Brooklyn Focus: Challenging Carl Kruger (State Senate)

The four worst Democrats in the NY State Senate are undoubtedly Hiram Monserrate (now thankfully ousted), Pedro Espada, jr., Ruben Diaz, Sr., and Carl Kruger. These are the four traitors who threw control of the State Senate to the Republicans in a cynical power play that derailed reform in Albany.

Carl Kruger was one of only eight Democrats to vote against marriage equality. He is one of the more conservative Democrats in Albany. Now Carl Kruger has a well-deserved challenge this year from Russian-American attorney, Igor Oberman. From Igor's website:

Igor and his family fled to the United States in 1981 as refugees from religious and ethnic persecution in the Soviet Union.

Igor's family settled in southern Brooklyn. His local upbringing and education played a significant role in fueling his passion to serve the people of this community.

Igor attended Abraham Lincoln High School and graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College in 1994. He is the first member of his family to graduate from college.

Upon earning his Juris Doctorate degree from New York Law School in 1997, Igor entered the legal profession. As an attorney working with people in the community, Igor gained a grassroots understanding of issues facing ordinary New Yorkers. He vigorously defended the rights of accident victims, handled real estate transactions and general litigation.

Igor then broke boundaries by becoming the first Russian-American Administrative Law Judge at the Taxi & Limousine Commission. After presiding over hundreds of cases, his outstanding work was recognized when he was promoted to the Appeals Unit. Shortly thereafter, Igor joined the Environmental Control Board as an administrative appeals judge. This summer, Igor is scheduled to teach Administrative Law at Hunter College.

Here is Igor's statement on why he is running:

Southern Brooklyn is my home. I was raised here and have had a lifetime of experiences that has shaped me into the individual I am today.

Over the last few years, I have unfortunately witnessed Brooklyn change in many undesirable ways – overdevelopment, pollution, congested roads, traffic and commuting delays, and crowded classrooms. Current politicians have done us severe harm. They care more about power and special interests than their constituents. But now we have the opportunity to change that. It’s time for a new choice and a new voice that will represent Southern Brooklyn with a drive to make a difference for our future.

I look forward to meeting many of you face to face. I welcome your ideas and believe that together we can improve the quality of life and protect our future in our wonderful community.

If you have questions about my campaign or would like to share your specific concerns, please contact me at Igor@IgorOberman.com.

Thank you ever so much and see you on the campaign trail.

-Igor Oberman

Best of luck to Igor Oberman. It is about time Carl Kruger gets a challenge. Maybe we can now get a REAL Democrat representing the 27th State Senate district.