And Then (in Bed-Stuy) There Were Two . . . Griffith Vows to Go 1 on 1 Vs. Vann

All summer long, residents of Bed-Stuy -- those fascinated by the presence of half a dozen challengers to an incumbent -- were wondering if it would happen.

Whether some of the would-bees would band together and stage a final show-down against the sitting Councilmember, Al Vann (photo, right).

Now the news is circulating moment that, in fact, this is what is happening, that Mark Winston Griffith (photo, left) obtained the support of Saquan Jones and David Grinage, and will take on Vann in the upcoming general election.

Jones and Grinage finished behind Vann and Griffith in the Democratic primary last week.

Many had assumed that that was the end of it, that Vann, with the Democratic line, would not face serious opposition in November.

But, carrying the banner of the Working Families Party, Griffith hopes to consolidate those voting residents who feel Vann's time has come and gone, that after 34 years in elective office, new blood is needed.

Griffith represents a younger generation (though clearly there many seniors behind him) who say they want a more aggressive action on issues related to housing, a more hands-on approach to the everday problems of renters and homeowners.

Here's the article in City Hall News, which is reporting that Griffith will soon to issue a press release disclosing his plans to run in the general election against Vann, who will have the Democratic line.

It'll be an interesting political fight.

Read here.

Comments

[watch american dad]

Can i use this blog as reference in my college report

[Long Time Bed Stuy Resident]

Mark Winston Griffith probably had the most "heft" to challenge someone with Al Vann's stature.

His presence in the community is well documented.

Though long considered an Al Vann vote, Bed Stuy's "Gold Coast" is beginning to re-think their support for the long time incumbent.

(Bed Stuy's Gold Coast is bordered as follows: (Jefferson Ave to the North, Fulton St to the South, Nostrand Ave to the West and Ralph Avenue to the East)

It is rumored by long time residents within the "Gold Coast" area of Bed Stuy that Al Vann marked the neighborhood's Mason Dixon line - GATES AVENUE.

Anything North of Gates Avenue was considered another world.