Dr. Kendall Stewart is no stranger to controversy; he believes it comes with the territory (politics). That’s why he is so calm after the latest hits. Two of his staff members have been charged with misusing NYC taxpayer dollars- amongst other felonies- through various organizations that one of the accused had set up. Federal prosecutors allege that although the not-for profit organizations did indeed do some good work over the years (relative to its mandates from the council), a significant amount of its funds were diverted to the wrong places and/or persons.
Look, we are all supposed to grant to any accused, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and in this case we should afford both of Stewart’s staffers (Asquith Reid and Joycinth Anderson) the same courtesy. As much as I know both individuals charged, I will let the system of justice take its natural course before I say anymore- relative to their current plight. I could only wish them well, given what they are facing. If these charges are proven in a court of law, let me say that I will be personally disappointed and saddened. From where I come: if you do the crime then you should do the time. Period.
Both of these individuals charged here however, appeared to be quite pleasant, respectable and civic-minded persons, over the years I have known them; and over the years I have been a member of various political clubs and organizations, in which we have held parallel membership. I am just as surprised as all of the people I have spoken to who know them.
Lately, the big political question on the streets- especially in Brooklyn’s Caribbean community- has been: can Kendall Stewart survive as a podiatrist, businessman, politician and elected official? Stewart is not only the councilman, but he is also the District Leader for the Democratic Party in the 58th Assembly District. He is also poised to challenge State Senator Kevin Parker, for the 21st Senatorial District, in next September’s Democratic primary elections.
When I interviewed the councilman about the charges, he professed to know nothing of the intricacies of the organizations under scrutiny. Stewart said that he gave his staff members lots of autonomy because he trusted them. He also said that he was totally uninvolved in the day to day running of the organizations in question, since he had no fiduciary responsibilities or membership in any of them. He said it was up to the DOI (and other entities) to judge an organization’s fitness for funding. He said that he has funded hundreds of organizations in the years he has been in office, and this is the first time that any of them came under negative scrutiny. He said, “None has ever been challenged based on integrity, or had their activities brought into question”. He further said that voters will judge him fairly when he runs in September, since he has a long track record of doing good things in the district. He expects to win the senate seat. He also expects to regain his leadership spot in the 58thAD. He said that he is only guilty of trusting others and that’s all. He also said firmly, that he is not under investigation by any entity or investigative authority. He said that he has done no wrong, has nothing to hide, and is here to stay (relative to Brooklyn’s politics).
He further stated that if you examine his track record in East Flatbush and the larger Brooklyn community, you will find that he has funded many causes, organizations and situations from his council position. Further, that he has funded many others from his businesses, and others yet still from his personal funds. He said that he is quite charitable to people and organizations in need. He believes that the voters will judge him on this basis when he runs for Senate (21) later this year. He said that the voters know him very well.
Stewart has a reputation for being something of a philanthropist in the community, having given lots of money to many good causes. He has funded many sports organizations all over Brooklyn, and is known to have sponsored many clubs in cricket, soccer, all-fours, dominoes, basketball and other sports. He is also known for his involvement in black (African-American) culture and is a very successful entrepreneur.
In the Caribbean –American community he is known for his involvement in promoting steel-bands, carnival, calypso, reggae, rapso and soca music. He owns many properties in Brooklyn, and also has a popular night club on Nostrand Avenue and Clarendon Road. He was born on the island of Union, and grew up in St. Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago; all in the West Indies.
Stewart’s latest dust-up comes amid a scandal in the NYC Council. It has been shown that the speaker (Christine Quinn) had set up dummy (faked) organizations, wherein she parked city funds that she used as awards to co-operative council members all through any fiscal year. This way she was always able to secure votes for legislation favorable to her, and basically bought influence and allegiance from many members.. It is similar to a system that may have been put in place as far back as when Peter Vallone was Speaker of the council; and it was emulated by his successor Gifford Miller.
On the streets, there are a few who believe that Kendall will suffer some damage from what has happened here; however most of the people I spoke to, felt that he should still challenge Parker. They think that Stewart is a survivor and a fighter; they feel that, like some of his other controversies: this too shall pass.
Stay tuned-in folks.