Comptroller hopeful Benjamin nabs key B’klyn nods
State Sen. Brian Benjamin is getting endorsements from several high-powered Brooklyn politicos Monday for his city comptroller run in what represents an incursion into the territory of two Kings County-based rivals.
Benjamin (photo), who represents Harlem, is battling fellow state Sen. Kevin Parker and City Councilman Brad Lander, both of whom represent parts of Brooklyn, as well as Queens Assemblyman David Weprin, former Marine Zachary Iscol and former CNBC reporter Michelle Caruso-Cabrera.
On Monday, he’s planning to announce endorsements from former Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio, state Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, among others.
“Brian is the candidate who can get the job done. He knows what it takes, and he will put his skills to work for the people of New York City,” Seddio, a former assemblyman, said. “Our next city comptroller will be entrusted with overseeing our city’s finances and investing taxpayer dollars as we emerge from a pandemic. Brian is clearly the most prepared candidate to manage New York’s complex financial situation.”
Before joining the Senate, Benjamin worked as an investment adviser at Morgan Stanley.
He came under fire in January after the Daily News reported he was pulling a salary from a company led by Wall Street executive Andrew Neuberger, who was in the thick of the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis.
The comptroller is responsible for serving as the city’s fiscal watchdog and overseeing its pension funds.
Benjamin’s connection with Neuberger, who now serves as NextPoint Acquisition Corp. CEO, has raised questions of how he might handle that responsibility.
“This is not a good sign,” housing advocate Cea Weaver told the Daily News when informed of Benjamin’s connection to Neuberger.
But Benjamin’s Brooklyn endorsers appear to be unfazed.
“The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club is proud to formally endorse Sen. Brian Benjamin for New York City comptroller,” said District Leader Sue Ann Partnow of the powerful southern Brooklyn political club.
“Under Brian’s leadership, the pensions of New York’s hardworking retirees will be protected, and the city’s money will be invested intelligently,” she said.