Progressive Democrat Issue 96: BROOKLYN ACTIVISM

The NY State and local Brooklyn Democratic Parties have been facing difficulties for some time. Lack of vision, strong arm tactics, and, at worst, outright corruption have plagued NY State and Brooklyn Democrats. This has led to the rise of a reform Democrat movement which I have highlighted from time to time. Reform Democrats and Progressive Democrats overlap a great deal, though they also sometimes fall prey to the usual infighting that Democrats are prone to.

Today I want to urgently ask Democrats living in Brooklyn to help strengthen one of these reform Democratic organizations that ALSO holds progressive views. The Central Brooklyn Independent Democratic club (CBID) is an organization with deep roots both as reformers and progressives. Here is what they say in their "Who we are" section:

As a neighborhood Democratic Club, CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since its founding in 1968 by reform Democrats, and anti-war and neighborhood activists. Based in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington, we have been instrumental in the election of many public officials.

Staunchly opposed to political corruption, and committed to JUDICIAL REFORM, we are proud of our independence and progressive politics.

CBID did well helping progressive candidates get on the ballot in this last primary election in Brooklyn. I found their work in that primary to be very dedicated. However, they have since been paralyzed by internal factions. CBID also has deep roots of infighting and this infighting currently threatens the effectiveness of this club. The factions do not seem to differ that much ideologically, but rather often support the same candidates just as avidly. The infighting is between egos more than ideas, and the bulk of the club is caught in the middle.

Coming up soon is the race to replace Yvette Clarke in the City Council and CBID might play a strong role in that race. The larger the active membership, the more likely that a progressive reform Democrat can be elected. That race will be coming up early next year.

What CBID needs is an influx of new members, with no ties to either of the old factions, to shore up the club. CBID president Josh Skaller, and my wife, Joy, who is a board member, are calling on dedicated, reform/progressive Democrats who want to see this three-decades-old Brooklyn political tradition continue as a force of reform and progress. Please contact Josh Skaller ( jskaller@gmail.com ) to find out about membership and how you can help.

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