Bay Ridge

Golden aims ‘Martian’ barb at Gounardes at Bay Ridge debate

Gounardes wasn't sure if insult was aimed at him or the gender issue

October 24, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle
State Sen. Marty Golden speaking in the Senate. Photo courtesy of Marty Golden
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State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Southern Brooklyn) exclaimed, “I feel like I’m dealing with a Martian from Mars here,” in a debate with Democratic challenger Andrew Gounardes at Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge on Tuesday night.

While they disagreed on almost every issue they discussed, this particular remark came after Gounardes said he supported a new city law adding a third-gender option on birth certificates, according to the Daily News.

“Ladies and gentlemen, male-female. Birth certificate … Very simple,” said Golden.

Gounardes countered that it shouldn’t make any difference to “anyone in this room” what people choose to call themselves.

He emphasized that officials should be focusing on more important issues, such as mass transit, affordable housing and overcrowded schools, the News reported.

Later, Golden’s spokesman, Michael Tobman, confirmed when speaking to the News that the “Martian” remark was aimed specifically at Gounardes. 

“Senator Golden was clearly calling his opponent, Andrew, someone from another planet, based on the Democrat’s everything-for-everyone platform without regard for cost or neighborhood values,” Tobman said. 

The debate was sponsored by the Bay Ridge Community Council.

 

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