NY Daily News: Politicians Not in Office…: Longtime State Sen. Marty Connor lost his reelection bid last fall, but you wouldn’t know that from looking at his Jeep Cherokee.

Connor, an election lawyer in Brooklyn, has license plates reading “25 SD” – presumably referring to the 25th Senate District, which he represented for 30 years.

The former senator, who registered the vanity plates just days before his successor was sworn in, brushed off the suggestion that his plate referred to the seat he lost in November.

“That’s your conclusion,” he said. “I don’t have to tell you why I picked the plate.”

BHB Photo by Diana Rosenthal

This afternoon, Senator Daniel Squadron announced that he is opening a Brooklyn District Office that, thanks to the generosity of Borough President Marty Markowitz, will temporarily be in Borough Hall. Squadron also announced the appointment of Ellen Whelan-Wuest as his Brooklyn Office Director, whose first task will be to find space for a permanent office in the heart of the district. Though not a native of Brooklyn, Whelan-Wuest now resides in Carroll Gardens (as does Squadron), and was urged by both Squadron and Markowitz to eat at Junior’s as soon as she gets a chance.

By opening his office in Brooklyn, Squadron said he is “making good on [his] promise to represent every part” of the 25th Senate District – from downtown Brooklyn to lower Manhattan.

BHB Photo by Claude Scales

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer administered the oath of office to NYS Senator Daniel Squadron (D-SD25) in two local ceremonies on Sunday (1/25) in Brooklyn Heights and Lower Manhattan.  Squadron has vowed to be “accessible” to constituents throughout the 25th State Senate district.

BHB Photo by Marc Hermann manipulated by Homer Fink via obamiconme.pastemagazine.com

New York Magazine profiles our man in the NYS Senate Daniel Squadron this week.  And even before the paint is dry in The Kid’s Albany office, a commenter takes a swipe at him:

Really don’t like Squadron… Met him several times on the street in my neighborhood prior to the Democratic Primary and had an extremely depressing conversation with him on the topic of rent regulation. I’m much younger than him, but he had no clue about an issue that he’d made a central element of his State Senate platform and it made him sound utterly out of his depth. I’ve never been so disappointed with my elected representative as I am with him, especially because he’s now my own party’s local incumbent in a city and state that practically define machine politics.
By atekosuri on 01/12/2009at 9:45am

To his rescue, regular BHB commenter BKLYNLIFER:

I’m surprised you feel Squadron doesn’t have a clue about rent regulation. He told me (and others at a house party) that he will fight to repeal vacancy decontrol. What’s wrong with that? Or do you think we should have a free market approach?

I’m also surprised that you find him the most disappointing elected representative you’ve had — More disappointing than Marty Connor? Joan Millman? They teamed up to turn the Brooklyn Bridge Park into a development project with high rise luxury condo’s on the waterfront, instead of recreation and green space. Marty’s constituents were so “disappointed” with him that they voted him out of office. Joan’s next.
By bklynlifer on 01/12/2009at 5:14

Seriously, Senator The Kid seems to be getting enough crap from his friends according to the article so maybe lay off for a month or so?:

Now the “kid” is adjusting to a grown-up life. Just before the election, he got engaged to his girlfriend, Liz Weinstein, a director in the mayor’s Office of Operations. “I think we were both really worried about what it would mean in terms of how much time we could have together, but she was supportive,” he says of his plans to run for office. His friends, too, are experiencing some changes. “I insist that they call me ‘Senator,’ so that’s a little weird, you know, when we’re watching a football game,” he jokes. In reality, he says, although his friends find his new position “a little surreal,” they still grant him “zero respect.”

As the hangovers subside and people gradually get used to the fact that the last eight years of horrendous governance will be coming to an end shortly, I thought I would share with the BHB community my experience voting during this historic election. At some point during the day I commented on BHB that there were special voting machines for the disabled. In fact, these machines known as “Ballot Marking Devices” could be used by anyone and are probably the type of equipment that the Board of Elections will use in the future. Consequently, the story that is told below is something that might be of interest to anyone that is concerned about the democratic process, regardless of disability. The situation was so egregious that I was contacted by NY1 and the segment will appear this evening some time between 8-9 p.m (watch video).

