August 20, 2006
Ken Diamondstone is Endorsed by the New York Times
The New York Times - The City- August 20, 2006
Ken Diamondstone, a small developer in Brooklyn, deserves a lot of credit. He’s running against State Senator Marty Conner, a long-term incumbent who also happens to be a lawyer specializing in election law. Mr. Conner has long been the go-to man for politicians who want to get pesky challengers off the ballot. Naturally, Mr. Diamondstone faced weeks of challenges at the Board of Elections and in court.
The party establishment dislikes real elections, and prefers to bump competitors out of the race—either through their control over local boards of elections or with judges handpicked by those same party leaders. This year, one candidate was told the board mysteriously “lost” her petitions from voters. Another, Terence Park in Queens, had to go outside the county to find judges who agreed that a tiny mistake should not disqualify him.
With that dismal history in mind, these are our endorsements in some of the upcoming primary elections for state legislature:
State Senate District 25 (Williamsburg and Sunset Park in Brooklyn): Miraculously, a Brooklyn judge ruled that Mr. Diamondstone should be on the ballot, giving the district an actual race. He does not have a strong record of accomplishments, and Senator Connor is something of an Albany institution. But Albany needs change, not institutions. We recommend voting for Mr. Diamondstone to send a message that business as usual must stop.
Posted by klowy at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2006
Yassky on the hot seat
Race Question Dominates House Seat Fight
By JONATHAN P. HICKS
The New York Times - June 13, 2006
Some of Brooklyn's most prominent black officials said yesterday that they wanted to enlist party leaders at the national level to prevent a white politician from winning a Congressional seat long held by black politicians.
In a news conference after a meeting of about two dozen black elected officials and civic leaders, including United States Representative Major R. Owens, the leaders sharply criticized the motives of David Yassky, a white City Councilman who is running for the Congressional seat currently held by Mr. Owens and, before him, by Shirley Chisholm.
After 24 years in Congress, Mr. Owens is not running for re-election this year. In addition to Mr. Yassky, there are three black candidates running for the Congressional seat: State Senator Carl Andrews, City Councilwoman Yvette D. Clarke and Chris Owens, who is the congressman's son and a former member of a community school board.
Mr. Owens added that Mr. Yassky's campaign was a reflection of "opportunism and personal ambition."
"Is it well meaning?" Mr. Owens asked. "Perhaps. Is it opportunistic? Of course."
Mr. Owens played a major role in the talks and in the news conference, referring to Mr. Yassky as "a candidate with no history and no compatibility with the district." He noted that at the time Mr. Yassky announced that he would run for Congress, the councilman lived in an adjoining district represented by Representative Nydia M. Velázquez.
"He couldn't adequately represent the district, no matter what his color was," Mr. Owens said. Other officials at the news conference charged that Mr. Yassky's campaign was largely financed by contributors who do not live in Brooklyn.
Posted by klowy at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2006
How Does Yassky Win?
Since he announced his candidacy last year, many have assumed that David Yassky is running for Congress in the 11th CD because he thinks he will win by dividing the black vote. A recent poll seems to prove this. One on one, Yassky losses to everyone except the one candidate who has already dropped out, Nick Perry. But what's shocking about the poll is that Yassky's support among black voters is currently at 4%! You can find the poll here.
Posted by klowy at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2006
Backlash from IND Endorsement: Elected Leaders In Brownstone Brooklyn Re-Affirm Support For Spitzer
(Press release)
Elected Leaders In Brownstone Brooklyn
Re-Affirm Support For Spitzer
Brooklyn NY- State Senator Martin Connor, Assemblymember Joan L. Millman, and Democratic District Leaders Alan Fleishman and Jo Anne Simon re-affirmed their support for Eliot Spitzer's candidacy for Governor today, in reaction to the Independent Neighborhood Democratic Club's decision to endorse another candidate. The elected officials have long been leaders of the reform club which has an excellent reputation for openness and membership driven politics.
"I remain committed to supporting Eliot Spitzer for Governor," said State Senator Martin Connor. "He has the independence, talent and vision to move New York forward. All New Yorkers will be well served by his election."
"I stand strong in my endorsement of Eliot Spitzer to be our next Governor," said Assemblywoman Joan Millman. "He will bring a fresh independent voice to Albany while staying true to Democratic principles. I firmly believe I am supporting the best candidate for the job," she concluded.
