MILL BASIN — The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, one of the most active political organizations in New York, recently celebrated Primary Day at its headquarters in Mill Basin.
The June 23 get-together offered a preview of those who could end up wielding political influence in New York City — from Congress to the State Senate, State Assembly, judicial seats, and State Committee and district leadership candidates.
TJ chief Hon. Frank Seddio told the Brooklyn Eagle that while he is “really excited,” he is far from surprised by the results.
Jaime Williams, assemblymember for District 59. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
“This is about hard work, knowing the public, knowing the vote, trusting your community and the people who lead,” Seddio said. “That’s why Jaime [Williams] and I did so well, as well as Susan [Liebman].”
“This is not an accident,” Seddio continued. “It’s a result of people going out, and doing the job that politics requires — ringing doorbells, sending out mail and pounding the pavement.”
Mark Partnow, who is also Seddio’s campaign manager, addressed the TJ Club crowd, telling them they have proven, once again, that the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club is the most powerful Democratic club in the state of New York.
Eyes on the general election
Sue Ann Partnow, district manager of Community Board 18, said that the TJ Club can’t be beat. “We saw that again this evening.”
Sen. Roxanne Persaud, who was also in attendance, acknowledged the results.
“So, we’re winners, right?” Persaud said. “That’s why we do what we do. It’s about being that committed to ensuring that your candidates win. We could not have done this without all of you.”
Williams, who represents Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Marine Park and Gerritsen Beach, spoke to the TJ Club crowd last.
“For the past few months, we’ve been just hammering away,” Williams said. “We all pounded the pavement in the rain, in the sun — all working together. This race was far from easy, but I’m so happy to be able to move to the general election in November and continue fighting for our community.”
The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, which has existed for 60 years, represents the communities of Mill Basin, Flatlands, Bergen Beach, Georgetown, Marine Park, Mill Island, Bayview and the Glenwood Houses. It is a home to community activists and elected officials. The club relocated last year from Canarsie to Mill Basin.
Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Hon. Frank Seddio. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Nominees
The nominees in Brooklyn’s congressional races include Claire Valdez for District 7, Hakeem Jeffries for District 8, Yvette D. Clarke for District 9, Brad Lander for District 10, and Mike DeCillis for District 11.
Brooklyn’s Assembly races include Brian-Christopher A. Cunningham for AD-43, Chris McCreight for AD-46, Emily Gallagher for AD-50, Jo Anne Simon for AD-52, Christian Celeste Tate for AD-54, Eon Huntley for AD-56, Phara Souffrant Forrest for AD-57, and Jaime Williams for AD-59.
Brooklyn Democratic State Committee results were Nakisha O. Evans and Akel K. Williams for AD-43; Sandy Nurse and Alan Gamboa for AD-54; Carmella C. Charrington and Omar Hardy for AD-56; Shaquana D. Boykin and Akwasi Agyeman for AD-57; Monique Chandler-Waterman and Kevin S. Parker for AD-58; and Jaime Williams and Frank Seddio for AD-59.
The Brooklyn Democratic Party endorsed a slate of Civil Court judicial candidates who will appear on the primary ballot: Celeste Felix, Linda Lo Cascio, Danielle Noel and Christine Ortiz. Susan Liebman and Janice Purvis are also among the candidates running in the Democratic primary for Civil Court judge.
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.
