I have only met Hakeem Jefferies once and my main impression of him was surly and hostile. But I cannot judge him based only on that brief impression. Mostly I have been pro-Batson (because he rocks!) rather than anti-Jefferies.
However, the one thing that has emerged is that you can't trust what he says. I have started to compile a considerable list of flip-flops or evasions regarding Ratner's Atlantic Yards over-development plan, a project that Bill Batson has taken a clear stand on (see, for example, his latest web ad). It isn't even that he is fence sitting like David Yassky has. Instead, Hakeem is clearly trying to play both sides, taking nearly opposite positions depending on who he is talking to.
Though I do not know Mr. Jeffries personally and have not had extended conversations with him on this issue, I feel I should relay to you what he told me around 6:45 P.M. on August 23, 2006. As I was waiting to get into the public hearing regarding the Atlantic Yards Project DEIS, Mr. Jeffries came down the line shaking hands. As he shook my hand, I asked Mr. Jeffries if he had a solid position on the project as it now stands. Mr. Jeffries looked me in the eye and said that he was "fully in favor of the project" and that he thought "it will be great for Brooklyn."
As I said, I don't know the man personally. I can only tell you what he told me that evening. I take him at his word, that he is fully in favor of the Ratner Atlantic Yards project as it is described in the current DEIS.
--Jeff Newell
Jeff emphasized to me that he was standing "in a sea" of people wearing red ACORN shirts, so it probably appeared to Hakeem that Jeff was pro-Ratner. Hakeem was presumably telling him what he thought he wanted to hear.
But let's go beyond anecdotes. Let's look at what Hakeem did on the record at the August 3rd Community Board 2 meeting discussing Ratner's plan, as reported by the Brooklyn Papers [2]. Hakeem signed in officially "for" the project, but spoke out mostly against it. Even at the same event Hakeem cannot make up his mind.
And, of course, there is the famous, and rather impressive, story that Hakeem spent 6 hours discussing Atlantic Yards with representatives of DDDB and STILL left them confused what his stand is.
Clearly Hakeem wants both sides to vote for him so he tells people whatever they want to hear or equivocates. Why can't Hakeem make up his mind? Why can't he be honest with voters? Does he support Ratner's corrupt and excessive plan or one of the viable, alternate plans that also create affordable housing and jobs but don't "scar Brooklyn permanently," as former City Planning Commissioner Schiffman says of Ratner's Plan?
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