November 4 narrative:

At approximately 12:20 I started the process to exercise my right to vote in what is arguably the most important election of my life. Although I was eventually able to cast an absentee ballot, it took almost 6 hours, two appearances before a Supreme Court Judge, and numerous frustrating interactions with a variety of Board of Elections employees at two different polling sites and at the Brooklyn Board of Elections headquarters, not to mention the 28 blocks of rolling around downtown Brooklyn in the drizzling rain.

After signing into the book at my originally designated polling site (116 AD, 52 ED) I was immediately directed to use the standard lever machine. The Ballot Marking Device (BMD) was not even offered as a possible alternative. I gently informed the poll workers that the BMD would be the only way that I would be able to cast my ballot privately and independently. It is very obvious that I am a person with a significant physical disability and I had to explain that I needed to use the “sip & puff” switch. Essentially these remarks were ignored and I was again directed to the lever machine. The excuse that I was given was that the printer was not working. However, since I was the first person that had asked about the machine, I am not certain how they could make such a statement. Again I was importuned to use the lever machine “if I wanted my vote to be counted.” After 10 to 15 minutes I left to call for legal advice.

I returned to my apartment and telephoned a friend that works for New York Lawyers for the Public Interest to discuss my options. He assisted in contacting the Board of Elections administrative offices and after a number of calls we eventually spoke with someone who expedited the dispatch of a technician to the Pierrepont Street polling site. Within the next hour, one of the poll workers knocked on my door and announced that the technician had arrived. Immediately I went downstairs at approximately 2:15 p.m. and attempted for the second time to vote. Unfortunately things did not go any better the second time around.

Again I informed the poll workers that I would need to use the “sip & puff” switch in order to be able to use the machine. This time there was a different poll worker who had returned from a break, but he was completely unfamiliar with the technology. The initial poll worker said “we were told that you would know how to use the equipment.” Naturally I thought that the BOE technician was there to assist. However, she seemed to be standing in the background and was not providing any help. When I suggested that the BOE technician should know how to use the equipment, she finally came forward. To my amazement she announced “I am only trained in how to plug it in and turn it on.” She maintained that she did not know anything about any of the accessibility features. Again the poll workers strongly urge me to use the inaccessible lever machines or cast a provisional ballot. By now it was 2:35 and I returned to my apartment to seek further legal advice.

During this series of telephone calls the previously mentioned Eleanor, from the Board of Elections called me to proudly announce that a technician had been dispatched. I explained to her again that my rights to vote independently and privately had been completely frustrated. My public interest lawyer friend informed me that there was a special judge assigned to resolve election matters who would be available at the Brooklyn BOE headquarters. At approximately 3:15 I left my apartment for 345 Adams St to seek judicial relief. In the meantime my frayed and contacted the Judge and explained my situation. The Judge quickly signed an order directing the BOE to allow me to vote on a Ballot Marking Device anywhere within the 52nd Election District.

Following the judge’s order, I spoke directly with Brooklyn BOE staff that were facilitating compliance with the order and explained that I wanted an assurance that there was a functioning machine with poll workers that actually knew how to use the equipment. They agreed that that was a fair request and went off to further confirm where I should go to vote. When the BOE staff member returned she specifically directed me to the Joralemon Street polling site. She provided a list of poll workers who allegedly had been trained on using the BMD. During these interactions with BOE I asked whether there was a BMD at the Brooklyn headquarters. She informed me that there was not one on the site at all. By now it was a few minutes after four o’clock and I headed to Joralemon Street to continue my struggle to vote.

When I arrived at the Joralemon Street polling site, I presented my order from the Judge. Quickly I realized that this attempt was also going to be fraught with difficulties. The poll worker had to read the order many times and repeatedly tried to direct me back to my original polling site at Pierrepont Street. Eventually another poll worker intervened and understood the order. After explaining to the other poll workers what needed to occur, he started to move the BMD so that I could approach the equipment. Although it was approaching 4:30 in the afternoon, my effort to use the BMD was the first at this poll site. I am confident that this was the first attempt to use the BMD because I witnessed that the package of sealed ballots had to have the plastic removed. The BMD was situated between two tables and facing the wall. Again, there was absolutely no way that a voter in a wheelchair could even get close to the machine. Next, the BMD needed to be moved and that caused the extension cord to become unplugged which caused a series of software and computer problems.

