Talk about double indemnity! In the best of term-limited Bay Ridge City Councilman Vincent Gentile‘s world next year he’d try a case before himself.
That after KCP learned that Gentile, who announced his candidacy for DA with a high-profile interview on NY1 last month, also put his application in before the Kings County Democratic Party judicial screening committee to run for one of the six countywide Civil Court judgeship seats.
The screening committee on Monday deemed Gentile one of the 23 candidates qualified to run for one of the judiciary seats. According to state law a candidate can’t run for two offices on the same ballot.
Gentile’s Campaign mananger Sam Powers insisted said that Gentile is all in for the DA race and not looking at joining the judiciary.
“It is part of the routine that candidates who are interested in the judiciary go through a judicial screening every year, on a yearly cycle. It is an exercise that underscores Council Member Gentile’s interest in continuing public service in a legal capacity,” said Powers.
“The news that he was approved by the screening committee, only reinforces the fact that Council Member Gentile is the most qualified, most experienced candidate in this race. Vincent Gentile’s top priority, in line with the desire to continue public service in a legal capacity, is to win this race, continue Ken Thompson’s legacy, and become Brooklyn’s next District Attorney.”
Powers also pointed to an internal poll showing Gentile is neck and neck with Acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and maintains the highest name recognition in the race. Equally important, Council Member Gentile has the highest favorability rating among candidates, which is a clear sign that his experience, track record, and message is resonating with voters, Powers said.
This isn’t the first time that Gentile is said to be looking for a seat on the bench. The Post reported last year that he was lobbying Mayor Bill de Blasio to appoint him a judge.
