Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

45th District (East Flatbush and Flatlands): Two years ago the incumbent, Kendall Stewart, barely won re-election in a crowded field in this central Brooklyn district, where the population is mostly rooted in the Caribbean. Now Mr. Stewart, a podiatrist born in St. Vincent, faces a showdown with the second-place finisher, Sam Taitt.

This is the third race for Mr. Taitt, who began this campaign badly by successfully challenging the nomination petitions of three opponents. That would be reason to look for another candidate if the district was not so much in need of better representation. Mr. Taitt -- a native of Barbados, who teaches communication at Kingsborough College -- has both the experience and the drive to do a better job. Since the last campaign, he has worked hard on community education and economic development projects. He is leading an effort to form a community credit union, which could offer hope to residents overlooked by conventional banks.

Mr. Stewart has been a disappointment in the Council. He is chairman of the committee on immigration but has done little with the position. Sam Taitt offers a fresh approach, and he gets our endorsement.