Marty Markowitz

Marty Markowitz is the Borough President of Brooklyn, New York City.

He received his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, in Political Science, in 1970.

Prior to being elected Borough President, he spent over two decades as a New York State Senator for Brooklyn. During his time as a state senator, he was known for creating a series of oceanfront concerts and other festivals rather than drafting legislation. Markowitz believes that all politics are local.

Markowitz pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for failing to disclose a campaign contribution in his first bid for Borough President in 1985. He was later elected to the borough presidency in 2001, on the Democratic Party line. Markowitz has come to be known as an enthusiastic advocate for Brooklyn, promoting tourism and events borough-wide.

During the North American blackout of August 2003, Markowitz stood on the Brooklyn Bridge as throngs of fellow Brooklynites trudged home from work in Manhattan. Markowitz held a megaphone and cheered: "Welcome home to Brooklyn!", receiving thunderous applause. He 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.

Currently, Markowitz is a supporter of the controversial Atlantic Yards complex, which will feature a new home for the New Jersey Nets in addition to 6,430 units of housing.

In the 2005 New York City mayoral election, Markowitz endorsed Republican incumbent Michael Bloomberg, along with many other Democrats like Ed Koch. In the same election cycle, Markowitz was also re-elected on November 8, 2005, with 79% of the vote, compared to 13% for Republican challenger Theodore Alatsas, and 7% for Gloria Mattera, the Green Party candidate.

Brooklyn's They Might Be Giants mention Markowitz and his office in their song "Celebrate Brooklyn."

Markowitz also is known for supporting many public schools in Brooklyn on occasions such as performances and graduations