One of the few procedural steps that the poll worker was aware of was the need to use the sterile glove for the purposes of setting up the “sip & puff” mechanism. But even that turned into a keystone-poll-worker-routine. The worker and had no idea where the gloves were located and it took him 15 minutes just to find them. Once they were found, they became completely contaminated as he was scurrying around trying to figure out the system. All the while, former neighbors of mine were casting their ballots at the adjacent table and I felt that everyone was wondering what type of medical procedure was about to occur.

Eventually, another poll worker who was a little more comfortable with computer technology took more of a proactive/assertive role. This person was a little younger and by profession is a banker. Without having much training, he tried to get the system working. He realized that the BMD had become unplugged and required a software reboot. As we waited for more than 20 minutes, the first poll worker confessed almost proudly that he is a computer illiterate. Finally, we collectively quit after waiting for the BMD to reboot for approximately 25 minutes. It was at this time (5:15) that I decided to return to the Board of Elections seeking further relief from the Judge. Upon my return, the Judge greeted me warmly, expecting affirmative results. Apart from being sympathetic to my anger and frustration, and the Judge accepted my request for an order to have an absentee ballot provided by the BOE.

Throughout my entire experience voting on November 4, Board of Elections staff members continued to speak to my personal care worker, rather than directing comments and questions to me. As a person with a significant physical disability, being taken seriously is a constant struggle, despite my professional and educational background. At the very least, poll workers and BOE staff should be able to treat me with dignity and respect.

Ty Pennington of ABC’s Extreme Makeover pulls up in a bus with his team of designers. They tip-toe out of the bus in that annoyingly cutesy way where they make believe the residents of the decrepit home they are about to tear down have no idea they’ve arrived.

They’re in front of the New York State Senate Chamber Ty takes out his bullhorn and screams: “Goooooood Morning Dean Skelos! Serph Maltese! Frank Padavan and the rest of the State Senate GOP…get out here! And bring Marty Connor with you!”

At that moment, at that very moment, the State Senate Democrats do what they haven’t done in 43 years…OWN the Senate Chamber! And I would love to be there to help move out the Senate Republicans, tear down their cubicles with a bulldozer and watch the Senate Dems move in.

A little “extreme” you might say? Well, consider this. For the past 43 freakin’ years, Senate Democrats and its hard-working staff has been relegated to third-world nation status. As a former staffer in the 1980’s for then-Senate Minority Leader Fred Ohrenstein, I was eyewitness to the humiliation and torture by our state government’s version of Abu Gharib.

Whether it was office supplies, internet access or even where you stood in the Senate Chamber, everything was controlled by the Senate Republicans. It was so bad, that they used to make us hunch over and hide in a huge, old fireplace in the Chamber during session if we wanted to participate in our government-in-action.

Okay, so what does this have to do with Senator-elect Daniel Squadron? Nothing really. I was just celebrating. But Squadron is in a unique position to be the most productive individual to represent Brooklyn Heights since Emily Roebling finished up The Great Bridge for hubby.

Of course, being more productive than Marty Connor only requires waking up in the morning. But with the new Senate Majority and his close relationship with Chuck Schumer, Danny Boy will climb the Albany political ladder faster than a Dekalb Avenue rat avoiding the Coney Island-bound Q train.

The incoming Democrat majority is busy fighting with each other over power. Squadron will have to pick a side. Should he go with current Senate Minority Leader and Gov. Paterson protégé, Malcolm Smith? Or should he go with the insurgent Sen. Jeff Klein who has curiously aligned himself with the Latin Kings of the Senate Dems who are demanding power?

