Whilst I was getting drunk at a poetry reading, the much more responsible Brooklyn 11211 was actually at Wednesday's meeting concerning bike lanes on Kent Avenue. The blog takes a much more reasoned, thought-out approach to the issue than my infantile rant from a couple of days ago. Do yourself a favor and read up on it. [Brooklyn 11211]
Did you accidentally misplace your bike whilst tangling with cops in the post-Obama orgy in Williamsburg? Then today is your lucky day!
I luurv having lots of photographer friends. Check out these election day photos from Agaton Strom, including pics from Brooklyn Based's party at Bell House.
Consider the vote Barack'd. Were you out last night in Brooklyn? It was crazy, as evidenced by celebrating cops and spontaneous yelling and a packed Bedford Avenue. L to the Izzo Leitzell captured all the crazy energy with these amazing pictures of last night's festivities.
Finally, it is time. But you don't want to watch the results alone in your studio apartment, smoking cigarette after cigarette in nervous anticipation. Here is a list of Williamsburg locales that will be showing the election night results as they come in:
Evan Thies. Photo by Agaton Strom.
Evan Thies is running for City Council in Brooklyn's 33rd District, which is basically a gentrification stew consisting of Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Park Slope, DUMBO, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill. We talked to the 29-year-old Williamsburg resident and former senior adviser to current council member David Yassky about responsible development, the particular challenges of setting policy for Williamsburg, and working in Hillary Clinton's office.
For those who don't know, what exactly does a city council member do?
The City Council is fundamentally a check to the mayor, and has power
to pass laws, amend and pass City budgets, change property tax rates,
and control land use in the five boroughs. Unfortunately, I believe
that the Council has ceded much of this power to the mayor, and does not
currently do a sufficient job of raising public debate by taking
opposing positions to the mayor, and fighting more often for significant
changes to the way this City operates. A stronger Council willing to
take on big fights--whether by opposing re-zonings that are bad for
our neighborhoods, by halting tax giveaways, or simply by better
debating the details of our $60 billion budget--would mean a stronger
New York.
What are the challenges in shaping policies for a neighborhood as
young and transient as Williamsburg?
The biggest challenge is getting people involved in the political and
government processes. Although more and more people are staying and
making a home for their families in Williamsburg, there are still many
residents --especially young adults right out of college, in graduate
school, or who have just moved here from somewhere else--who aren't
yet putting down roots. We have to make the case to these folks that
local government affects their lives every day, and that their only way
to make positive change is to get involved.
Continue reading "The Lukewarm Seat: City Council Candidate Evan Thies" »
Aside from the usual suspects who will be showing the debate tonight (Matchless, Cornichon, Hope Lounge, Pete's Candy Store, Black Rabbit), Soundfix (110 Bedford Ave) is adding a little zazz to its election night festivities by adding drinking games and post-debate antics from crazy old man psuedo-candidate Sparrow. I recommend watching tonight, just in case McCain--now backed into a corner--does something especially desperate or mavericky.
The Barack Rock Benefit is tonight at 7:30 the Music Hall of Williamsburg. 40$
Nobody to watch the debates with? Then perhaps you'll accept the company of Andrew Bird, the Fiery Furnaces and Eugene Mirman whilst you watch Obama town hall it up with cranky old man Mc(insert terse snide remarkery here).
Yes We Can Ironically Donate Money to a Presidential Campaign. So As Long As There Are Indie Bands
Yes, 40 dollars may seem steep, but bear in mind that all of the
proceeds go directly to the Obama campaign. And sure, the polls look
good now, and that rusty Republican machine is finally starting to
creak and groan, but we're not home free yet.
Just think of Barack Rock like a donation that comes with the added of bonus of some virtuoso whistling, prog pop, and Flight of the Conchords-y comedy. Check it out tonight at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Doors open at 6:30.
There's a debate tonight! It's a town hall-style event, so expect a lot of "I feel your pain" anecdotes. Matchless, Hope Lounge, Cornichon and Monkeytown will all be showing it at 9pm.
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