Last night was the 56th Annual Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club dinner, and the photo above should say most of the story as Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz welcomed Mayor Bill de Blasio when he arrived. The mayor presented the club's Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Lewis Goldstein, an executive Committee member of the New York State Democratic Committee, and longtime political activist.
Ben Franklin Club President Mr. Daniel Johnson did an excellent job of moving the program along, and announcing all the dignitaries who were present. The list included Public Advocate Letitia James, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx County Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo, Manhattan Democratic County Leader Keith Wright, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senators Jeff Klein and Gustavo Rivera, as well as other Bronx Assembly members, and current or former elected Democratic Party officials and judges.
The honorees included Michael Mulgrew (President of the United Federation of Teachers who received the Jonathan B. Bingham Award, Dr. Betty Rosa (Chancellor New York State Board of Regents) who received the Lee Heimlich Community Service Award. Anthony Creany (Community Board 8 member, and Disabled Veteran) along with Herb Barret (Jewish War Veteran Society) who received the Timothy R, Sullivan Award. Lewis Goldstein (New York State Democratic Committee Executive Committee member) who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The photos below will tell the rest of the story.
Above - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright who is also a leading candidate for congress to replace Charlie Rangel.
Below - Young Bronx Democrat 83rd A.D. Male District Leader Jamal Bailey is with longtime 80th A.D. Joe McManus. Mr. Bailey is a candidate for the 36th State Senate District which will soon be vacant, and may be getting a few pointers from Mr. McManus.
Above - Mr. Anthony Creany, and Below Mr. Herb Barret receive their awards from Congressman Eliot Engel.
Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio praises the Ben Franklin Club on the constant year after year efforts of the club in getting candidates elected. The mayor is probably looking towards next year for support from the Ben Franklin Club in his re=election bid.
Below - The mayor presents Louis Goldstein with the club lifetime award for Mr. Goldstein's tireless work for the Democratic Party over the many past years. Lou must have thought he was getting an Oscar as he thanked almost everyone, and was the hit of the Dinner with his tireless speech.
Above - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz presents the Lee Heimlich Community Service Award to Dr. Betty Rosa, Chancellor New York State Regents.
Below - A group photo of honorees and elected officials. Left - Right, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, his son Eric the male District Leader of the 81st A.d., Congressman Eliot Engel, Honoree Herb Barret, Honoree Louis Goldstein, Honoree Anthony Creany, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and Ben Franklin Club President Daniel Johnson.
