The fine line between political reform and political ambition are the opening salvo being thrown out in one of this year’s more interesting Democratic Assembly District Leader races – that between challenger Robert (Bobby) Carroll and 40-year incumbent Jacob Gold in the 44th District covering parts of Park Slope, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood and Windsor Terrace.
The position of District Leader, also known as State Committee person, is an unpaid, volunteer, elected official who serves on the Executive committee of a County political party for a two-year term. In Kings County registered Democrats are responsible for electing two Democratic State Committee persons, one male and one female, in each New York State Assembly District. There are 21 Assembly Districts in Brooklyn and thus there are 42 Democratic State Committeepersons.
“I’m running because of the need to reform the state committee and the judicial convention screening panel so it doesn’t report to the district leaders,” said Carroll, who was born and raised in Windsor Terrace and is a practicing attorney . “It’s important to take the money our of judicial elections so there’s no sense of impropriety and no conflict between one candidate and state committee members.”
Carroll noted there were several district leaders who have used their position to get their spouses as judges, and even if they become good judges, the borough’s Democratic Party should embrace opening the process up so it’s independent and accepting of new ideas.
This will make the Party stronger and active in campaigns, which in turn will allow for a higher voter turnout and get more people engaged, said Carroll.
Carroll also has several elected officials who have already endorse him including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, the 44th District Assemblymember Jim Brennan and Assemblymembers Jo Anne Simon and Felix Ortiz, Former Assemblymember Joan Millman, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso.
On the other side, Gold noted that Carroll comes from a politically connected family himself , and that he supported Carroll’s father, James, when he ran unsuccessfully for both the state senate and the city council.
“I have know Bobby all his life, and have no animosity for him,” said Gold, a retired School teacher who also has a real estate business. “Apparently the rumor has it that he (Carroll) would like to run someday for public office I I have no ambition to run for public office. I’ve been doing this for 40 years and I’ve been doing this very well.”
Gold said he has heard rumblings in the district that Bennan, who has been in office for 32 years recently had some kind of operation and is looking to step down either this term or next term, and would like to see Carroll as his replacement.
“I have no objection to this. If Bobby Carroll wants to take his (Brennan’s) place, I have no problem with it,” said Gold. “However, if Bobby Carroll is ambitious and if he feels I’m in his way towards achieving public office then he’ll have to fight me in the primary and God bless us all.”
Gold noted he has plenty of support as well and that he will hold a fundraiser in the near future, in which Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio will host the event with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Public Advocate Letitia James serving as co-hosts. Other supporters, according to Gold, include Congress Members Hakeem Jeffries, Jerry Nadler and Yvette Clarke, City Council Members Mathieu Eugene, David Greenfield and Jumaane Williams, and State Senators Kevin Parker and Simcha Felder.
The primary for all state offices including the assembly, the senate and all district leadership positions is slated for Sept. 13.
