Jacobs, longtime assemblywoman, calls it quits

Says she won’t run for re-election

May 19, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Rhoda Jacobs is calling it quits.

The longtime assembly member, who has represented Flatbush and other parts of Brooklyn for 36 years, announced that she will not run for re-election this year.

Her announcement came in the form of an email she sent to reporters and to her constituents on Sunday.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from the New York State Assembly,” Jacobs wrote in the email.

Jacobs did not specify her reasons for leaving the New York State Assembly.

She cited her accomplishments and said that she was proud of the work she did in Albany. “Throughout my tenure as assemblywoman, I am proud to have been at the forefront of significant issues in health care, education, child care, women’s equality, affordable housing, consumer protection and economic and environmental justice,” she wrote. “My community service office has provided assistance to countless citizens, solving problems and handling concerns over quality of life issues, and obtaining benefits, informing and protecting your rights. We will continue to provide these services until the end of the year.”

Jacobs vowed to “continue to be an active voice for our community” after she leaves office at the end of the year.

Jacobs represents the 42nd Assembly District, which includes Flatbush, Flatbush Gardens, Terrace Gardens, Midwood, and Victorian Flatbush. She serves as Assistant Speaker, and is a member of the powerful Ways & Means Committee. She is also a member of the Health and Insurance Committees as well as the Task Force on Women’s Issues and the Task Force on New Americans.

Her departure from the political scene will likely set up a scramble for her assembly seat. The contenders include Rodneyse Bichotte, Democratic district leader of the 42nd Assembly District, which includes sections of the Flatbush, against Jacobs in a primary in 2012, L. Rickie Tulloch, a former City Council candidate, and Michele Adolphe, according to reports.

The New York Observer reported that Bichotte has garnered the lion’s share of endorsements in the race. Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush) has endorsed Bichotte, as has New York Communities for Change, a community organizing group with ties to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Observer reported.