Southern Brooklyn Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, the first Russian born-American to be elected to state office, is rumored to be stepping down for a position in the private sector, according to reputable sources.
But for now the move is contingent on whether the assembly’s Ethics Committee will allow him to take a second part-time job.
“Assembly members haven’t gotten a raise in 10 years,” said 46th Democratic Assembly District Leader Dilia Schack. “He’s got two kids in college and his home was seriously damaged in Sandy. He’s going to ask the Ethics Committee if he can take a second part-time job. If they won’t let him he’ll have to step down.”
Schack explained the $79,500 annual base pay to serve in the assembly is hard on many assembly members with a family in the area. It’s hard to even find affordable housing on that salary, she said.
In a text message, Brook-Krasny wouldn’t confirm or deny the rumor.
Sources say that if Brook-Krasny were to resign it would most likely be in July and that Kings County Democratic Party Committee Chair Frank Seddio and the county executive committee would nominate a Democrat for a special election most likely to take place in November.
Then next year, whoever wins the election, will again have to run for the seat.
Schack said six people have already approached her about replacing Brook-Krasny should he step down, including a few from outside the district that have expressed a willingness to relocate to the district.
First elected in 2006, Brook-Krasny’s 46th Assembly district extends from the western end of Brighton Beach through Coney Island and parts of Bay Ridge.
