Come September, in Brooklyn’s 21st senatorial district, the incumbent Kevin Parker is being challenged by NYC councilman Dr. Kendall Stewart. The pompous Senator Parker-who once “pooh-poohed” this challenge- is probably about to find himself in a mud-wrestling match, over the upcoming months. Word is that both sides are gearing up for a big fight. Are you really surprised?

A political operative from Bed-Stuy recently asked me whether or not Caribbean-Americans were trying to pull a coup in Brooklyn politics; I said no. He told me that rumors were out there that Caribs were intent on challenging Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Assemblyman Camara (43rdAD), Senator John Sampson (19thSD) and Parker, all at the same time. I don’t believe an iota of this. I have heard of no such organized attempt to change the power equation. As it stands now, Caribbean-Americans hold two city council seats (Stewart and Mathieu Eugene), and one Assembly seat (Nick Perry/ 58thAD). They hold no congressional seats, no state senate seats, and only two district leaderships out of forty-two in Brooklyn. Thus the perception that Caribs are on some political power play (or trip) is so untrue it isn’t funny. This misperception dates back to when Panamanian-born State Senator Waldaba Stewart, was elected in Central Brooklyn- back in the 1970s.There has always been this perception (exaggeration) that Caribbean-Americans hold some disproportionate edge in political power/influence in Brooklyn’s majority-black areas; the reality however is that this has never ever been the case. Caribs have never held more than three offices at any one time in Brooklyn’s political history. Given that they are one million strong in the borough, you would think that it will be only fair if they do make some power moves; but then the Caribbean-American vote is not organized: it has never been organized. It will probably never be organized. What does Caribbean-American mean anyway?

Kevin Parker is about to face an ethnic struggle like he has never experienced; maybe he won’t survive, or maybe he will. It all depends on how muddy the race gets. The feeling amongst many residents is that he has been an abject failure during his six years in office. Despite the recent troubles that Stewart encountered- through the legal woes of two staffers - many see him as the better choice by far. And this is not just some Caribbean-American versus African-American “thing”; it’s about proper representation for all residents of the district. The feeling is that Stewart is much more accessible to constituents than Parker is. Some residents complain that it takes way too long to get through to the senator. They say Parker is ineffective as an elected official; so tell me something new!

Parker has gone through more staffers in his short time in office, than women go through panty-hoses in a leap year. He is slowly becoming the new “Ada Smith” of the state legislature. Just like Ada he has also been accused of ‘putting his hands’ on staff members, and treating other staffers “like shit”. He has also disrespected so many people that he is probably the least liked elected official in Brooklyn; and given how whites dislike Charles Barron; this is no easy achievement for anyone else. Parker has been a dismal failure on constituent services and offers no legislative accomplishments of note. Yet he is going to be supported by the institutional members of the political status quo (unions included). Look for him to pull down heavy-hitting endorsements from people like former NYC mayor David Dinkins, and former state comptroller Carl McCall. They need to be careful with this guy: he is a ticking time-bomb; he will surely embarrass them one of these days unless they get him some psychological help..

There is talk within the district that Parker has treated many people (especially women) horribly, all through his adult life. There are many people supporting Stewart in this challenge who were supportive of Parker before; that’s not a good sign for Kevin. There are females in the district who swear that he is a misogynist. Others think he is a “fucking lunatic” (I am quoting here folks). When he supposedly assaulted the employee from the Department of Transportation- for giving him a ticket while he was double parked – some felt that he was unraveling. Community activist Wellington Sharpe actually sued him for assault, defamation of character and slander amongst other things. Sharpe says that Parker is “totally out of control”.

In 2001 Stewart defeated Parker in the 45th city council race; now Parker is supporting former district leader (58thAD) Weyman Carey against Stewart for the leadership spot that Stewart also holds. Word on the street is that the young attorney Terry Hinds will run for the assembly or the district leadership in the same district (or for both spots). Hinds, who recently became the proud father of a healthy baby boy, has been putting off any decisions about running until his wife had delivered; now that this is out the way expect a decision from him soon. Whatever he does, it will have an impact on the Parker v. Stewart primary, since about half of the 58thAD comes into play in this senate race.

Stewart is supremely confident that he will defeat Parker in this upcoming primary, despite some recent setbacks. He said that Parker (who he supported in 2002) has been a major disappointment. He articulated a long list of Parker’s failings in the community, and he said that support for his challenge continues to grow. Stewart’s name has appeared on the voting machines nine times: he has won eight of those races. Parker’s name has appeared on the voting machines seven times: he has won six. Both these guys have high winning percentages folks; but remember that Stewart has whipped Parker before (2001).

One of the keys to unlocking the winner of this race will be the local endorsements. Assemblyman Nick Perry, the district leaders of 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49 and 58 ADs, the local political clubs, other local elected officials, and of course both Una and Yvette Clarke, will all be instrumental in shaping this race. Expect many feelings to be hurt when endorsements don’t go the way they are somehow expected or supposed to go. The ramifications for future contention are tremendous. The fallout from this race will be toxic. Already there have been casualties. Prominent Caribbean-American journalist, activist and political operative Michael Roberts is currently managing Stewart’s campaign. Roberts - of Carib News fame - was instrumental in Parker’s initial victory in 2002. He came in late to steer that floundering campaign to a close victory, and many have credited him for Yvette Clarke’s congressional win two years ago. I am concerned that before this is over he may encounter one of Parker’s physical assaults. After all: Parker does have a hair-trigger temper when he gets angry. But then we can all hope that the anger-management courses that Parker was supposed to have done a few years ago: did work. Who knows: I might be in danger also/lol.

Stay tuned-in folks.