The Brooklyn Young Republican Club held their first event of the year on Sunday afternoon at the No Quarter Tavern in Bay Ridge. There was a lot of excitement in the air, as the group discussed the importance of the upcoming elections and how the party can have an impact on the grassroots level, right here in Brooklyn.
Southern Brooklyn/Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan was the guest speaker and he spoke about the negative reputation that follows the Republican Party here in New York.
“The false idea about this party is that we exclude people because they are different. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We embrace all types of people from all walks of life,” said Donovan.
For those that came to see Donovan, he did not disappoint. The former Staten Island prosecutor covered many different subjects ranging from the economy to terrorism, but of course, the hot topic for the afternoon was gearing up for the elections which are just several months around the corner. Donovan let the crowd know that they can have an impact.
“You can make a difference. And it doesn’t have to be on the national stage. It can be at appearances like this where you can help spread the word,” he said.
Also on hand was Bay Ridge State Senator Marty Golden. The former cop turned politician stressed the importance of taking pride in the process of growing the Republican Party here in New York.
“I want you all to be proud of who you are. Be proud of what you represent. Take pride in the fact that we are continuing to grow this party. And this is the party that is going to give you opportunity. We want the party to grow. And we want you to grow,” said Golden.
Looking around the room, Golden acknowledged the growing diversity that is taking place within the party right here in Brooklyn.
“Folks. Look around this room. We have Black. White. Hispanic. Asian. Jewish. Christian. Muslim. This is the future. Right here in this very room.”
Golden emphasized that the party has to stick together as it gets ready for the elections. And despite the heated political climate that comes with elections, there was no badmouthing the other side yesterday. Instead, the focus was on party unity and making sure that these Republicans are up for the task when the races heat up.
