Don’t Limit My Leaving Brooklyn Signs To Just One Group Of People!

Maybe he’ll change the “Oy Vey You’re Leaving Brooklyn” and “Fuhgeddaboudit” signs to include some snappy Sonny Carson quotes once he becomes Borough President:

The race for the presidency of Brooklyn is off to an early start with City Council Member Charles Barron, a former Black Panther, officially announcing his candidacy yesterday by promising to represent all Brooklyn residents, but “take care of black folk.”

Mr. Barron said he is unapologetic about his plan to address the needs of black residents in Brooklyn. Speaking in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall surrounded by supporters, he said Brooklyn needs more affordable housing and jobs, as well as someone to stand up to developers trying to use eminent domain to secure land. He also called for an end to mayoral control of the city’s schools.

He argued that his platform would benefit white residents as well, because “when I take care of black folk, that’s going to impact you,” he said.

Mr. Barron, currently embroiled in a fight with Speaker Christine Quinn over the firing of his chief of staff, Viola Plummer, is famous at City Hall for utilizing racial rhetoric in his political battles.

. . .

While announcing his candidacy yesterday, he responded — without prompting — to critics who say he focuses too much on race.

“You ain’t heard enough yet,” he said. “Because I’m going to keep talking about it.”

The Reverend Al Sharpton spoke at the rally, saying he will work churches, subway stops, streets, and housing projects to ensure Mr. Barron is the first black president of Brooklyn. He also praised the candidate for defending Plummer.