Howard Golden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Golden
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Black and white photo, 1996
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| 16th Borough President of Brooklyn | |
| In office January 3, 1977 – December 31, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Sebastian Leone |
| Succeeded by | Marty Markowitz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 6, 1925 Flatbush, Brooklyn, U.S. |
| Died | January 24, 2024 (aged 98) Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Aileen Wolsky |
| Residence | Kensington, Brooklyn |
| Alma mater | New York University Brooklyn Law School |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
Howard Golden (born November 6, 1925 – died January 24, 2024) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Mr. Golden served as the borough president of Brooklyn from 1977 to 2001. During part of this time, he also led the Democratic Party in Brooklyn. Before becoming borough president, he was a member of the New York City Council from 1970 to 1976.
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Early Life and Schooling
Howard Golden was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on November 6, 1925. His family was Jewish. His father owned a small food shop called a delicatessen. Howard grew up in different parts of New York City, including Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
He went to public schools and later graduated from Stuyvesant High School. After that, he studied at New York University. He then went to Brooklyn Law School in 1958, using money from the G.I. Bill. This was a program that helped soldiers pay for their education. Howard Golden served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was even part of the important Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.
Howard Golden's Political Journey
Howard Golden started his political career when he was elected to the New York City Council in November 1969. He represented the Borough Park area of Brooklyn. He officially started his job in January 1970. He was re-elected for a second four-year term in 1974. He left the City Council in December 1976.
In November 1976, the Brooklyn Borough President, Sebastian Leone, decided to run for a judge's job instead of seeking re-election. He won the judge position and left his borough president role on December 31. The New York City Council then chose Howard Golden to be the temporary borough president until a new election could be held.
Golden decided to run for the job himself in November 1977. He won the election easily, beating three other candidates. Later, in January 1984, he also became the leader of the Democratic Party in Brooklyn.
Important Roles and Influence
Throughout his career, Howard Golden held many important jobs within the Democratic Party. He was the chairman of the Kings County Democratic County Committee, which is the main Democratic group in Brooklyn. He was also a member of the New York State Democratic Committee and the Democratic National Committee. These roles showed his strong influence in politics.
Golden was known as a "power broker," meaning he had a lot of influence and helped many people get important political jobs. For example, two of his deputy borough presidents went on to higher offices. Ed Towns became a U.S. Congressman, and William C. Thompson, Jr. became the New York City comptroller (a financial officer).
In 1983, as Borough President, Golden declared March 10 to be an annual "Grand Prospect Hall Day" in Brooklyn. This was a special day to celebrate a famous event hall in the borough.
End of His Time in Office
In 2000, New York City put in place new rules called term limits. These rules meant that politicians could only serve a certain number of terms. Because of these limits, Howard Golden could not run for re-election in 2001. His time as Brooklyn Borough President ended on December 31, 2001.
After leaving office, he worked for the Brooklyn District Attorney's office for a short time in 2002.
Personal Life and Passing
Howard Golden was married to Aileen Wolsky, and they had two daughters.
Howard Golden passed away on January 24, 2024, at the age of 98.
See also
- List of borough presidents of New York City
- List of Stuyvesant High School people