"I am extremely proud to support Eliot Spitzer for Governor," said District Leader Alan Fleishman. "He is someone who will put the people of Brooklyn and New York State before the special interests, someone who will reform government and get results in Albany and the only candidate for Governor who supports marriage equality for gay and lesbian New Yorkers."
"I intend to work as hard as I can for the election of Eliot Spitzer, in whom I have the utmost confidence," said District Leader Jo Anne Simon. "I know that he will bring accountability and sunshine to abuses such as Medicaid fraud and the shadow government of public authorities."
Posted by klowy at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2006
Suozzi Beats Spitzer at IND
The Daily Gotham has a write-up on Thursday's endorsement meeting at IND (Independent Neighborhood Democrats). It's a long post, filled with the usual inaccuracies ("He came off passionate, competent and an excellent candidate...for a Republican"). Suozzi didn't sound like a Republican to me. But the blogger supports Spitzer, so perhaps he's a tad biased. Joe Lieberman, now there's a Republican!
But the bottom line is: Tom Suozzi won the club's endorsement. One reason why he won, he took the effort to show up! Another, he said all the right things (or almost all of the right things*). And many club members were not happy about how things were handled in Buffalo where Suozzi was not permitted to speak.
Denise O'Donnel received the endorsement for Attorney General. It took three rounds, and it really looked like Sean Patrick Maloney would get the endorsement. But O'Donnel was able to get all of the votes from the other candidates on the third round. So IND's endorsement slate is a bit odd.
Yassky for Congress
O'Donnel for AG
Suozzi for Governor
(* Suozzi does not agree with gay marriage, but does support civil unions)
Posted by klowy at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)
May 29, 2006
Kevin Breslin (obituary)
Kevin Breslin, Republican District leader in the 52nd AD passed away on Friday. Kevin had a ruptured aorta and they simply were not able to get his internal bleeding under control.
Viewing will be at Cobble Hill Chapel
171 Court Street, Corner of Amity Street
Hours are: Tuesday may 30th 2-5 PM and 7-9 PM.
Mass will be held 9:30 AM Wednesday May 31st, at:
St. Charles Bartomeo Church
23 Sidney Place
Brooklyn Heights
Posted by klowy at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Perry Pulls Out in Brooklyn
That's the actual headline on the NY Times blog site
Perry Pulls Out in Brooklyn
The field of candidates to succeed Representative Major Owens of Brooklyn narrowed today: Assemblyman N. Nick Perry told The Empire Zone that he was withdrawing from that race and running instead for re-election...
Maybe it's just me and my head is in the gutter, but great headline. I guess they're now competing with the NY Post.
Posted by klowy at 10:19 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2006
The more you know about David Yassky, the more you...
Nicole Brydson writes in the politicker:
Freddie Reconsidering?
In light of this morning's Daily News article about contributions David Yassky has received from developers, Brooklyn District Leader Freddie Hamilton may now be reconsidering her endorsement of the Council Member for Congress.
Yassky spokesperson, Evan Thies, declined to comment saying, "I'm not going to comment on it until I get a call from Freddie. That's pure speculation."
Posted by klowy at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
Real estate biz boosts Yassky run
Real estate biz boosts Yassky run
Expand war chest by 50G
BY JOTHAM SEDERSTROM (NY DAILY NEWS 5/11/06)
David Yassky The real estate industry is pouring thousands into Councilman David Yassky's congressional campaign - including two controversial developers, the Daily News has learned.
the article goes on...
Spokesman Evan Thies denied that developer's contributions influenced Yassky.
"There is absolutely no link between donations and David's governing," said Thies. "There are plenty of developers in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights who have given him money and are upset over his stance against their developments."
As a constituent of Yassky's, I wonder what "stance against their developments" Thies is talking about. Yassky seems to be the best friend a developer could have. His record speaks for itself.
Posted by klowy at 09:59 AM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2006
File Under: More IND Craziness
This was posted on another blog by an IND member who needs to read the By-Laws a little more carefully.