He will no doubt lean on his mentor, Schumer, for advice. Oh, what a great time to be an incoming State Senate Democrat! If Squadron is smart, and of course, he is, he will wield immediate clout in the new majority irregardless of which side, the Jets or the Sharks, he chooses. After all, he’s Chuck’s boy. And Chuck, with his own November victories in the U.S. Senate races, is now the most powerful boychik in all the land. He can bring home all sorts of Kosher pork for the State Senate Democrat majority. And make no mistake…they will be licking Chuck’s penny loafers any chance they get. So be assured…no matter who comes away as Majority Leader, they are NOT going to want to piss off Squadron!
Brooklyn Heights, get your pork orders in now! There will be plenty for everybody! What a deal…not only did you get rid of Marty Connor, but you elected an immediate power broker to bring home all sorts of goodies to the district.

On his webpage, Daniel Squadron promises “to be different. To fight special interests. To work across the aisle. To be independent.” Are you crazy, man? After 30 years of Connor, now is not the time to fight the system.

Because you IS the system now!

Howie Greene was born in Brooklyn just in time to watch the Dodgers pack up and move to Los Angeles.  Currently involved in real estate, Howie was part of the management team for The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, traveling the world with him. Howie spent 2 years working on cruise ships and has literally “sailed the seven seas.” He’s hosted radio shows in Washington, D.C., New York City, Denver, Los Angeles and Buffalo. And yes, Marty Connor was once his landlord.
Howie will be one of the many colorful voices at The Brooklyn Bugle… coming soon.

Discuss the results of all the political battles here.

BHB Photo by Marc Hermann

The readers of Brooklyn Heights Blog have overwhelmingly endorsed Democrats Daniel Squadron for NY State Senate and Barack Obama for President.

In a poll conducted this week,  60% of poll respondents who live in the 25th NYS Senate District endorsed Daniel Squadron over his Republican opponent John Chromczak who received 8.6% of the vote.  A whopping 31.4% claimed they were “undecided” on the race.  Most repondents (43%) called BHB’s Great Debate between the two candidates a tie.  BHB readers also endorsed Squadron in the Democratic primary against incumbent State Senator Martin Connor in September.

In the race for U.S. President, the BHB Community endorsed Barack Obama with 89.6% of the vote while 10.4% went for Republican John McCain.

BHB Photo by Marc Hermann

For those of you who couldn’t make it out to BHB’s NYS SD 25 debate aka The Great Debate: Squadron vs. Chromczak on Tuesday night, you can view it in its entirety after the jump.

Video chat rooms at Ustream

Live Broadcasting by Ustream

8:08 p.m. - The candidates await the start of the debate.

8:20 p.m.

8:23 p.m. - John Chromczak

8:24 p.m. - Daniel Squadron

8:38 p.m.

8:39 p.m.

8:41 p.m.

8:43 p.m.

9:01 p.m.

9:03 p.m. - Moderator Homer Fink

9:07 p.m.

9:36 p.m. - The contenders shake hands.

9:37 p.m. - Candidate John Chromczak, Super Blogger Claude Scales, Moderator Homer Fink, Candidate Daniel Squadron.

Photos by M. Hermann/BHB

Tonight at the St. Francis College Auditorium at 8PM, BHB presents The Great Debate: Daniel Squadron vs. John Chromczak.   Please join us as the NYS Senate 25th District candidates duke it our for your support.  Details here.

The Brooklyn Optimist interviews Chromczak today setting the stage for what promises to be a lively debate tonight.

“The failure of the City Council to give this important vote to the people shows a clear lack of respect to the voters of the City of New York. The people of New York voted not once, but twice in support of term limits. Apparently the politicians in City Hall don’t care about the voter’s voice being heard, they don’t respect the decisions we’ve made as citizens at the voting booth. They think the only vote that counts is theirs. It’s time for a change. I think all New Yorkers should be upset with the actions by the City Council and remember today’s vote come next November.”

Chromczak will face his Democratic opponent Daniel Squadron in a BHB sponsored debate this Tuesday, October 28, at St. Francis College.

BHB’s “Great Debate” between  NYS Senate District 25 candidates Daniel Squadron (D/WP) and John Chromczak (R) is happening this Tuesday October 28.  We need your help in determining the list of questions that will shape the debate.

Add you suggestions here.

Event Information

Day: Tuesday October 28
Location: St. Francis College Auditorium, 180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights
Time: 8PM
Admission: Free!
Directions available here

Councilmembers Gale Brewer, David Yassky, and Alan Gerson at City Hall today.

