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In a world where city politics is often seen as a blood sport, City Councilmember Simcha Felder is a class act.

While he did leave his constituents high and dry with his sudden resignation, he couldn’t have known that John Liu would have been victorious in the Comptroller race. Of course, we’re sure a bigger paycheck helped him in his decision as well.

Known for his wry wit, intelligence and charm, Felder was an effective lawmaker for the 44th Council District representing Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst.

Among his more recent legislative victories was the recently-passed “five minute” bill allowing drivers a brief window of time between a meter expiring and a traffic enforcement agent ticketing them.

Felder’s resignation is a loss to his district, but a win for the city as he is well qualified to serve as Deputy Comptroller of Budget and Accounting in newly elected Comptroller John Liu’s office.

While we wish Simcha Felder all the mazel in the world, we also see great trepidation if his successor becomes former City Council member and current Civil Court Judge Noach Dear.

Dear’s tenure as City Council member was fraught with problems and the New York City Bar Association declared him unqualified to be a judge.

Indeed, the 44th City Council District has several outstanding residents to replace Felder.

David Greenfield, for one, comes to mind, and several other qualified candidates are sure to jump into the special election to be held within the next two months.

So in the end, we say fare thee well to one of Brooklyn’s better City Council members, and anybody but Dear.

©2010 Community Newspaper Group