– Howard Golden, Led, Defended Brooklyn
– Howard Golden, Brooklyn, Dies at 98.
Howard Golden, Longtime Brooklyn Borough President, Dies at 98
Howard Golden, a prominent figure in Brooklyn politics and the borough’s former president, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98. His daughter Michele Golden confirmed his death, but the cause has not been disclosed.
Born in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn on November 6, 1925, Howard Golden grew up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. After his father’s tragic death, he became the sole provider for his family and decided to forgo attending Harvard College to support them. Instead, he enrolled at New York University and later graduated from Brooklyn Law School.
A Political Career Shaped by Brooklyn
Golden’s political career began as he rose through the ranks of the Democratic clubhouse in Brooklyn. He served as a city councilman for seven years before assuming the role of borough president on a temporary basis in 1977. He went on to win several elections and held the position for an impressive 25 years until his retirement in 2001.
During his tenure, Golden was known for his dedication to strengthening Brooklyn’s economy and defending the borough against perceived slights. He played a significant role in the Democratic Party as the leader in Brooklyn, with the power to determine party backing in legislative and judicial primaries. In a heavily Democratic borough like Brooklyn, winning the Democratic nomination often guaranteed election.
However, midway through his time as borough president, changes were made to reduce the powers of borough presidents. In 1989, a municipal reorganization approved by voters abolished the Board of Estimate, a key policy-making body. This change significantly diminished the governmental power of borough presidents, but Golden continued to believe in the importance of the office and its role as a spokesperson for the boroughs.
A Controversial Figure
Throughout his career, Golden was known for his brash and blunt demeanor. His clipped and gravelly tones often conveyed caustic criticisms of those who crossed him. He was not afraid to speak his mind and fiercely defended Brooklyn’s interests.
Golden’s relationship with former New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch was marked by bitter feelings over policy disagreements. They clashed over issues such as building shelters for the homeless in Brooklyn and the revival of professional baseball in the borough. Golden believed that a minor league team was beneath the dignity of a borough that had once been home to the Dodgers.
Some critics accused Golden of being too close to developers due to the sizable campaign contributions he received from them. However, his supporters praised his efforts on behalf of low-income housing and the borough’s cultural institutions.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the changes in Brooklyn’s political landscape, Golden remained a lifelong champion of the borough. He continued to be actively involved in community and business groups, dedicating buildings and advocating for Brooklyn’s economic growth.
Golden’s dedication to Brooklyn and his role as its borough president will be remembered by many. In a speech in 2000, he famously said, “There are two kinds of people in this world — those that come from Brooklyn, and those that wish they did.”
Howard Golden’s passing marks the end of an era in Brooklyn politics, but his impact on the borough and his legacy as a strong advocate for its interests will not be forgotten.
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– Howard Golden Brooklyn
– Led and Defended Brooklyn.
