But But I'm The Golden Prince Of BayRidge! You Can't Run Against Me.

Democrat poised to take out Golden
State Senator Marty Golden – the borough’s lone Republican in its Albany delegation — may have had no opponent the last couple of go-rounds. But, this year, it’s looking increasingly likely that his name will not be the only one on the ballot in the 22nd Senatorial District.Bay Ridge Democrat Brian Kieran, who was recently elected vice chair of Community Board 10, told this paper that he is seriously considering taking Golden on. Kieran, who said he is still waiting for clearance from his job as a law clerk with the Office of Court Administration to take the step, contended that he “wouldn’t choose the race — the race chooses you,” and said he was looking at running chiefly because of his concern about the way Albany operates.“Albany is broke. It’s dysfunctional,” Kieran contended. “I think we need fresh ideas, fresh eyes. It’s almost like a moral imperative for me.

“I don’t want to knock Marty, the man,” he went on. “I’m well acquainted with him, and I like him.” But, Kieran contended, “This is a knock on all of us if we don’t stand up and say we are willing to fight the system.”The problems cross party lines, Kieran averred, in large part because personal ambition becomes an end in itself for many elected officials. But, he said, “I’m not a politician looking for a career in politics. I’ve had a full career. This is not an economic opportunity for me. It wouldn’t be the fulfillment of all my dreams. But, I do feel strongly that this is something that needs to be done.”

In addition, said Kieran, if Democrats retain control of the Senate, the 22nd S.D. would be better served by having a Dem in the seat.“Marty ran against Vinnie Gentile saying I can do a better job because I’m a Republican and I’m in the majority,” he recalled. “Well, guess what. You’re not now. Marty did great for the district while the Republicans were in control, but if they don’t regain the majority, then a Democrat can do a better job for the community.”Kieran said he expected to know shortly if he could make the race without resigning from his current job. If he decides not to run, he went on, he said he hopes someone else picks up the gauntlet. To have an incumbent run for reelection without having an opponent, he stressed, is not “democratic with a small D.”