Democratic clubs flowering in Trump era, Carroll says

April 25, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Assemblymember Robert Carroll (left) said he was proud to present an award to his predecessor, James Brennan. Photos courtesy of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats

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Republican President Donald Trump is giving a big boost to the rival Democratic Party by fostering an almost unprecedented rise in grass-roots political activism, according to Assemblymember Robert Carroll, who implored the president’s opponents to keep it up.

Speaking at a dinner held by the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) on April 23, Carroll said the resistance work done by the club is vital.

“With Trump in the White House, we need Democratic clubs like CBID to be strong and ready to fight. I know CBID will be at the forefront of the resistance against Trump’s policies, and rest assured that I will be fighting right there with them,” Carroll (D-Park Slope-Windsor Terrace) said in his remarks at the club’s 48th annual dinner at the Bell House.

Carroll, who was elected to the New York state Assembly in November, also presented an award to his predecessor, former Assemblymember James Brennan, at the dinner.

Brennan served in the assembly for 32 years and announced last year he would not seek re-election.

“I was especially honored to present a special award on behalf of CBID to my predecessor Jim Brennan for his 32 years of exemplary service to New York state and the 44th Assembly District,” Carroll said.

The dinner, which was sold out, was attended by more than 150 elected officials, political activists and representatives of labor and community organizations, according to club officials.

In addition to Carroll, the guest list included U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James and Borough President Eric Adams.

Clarke was also among the night’s award recipients. She and Brennan were honored along with Mohammad Razvi of the Council of Peoples Organization; Dan Kane Sr., the Eastern region vice president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Ellen Raider, a longtime education activist and CBID member; and the Windsor Terrace Food Coop.

“CBID is honored to have so many distinguished guests at this year’s dinner and incredibly grateful to the honorees for their hard work,” CBID President Benjamin Solotaire said in a statement. “In our almost 50 year history, we have honored many progressive fighters and this year we continue that tradition with this amazing group of people. We are proud to work alongside so many dedicated community members and elected officials in the fight for social justice and equity in our community.”

Founded in 1968, CBID is the oldest grass-roots political organization in the Park Slope-Windsor Terrace area.

Carroll has a long history with the club. “As a former president of CBID and whose grandfather helped found CBID in 1968, I am particularly proud to see so much support for the club here in 2017,” he said.

The club actively supported many reform candidates for all levels of government over the years.

CBID holds its meetings once a month, usually on the fourth Thursday.

For more information on the club, visit cbidems.org.