interview are still dear friends and a big part of our inner circle. Thank you all so much! -AK