He wrote:
May 4th is the endorsement vote for the NY-11 Congressional primary. Yesterday I received a letter signed by the following individuals asking IND members to join them in support of David Yassky in this race:
Debra Scotto, identified as being on the Executive Board
Joe Ringston, identified as Treasurer
Marisa Ringston, identified as Member
Tom McMahon, identified as Member
Eleanor Cunningham, identified as Recording Secretary
Bob Zuckerman, identified as being on the Executive board
Ira Cure, identified as past President
and Stephen DiBrienza, with no noted identification with the club
The letter is addressed to "Dear Fellow IND member." According to the Constitution of IND, these individuals, by using their affiliation with IND in written material connected with a campaign that has not received the endorsement of the general membership, are violating IND bylaws.
Actually, what they did was fine because the club has NOT voted yet. They identified themselves as IND members, but did not write that they are speaking for IND. Once the vote is taken, IND board members must either support the candidate the club endorsed, or take a leave of absence during the campaign. In the past, many board members do just that.
There is something interesting about the letter. Ira Cure is the only person who signed that letter who lives in Yassky's district and can vote for him. This doesn't bode well for Yassky. He could only find one IND member in his district to support him? The letter that was sent goes on to say that David Yassky is an "independent". In Yassky's case this means that David represents David.
Kenn Lowy
Posted by klowy at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2006
IND: A Troubling Week
I have been silent on this issue all week because in my position at IND (I am the Chairman of the Executive Board), I did not feel it appropriate to respond on my blog. But this story makes a few claims that are incorrect and must be corrected. The bold sections below are wrong (read it and come back here)! The vote was not in secret. It was a planned monthly meeting. Although only board members are allowed to vote, members of IND are always welcome. The second bold section, which states “Joan and Kenn were looking over the list and saying, ‘This is trouble,’” is completely false, and the person who made this claim knows it (and yes, I know who said it). In fact, Joan and I have not discussed this at all, except during the board meeting. But more importantly, I did not think it was trouble. It was expected that Ken Diamondstone would sign up as many people as he could. The same goes for Chris Owens and David Yassky. This happens every year. I should state that I have not backed any candidate in either race, but Ken Diamondstone and I are friends. I know David Yassky and Chris Owens and have worked with both of them. What bothers me about this article is that someone I know lied in a blatant attempt to harm my reputation. Disagreeing is fine and expected. The people who were the most passionate about this issue are people I have worked with in the past, and I will work with them again in the future. Even though we disagreed on this issue, I respect them and I know they respect me. Disagreeing is expected, lying is not, and is totally unacceptable.
For more coverage of this story, read the following articles:
OnNYTurf: A Most Unlikely Vote Fixer in Brooklyn
Courier-Life: New Members Barred From Voting At IND Club
The Daily Politics: Shocked Shocked
Kenn Lowy
“New Dems Locked Out
By Gersh Kuntzman
The Brooklyn Papers 4/14/06
Clubhouse politics in Brooklyn was thrown into turmoil last week after one supposedly influential club barred more than 100 new members from its upcoming endorsement vote — even though they all signed up on time. The board of Independent Neighborhood Democrats voted in secret to move up its long-scheduled May 18 endorsement vote so that the flood of members — supporters of congressional candidate Chris Owens and others from the anti-Atlantic Yards group, Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn — would not be eligible to pick candidates for the club to endorse. The board’s April 6 vote set off a round of charges that the board didn’t want Owens to “steal” the endorsement for the 11th congressional district from City Councilman David Yassky (D- Brooklyn Heights) — and counter- charges that Owens and others were “packing” the club at the last minute. “These 100 people came in
to pack our club and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let ’em get away with it!” said Buddy Scotto of Carroll Gardens, a founding member of the IND. “[Candidates] went out and rounded up relatives and friends. But Owens and others slammed IND right back — leveling pretty much the same charge.
“Changing the endorsement vote is an injustice against anyone who joined prior to the long-stated deadline,” said Owens, whose IND membership precedes the current rhubarb and, as such, says it is his “job” to find new members. “I know I brought in nine people,” he said. “And I know they joined on time. Reform-minded clubs should stick to the rules.” Though independent in name, IND is affiliated with Assemblywoman Joan Millman (D-Park Slope) and state Sen. Martin Connor (D-Brooklyn Heights). When the flood of new members rolled in, Millman and executive board Chairman Kenn Lowy dove into the surf, sources said. “Joan and Kenn were looking over the list and saying, ‘This is trouble,’” said one club member.”
