BERGEN BEACH — Assemblymember Jaime Williams, D-59, recently held her kickoff fundraiser for re-election at one of the oldest boat clubs in Brooklyn — the Hudson River Yacht Club (HRYC).
Founded in 1873 and located at 2101 Bergen Avenue, the HRYC is connected to the Paerdegat Basin in the New York Harbor region.
It emerged at a period when recreational sailing and yacht clubs were becoming prominent social and sporting institutions along the Hudson River.
Williams’ event took place the evening of Dec. 3, before approximately 100 of her supporters. Elected officials from Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties, as well as community members, attended to support her efforts.
The exterior of HRYC. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Williams, whose term ends in 2026, is slated to run against “community organizer” Jibreel Jalloh, founder and executive director of the nonprofit The Flossy Organization, which focuses on grassroots activism for several issues facing southeast Brooklyn, such as gun violence, climate change and transportation struggles.
“I see him on social media, but that’s about it,” Williams told the Brooklyn Eagle. “But it’s not just about taking a picture and having a social media presence. It’s about actually doing the work and being present in your community — connecting with people and being there with them.”
Liam McCabe, Kings County Republican Party chair, alongside Assemblymember Michael Novakhov, R-45. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Williams represents Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Marine Park and Gerritsen Beach.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Williams came to the United States as a young adult in search of opportunity.
“My experience as an immigrant, a mother, a social worker and a community advocate guides my work in the assembly every day,” she said.
“I fight to make life more affordable for working families, for safer and stronger neighborhoods, and for the resources our community deserves.”
Williams also pointed out that if re-elected, another one of her focuses will be on reforming property taxes in New York City. “I know that Zohran Mamdani is passionate about tackling this on a state level for the city as well.”
Hon. Frank Seddio speaks. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Williams describes herself as an assemblymember for everybody in her district — “Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent or whatever.”
She believes elected officials need to stop politicizing everything and simply do what is right.
“There’s no Republican or Democratic way to clean the street. And if an ambulance were to pick someone up, they wouldn’t ask them what their party affiliation is; they would simply do their job. Elected officials should heed that example.”
Hon. Frank Seddio, who was in attendance at Williams’ fundraiser, called her one of the finest candidates he knows.
Seddio values her sincerity and willingness to help others. “Jamie has transcended political parties in the work that she’s done, and I’m very proud of her for it.”
Senator Roxanne Persaud recalled that Williams, who worked with Persaud in the assembly as her chief of staff, is not afraid to stand up and fight for the needs of the people.
“It’s not always the ‘right’ thing,” she said. “They say if you’re doing everything right, you’re doing something wrong, but I am very optimistic going forward. We have the support across the district, and when you bring that collectively together, she will be fine.”
Fran Vella-Marrone, Kings County Conservative Party chair, referred to Williams as one of the most honest elected officials she’s ever met — “a straight shooter.”
“When you are dealing with Jaime Williams, what you see is what you get,” Vella-Marrone underlined. “She has succeeded in helping people with their everyday struggles, and communities in this district really respect her for that.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
