2006年VOA标准英语-Russian Immigrants in Brooklyn Run for Office

By Michael Gutkin and Alona Cherkassky
Washington, DC
08 September 2006
 
watch Russian Candidates report

Brooklyn, in the eastern U.S. state of New York is home to the largest Russian speaking community in the United States. Soon, this vibrant¹ neighborhood could have one of its own elected to the New York State Assembly. For VOA producers Michael Gutkin and Alona Cherkassky, Jim Bertel reports two immigrants from the former Soviet² Union will face off Tuesday in a primary to choose the Democratic Party's candidate to face the Republican Party's candidate in the November general election.

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Brooklyn, New York has long been a magnet for immigrants arriving in the United States, including many from the former Soviet Union. Two of these Russian-speaking immigrants, with very different campaign strategies, are vying⁴ to be the Democratic Party's candidate for New York State's 46th Assembly District. 

 
Alec Brook-Krasny
  
Alec Brook-Krasny, a well-known community leader, has been endorsed⁵ by many of the elected officials representing the Russian area of Brooklyn.

"They are supporting me,” says Mr. Brook-Krasny, “because over the years they had a chance to work with me."

In many ways Brook-Krasny is a typical immigrant with a remarkable⁶ story. He started out in the U.S. as a delivery boy, and worked his way up to the post of Executive Director of the Council of Jewish émigré Community Organizations (COJECO). He failed at two earlier runs for public office. Nevertheless, in his years of community activism he has earned respect and many accolades⁷. 

Fira Stukelman   
  
Fira Sukelman is a Brook-Krasny supporter.  "He knows all about lobbying. As Executive Director of COJECO he has achieved such a high level that the community would be proud to have him elected to public office."

Despite Brook-Kraney's support from local Democratic leaders, he is not the only one predicting victory in Tuesday's vote.

Ari Kagan, a political activist⁸ and journalist working in the Russian language media, is also running as a Democrat³ for the same seat. 

Ari Kagan   
  
"This is a campaign for a seat representing a district comprised of Russian-speaking immigrants, African Americans, Hispanic immigrants, Orthodox Jews, Italians, Greeks, Pakistanis, Chinese. It is not for nothing we call this a country of immigrants," Mr. Kagan says.

While Alec Brook-Kraney is counting on the Russian community for much of his support, Ari Kagan is seeking support elsewhere including from those who say they feel neglected by politicians. 

Supporter Pam Harris says, "From the moment I met Ari I felt an aura about him and I knew he is going to make a difference. You can feel it just by speaking with him."  

 
Pam Harris
  
"I don't have the support of the Brooklyn Democratic Party machine; they support my opponent," says Kagan.

Alec Brook-Krasny has a ready answer to this argument: "The people who support me were, in turn, elected by the voters. They were not appointed to their respective offices. I think their support would be decisive in this race."

No matter which of the two candidates wins Tuesday's Democratic primary, Brooklyn Borough⁹ President Marty Markowitiz believes their support sends a clear message to future New York polticians.

"I would advise anyone in their 30s who wants to become a politician in New York City to better start learning Russian."

1 vibrant   

adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的

参考例句：

• He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings. 他在画中总是使用鲜明的色彩。
• She gave a vibrant performance in the leading role in the school play.她在学校表演中生气盎然地扮演了主角。

2 Soviet   

adj.苏联的，苏维埃的；n.苏维埃

参考例句：

• Zhukov was a marshal of the former Soviet Union.朱可夫是前苏联的一位元帅。
• Germany began to attack the Soviet Union in 1941.德国在1941年开始进攻苏联。

3 democrat   

n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员

参考例句：

• The Democrat and the Public criticized each other.民主党人和共和党人互相攻击。
• About two years later,he was defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter.大约两年后，他被民主党人杰米卡特击败。

4 vying   

adj.竞争的；比赛的

参考例句：

• California is vying with other states to capture a piece of the growing communications market.为了在日渐扩大的通讯市场分得一杯羹，加利福尼亚正在和其他州展开竞争。
• Four rescue plans are vying to save the zoo.4个拯救动物园的方案正争得不可开交。

5 endorsed   

vt.& vi.endorse的过去式或过去分词形式v.赞同( endorse的过去式和过去分词 )；在（尤指支票的）背面签字；在（文件的）背面写评论；在广告上说本人使用并赞同某产品

参考例句：

• The committee endorsed an initiative by the chairman to enter discussion about a possible merger. 委员会通过了主席提出的新方案，开始就可能进行的并购进行讨论。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The government has broadly endorsed a research paper proposing new educational targets for 14-year-olds. 政府基本上支持建议对14 岁少年实行新教育目标的研究报告。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 remarkable   

adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的

参考例句：

• She has made remarkable headway in her writing skills.她在写作技巧方面有了长足进步。
• These cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines.这些汽车因发动机没有噪音而不同凡响。

7 accolades   

n.（连结几行谱表的）连谱号( accolade的名词复数 )；嘉奖；（窗、门上方的）桃尖拱形线脚；册封爵士的仪式（用剑面在肩上轻拍一下）

参考例句：

• Unlike other accolades for literature which tend to value style or experimentation. 有别于其他偏重风格活实验性的文学奖项。 来自互联网
• Build your trophy room while amassing awards and accolades. 建立您的奖杯积累奖项和荣誉。 来自互联网

8 activist   

n.活动分子，积极分子

参考例句：

• He's been a trade union activist for many years.多年来他一直是工会的积极分子。
• He is a social activist in our factory.他是我厂的社会活动积极分子。

9 borough   

n.享有自治权的市镇；(英)自治市镇

参考例句：

• He was slated for borough president.他被提名做自治区主席。
• That's what happened to Harry Barritt of London's Bromley borough.住在伦敦的布罗姆利自治市的哈里.巴里特就经历了此事。