Southeastern Brooklyn may not get as much press as the brownstone belt or Bay Ridge sections of the borough, but it remains both a powerhouse in borough politics as well as neighborhoods filled with public servants of the highest order.
A case in point was yesterday’s lunch fundraiser for 59th District Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) held at Nick’s Lobster House, 2777 Flatbush Avenue.
“Jamie came to this position in the assembly the hard way. She earned it,” said Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio, who is both the male Democratic district leader for the area, and who formerly held the seat.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Williams came to the United States in 1999, settling in New York City, where she first obtained her GED and then attended Kingsborough Community College. She continued her education at York College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
After completing her undergraduate studies, she then attended Fordham University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and then returned to Kingsborough Community College where she got her CASAC-T certificate (Credential Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) with a Specialization in Gambling counseling.
Like her neighborhood colleague in government, State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill), who was also in attendance at the event, Williams cut her political teeth at the powerful Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Democratic Club.
Besides raising funds for her campaign, Williams also honored several people either living or working in the neighborhood.
This includes 69th Police Precinct officers Abigail Brunner and Patrick Leonard, who recently delivered a baby while on patrol in their Canarsie jurisdiction.
Also honored were Firefighters John Bauer, Robert Tirino, Mike Hammell, who work out of FDNY Engine Company 323, at 6405 Avenue N in Mill Basin.
Seddio, Kings County Democratic Party Attorney Frank Carone and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also received plaques for their community service.
Seddio called both Williams and Persaud honorable people who deserve to be called elected officials and not politicians in the way they serve their constituents and the community. He also noted the party and the TJ Club will work hard to get them re-elected this year.
“Both Jaime and Roxanne earned their way to success in the political field, and we don’t anticipate and serious race against either of them this year, but we always have to be ready just in case we have one,” said Seddio.
“And if we do, you can be sure we will be out knocking on doors from both Jaime and Roxanne this year,” he added.
