Autistic former NYC Council aide claims Dem pol tormented him, throws support behind GOP foeNYC Dem faces ouster from Council’s Italian caucus unless he fights for ColumbusHermelyn called out city Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge) over abuse claims by onetime aide Michael Bistreich in a scathing press release, stopping just short of endorsing his GOP rival — a close pal of the party boss.
“As Democrats, we have to hold our own party members to the highest standards, and unlike many Republicans, we cannot turn a blind eye to our own party’s accountability for the sake of political gain,” Hermelyn wrote.
“Some have asked for Justin Brannan’s resignation, which I have not taken a position on as we wait for all the facts to come to light about these disturbing incidents,” she said. “However, having experienced harassment and intimidation throughout my life, even as the first female Brooklyn County Democratic leader, I know how frightening it can be to speak out,” Hermelyn added. headtopics.com
The political tongue-lashing stems from Bistreich’s endorsement of Republican Councilman Ari Kagan, who is running against his former boss in the redrawn 47th District, in an explosive video.Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn issued a scathing attack on Democratic Councilman Justin Brannan on Tuesday over “a barrage of concerns and disturbing allegations” of harassment of a former autistic aide.
“It’s very clear that she’s been using the party resources to back Ari,” one operative told The Post. “She had to have fights when there’s no reason to have fights.”by former Councilman Vincent Gentile’s staff that included being locked in the basement and being abused by others in the councilman’s office.Michael Bistreich, an autistic former aide to Brooklyn Democratic Councilman Justin Brannan, claimed he suffered constant harassment while working for Brannan. headtopics.com