It’s been a long road in a relatively short period of time for Brooklyn’s new Democratic Party Boss, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park).
In less than 10 years she has gone from Democratic Party outsider challenging the establishment to become the first female and second person of color to lead Brooklyn’s Democratic Party.
But with the leadership role comes the task of turning around an organization that sources say is about a $250K in debt. Bichotte is not shying away from this challenge and teamed up with Governor Andrew Cuomo for a fundraiser last Thursday.
Getting Cuomo to come to Williamsburg’s Giando on the Water to raise funds for the Kings County Democratic Party is a clear sign that Bichotte means business and plans to increase Brooklyn’s role in both city and state politics.
It has not been announced how much was raised, but the new County leader has committed to quarterly financial reports.
Boss Lady Bichotte was given the reigns of power but barely enough money to keep the organization going. Just before being elected, Brooklyn Democratic Party leaders, under the former boss, Frank Seddio, voted to cut back the number of annual county committee meetings from twice a year to once a year.
“One truth I’m taking with me into my chairwomanship is that, if we’re going to build a unified, civically engaged Brooklyn; if we’re going to build a robust, responsible party committee; if we’re going to win the fight for a more fair, more equitable, more progressive New York, then we’re going to need to work together and support each other to do it,” said Bichotte.
Both Cuomo and Bichotte spoke about making Brooklyn Dems strong and taking on the GOP.
“Brooklyn knows what Brooklyn needs. The Brooklyn Democratic Party will tell what Brooklyn Democrats need. We are going to build this party stronger, more unified, more effective than ever before, and anyone who wants to take us on, bring it,” said Cuomo.
