Hi John, it’s Rosa Lander.

In a campaign ad a few years ago, I called my Dad a nerd, and I stand by it. You’d be hard pressed to find someone as excited about audits and policy details as he is. But I should be clear that I use “nerd” with an immense amount of respect.

“Dad” Lander is the hardest worker I have ever met. No matter how difficult something is, no matter how late or how early he has to be up working, he is always excited about the work that he’s doing. I know he will bring that determination and joy to the Mayor’s Office, and I’m excited to work together with you to make that happen.

Here’s a little anecdote I want to share. My Dad and I have both always cherished the outdoors. From camping trips and hikes up mountains, to days at the Rockaways and walks around Prospect Park, we’re excited about it all. So it’s not surprising that one afternoon when I was 11, he took me canoeing on the Gowanus Canal.

Back then, the Gowanus Canal was one of the more polluted bodies of water in the country. Brooklyn has made a lot of progress in recent years to clean it up, but at the time it was less than great. You’re probably thinking, That sounds like a bad idea. Yet somehow there I was in the bow of a canoe, convinced that if I made one wrong move I would grow a tail, paddling past Union St.

Despite my timid start, I had a wonderful time. My Dad talked most of the ride, pointing out buildings with interesting histories, calling out the names of birds, and waving to people walking across the bridges. My favorite part is that every time I looked back at him, he was looking at something with so much awe and joy you would’ve thought it was his first time seeing it. Paddling through the dirty water, all he focused on was the beauty of our city. To this day, every time I’m biking or walking across a bridge over the Gowanus, I stop to look around.

If you know my dad, probably none of that story surprises you. If there is one thing to know about Brad Lander, it is that he will go through anything (even a heavily polluted river) to show his love for our city, and to encourage others to feel that same love.

I know more than anyone how powerful that love of this resilient, bewildering, and inspiring city is, because he passed it down to me. I’m excited about my Dad’s campaign, in part of course because I love him, but honestly more because I love New York City. We deserve a Mayor who makes this city more livable, more affordable, and better-run – and I wholeheartedly believe that that’s who my Dad is.

John, will you please make a donation of any amount today? Donations from New York City residents are matched 8:1 and have a direct and immediate impact. We’re trying to build as much momentum as possible this week, and I hope you’ll be a part of that effort. If you’re able to, please make a donation here:

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

The best city on earth deserves a mayor who cares deeply and puts in the work, and that's why I’m all in for #DadLander for NYC.

— Rosa B. Lander