Tired of the extreme political divisiveness, five Brooklyn political veterans and civic leaders have formed a new non-partisan club to foster dialogue and civility in the borough. Significantly, this group includes two Republicans, two Democrats, and a member of the Reform Party.
Dubbed the West Brooklyn Neighborhood Club, its founders include former Kings County Republican Party Chair Craig Eaton, James McCall, a long-time GOP activist; Bob Capano, the Kings County Reform Party Chairman who has worked for both Republican and Democratic elected officials; Ralph Perfetto, a veteran neighborhood public servant and Bay Ridge Democratic District Leader; and John O’Hara, a Sunset Park Democratic activist.
The club will be announcing several other charter members over the next few weeks.
The five called their group an “opportunity for us to come together as a community, regardless of political affiliations” and added, “In light of the hyper political divisiveness that is out of control, it is time for more civility and unity. We welcome anyone to join us because there is much more that unites us as Brooklynites than divides us. Our goal is to bring together residents to exchange ideas on improving our communities with respect in a social atmosphere.”
Initially, the group plans to meet socially at local establishments, with a goal of eventually holding formal monthly forums with guest speakers. The West Brooklyn Neighborhood Club is planning their first event next month, where they hope other like-minded residents will join their ranks.
In addition to their impressive political records, the five also have been civic leaders for many years, and say this is the area where politics must be tossed aside for the sake of community interests.
