Brook-Krasny and McCarthy square off

Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny and his opponent, Republican Conservative Tom McCarthy went toe-to-toe in a civil debate focusing on growing the economy, hosted by the Dyker Heights Civic Association on October 9.

Moderated by DHCA President Fran Vella-Marrone, a coin was flipped to see which candidate would give a three minute closing speech. The loser of the toss gave a three minute opening statement. The candidates answered questions from the audience and each was given a chance to give a one minute rebuttal to their opponent’s comments.

Native Ridgeite McCarthy gave the opening remarks, saying that he brings experience with finance to the table.

“I am running for office because I am passionate about our neighborhood,” he explained, adding that he is a former member of Community Board 10, where he was chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee, and is a past president of the Cathedral Club of Brooklyn and past vice president of St. Anselm’s Youth Activities.

“I want to see our children raise families here and live the kind of life that I did,” McCarthy said.

Brook-Krasny, who was born in the former Soviet Union, talked about how he built a life here “from scratch,” including starting his own local business and non-profit, creating 25 jobs.

He also outlined his contributions to the community over the last two years, including increasing funding for education, bringing the B64 back to Coney Island, saving local firehouses and passing a bill that would increase safety in hookah bars.

Brook-Krasny contended that the best way to create jobs is to have a public-private partnership, while McCarthy said that he was in favor of growing the private sector.

“Taxing and spending has been hostile to business,” McCarthy said to a room full of applause.

“That’s what I am talking about. Let’s work together, let’s make it effective,” Brook-Krasny charged. “Let government learn from business in the private sector.”

McCarthy shot back saying that by “milking the private sector we are killing the goose that laid the golden egg.” He added that three million people have fled the state over the past 10 years.

McCarthy then promised that he would serve his full two-year term. “That’s a promise my opponent is not willing to make,” he said, alluding to the rumor that Brook-Krasny will seek a City Council seat opening in 2013.

“I promise I will go to Albany and do everything to represent you,” McCarthy concluded.

Brook-Krasny promised that, if re-elected, he would fight to restore ferry service to Southwest Brooklyn, build a bridge to connect Bensonhurst and Coney Island and bring a casino to the Coney Island Pier.

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