The Q at Parkside

(for those for whom the Parkside Q is their hometrain)

News and Nonsense from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Lefferts and environs, or more specifically a neighborhood once known as Melrose Park. Sometimes called Lefferts Gardens. Or Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Or PLG. Or North Flatbush. Or Caledonia (west of Ocean). Or West Pigtown. Across From Park Slope. Under Crown Heights. Near Drummer's Grove. The Side of the Park With the McDonalds. Jackie Robinson Town. Home of Lefferts Manor. West Wingate. Near Kings County Hospital. Or if you're coming from the airport in taxi, maybe just Flatbush is best.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Disappointed? Sure. But Not Demoralized.

Brian was a great candidate, particularly, the Q thought, this second time out. He exuded a new confidence, unafraid of speaking frankly about his opponent's shocking misgivings. But no, you don't dislodge a 10-year incumbent by just being the better candidate and campaigning fiercely. You're going against every last Eugene supporter that he's cultivated through the past years, and the stubborn willingness of voters to vote Democrat without pause. Veterans of previous campaigns privately confided they felt it was an outside chance at best. Roughly 60/40 numbers for the councilman, in all. And yet, it's hard to discount the feeling that the election was stolen, not least because of ME's shady electioneering. More on that from our good friends at Bklnr., replete with gotcha pictures.

Just remember though...nothing's changed. The district didn't get a lift, but neither was it dealt a death blow. I've been involved in community and political affairs in Flatbush for precisely as long as Mathieu has been in office. I was duped into thing that he was more than just smiles and cheap suits, and that he would be able to bridge the chasm between the many wonderful Haitians living in the community and the old-timers and newcomers of various stripes to address issues common to us all. Sure we knew he would be a beacon of hope and a champion (in front of the camera at least) of Haitian immigrant rights and TPS. But we never imagined he would be so absent, so vacuous and so uninvolved on a personal level with the needs of the neighborhood's wildly diverse residents. He leads on nothing. He follows through on nothing. He is, in essence, a nothing entity, at least for the majority of us. Let's just hope he isn't grooming a successor!

And so it goes, and so it goes. Imagine being a liberal Democrat in deeply red and regressive Alabama - it can't feel good to be so misrepresented in government. At least OUR guy is too inconsequential to do lasting damage. Politically, sometimes it feels like you're a fish out of water, unable to swim with the big fish (like tunas Jumaane Williams and Brad Lander and even Laurie Cumbo), In four years, we'll have our chance. And in the meantime, don't let the Councilman forget whom he's supposed to serve - everyone. That is, if you see him. I suspect we'll see even less of him now that he's a lame duck. Emphasis on the lame.
Is that the face of an innocent man? (from Bklyner.)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

In 2009 he won 94%. in 2013 he won 90%. this time he won 60 something percent. The trend of informed and active voters is growing in the district. Be thankful for that.

Anonymous said...

In 2009 he won 94%. in 2013 he won 90%. this time he won 60 something percent. The trend of informed and active voters is growing in the district. Be thankful for that.

It's all explained by the simple demographics of the arriving "gentrifiers."

Alex said...

I wonder if he was telling poll workers to instruct people to vote down the line?

Anonymous said...

Anon at 11:34, are you implying that the Ethnically Jamaican Flatbush Born Cunningham was a gentrifier's candidate?

Anonymous said...

Anon at 11:34, are you implying that the Ethnically Jamaican Flatbush Born Cunningham was a gentrifier's candidate?

Obviously...

Michael Meagher said...

Of course in the previous two elections he didn't have a serious challenger in the general (as opposed to the primary).

Anonymous said...

I'm totally frustrated. We have to wait another four years for change...ridiculous. We couldn't get him to do anything before...imagine mow.

Anonymous said...

Ughh I don't even want to think about about him winning in 4 years time, he probaly will but after that he's done.

Anonymous said...

Keep on him. file complaints, call the news to complain about things and name drop him when you do. Embarrass him now to build a case against his chosen successor.

Anonymous said...

The Brooklyn political machine was supporting him all the way-including the UFT, Teacher's Union. I was appalled as a teacher. Smh!