On the eve of a City Council vote on the fate of term limits for elected officials, Brooklyn Heights Councilman David Yassky and two of his colleagues officially remain undecided—but they have a better idea, anyway.

Yassky, along with fellow Council Members Gale Brewer and Alan Gerson, announced that he will be proposing an amendment to the Mayor’s term limit bill tomorrow, which would cause the issue to be decided by a referendum, not legislation.  Citing a recent Quinnipiac poll in which 89% of respondents said they believe the issue should be decided by the voters, Yassky said “we intend to ensure that Council Members have the option to vote on a referendum proposal as an alternative to the Mayor’s proposal to amend term limits legislatively.”

However, they affirmed their support for a 12-year limit policy for elected officials in the city.  “The case for lengthening the term limit is particularly strong at this critical moment in the history of our City,” Yassky said.  “We face a financial crisis of nearly unprecedented severity.  We are convinced that it is in the best interests of the City, and consistent with true democratic principles, for voters to have the opportunity to choose whether or not to maintain the current set of City government leaders in next year’s election.”  Despite this, the three would not take a firm stand on the term limits bill in its current state.  Instead, they say, they will spend the time before the vote trying to drum up support for the amendment.

Meanwhile, a motion filed in Supreme Court against the City Council and the Conflicts of Interests Board by Council Members Letitia James and Bill de Blasio, seeking to postpone the vote, was rejected by a judge this afternoon.

Photo by M. Hermann/BHB

The candidates will discuss topics posed by us as well as the audience.  We’d like your help in formulating our 10 “moderator” topics.  Please contribute your ideas in comments below.

Event Information
Location: St. Francis College Auditorium, 180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights
Time: 8PM
Admission: Free!
Directions available here

As a primer here’s video of the two candidates debating at a the LGBT Community Center of New York City:

That noise you’re hearing from Pier 3 is set up for Diesel’s Rock n Roll Circus, part of a world wide concert taking place tomorrow night at 9pm.

The show, features M.I.A., Hot Chip, N*E*R*D* and Franz Ferdinand.  Brooklyn Vegan has all the details including ticket info.

NY Times: Squadron’s Agenda: Although he faces a Republican opponent in November, John G. Chromczak, a medical technologist, Mr. Squadron’s primary victory in the heavily Democratic district is considered tantamount to winning the election.

Mr. Squadron said he believed that despite the prospect of being a freshman member of a legislative body that values seniority, he would find ways to be effective.

“I won’t have the seniority and I have a lot to learn,” he said. “But I hope that the message that I had in the campaign and the way I ran my race will be looked at by my colleagues as significant.”

NY Times City Room: Barron Calls…: The first hint that there it was not to be a business-as-usual gathering came shortly after the pledge of allegiance (that was to become virtually the only part of the meeting that went according to plan), after the group voted to accept the five members who would serve on the party’s credentials committee. Mr. Barron hopped to his feet and asked if he could be the sixth member.

The chairman of the proceedings, State Senator Martin Connor, said that it would require an addition action of the body to increase the size of the committee. Eventually, Mr. Barron was added.

Then came the motion to adopt the rules of the committee, usually a per forma action that defines the bylaws under which the party to operates. Mr. Barron insisted that he had never seen the rules and that they should have been made public long before last night’s meeting.

Yesterday we learned that Citizen’s Union, sponsors of Connor-Squadron debates, would not do the same for the Chromzak-Squadron contest.  As in past elections in local politics, the Democratic primary is generally viewed as the general election.  While that’s a fairly realistic view of the situation, it is BHB’s position that a healthy and viable selection process must exist in elections for all levels of government.   Since two neophytes are running against each other in this contest, it seemed like the best place to start.

Stay tuned for more information.

Two candidates are vying to fill Connor’s shoes – one is the district’s first GOP contender in 6 years, John Chromczak, and the other is 28 year old upstart, Democrat Daniel Squadron.  This year, as in the past, most observers are saying that this week’s Democratic primary WAS the general election for this seat.  Essentially, it’s over before it’s over. But is this the vetting process – and the government – we deserve?

