It seems Election 2009 isn’t going to be a snoozer after all.
While many political insiders believe that there would only be one or two interesting races this year, recent petition filings, which ended at midnight on July 16, tell a different story.
With few exceptions, a primary is expected with every race, starting with – surprise, surprise – Borough President Marty Markowitz.
The borough’s biggest cheerleader is expected to go toe to toe with Eugene Myrick, who also filed petitions to be put on the Democratic line.
“If our politicians are not willing to do their jobs, then it’s time for us to take these jobs from them,” said Myrick, who co−publishes “Chocolate Brides Magazine” with his wife, radio personality Kesha Monk.
A spokesperson for the Borough President’s campaign said that Markowitz filed a whopping 78,000 signatures to be put on the ballot – much more than the 4,000 required.
If he beats Myrick, he would then have to go against Republican challenger Marc D’Ottavio, according to petition filings.
Several city council incumbents are also facing stiff – and numerous – primary challenges. Flatbush City Councilman Kendall Stewart is facing an eight person race, going up against Rodrick Daley, Ernest Emmanuel, Erlene King, Samuel Taitt, Goodwin Williams and Jumanee Williams (no relation).
Longtime incumbent Albert Vann of Bedford−Stuyvesant is also facing an eight person race against challengers William Corrington, Robert Comegy, Mark Winston Griffith, David Grinage, Advian Straker and Termaine Wright.
Whoever survives these races will have to face Republican challengers Salvatore Grupico and Robert Hunter, respectively.
Here’s a breakdown of all the races as of July 17, before petition challenges were filed. All are running on the Democratic line unless otherwise indicated:
33rd District (Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg): Isaac Abraham, Kenneth Baer, Doug Biviano, Ken Diamondstone, Stephen Levin, Jo Anne Simon, Evan Theis, Elizabeth Tretter (running on Conservative line).
34th District (Williamsburg, Bushwick) Martiza Davilla, Gerald Espositio, Diana Reyna (incumbent), Gladys Santiago. Jacqueline Haro (Republican⁄Conservative).
35th District (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill): Medhanie Estiphanos, Delia Hunley Adossa, Letitia Janes (incumbent), Stuart Allen Balberg (Republican⁄Conservative).
37th District (Bushwick): Erick Martin Dilan (incumbent), Darma Diaz, Michael Freeman−Salsbene (Republican⁄Conservative), Melvin Brown (Independence line).
38th District (Sunset Park, Red Hook): Sara Gonzalez (incumbent), Robinson Iglesias, Allan Romaguera (Republican⁄Conservative).
39th District (Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Kensington): John Heyer, Brad Lander, Gary Reilly, Josh Skaller and Bob Zuckerman. John Nardiello (Republican), George Smith (Republican⁄Conservative).
40th District (East Flatbush): Mathieu Eugene (incumbent), Rock Hackshaw, L. Rickie Tulboh, Hugh Carr (Republian⁄Conservative).
41st District (Bedford Stuyvesant): Darlene Mealy (incumbent), Anthony Herbert, Tulani Kinad, Tracy Boyland (former incumbent), Rose Lany (Republican).
42nd District (East New York⁄Canarsie): Charles Barron (incumbent), Carlos Bristol, Donozetta Brown, Winchester Key, Prince L. Lewis, Regina Powell, Godfrey Jelks (Republican⁄Conservative).
43rd District (Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights): Vincent Gentile (incumbent), Bob Capano (Republican⁄Conservative⁄Independence).
44th District (Borough Park): Simcha Felder (incumbent – also running on the Republican⁄Conservative lines).
46th District (Marine Park, Mill Basin): Lew Fidler (incumbent), Ayo O’Johnson, Alan Sasson, Elias Weir, Gene Baradelli (Republican⁄Conservative).
47th District (Coney Island⁄Brighton Beach): Domenic Recchia (incumbent), Elon Harpaz (Working Families Party).
48th District (Midwood⁄Sheepshead Bay): Michael Nelson (incumbent), Simon Belsky, Stephen Walters (Conservative).
