Fellow politicians honor Joan Millman in Carroll Gardens, by George Fiala

Joan Millman, who served the citizens South Brooklyn for twenty years following the untimely death of Eileen Dugan, was honored this morning at the Eileen Dugan Senior Center, 380 Court Street, for her years in the State Assembly. Millman retired last year and was replaced by Jo Ann Simon, Joan’s choice for Assembly, who won in a contested election.

Simon was joined by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senator Daniel Squadron, NY City Councilman Steve Levin, and representatives from State Senator Velmanette Montgomery’s office, as well as the District Managers of Community Boards 2 and 6. These were all people who worked together with join in crafting and passing legislation through the various bodies of government.

In the audience were Buddy Scotto, the elder stateman who founded the Senior Center, Dr. Joan Pastore, Amico’s Director, a roomful of interested seniors who were also there awaiting lunch, and a couple of local news reporters.

Squadron, Joan’s counterpart in the NYS Senate, served as the Master of Ceremonies. He first of all stated that this was not to be a roast (which it wasn’t, there were nothing but sincere words of respect said about Millman,  resplendant in a powder blue blazer).

Scott Stringer was the one citywide official present. He served with Joan in the Assembly before his election to Manhattan Borough President in 2006. What he remembered most about Joan was the valuable opportunity she gave to many who served in her office, calling her a great mentor. He said that “she has been able to keep to her principles while serving the district.”

Jo Ann Simon said that she hears all the time of the great things Joan has done (she has not only taken over the seat, but the same office space as well). She said the she appreciates the continuing opportunity of being able to “pick Joan’s brain.”

Stephen Levin, whose council district is adjacent to much of the 51st Assembly District, laid out three important attributes of Millman’s. First – her compassion and sense of decency; Second – that she always does the right thing, even it’s its not the easy thing. and thirdly, her toughness. “Joan has always been a fierce advocate for her district.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez showed up a touch late but in plenty of time to add her accolades. Velazquez stressed Joan’s strict attention to education, seniors and economic development. She called Millman a reformer and thanked her for the nurturing of her successor, Jo Ann Simon.

Craig Hammerman and Rob Perris, the community board district managers also spoke. Hammerman reminded the audience of how Joan stood up to “bullies and bigots” back in 2003 when  a segment of the Carroll Gardens community fought against the placement of a home for battered woman. Joan, along with then councilman Bill de Blasio and Borough President Marty Markowitz fought on behalf of the Rose House, which provided temporary living quarters for woman in fear.

Joan herself commented on how great it was to hear all this great stuff while she’s still alive! Referring to the various sized proclamations given to her from the various bodies of government represented – she also said that she’ll have to get a larger apartment with more wall space. She then thanked everyone present for allowing her the opportunity to serve – she faced election every two years for two decades. She noted that high voter turnout in her district, saying that probably an election on what kind of frosting to use on cupcakes served at a PTA dinner would bring out tons of votes.

Then everyone got up and posed for photos. Not that often that so many local officials are available to get together at lunchtime on any given day. But for Joan, they showed up!