MIDWOOD — The Brooklyn Democratic Party hosted a county committee meeting the evening of July 20, where three candidates to represent the fourth, sixth and seventh districts were nominated for Civil Court seats.
The nominees are seeking 10-year terms and are competing to be on the ballot in the November general election. The event, which lasted more than five hours, was hosted in Brooklyn College’s Ingersoll Extension Room.
From left: Anthony Beckford, Robert Robinson, Alan Rocoff, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Renee Collymore and Anthony Genovesi. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn EagleXavier Carr was nominated to represent District 4, which covers East Flatbush, Canarsie, parts of Flatlands, Crown Heights, Brownsville and Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn alongside state Sen. Roxanne Persaud. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“There’s no greater honor or gift than to serve as a Civil Court judge in the world’s greatest borough, Brooklyn,” Carr said. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.”
Anthony Beckford, male district leader for Assembly District 43. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Carr said that courts are where everyday New Yorkers seek fairness, dignity and equal treatment under the law. “I am committed to doing that. I look forward to connecting with all voters and members of the municipal court’s fourth district.”
Michele DeSouza-Forte was nominated to represent Municipal District 6, which includes Prospect Heights, Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Midwood, and parts of Crown Heights and Park Slope.
“I know I will be an example to others who are following in my footsteps and will continue to mentor the young people that I meet,” DeSouza-Forte said.
“My goal while I sit on the bench is to treat each person with dignity and respect because I know what it is to be marginalized — to be thought of as if you’re not capable, you’re too old, you’re a woman, you’re a Black woman — but here I am standing before you, hoping to be your next Civil Court judge.”
Anthony Genovesi, law chair for the Brooklyn Democratic Party. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Bridget Hamblin was nominated to represent District 7, which covers Bushwick, East New York, Cypress Hills and parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville.
Hamblin thanked everyone for believing in her and said that for over 20 years it has been her privilege to serve the people of New York.
“I’m so humbled by this nomination. I promise to work every day to earn this trust that has been placed in me,” she continued. “My parents taught me that when someone places their trust in you, you honor that through hard work, integrity and service, and I promise you, I will do exactly that.”
A word from the Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Brooklyn Democratic Party chair and assemblymember for District 42, said the Brooklyn Democratic Party values openness, transparency and public engagement.
Judicial nominees, from left: Michelle DeSouza-Forte, Xavier Carr and Bridget Hamblin. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“We are proud to provide this opportunity for members of the judicial nominating committee and for the public to hear directly from the candidates seeking nomination to the Civil Court,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “We want to ensure that our courts are served by individuals of the highest integrity and character.”
Democratic Consultant Gregorio Mayers emphasized that “judges do matter.”
“Our courts matter as well, particularly because of the political climate that we’re currently in,” Mayers said. “Right now, we really have to rely on the state judges, and that’s why today is an important day for Brooklyn.”
As a strategic political consultant, Mayers has represented numerous candidates for New York State and local offices, including positions in the Civil and Supreme Courts, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the New York State Assembly and Senate.