Forget, for a moment, that Slay would lick his chops to see Reed replace Shrewsbury on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Forget, also, that Shrewsbury has been supportive of Fire Chief Sherman George in his constant, simmering battles to keep Slay out of his hair. Also forget Shrewsbury’s recent support of issues of interest to the black community, such as the (ill-considered) campaign to defeat the Charter Amendments. Consider, instead, the value of organizing a meaningful city-wide campaign for a black candidate who faces an entrenched incumbent.
This is an opportunity for black community activists to set aside personality politics and their enmity for Slay and make strategic decisions that could benefit the community. Win or lose, Reed will give a much-needed workout to black Democratic operatives, and his campaign will provide a flexing of muscle for the black body politic that will be interesting and productive. How strong are we? Lewis Reed may help us find out.