As Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) was confirmed as the new Kings County Democratic Party Chairperson on Monday at the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in Canarsie, one of the more telling things was observing who was in attendance and celebrating the historic naming of the first female and first black female political boss of Brooklyn.
And perhaps, just as telling, are those that didn’t show up.
Among those who did come and celebrate were City Councilman Kalman Yeger and Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Chair Josh Mehlman, Deputy Borough President Ingrid Martin-Lewis, Community Board 3 District Manager Henry Butler and former District leader and City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy.
Several district leaders who also spoke in congratulating Bichotte included Geoffrey Davis, Anthony Jones, and Mark Treyger, the latter of whom, Bichotte singled out in her acceptance speech as somebody she worked with on legislation.
Among those glaringly absent included Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Assemblymembers Diana Richardson, Nick Perry and Latrice Walker; State Senators Kevin Parker and Zellnor Myrie, and City Councilmembers Brad Lander, Robert Cornegy Jr. and Alicka Ampry-Samuel.
It should be noted that several of the aforementioned that didn’t show up could be the result of the continued bad blood from the recent 45th District City Council race, where a number of the no-shows backed Monique Chandler-Waterman over Bichotte’s Haitian-American protege and the eventual winner of the contest, City Councilmember Farah Louis.
Other no-shows perhaps had other things to do, but they should be aware that it never hurts to kiss the ring of the Borough’s new Lady Boss. Either way, here is KCP’s list of political winners and losers to Bichotte becoming the new county Democratic Party Chair:
Winners:
Brooklyn’s Haitian-American Community: Bichotte noted in her acceptance speech of how proud she was of her community, but said this takes nothing away from any other ethnic communities in Brooklyn and all should be celebrated. That said, KCP has to tip his cowboy hat to the Brooklyn Haitian-American community for their ability to organize and stick together. What remains to be seen, however, is how they wield the power they have fought justifiably so hard to gain as celebrated new American immigrants. Will it be to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War, malice towards none and charity to all, or will it be all about payback and retribution? The thinking here is Bichotte, like Seddio, is a fair person and understands the transactional nature of politics, but one never knows.
BerlinRosen: It is telling that strategic communications and public relations firm BerlinRosen put out several press releases concerning the Kings County Democratic Party changing of the guard, while Seddio’s favorite and well-paid PR firm George Arzt Communications played second fiddle. BerlinRosen also has close ties Mayor Bill de Blasio, and the point person between Bichotte and BerlinRosen is Rendy Desamours, a Haitian-American with strong network ties to the growing network of Haitian-Americans getting elected statewide. To the victor goes the spoils
Mayor Bill de Blasio: So maybe there is a second act for hiz’ honor after all, and it’s called First Lady Chirlane McCray. If she decides to run for borough president, the thinking here is Bichotte will back her. This does not mean an easy win, but it does mean some possible backroom dealing the same way Eric Adams became borough president without any real Democratic primary. Perhaps cut a deal with Mark Treyger, Robert Cornegy and Antonio Reynoso for jobs in an Adams mayoral administration and this could be an uncontested primary. Not exactly good for voters or democracy, but the borough president job is political by nature and it is what it is.
Attorney Frank Carone: So behind the scenes powerful is Brooklyn Bar Association President Carone that KCP shutters to even mention his name. That being said, hardly a major Brooklyn political candidate, development deal or media outlet gets anywhere without Carone’s blessing or help.
Attorney General Letitia James: James and Bichotte are allies, and one would be hard-pressed to find two heavier hitting political black women anywhere in the United States. When they work together the sky is the limit for these two dynamos.
Olanike Alabi: This female district leader from the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill area is very close to both Bichotte and James. Look for her to make a strong run for term-limited City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo‘s seat, although the progressive whites flooding this area might have something to say here.
Losers:
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams: After getting Bichotte’s crucial help in getting elected public advocate, Williams proceeded to back Chandler-Waterman over Louis in the aforementioned city council race. While this probably won’t cost him in the 2021 public advocate race, it will hurt him on plans to take on Gov. Cuomo in three years. That gives him plenty of time to makeup with Bichotte, but the thinking here is if it’s between supporting Williams or Tish James, James will get the nod. There is also the possibility that Bichotte herself is eyeing the governor’s mansion.
Assemblymember Diana Richardson: Like Williams, Bichotte backed Richardson for the assembly seat, and then she turned around and backed Chandler-Waterman over Louis in the aforementioned city council race. While Richardson should be easily re-elected this year, it should be noted she strongly backed Brian Cunningham in a losing effort against Mathieu Eugene for the 40th District City Council seat in 2017. If Richardson backs Cunningham again, she will likely go up against Bichotte’s cousin, Josue (Josh) Pierre for the open council seat.
City Councilmember Brad Lander: As progressive as he is, Lander seldom failed to kiss the ring of Seddio at every chance he could, but he failed to show up for Bichotte’s coronation. He also backed Chandler-Waterman, and if he has any hopes at winning the comptroller seat with Brooklyn Democratic Party organization support, he has a lot of ‘splaining to do.
