Last night, one of Brooklyn’s top Democratic political clubs, held their second round endorsement meeting of this 2008 cycle. Under the chairmanship of recently elected president Chris Owens, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) saw many potential candidates parade before their members in an interview process. Included in the crowd were Congressman Jerold Nadler, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Kevin Powell and Steve Harrison (the latter pair are both challengers for congressional seats). Also in attendance was East-Flatbush State Senator Kevin Parker.
The crowd was not as large as some CBID crowds go, less than 100 people came in and out during the lengthy meeting. In the questions and answers sessions, one candidate may have shown some leopard spots that may come back to embarrass him real soon. That candidate was Kevin Parker. Now before many of my detractors here jump all over me for this news item, please go and verify my reporting with club members who attended. TYVM.
Kevin Parker is seeking CBID’s endorsement since he is in a primary race with city councilmember Dr. Kendall Stewart, come September. Stewart is intent on not only challenging Parker, but also on unseating him. He feels that Parker is totally out of touch with (and inaccessible to) his constituents. And despite some recent setbacks, Stewart is on the way to building a strong and potent anti-Parker coalition in the 21st senatorial district, which stretches from Borough Park, through Midwood and East Flatbush, ending up in Canarsie.
In a questionnaire that he filled out for CBID, it appears that Senator Parker favors the Atlantic Yards/Bruce Ratner development project, in downtown Brooklyn. In trying to explain further -when faced with a few questions about his position- Parker attempted to do the impossible: talk from every side of his mouth. Now, remember that one of Parker’s main political backers is the venerable Bertha Lewis of ACORN. This organization supports the project; most members of CBID do not. So in order to show fealty to Ms. Lewis and save face with CBID at the same time, the senator tried to “sweet talk” the housing aspects of the Ratner plan, and “big-up” the agreements in place between the developer (Ratner) and various community organizations (including ACORN and BUILD); and also the agreements in place with prominent community individuals (like Rev. Hubert Daughtry and Mr. Caldwell).
Parker further went on to say that he was in regular meetings (and held regular conversations) with elected officials who were opposed to the project, and that these conversations take place daily and/or weekly. He seemed to suggest that the lines of communication between himself and opponents of Ratner’s project were always open, and that discussions were being held on a continuing basis, whereby concerns from both sides were always addressed. It sounded real good. Then he left.
Now, most of us in who are somewhat in the know (in Brooklyn’s political cesspool), are aware that Senator Velmanette Montgomery is against the scope and size of the development. Some people say that opposition to this project is what cost her the primary challenge last year -which came from former NYC council woman Tracey Boyland. Word on the street is that developer Bruce Ratner himself was one of the architects behind Ms. Boyland’s challenge. I can’t tell you anymore here; they always make sure I am kept out of the “big” meetings/lol. Montgomery handily turned back Boyland’s challenge, and there was some talk that she will challenge again this year. So far the only challenge for Ms. Montgomery this year seems to be coming from community activist Anthony Herbert, who has been running a spirited campaign for a while now. Tony has been doing good work in the community for many years now- especially amongst the youth, and on issues of education, crime, drugs and gang violence. He faces an uphill fight in unseating the incumbent though, but he is a determined underdog nevertheless.
Anyway, when Senator Montgomery came to CBID last night, she was asked about these on-going and regular conversations with Senator Kevin Parker. The look of consternation on her face was a dead giveaway for her later answer:” which conversations; which discussions?” She went on to inform the CBID members that she cannot recall any such conversations with Senator Kevin Parker concerning the Atlantic Yards/Ratner project.
So tell me folks: “who’s zooming who”? Somebody is obviously lying. Why are people saying that Kevin’s nose grew a few inches last night? Do they know something we don’t? I have told you guys many times before: Kevin Parker has no scruples. He has no integrity. He is dishonest and he is also a belligerent boor. Take these as complimentary.
Stay tuned-in folks. Brooklyn is heating up again.