The NY State and the local Brooklyn Democratic Parties have been facing difficulties for some time. Lack of vision, strong arm tactics, and, at worst, outright corruption have plagued NY State and Brooklyn Democrats. This has led to the rise of a reform Democrat movement which I have highlighted from time to time. Reform Democrats and Progressive Democrats overlap a great deal ideologically, though they also sometimes fall prey to the usual infighting that Democrats are prone to. Today I want to urgently ask Democrats living in Brooklyn to help strengthen one of these reform Democratic organizations that ALSO holds progressive views. The Central Brooklyn Independent Democratic club (CBID) is an organization with deep roots both as reformers and progressives. Here is what they say in their "Who we are" section:

As a neighborhood Democratic Club, CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since its founding in 1968 by reform Democrats, and anti-war and neighborhood activists. Based in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington, we have been instrumental in the election of many public officials. Staunchly opposed to political corruption, and committed to JUDICIAL REFORM, we are proud of our independence and progressive politics.

CBID did well helping progressive candidates get on the ballot in this last primary election in Brooklyn. I found their work in that primary to be very dedicated. However, they have since been paralyzed by internal factions. CBID also has deep roots of infighting and this infighting currently threatens the effectiveness of this club. The factions do not seem to differ that much ideologically, but rather often support the same candidates just as avidly. The infighting is between egos more than ideas, and the bulk of the club is caught in the middle. This battle of egos is rather an embarassment to watch for anyone who just wants to see an effective reform/progressive Democratic club functioning in central Brooklyn. In the aftermath of this year's Democratic primary, the battle of egos resumed on a scale that has led some to prophecy the demise of CBID. I don't think CBID will collapse under this current round of infighting, but it certainly could make the whole club, BOTH FACTIONS, look foolish and make the club something of a laughingstock. Coming up soon is the race to replace Yvette Clarke in the City Council and CBID might play a strong role in that race. The larger the active membership, the more likely that a progressive reform Democrat can be elected. That race will be coming up early next year and may be the biggest Brooklyn political event of the coming year. I would like to see CBID (as well as other reform minded clubs and organizations in Brooklyn) to be prepared for this race. What CBID needs is an influx of new, active members, with no ties to either of the old factions, to shore up the club. In the aftermath of the successful 2006 election this month, I am hoping that there will be a lot of energized Brooklyn activists who want to see a more progressive, reform-minded Democratic Party in Brooklyn. CBID president Josh Skaller, and my wife, Joy, who is a board member of CBID, are calling on dedicated, reform/progressive Democrats who want to see this three-decades-old Brooklyn political tradition continue as a force of reform and progress. Please contact Josh Skaller ( jskaller@gmail.com ) to find out about membership and how you can help.