Citizen’s Union, the sponsors of primary debates between Connor and Squadron, will not be hosting Fall debates between Chromczak and Squadron.  It’s likely that they and others feel that this contest is not competitive.  Realistically, they’re probably right given past performance.

However, this year is different.  We’re presented with two candidates who have never held public office.  While Squadron’s brief record of public service is admirable, he shouldn’t be given a free pass to Albany.

Chromczak is not a career politician and, like Squadron, he needs to prove to voters that he’s qualified to be our State Senator. Given his background as a Healthcare professional, union member and active Log Cabin Republican he fits the description of the type of ordinary citizen our founders had in mind when they envisioned a government of, by and for the people.

This is an election, not a coronation.  Squadron must acknowledge his opponent and treat this contest with the same reverence and vigor as he did the battle against Connor.  If he does not,  the arrogance of power that has tainted the public’s confidence in government will have been passed onto another generation seamlessly.

BHB has reached out to both campaigns regarding a debate on The Homer Fink Show or another platform.

What’s your opinion? We’d like to know.  Please take a moment to participate in our poll. (Click here)

This week’s The Homer Fink Show airs at a special time – Wednesday (9/10) at 7:30 pm.  Our guest this week is Republican NYS Senate Candidate John Chromczak.

Chromczak discusses his November opponent for the SD-25 seat, Democrat Daniel Squadron, whether or not unicorns will dance if the Democrats gain control of the NYS Senate as well as Ground Zero, Brooklyn Bridge Park, LICH, congestion pricing and just why the heck a nice  gay man like him is a Republican.

Listen here

Connor tells the Brooklyn Paper, “I’ve enjoyed represening the people for nearly 30 years, but I look forward to having a life where I get to take off weekends and take vacations.”

The NY Daily News reports the United Jewish Organization “robocalled” residents of Williamsburg on Sunday reportedly urging them not to attend a rally for NYS Senate candidate Daniel Squadron and to vote for incumbent Sen. Martin Connor.  Why?  Squadron’s alleged opposition to the ritual circumcision practice known as  Metzitza B’Peh, which resulted in three infants becoming infected with neonatal herpes in 2004.  One of the babies died.  How can that happen?  The Jewish Ledger describes the practice:

In metzitzah b’peh, a mohel orally sucks blood from the site of the genital cut he makes during the circumcision procedure. Not all haredi groups mandate the practice, but several haredi sects insist that it is required by Jewish law.

The NYC Board of Health opposes the practice.  Mayor Bloomberg has promised to find “common ground” on the issue with Haisidic leaders.  Connor tells the NY Daily News “I didn’t get involved in that, to tell you the truth … It’s a difficult situation. Bloomberg’s administration was handling it. I don’t know enough about it.”

It’s Daniel “The Kid” Squadron versus Sen. Martin “Marty” Connor in today’s 25th State Senate District Democratic primary.  Details here.

Last week, we announced that BHB Readers have endorsed Squadron in this race.

Some folks on the BHA’s mailing list report receiving an email from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation’s Joanne Witty supporting Connor today (Update: The BHA emailed us to say that they never share their contact information).  The incumbent squeaked by in the 2006 primary against Ken Diamondstone by less than 2000 votes.  Text of Witty’s email after the jump.

You probably know a lot about the State Senate primary race between Marty Connor and Daniel Squadron, but there are two things you may not know.

First, there was a debate last week at St. Francis sponsored by Citizens Union, a non-partisan advocate for reform in Albany. After interviewing both candidates and listening to the debate, Citizens Union announced that it preferred Marty Connor in this race. They said that “Connor, because of his knowledge and length of service, would undeniably be in a stronger and more experienced position to effectively advance critical reforms than his challenger.” The complete statement, which has a lot more detail about both candidates, can be found by clicking here.

Second, you should know how important your vote is. In the last election, the margin of victory was about 2,000 votes. The turn-out this year may be lower since there are few other important races in this Senate District. That means every vote is important, really important: a few hundred votes or even a few dozen could be the margin of victory this time.

There’s one other fact you probably know already: Connor has been a supporter of Brooklyn Bridge Park now under construction, and his challenger is not.

Please vote tomorrow, even if it rains! It could really make a difference.

