Norman Rewarded, Brennan Punished In the reshuffling of power after last spring's failed coup against Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Brooklyn came out smelling like a rose, according to County Leader Clarence Norman, Jr. "Of the 20 members in Brooklyn, 13 have leadership positions or committee assignments. Brooklyn did exceedingly well," said Norman, a Silver supporter who was elevated to assistant speaker. "Basically and fundamentally, I think (being assistant speaker) just puts me closer to the speaker and seat of power here in Albany, the table of influence so to speak. It allows me to be much more a part of Shelly's inner circle." The new position also comes with a sweet stipend, known in Albany as "lulus," in the amount of $25,000. "That doesn't hurt either," said Norman.

Norman takes over the leadership position held by longtime Assemblymember Ed Griffith, who was defeated last September by Diane Gordon. Assemblymember Rhoda Jacobs was elevated to assistant speaker pro tempore, which carries a $22,000 lulu. Additionally, Assemblymember William Boyland landed the chairmanship of the Committee on standing Committees, which also carries a $22,000 lulu. Two other Brooklyn assemblymembers got elevated. Daryl Towns was given the chairmanship of the legislative commission on science and technology, and Felix Ortiz was given the chairmanship of the task force on food, farm and nutrition. Both of those posts have lulus of $12,500.

But Assemblymember Jim Brennan, like six of his assembly colleagues, was punished for his support of Syracuse Assemblymember Michael Bragman, who challenged Silver last spring in an attempt to take over as speaker. Brennan, a 16-year veteran, was removed as chairman of the mental health committee, and lost his $12,500 lulu. Brennan, who is currently preparing a broad statement, declined comment until next week.

Norman said that he believed Brennan has the opportunity to mend fences with Silver. "Jim certainly has the opportunity to re-endear himself to the speaker. I don't think it's beyond redemption. Jim certainly is a very talented individual," he said. Norman declined to asses whether Silver's actions were unduly harsh. "I think the expectation was that Shelly would take some action," he said.

Kruger, Ferrer Chat Bronx Borough President Freddy Ferrer looked awfully comfortable with State Senator Carl Kruger on a recent edition of Kruger's cable access show, "Brooklyn Beat." "We're proud of the turnaround we've seen in the Bronx," said Kruger at one point while discussing Ferrer's ideas on affordable housing. For months now, rumors have been circulating about the possibility of Ferrer gaining support in southern Brooklyn, especially through the Thomas Jefferson Club. The TJ Club was once thought to be a lock for Council Speaker Peter Vallone, but that perception was washed away when Vallone abruptly canned chief of staff Bruce Bender, a member of the club who now works for Councilmember Herb Berman's campaign for comptroller.

"Given what occurred with Peter and that club, I don't think Peter will be on that show anytime soon," said one source. "Doors are opening up in different neighborhoods around the city, especially in southern Brooklyn. The political landscape is such that Freddy could wind up with the support of the southern Brooklyn political organization." County Leader Clarence Norman has already said he will support city comptroller Alan Hevesi.

For his part, Kruger said that nothing should be read into Ferrer's appearance on the show. "I will be interviewing all of the four candidates on the show if they chose to participate," he said. He added that he has had discussions with all four Democratic candidates and will not necessarily go with the same candidate as the club or his colleagues. "At the appropriate time, I'll make a decision, and that decision will not be based purely on politics. I may not necessarily agree with the thinking of some of my political colleagues, but it won't be the first time that Kruger has walked against the wind," he said.

It's In The Blood Term limits were supposed to infuse the political system with new faces, but in Brooklyn the law seems to have created a sense of divine right. A January 8 Newsday article about the relatives of politicians who are eyeing the seats held by their term-limited kin was dominated by Brooklynites.

To wit: Erik Dilan is looking at the Council seat held by his father, Martin Malave-Dilan. Rickly Dear is considering running for the seat held by her husband, Noach Dear. Yvette Clarke is thinking about running for the seat currently held by her mother, Councilmember Una Clarke. Finally, Donald Wooten will run to succeed his mother, Councilmember Priscella Wooten. Additionally, Rev. Ed Norman, brother of County Leader Clarence Norman, will be running for Council. Paul Bader, the husband of Rep. Nydia Velazquez, is also eyeing a Council run. And Libby Hikind, sister-in-law of Assemblymember Dov Hikind, is running for Council on Staten Island.

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