30 Facts About Marty Markowitz

Martin Markowitz was born on February 14,1945 and is an American politician who served as the borough president of Brooklyn, New York City.

Marty Markowitz was first elected in 2001 after serving 23 years as a New York State Senator.

Martin Marty Markowitz was born on February 14,1945 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn to a Jewish family.

Marty Markowitz graduated from Wingate High School in Brooklyn's Prospect Lefferts Gardens section in 1962.

Marty Markowitz took night classes at Brooklyn College for nine years, and received his bachelor's degree in political science in 1970.

Marty Markowitz began his public service career in 1971, at the age of 26, by forming the Flatbush Tenants Council in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush.

Marty Markowitz was a member of the New York State Senate from 1979 to 2001, sitting in the 183rd, 184th, 185th, 186th, 187th, 188th, 189th, 190th, 191st, 192nd, 193rd and 194th New York State Legislatures.

Marty Markowitz was known for creating a series of oceanfront concerts and other festivals rather than drafting legislation.

Marty Markowitz had insisted on continuing the show, despite the hurricane-force winds buffeting the stage.

Marty Markowitz first ran for borough president in 1985, but failed to unseat the incumbent Howard Golden.

Marty Markowitz subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for failing to disclose a campaign contribution; he was fined and performed community service.

Marty Markowitz repeated this during the 2005 New York City transit strike, inviting Brooklynites into Borough Hall for warm drinks and a chance to call loved ones.

Marty Markowitz frequently spoke at public schools in Brooklyn on occasions such as performances and graduations.

Marty Markowitz continued promoting affordable housing, as he had in the Senate.

Marty Markowitz agitated to save Starrett City, the nation's largest federally-subsidized housing complex, and keep it "affordable forever".

Marty Markowitz called for increased parental and community engagement in schools and has supported policies that improve graduation rates and prepare Brooklyn students to compete and succeed in the global economy.

Marty Markowitz's office was instrumental in creating two new schools in Brooklyn: the High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media and the Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance on Stuyvesant Avenue.

Marty Markowitz founded and hosts the Seaside Summer Concert Series, New York City's largest free weekly concert series, and the Martin Luther King, Jr.

Marty Markowitz has supported Brooklyn's cultural community, including the BAM Cultural District and Issue Project Room, and worked to restore the Loew's Kings Theatre in Flatbush.

Marty Markowitz hosted annual heritage events at Borough Hall celebrating Brooklyn's diversity, including celebrations of the Turkish, Asian, Latino, African-American, Jewish, Caribbean, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish, Lebanese and LGBT communities.

Marty Markowitz has worked to establish Brooklyn's first-ever LGBT Center for Brooklyn.

Marty Markowitz has been a supporter of the controversial Atlantic Yards complex.

In 2002 Marty Markowitz appointed Dolly Williams to the New York City Planning Commission.

Marty Markowitz delivered an address to attendees, prompting protesters outside to take a break from shouting "shame" in order to chant pejoratives at the borough president.

Marty Markowitz defended his wife, saying the couple would sell them and profits would go to Camp Brooklyn, a program that sends low-income kids to camp.

The project was stalled after Marty Markowitz wrote a letter to the city opposing the measure.

Marty Markowitz made disparaging remarks about DOT commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, calling her a "zealot", though he later clarified his statement.

Marty Markowitz claimed he supports other bike lanes in the city, but his opposition stems from the elimination of parking spaces and one lane of traffic.

Marty Markowitz considered running for mayor of New York in the 2009 and 2013 elections, but ultimately decided not to run.

Marty Markowitz supported independent Michael Bloomberg's reelection in 2009, over Democratic nominee Bill Thompson.