Thank you,
Joanne Witty

The most competitive primary race for Brooklyn Heights will be the Democratic primary for the 25th NY state senate district seat between 30-year incumbent senator Martin “Marty” Connor and Daniel “Kid” Squadron.

You can read more about the race by browsing through the Brooklyn Heights Blog Election ’08 archives. And Homer Fink interviewed both candidates, listen here: Martin Connor, Daniel Squadron.

The other race to watch is the Democratic primary for the 10th Congressional District, where incumbent Ed Towns faces former Real World star Kevin Powell. We here at BHB haven’t devoted much time to this race, but you can read more about it on the Gotham Gazette website. Also, let me add that Ed Towns is insane.

Connor, in a telephone interview, rejected Squadron’s allegations as “nonsense,” insisting he received no special treatment in the purchases. BPC, he insisted, only manages the property and was not involved in the sale of the units.

Connor said he moved to the Brooklyn Heights building in 1977, taking a four-room, rent-stabilized apartment. Years later, he said, the building’s owners decided to convert it to a co-op.

Connor said he didn’t originally want to buy the apartment, but changed his mind a few years after the co-op market collapsed and prices came down. Three years later, he bought the second apartment.

Coincidentally, they were managed by BPC Management, a company with close ties to Martin Connor. How close? Well:

Connor said Doug Rosenberg, who runs BPC, is a friend and lets his campaign use a desk “in the corner” of one of his offices. The space is listed as an “in-kind” contribution on Connor’s financial disclosure statement.

A property management company could possibly be involved in the sale of a property if they were sponsored units. So the question is: Did Martin Connor really get that sweet of a deal for that time period? Can any long-time Brooklyn Heights residents out there speak to this?

During last night’s State Senate debate, Connor sidetracked during time allotted for a state budget conversation to discuss allegations that as an election lawyer his basic task is to kick people off the ballot (fast forward to about 1:12 in this clip):

This myth that election lawyers all we do is kick people off the ballot.  Most of my cases have been defending someone and keeping them on the ballot defending them against someone the rules, particularly the old rules that were oppressive… Most of the work i do includes ballot recounts, defending candidates who someone is trying to kick off the ballot.

While Connor’s statement is fairly accurate regarding his work for others,  Ken Diamondstone, Connor’s 2006 opponent for the Democratic nomination and current City Council candidate would disagree as evidenced in this press release from August ’06:

The New York State Supreme Court ruled today that Ken Diamondstone, candidate for the 25th state senate district, is legally eligible to appear on the ballot as a candidate in the primary and general elections. Diamondstone had been challenged by his opponent Martin Connor, not on the issues and needs of the constituents, but rather by trying to limit Diamondstone’s access to the ballot through legal action.

“My opponent’s attempt to block my access to the ballot was an act of desperation,” said Diamondstone. “The court decision proves that this type of action is not only unethical and undemocratic, but that, ultimately, the Board of Elections overstepped their bounds in removing me from the ballot. This entire process was a tremendous waste of time, money and resources and a perfect example of why we need immediate reform in Albany.”

This action was business as usual for Martin Connor and is another installment in a long line of unethical and undemocratic actions that prove he is part of the problem in Albany. From misusing campaign funds to buy a car, to making a living on a legal practice devoted to knocking candidates off the ballot, Connor represents the worst of what is wrong in Albany.

Diamondstone proved in court that he moved into the district before the legal deadline of November 7, 2003 through testimony and evidence such as a lease signed for November 1, 2003 and a receipt from Ken’s landlord showing payment for the apartment for the same date.

Diamondstone’s challenge to Connor’s incumbency was his most significant battle since redistricting caused him to face off against fellow State Senator Thomas J. Bartosiewicz in 1982.

The readers of Brooklyn Heights Blog have spoken – loudly – about their pick in this Tuesday’s  25th State Senate District Democratic primary.

In a survey conducted over the last week of persons who identified themselves as registered Democrats in the 25th who plan to vote in the September 9th primary, 79% chose challenger Daniel Squadron over incumbent Sen. Martin Connor’s 20.8%.

We at BHB are not endorsing a candidate, rather we are reporting on the decision made by our readers.