In the wake of the controversy over his efforts to name a street in Brooklyn after the black activist Sonny Carson, Charles Barron announced yesterday his bid to succeed Marty Markowitz in 2009 as Borough President. “We’ve had a cheerleader. Now we need a real leader in Brooklyn,” quipped the current councilman who represents eastern Brooklyn. In addition to his current battle with Christine Quinn over the firing of his aide for making threatening remarks, the former Black Panther has a rather contentious relationship with the NYPD, something political experts point to as a potential hurdle to getting elected. Putting aside the question of electability (The Post cites Bill de Blasio, Domenic Recchia and Yvonne Graham as possible competitors), we’re curious to hear readers’ thoughts about what a Barron borough presidency would mean for Brooklyn—and Brooklyn real estate. Affordable housing and race relations are two of things Barron has already put on the top of his list.
Barron Poised for Historic Run at Brooklyn Boro Prez [NY Daily News]
Charles Barron To Announce Candidacy For Borough President [NY1]
Councilman Barron Eyes Brooklyn Borough Presidency [Gothamist]
Barron in Brooklyn Beep Race [NY Post]