Following a slim win over Republican candidate John Quaglione (R) last week, Councilmember-elect Justin Brannan (D – Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach) released the names of his 36-member bipartisan transition team yesterday.
The group of elected officials, business leaders and community activists from the district will serve an advisory role in legislative and budgetary priorities and hiring staff. The list of volunteering members includes leaders of the growing Chinese constituent base and the long-standing Arab-speaking community, Republicans, Conservatives and members of the Working Families Party.
“I am truly humbled to have such a distinguished group of leaders volunteering their time and talent to help assemble an exceptional team that will not only be devoted to fighting for everyone who calls the 43rd Council District home, but reflect the diversity of this great community,” said Councilman-Elect Brannan.
But in the spirit of bringing the district together, some bipartisan alliances could aid in the push to unseat State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend and parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park and Midwood) in next year’s New York state senate race for district 22. Craig Eaton, former Brooklyn GOP chairman and known Golden adversary as well as Andrew Gounardes who is rumored to be running against Golden during next year’s state senate race were both tapped to sit on the transition committee.
Primary opponents Rev. Khader El-Yateem and Vincent Chirico were also asked to serve on the committee. El-Yateem, who took 31 percent of the district’s Democratic vote during the primary, endorsed the councilmember-elect one week before the general election. The Reverend also spoke during Brannan’s primary party on election day avowing Brannan’s commitment to ‘give everyone a seat at the table.” Warren Chan, leader of the Asian Community United Society, was also called upon to serve on the diverse committee.
“I am more than happy to work with Councilmember-elect Brannan on issues concerning the Asian community,” said Chan.
Outgoing City Councilman Vincent J. Gentile (D) will lead as Chair of Councilman-Elect Brannan’s transition committee. Kathryn Wylde, Carlo Scissura, Alison Hirsh, and the Hon. Joanne Seminara will serve as Vice Chairs.
“I will look to each and every member of my transition team for advice and counsel as we recruit great talent to serve with distinction the hardworking people of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and parts of Bensonhurst,” said Brannan.
The advisory unit will dismantle on January 1 but Brannan plans to lean on the community leaders for direction throughout his 4-year term as city councilmember.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements directly to Transition43JB@gmail.com for immediate consideration.
