By Helen Klein
Genial good humor was the order of the day as City Councilmember Vincent Gentile was sworn in to his first four-year term since entering public office. The ceremony took place in the auditorium of Gentile’s alma mater, Fort Hamilton High School, 8301 Shore Road. The oath of office was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Schack. Hundreds of constituents, fellow elected officials, and family and friends were on hand to join Gentile in celebrating the occasion – which was, for the oft-challenged politician, one to be savored. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and think, is this really four years,” Gentile told the crowd. “It’s always been a two-year term. I thought, maybe at the half point, two years, we should run a mock election to keep us in shape.” His most recent win, said Gentile, was a testament to the hard work of numerous people – not only “A Democratic team effort,” but reflecting the ongoing contributions of supporters such as organized labor, senior citizens and military veterans, as well as campaign staff and volunteers. “This victory was for our area’s libraries, parks and schools – areas too long overlooked in the 43rd Council District,” Gentile said. Looking back at what he had already done and ahead at what he wants to do, Gentile said, “We have accomplished much, but we have much more to do. My plate is full, but I love a full plate. I love this job and I do it with a passion. We must continue to move forward and make progress.” Gentile’s ongoing efforts were lauded by the elected officials who joined him at the ceremony. “Today,” noted New York Senator Charles Schumer, “is a day not just to celebrate Brooklyn, but to celebrate one of Brooklyn’s best, Vinnie Gentile.” Gentile, he went on, had chosen public service over more lucrative private practice in the law. “He cared so much about the neighborhoods he represents that he made it a career to keep these neighborhoods the beautiful neighborhoods they are,” Schumer stressed. “And, let me tell you, if the neighborhoods of the 43rd Council District are no longer strong, then the city will no longer be strong.” “As you think about the checklist of what you want to see in an elected official, Vinnie Gentile wins the trifecta,” added Representative Anthony Weiner. “First, you want to see someone who works very hard and even his most fervent critics – and, believe it or not, he has one or two – won’t say he doesn’t work very hard. Secondly, you want a city councilperson who’s going to deliver for you, someone who’s going to bring home the bacon, or, for our Jewish constituents, bring home the kreplach. Vinnie always makes sure that our community gets what they’ve got coming. Finally, you want an elected official who understands you, who knows what it’s like to work hard, who knows what it’s like to be in the middle class struggling to make it. Vinnie Gentile is from the community. He understands it.” Gentile’s perseverance in the face of spirited opposition was also remarked upon. “Vinnie Gentile is Brooklyn’s Energizer battery,” remarked Borough President Marty Markowitz. “No matter how much they try to stop him, they can’t.” He is also dedicated to the community’s needs, said Markowitz. “His attitude is, if it’s good for the folks in his council district, then it’s good for the folks in New York City,” he went on. Gentile is also someone that Markowitz can see eye-to-eye with, literally, the borough president pointed out. Having stood back to back with Gentile as he approached the podium, Markowitz noted, “I am absolutely thrilled that there’s a chance in American that someone as short as he and I are can truly reach the zenith of our abilities.” Betsy Gotbaum, the city’s public advocate, said of Gentile, “He’s smart, he’s gentle, he’s kind, and he works like a dog.” She did have one complaint, though, telling Gentile, “I’ve always told you, the one thing I don’t ever want to do is follow Marty Markowitz in Brooklyn.” State Senator Diane Savino, who followed Gotbaum in speaking, reverted to the matter of height. She recalled that when Gentile learned that she was running for the senate seat he had once held, “He was so excited, and the reason why was because, for the first time, someone would represent the 23rd Senatorial District who was shorter than he was. “Vinnie Gentile is not really a short man,” Savino went on. “He is a tall man in stature. He represents this district, and all of south Brooklyn with distinction.”
