by David Cruz 

Members of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club lauded a legislator, a realtor, a businessman and two philanthropists at its 53^rd annual dinner, which ushered in a pantheon of politicos to what’s considered a can’t miss event. 

Those honored included one of their own–Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by his son, Eric. Dinowitz’s honor coincides with his 20^th year in office, where he had doubled as a legislator and organizer for the activist club.

Tributes also went to Joseph Farkas, serving as president of the Metropolitan Realty Associates, a firm now at the tail end of building a BJ’s Warehouse at the former Stella D’Oro factory. Marilyn Sopher, a major player in the real estate field, was handed the Community Leadership Award. The Lee Heimlich Community Service Award went to Tunnel To Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that helps first responders in the memory of Stephen Siller who died selflessly during the 9/11 attacks.

The yearly venue comes as election season comes into full swing, with contenders and incumbents jockeying for the club’s endorsement often backed by plenty of campaign manpower. Sen. Adriano Espaillat, looking to unseat longtime legislator Congressman Charles Rangel of the 13^th Congressional District, stopped by to grab support. Rangel visited as the evening drew to a close, briefly speaking to the audience. Senator Jeff Klein, who may face challenger and former Councilman Oliver Koppell in the Democratic Primary, also made an appearance. Koppell was seated among the crowd as Klein delivered a speech before 150 guests, though Koppell appeared to be paying more attention to his meal than to Klein.

The Ben Franklin Reform Democrats are deemed grassroots, gathering petitions and luring voters to the polls to encourage them to pick the candidate the club’s chosen.

With the dinner behind them, members will now get back to business during this election season. The club will meet on May 7^th at Tibbett Towers to hash out its endorsements for the races every race except the 34^th and 36^th Senate Districts. Those races are expected to be decided on May 22^nd.

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