The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club (TJ Club) annual dinner dance at El Craribe Country Club in Mill Basin on Sunday brought out as expected all the party’s big names including Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Attorney General-Elect Letitia James.
But what makes the club and its lifelong member Kings County Democratic Party boss Frank Seddio successful is its appreciation, kindness and unselfishness towards the everyday people behind the scenes who are the real heart and soul of both the party and the club.
Such a person is retired corrections officer and dedicated TJ Club Member Valerie Woodland, who received the club’s Woman of the Year award from Seddio and his co-district Leader Sue Anne Partnow.
“Whether keeping a watchful eye in her neighborhood our maintaining our club, Valerie takes pride in everything she does. And no matter how tough she acts , she’s really a pussycat,” said Seddio and Partnow in giving her the award.
Also getting awards were attorney Scott Rynecki for Man of the Year, and Douglas Schain for TJ Club Member of the Year. Both are respected attorneys, who grew up in the Canarsie/Georgetowne area and have been longtime members of the TJ Club since their teenage years.
Taking gome the Bernard Catcher Award was Jacob Gold, one of the longest-serving district leaders in the state before retiring last year.
The event was also something of a celebration in that Seddio and the Democratic County Leadership contributed greatly to the defeat of both U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan (R), who lost to U.S. Rep.-elect Max Rose and longtime Bay Ridge State Sen. Marty Golden (R), who lost to State Sen.-elect Andrew Gounardes.
Both de Blasio and Jeffries spoke glowingly on how with Democrtas now in power kely legislation can now get passed on both the state and federal level. And James voed as Attorney General she will keep fighting for the voiceless and take it to President Trump in the White House.
And as a tribute to both Seddio and the power of the TJ club, almost all of Brooklyn’s electeds were at the event as were those outside the borough looking to run for citywide offices such as City Council Member Helen Rosenthal who is looking to run for comptroller in two years and Assemblyman MIchael Blake (D-Bronx), who is running in the special election for public advovate.
Brooklyn’s home borough favorites were also in the house including City Council Member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington), who is also eyeing the city comptroller seat and City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), the frontrunner in the public advocate’s race.
