Carol Berman
Carol Berman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 September 1923 Lawrence, Nassau County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 17 October 2023 (aged 100) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1970s–1980s |
| Known for | New York State Senator (1979–1984); opposition to Concorde supersonic transport at JFK Airport |
Carol Berman (September 21, 1923 – October 17, 2023) was a prominent figure in American politics affiliated with the Democratic Party, hailing from Lawrence in Nassau County, New York. She held office in the New York State Senate between 1979 and 1984. Berman became notably recognized for her leadership role in opposing the landing of the Concorde and other supersonic transport aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport, located near her community.
As a member of the Emergency Coalition to Stop the SST, Berman actively resisted Concorde’s operations at Kennedy Airport due to concerns about its flight routes over residential areas. Starting in May 1977, she organized demonstrations that included up to 1,000 vehicles moving slowly along airport roadways during peak traffic times. In August 1978, she launched a fundraising initiative aiming to collect $100,000 to support legal proceedings against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, urging local citizens to participate in the lawsuit.
Prior to her election to the Senate, Berman served as a district aide for Assemblyman Eli Wager and Congressman Herbert Tenzer. She also held the position of vice chairperson of the Nassau County Democratic Committee and acted as a delegate for Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Berman passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 100.
Election history
Representing the 9th District in the New York State Senate from 1979 until 1984, Berman’s constituency covered southwestern Nassau County and southeastern Queens, regions characterized by a predominantly Democratic electorate with varied demographics. During her tenure, she contributed to influential committees including Corporation and Authorities, Transportation, and served as the ranking minority member on Commerce and Economic Development.
Following redistricting in 1982 that repositioned the 9th District entirely within Nassau County—a shift that favored Republican candidates—Berman contended with Republican Assemblyman Dean Skelos. Despite this altered political landscape, she secured victory by a margin exceeding 6,000 votes on both Democratic and Liberal party tickets, distinguishing herself as the sole Democrat elected in Nassau and Suffolk counties during that election cycle. Subsequently, Berman initiated a $6 million lawsuit against Skelos alleging false statements in his campaign literature.
In the 1984 election rematch, Skelos defeated Berman with assistance including a campaign visit from President Ronald Reagan. The pair competed once more in 1986; Skelos prevailed again as the Republican-Conservative nominee over Berman’s Democratic-Liberal candidacy.
Long Island Rail Road gap accident
In September 2006, Berman sustained an ankle fracture after slipping into a gap approximately ten inches wide between a Long Island Rail Road train and the platform at Lawrence station. The following month, upon discovering additional similar incidents, she filed a $1 million claim against both the Long Island Rail Road and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This legal matter was resolved through a settlement of $150,000 in January 2009.