Call GOP State Senator Marty Golden the go-to guy for Brooklyn lawmakers in Albany that need help on issues relevant to their districts.
That after Republicans took back control of the State senate after this November’s election, leaving Golden as the borough’s lone Republican lawmaker on that side of the legislative aisle.
“Marty has been very helpful in dealing with the senate majority,” said several assembly sources. “In the past after we write a bill we usually give it to him (for the senate side) and we expect that to be the case again now.”
Sources close to Democratic Senator Velmanette Montgomery added that Golden was very helpful in drumming up Republican support during negotiations surrounding the sale and continuing of some services surrounding Long Island College Hospital.
“She (Montgomery) absolutely will go to Marty Golden if necessary for GOP support,” said sources. “The senator has very long history of working in the best interest of her constituents.”
Graham Parker spokesperson Sen. Marty Dilan, the chair of the senate’s Brooklyn delegation, said every issue or proposal before the delegation is looked at and acted on case by case.”
“If an issue affects Brooklyn in particular, then delegates will speak, or sometimes meet to discuss them,” said Parker. “In the interests of helping Brooklyn, and the constituents of the district, Senator Dilan has always had an open and working relationship with all members, regardless of house, or party affiliation.”
Golden, who represents Bay Ridge, said he is more than happy to work with Brooklyn colleagues in state government to do what’s best for the borough. In particular, he works with Assemblyman Joe Lentol, who chairs Brooklyn’s Assembly Delegation in the branch long controlled by Democrats.
“Joe puts together a delegation meeting and we sit together and I will continue to do it,” said Golden.
Golden says he often goes back to his GOP senate colleagues and advocates for increased spending on such Brooklyn pertinent issues as transportation, universal pre-kindergarten, healthcare and higher education.
“There is a $6 billion surplus and we have to make sure we use it smartly and wisely,” said Golden, noting that his agenda is jobs, jobs, jobs and he will work across the board with colleagues of both parties to bring more economic opportunity to Brooklyn.
But on the senate side, not all of the borough’s lawmakers – many of whom are still smarting from losing the majority – see Golden as a key lawmaker to advocate for their concerns.
“Marty is not the first person we go to when we need something,” said Sen. Kevin Parker. “We’re more likely to go to Diane Savino and the IDC (Independent Democrat Conference). Or when we’re fighting to get money, we’re more likely to go to (GOP Senator) Kemp Hannon, chair of the senate’s health committee. I find him very willing and open to talk about the issues affecting Brooklyn.”
