Clinton goes for ‘Cool’ with her Brooklyn campaign HQ
Hillary Clinton chose to house her presidential campaign headquarters in a luxurious Brooklyn Heights office building. The former Secretary of State’s decision means that most likely she will be officially announcing her second candidacy within the next two weeks.
According to the Federal Election Commission’s provisions, candidates have a maximum of 15 days to establish a campaign committee after engaging in campaign activity, and choosing a location for headquarters fits within that category.
The neighborhood Clinton’s office is located in is famous for its waterfront views and elite private schools. Many celebrities chose to move in the area recently, such as Academy Award winner Errol Morris and comedian Lena Dunham. It is a place where America’s rich and top corporations reside, and while the choice will surely please Clinton’s staff, it may draw her some criticism from political opponents.
“It’s located just a short ride across the bridge from Wall Street,” Republican supporters from America Rising complained. The ex-Secretary of State definitely did not go for a compromise when settling for her campaign office.
The location has everything her staffers will be in need of – easy access to public transportation and airports and housing availability for the young members of her campaign committee who will be forced to relocate near the new headquarters. Clinton even made sure a shop will be put in the near vicinity of her office to respond to the needs of her staff.
Clinton’s staff also considered settling in Queens and Westchester County, but eventually they opted for the building owned by Forest City Ratner. Its CEO Bruce Ratner made a contribution of $400,000 to the Democrats, but not directly to Clinton’s campaign. The logo on the building said “Modern Offices. Brooklyn Cool.”
Companies and ordinary people living in the area are said to have welcomed Clinton’s move. “It’s nice. There are a lot of families. The thing I do like about the new Brooklyn is it has this young energy that is really positive,” 20-year Brooklyn Heights resident Paul Caroll told reporters.
Others are just happy the neighborhood will get more animated once Clinton’s staff moves in, since now there are mostly corporate workers and old people around. “It’s great news. It’s going to bring some spark to the neighborhood and put us on the map,” 63-year old Teresa Brzozowska shared her enthusiasm.
The cost for the office rental is thought to be very high, according to the locals. Ivan Arguello, 53, told reporters his son pays a hefty $3,200 a month for renting a studio nearby.
