Ridge councilmember among those rumored to be eyeing DA seat

Rumors are swirling that Councilmember Vincent Gentile – who currently serves the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst, but is term limited at the end of 2017 – is vying to become the next Brooklyn district attorney.

A source close to the councilmember did not deny the claims, but instead told this paper, “Vinnie is certainly taking a hard look at running,” noting also that he “is eminently qualified as he served as assistant DA in Queens for 11 years.”

The seat – which previously belonged to the late Ken Thompson, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 50 last month — has been filled for the time being by Acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

In an opinion piece for this paper, published in the October 28 issue, Gentile remembered Thompson fondly, stressing also that he and the late top prosecutor “have always been on the same page.

“I hope to continue to honor and uphold the integrity of our city’s criminal justice system now and in my future years of public service,” he went on.

One source told this paper that Gentile isn’t the only one thinking of throwing his hat in the ring.

According to the source, Gonzalez – who formerly served as Assistant District Attorney – has every intention of running for re-election come next November, and Ann Swern of Brooklyn Defender Services will announce her run soon.