One of Lower Manhattan’s most influential political clubs elected new officers last night. Jeanne Wilcke is the new president of the Downtown Independent Democrats. She replaces Sean Sweeney, who becomes treasurer. Adam Silvera and Jim Stratton were chosen as vice presidents. Alex Li, who was tweeting from the event, will serve as secretary. The meeting was apparently a rather civilized affair.
Last year, the club was deeply divided over District 1’s City Council race, after members voted to endorse candidate Pete Gleason over incumbent Alan Gerson. Wilcke was Gleason’s campaign manager. A new club split off late last year, led by (among others) David Reck, a district leader and staunch Gerson ally. Also last night, the group was briefed by the neighborhood’s elected officials, including Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Councilmember Margaret Chin.