Posted by klowy at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2006
IND 11th CD Forum Thurs. April 6
The Independent Neighborhood Democrats' Present:
11th CD Candidates' Forum
Kane Street Synagogue
236 Kane Street (between Court & Clinton Streets)
Thursday, April 6, 2006
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
This forum will actually be a debate! The first half of the forum will have the candidates asking each other questions. The last half will be questions from the audience.
For more information:
IND Web Site
Posted by klowy at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2006
One of the two African-American workers has quit the Yassky for Congress Campaign
Stephen Witt writes in this weeks Courier-Life:
Rickford Burke, one of the two African-American workers in City Councilmember David Yassky’s office, resigned last week, raising questions regarding Yassky’s run for the 11th Congressional District seat.
“I think he would make a good candidate for Congress, just not in this district because of all the political issues that are being raised,” he added.
Burke added that should Yassky decide to hire more African-Americans in his office, it would show a “political maturity.”
“It would also demonstrate that he [Yassky] wants to promote a culture that is in harmony with the diversity of Brooklyn and New York City as a whole,” said Burke.
“Yassky and I have had a very good working relationship, but when one analyzes all of the issues that arise out of his candidacy, anyone that has an objective view will understand my position, which is I don’t think it’s a good idea that he runs,” Burke said.
Posted by klowy at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
February 04, 2006
Brooklyn Heights Assoc. Annual Meeting
The Brooklyn Heights Association is holding its Annual Meeting Thursday evening, February 9th at 7:30 at St. Francis College.
The address is 180 Remsen Street between Court and Clinton.
Posted by klowy at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2005
Brooklyn Democratic Party: No to Reform, No Surprise
The Press release (below) was received from two Democratic District Leaders:
The Democratic Party of Kings County has once again chosen the path of least resistance over the path to reform. The Party’s Executive Committee, made up of two Democratic District Leaders from each of Brooklyn's 21 Assembly Districts, voted down a motion Thursday night that would have allowed members to actually cast votes on who they think the Party should endorse for NY State Supreme Court. The present system only allows Committee members to vote yes or no on a slate of names selected rather undemocratically by County Chairman Clarence Norman based on an informal poll he conducts. The results of his poll are not shared with the group – just the names of the candidates chosen.
Introduced by Park Slope reformer and Democratic District Leader 52nd Assembly District Alan Fleishman, the motion read, "The slate of New York Supreme Court nominees to be presented to the delegates to the Kings County judicial nominating convention as having been endorsed by the Kings County Democratic organization shall be determined by a majority of ballots cast by members of the Executive Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Kings County Democratic organization."
The vote was 22 against and 9 for the motion with County Leader and Executive Committee Chair Clarence Norman voting against and using numerous proxies to vote down the reform measure. Those in support of yesterday’s reform in addition to Fleishman included JoAnne Simon (52nd AD), Lori Knipel and Jacob Gold (44th AD), Ralph Perfetto and Joanne Seminara (60th AD), Amanda Bonilla (51st AD), Dilia Schack (46th AD) and Councilmember Lewis Fidler (41st AD).
This was the second consecutive meeting in which proposals to reform the way the County organization does business were voted down. At the March meeting Joanne Seminara introduced a motion to prohibit members of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Brooklyn or their political campaign committees from accepting contributions from judicial candidates or their political committees; it was defeated by an overwhelming majority.
"The surest way to avoid reform is to fail to enact individual measures because no one measure on its own will solve the problem," said Fleishman. "This is one of the only responsibilities members of the Kings County Democratic Executive Committee have. As, elected officials, we should conduct business openly with the greatest degree of transparency possible. But the present method of developing the slate of nominees for the Supreme Court is shrouded in mystery. That's what I seek to change.
District Leader Joanne Seminara said: "From my very first meeting as District leader several years ago I have been amazed and deeply disappointed by the extremely un-democratic way in which Kings County Democratic Organization does business. I refuse to let the Kings County Chair speak for me in connection with my votes. District leaders were elected to democratically represent the people of our respective districts and must be allowed to vote democratically on behalf of our constituents for the best candidates. The process by which we make recommendations for judicial office, as well as the process by which decisions are made, or made for us, is deeply flawed.”
Posted by klowy at 08:59 PM | Comments (0)