Newly elected City Councilmember Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) celebrated his inaugural ceremony with a host of elected officials, family, friends and constituents.
More than 500 people packed the Xaverian High School auditorium, 7100 Shore Rd. in Bay Ridge to witness the changing of the guards between Brannan and his predecessor, a 14-year-incumbent – former City Councilmember Vincent Gentile.
“Today, on the stage of my high school, I stand before you humbled to be the newly-elected Councilman for the 43rd District representing Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst,” said Brannan, after former boss and predecessor Vincent Gentile administered the oath of office.
Brannan began his political career working with Gentile in 2011 as Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs. After a stint with the Department of Education’s intergovernmental affairs office where he oversaw the expansion of Pre-K for All, Brannan returned to Gentile’s office and served as his chief-of-staff until his run for the council seat last year.
Before the swearing in, Gentile surprised the audience with an excerpt from Brannan’s original cover letter that accompanied his résumé in 2011.
“’I was raised to love and respect everyone and while I was encouraged to always seek the truth and fearlessly question the answers, I was also taught about selflessness and charity,’” read Gentile.
During his speech, Brannan reiterated his campaign promise to strive for inclusivity during his term as councilmember.
“We are at a critical time for our city, state and nation,” said Brannan. “And while some inexplicably see diversity as a threat, I know our diversity is our true strength. Our community has a long and beautiful tradition of welcoming new immigrants with open arms – I don’t care if you’re a new arrival or a native – my door will always be open to you, and I swear today to make sure that on these streets, from Colonial Road to Cropsey Avenue, from Shore Road to Shore Parkway, everyone will be treated with respect.”
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D) and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) also took to the stage to applaud Brannan’s ongoing commitment to the community. Last week, Johnson appointed Brannan chair of contracts in the New York City Council.
Other speakers, including Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James and Mayor Bill de Blasio, spoke to Brannan’s sense of humor and dedication to public service.
“So if you know his irreverent sense of humor and you know his passion for this work, then you know he’s someone who doesn’t take no for an answer and he’s never afraid of a tough fight,” said de Blasio. “This is someone who, from the beginning, you could tell what kind of leader he was going to be.”
The mayor also spoke about Brannan’s unorthodox path to city council.
“So yes, he played guitar in a punk band for a while, that gives you perspective doesn’t it? Right? It gives him a little edge,” said de Blasio. “And he understands what it means to connect with people of the grassroots.”
Brannan’s guitar playing past was not the only lifestyle choice discussed. Nearly every speaker mentioned that Brannan is a vegetarian. Appropriately, the Jambalaya Brass Band played tunes while patrons nibbled on vegetarian h’ordorves during the post-ceremony.
Among those in attendance were Councilmembers Mark Levine (D), Mark Treyger (D), Kalman Yeger (D), Alicka Samuel (D), Chaim Deutsch (D), Brad Lander (D), State Sens. Diane Savino (D) and Marty Golden (R) and Assemblymember Peter Abate (D), and Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio,
