Another War Brewing in North Brooklyn? [UPDATED X2]

Maritza Davila

This morning, Colin Campbell of the Observer reported (via Roberto Perez’s radio show) that the chief of staff for Councilwoman Diana Reyna, Antonio Reynoso, is considering running for his boss’ seat. Reyna is term-limited in 2013.

Meanwhile, there are also strong rumors in Brooklyn political circles that Maritza Davila — who narrowly lost a primary to Reyna for Council in 2009 — is again seriously considering a run. If that happens, it would set up another war for influence in north Brooklyn between Reyna and Brooklyn Democratic Leader Vito Lopez, who in 2009 strongly supported his protege, Davila.

In a brief phone conversation, Davila acknowledged that she was considering another run.

“It certainly would be really interesting,” Davila said. “I have not decided yet, but you’ll learn about it when I decide.”

Reyna herself used to be a Lopez protege — she served as the assemblyman’s chief of staff before her election in 2001 — but the two had a major falling out. Since then, Reyna has served as part of coalition competing for influence with Lopez in north Brooklyn that also includes Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. That group has aligned with the New Kings Democrats, which unsuccessfully ran Reyna-backed district leader candidate Estaban Duran against Lopez during the 2010 elections. They also supported Assembly candidate Jesus Gonzalez, who narrowly in a special election last summer, running only on the Working Families Party line.

Jason Otano — who until recently served as general counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and is still working in the office — is the only candidate to have registered a campaign committee to raise money for a run at Reyna’s seat.

UPDATE:

Davila called back during her lunch break to say she’s 100 percent in to run for the seat.

“I am running, and will run for City Council,” Davila said. “I gave [Reyna] a good run last time, and I was very close to winning. I think people in the community need somebody who really understands them.”

UPDATE X2:

Looking like this race may have yet another contender. A person named Thomas Torres, who I’m not familiar with, just registered a campaign committee:

C86792
THOMAS TORRES
Registration Date: 02-FEB-12
Status: ACTIVE
Office: City Council – District: 34
Thomas Torres, Treasurer
401 MORGAN AVE 1E
BROOKLYN, NY 11211