By –Tom Tracy
The hottest political race to hit the borough in 2006 is expected to kick off in Park Slope, with the Lambda Independent Democrats leading the parade of candidate forums which will undoubtedly take place in the next few months. The first candidate forum for the wide-open 11th Congressional Race will be held at the Montauk Club, 25 8th Avenue at Lincoln Place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 26. With Rep. Major Owens announcing he is retiring from politics, an entire host of area legislators are jockeying for the position. The 11th Congressional District stretches from Brooklyn Heights to Park Slope and includes Flatbush, East Flatbush, Prosepect Heights, Crown Heights, Flatlands and a small section of Midwood. The district is predominatently African American. Those candidates invited to attend the forum include State Senator Carl Andrews, City Councilmember Yvette Clarke, Chris Owens, son of Major Owens, Assemblymember Nick Perry and City Councilmember David Yassky, who has raised a few eyebrows by throwing his hat in the ring. So far, Yassky is the only white candidate in the running. “In my past two elections at the State Senate, I was proud to have the endorsements of the Lambda Independent Democrats,” said Andrews when contacted by this paper. “I’m hoping for their support once again and looking forward to future forums.” Anyone wishing to learn more at the forum can contact the Lambda Independent Democrats at (718) 361-3322 or visit their website at www.LIDbrooklyn.org.
