Haitian-American Political Power Play A Family Affair
Sources say that 42nd District Freshman Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte is giving a nod and a wink to her cousin Josue (Josh) Pierre to run against incumbent male Democratic District Leader Ed Powell next year.
Powell is the last vestige of Bichotte’s predecessor, Rhoda Jacobs, as he worked in Jacobs’ office for a number of years as well as being president of the 70th Police Precinct Community Council.
If correct, Josh Pierre will join his and Bichotte’s other cousin, Sam Pierre, who is expected to run against Kings County Party Democratic Boss Frank Seddio’s preferred candidate, Jamie Williams, for the open 59th Assembly District.
There’s no love lost between Bichotte and the Pierre family, and Seddio. Either way, a Pierre family and Bichotte re-election win would be a big boost for the ambitious Bichotte, and likely further galvanize the large Haitian-American community in Central Brooklyn as she eyes Gracie Mansion, the Governor’s office or Congress.
Walker Has No Plans For A Mealy Swap
Brownsville Assembly Member Latrice Walker categorically denied she has any plans to swap seats with City Council Member Darlene Mealy.
The denial came after KCP erroneously reported rumors of the swap, and for which we offer an apology to Walker.
“I love my district, emphatically, absolutely and under no circumstances will Latrice Walker and Darlene Mealy be slipping, switching swapping or any other synonym or even close to the word swap offices today, tomorrow, 2016, 2017 or ever.”
One person that does appear interested in Mealy’s term-limited seat is Walker’s extremely qualified Chief of Staff Alicka Ampry-Samuel.
“I love my community and I ran for the seat in 2005 and I am not saying I wouldn’t run for that seat,” said Ampry-Samuel. “I work as the chief of staff to an amazing assemblywoman. And if it’s in the future then I would welcome if the community would want me to run for the city council than I will.”
Speaking of Walker, she is holding her district office holiday party tomorrow. The event is slated for 12 noon-4 p.m.at 400 Rockaway Avenue. Revelers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the office’s Christmas Toy Drive to be held on Dec. 23.
To RSVP, please call 718-342-1256.
Bay Ridge Democrats Christmas Party A Blast
KCP had the pleasure of attending the Bay Ridge Democrats annual Holiday Party this week at the Longbow Pub on 73rd Street and 3rd Avenue.
A bevy of elected and political officials – too many to name – were on hand. Talk centered around the upcoming 2016 Presidential election and there was some whispering about who will run to succeed term-limited Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent Gentile.
Among the names mentioned were Justin Brannan, Andrew Gounardes and Republican John Quaglione.
Below are a few more photos from the excellent and lovely photographer Pat Sanchez. Have a good weekend!
