Robert Cornegy BP campaign picks up steam

Moderate City Councilmember Robert Cornegy’s campaign to become the next Brooklyn Borough President picked up steam this week with several key endorsements from across the borough.

In a rally for his campaign at Borough Hall on Monday, Flatbush Assemblymember and Kings County Democratic Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Bay Ridge City Councilman Justin Brannan both endorsed the Bedford-Stuyvesant lawmaker.

“I’ve known Robert Cornegy for a very long time,” said Bichotte Hermelyn. “I’m excited to endorse him for Brooklyn Borough President. We’ve been in the trenches together during hurricane Sandy with the Transit Workers Union, we’ve engaged in food distribution to help the sick and the poor, and we’ve worked in government together to serve a greater Brooklyn. Councilmember Robert Cornegy is the only candidate for Borough President who can help bring Brooklyn’s economy back.”

Brannan said he’s endorsing Cornegy because he believes he’s the one best suited to represent all the diverse voices of Brooklyn.

“Robert will stand up for all Brooklynites. The residents of my district — Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, and Bensonhurst — are too frequently left out of important conversations and lack access to crucial resources. Robert’s legislative record in City Council demonstrates his commitment to protecting hard-working families and supporting small businesses, especially women- and minority-owned. With Brooklyn facing an economic recession and affordable housing crisis, what our borough needs is Robert Cornegy in Borough Hall.”

The endorsements come as Cornegy recently stood out in the recent Schneps Media/AARP Brooklyn Borough President debate in saying he would not fear having a discussion if a large mega-business such as Amazon or a developer came to propose a project for the borough.

“Standing here side-by-side with such a diverse group brings me so much joy. I’m proud to be running a campaign that unites people from different communities,” said Cornegy.  “We have worked hard to bring people together and to make sure everyone’s voice is represented. I’m inspired by the support I’ve received across the Borough, and I’m proud to work with my supporters, and community members across our borough, to usher in Brooklyn’s greatest days ahead.”

The diverse crowd at Monday’s event included a broad coalition of Brooklynites including Kings County Civil Court Judge Dweynie Paul, District Leader and NYC Council Candidate Josue Pierre, activist and NYC Council Candidate Toba Potosky, members from TWU Local 100, members from PLACE NYC, and religious and community leaders from the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Cornegy has represented Bedford-Stuyvesant and Northern Crown Heights for the past eight years. His campaign planks include championing small businesses, including M/WBEs; smart police reform, including banning chokeholds and ending qualified immunity; combating hunger and improving food insecurity; supporting NYCHA; lifting up working people; keeping communities safe from violence and crime; and responsible development that fairly grows the economy and creates opportunity for people up and down the ladder.