1) I have expected the Times reporter to do better, than simply chronicling what the 2 sides are saying. Can't the reporter check the facts with the Board of Elections? Why haven't he accessed the court papers and searched the record on the Broadway Triangle housing dispute to see who is opposing the 3-4 bedroom apartments? What a lazy job... I assume that Mr. Berger is only accustomed to report on causal religious topics, as dress codes, and politics isn't his strongest area.
2) The notion that the majority voting bloc is weakened because of the split, isn't necessarily based in fact. In such an off primary, it's quite possible that both sides together wouldn't bring out as much votes as the current gap between them. I'm not certain and don't have the time on hand to examine it, and would be happy if someone would sift through the numbers. (Hasidic Brooklyn: would you take it up?). Unfortunately, the effect of the opposites is very strong here.
3) The last paragraph is a bright spot in a gloomy article: "Whatever the basis of the dynastic quarrel, pragmatism often trumps ideology and sometimes produces strange bedfellows. When the Aroynem wanted a mikvah — a ritual bath — for their followers in Williamsburg, they needed zoning permits and, according to community leaders, sought out the political muscle of two councilmen close to Mr. Lopez, Stephen Levin and Mr. Dilan. With Rabbi Niederman’s prodding, the two councilmen provided the needed help." It looks to me this was only pragmatic for one side. For the other side, Niederman, Levin and Dilan, it was far from a pragmatic decision to feed the hand that is biting you.
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the mikvah needed zoning permits and for rezoning you need to go your local council member which is in Letitia James district 35 not Levin 33 or Dilan 37, check the lines, Letitia did everything to make it happen and she doesn't give a dame about the satmer politics.
ReplyDeleteI assume that the NYT reporter checked with both sides or had proof to it, before reporting this as an undisputed fact.
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