BP Diaz, Jr is out. Bronx County Chair Crespo is out. So who's in?

Never has the name of our blog being more precise than today.

As we all know by now, two of the borough’s most prominent officials – Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and County Chair Marcos Crespo – will no longer be in Bronx politics. In January, Rubencito announced he will finish his term in 2021 and no longer run for any political post. A month later, Crespo followed by announcing he will not seek re-election to his Assembly seat.

Yes, this was a shock to many here in the Bronx. Rubencito was expected to run for Comptroller in 2021 (since his Mayoral prospects seemed to disappear for several reasons). Crespo was expected to follow him into Bronx Borough Hall. All of a sudden, those plans came down crumbling, catching everyone by surprise.

On Friday, Crespo abruptly announced that he was resigning from his Assembly seat AND as Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party. Why not wait it out until end of the year? This is a question everyone is asking. This is a question that has gone unanswered.

Last week’s Congressional elections in the 15^th district also put the party apparatus and leadership in question. The presumptive winner is Ritchie Torres, who is not known to be a soldier of the Bronx machine. Michael Blake, who came in second, and refuses to concede until all votes are counted, also is not soldier. Reverend Ruben Diaz – The Rev – came in a surprising third, getting a mere 15% of the votes. This was a bit surprising since all the politicos were saying that the race was between Ritchie and the Rev. It could not be clearer that the voters of the 15^th sent a strong message that the Reverend’s position (pro-Trump, anti-gay, anti-women) was not the direction they wanted to go. While the Reverend remains Councilman, he will have a very tough primary next year with his opponent: progressive and charismatic Amanda Farias.

But what everyone knows but are not speaking about in public is that the Diaz kingdom has fallen. But not only the Diaz. The Bronx party establishment has proved what many have been saying for some time now: it’s slowly losing their ability to be united and elect their candidates.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With Crespo’s resignation from the party, there’s a power struggle for that position. Several have been rumored to be interested while others are rumored to be pushed by Assembly Speaker (and former Bronx Party Chair) Carl Heastie.

First, there’s Northwest Bronx Assemblyman Victor Pichardo who last week went on Twitter to say that he is pursuing the post. This was a surprise to many since it has long being rumored that Pichardo has been looking for a new gig, outside of elective politics. In his Twitter exchange with political commentator Gerson Borrero, he seemed to back-tracked and now is interested in staying in office.

We also hear that Assemblyman Karines Reyes is also a very possible choice to lead the Bronx Democrats. While Reyes was elected in 2019, she has been one of the most active members of the Assembly. During the pandemic, she put on her uniform as a nurse and went back to the hospital and helping to save lives. Reyes, offers a very unique opportunity for the party. It has never been run by a woman and in a borough with majority Latino population, Reyes would seem the logical choice. But, that’s only the opinion of some. Others may think differently.

Another Bronx Democrat out there is Latoya Joyner, who, as it has been reported in some outlets, is Heastie’s favorite. While Joyner has more time in the Assembly than Reyes, this would be a slap in the face for Latinos in the Bronx.

One thing is clear: the Bronx is lagging behind other boroughs in having women in leadership roles. This an opportunity to change that.

With the 2021 municipal elections around the corner, where the majority of the Bronx City Council delegation is term-limited and new Councilmembers will be elected, the Bronx Democratic Party stand to be a powerhouse or simply become irrelevant.

The voters are changing. Bronx politics is changing.

Part 2 of 2: Who will take over Congressman Serrano's seat?

Part 2  of 2: Who will take over Congressman Serrano's seat?

Not much has happened since our part 1 of this post so we'll just cut to the chase.

YDANIS RODRIGUEZ: Rodriguez, who is term-limited in 2021 from his current gig at the City Council (from neighboring Washington Heights), seems to THINK that he actually has a strong chance at winning the Congressional seat. However, there are a few obstacles that can prevent him from becoming the second member of Congress that is of Dominican descent. 

First, he's not from the Bronx, nor has he has a base of support. He's relying on the Dominican vote but he should know that unfortunately, the Dominican vote is too scattered and very unreliable during a Primary election. The district has been said to be heavy on Puertoricans, followed by African-Americans. Rodriguez is relying on the "support" of Congressman Adriano Espaillat and his troops who have been slowly dispatched to "help" his campaign. However, the political war of Rodriguez and Espaillat is one that everyone knows of and Rodriguez should not rely much on Espaillat as he may be led to believe. The truth of the matter is that Espaillat, as one source close to the Congressman said, is looking to 'take out' Rodriguez from the political arena and this is one way. No, not because they truly believe Rodriguez has a shot at the seat but by discrediting his ability to get elected (Rodriguez tried unsuccessfully for City Council Speaker, Manhattan Borough President and more recently, for Public Advocate). He has failed in all his attempts and this race will be no differently.

Lastly, Rodriguez has failed to get the support of any of the Bronx elected officials, particularly those of Dominican descent (Victor Pichardo and Karines Reyes) nor any influential community leaders that can move votes. He has been on the Spanish news outlets lately but many see it as pandering. Let's see if he can mobilize the Dominican community and become the first Dominican member of Congress from the Bronx.

SAMELYS LOPEZ: Samelys recently picked up the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which was the group that helped elect Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (AOC). But this race is nothing like that of AOC, where she went up against a giant (Queens Democratic Party boss) Joe Crowley. Samelys is very bright, prides herself in her district roots and upbringing and has been gaining some traction.

It is the year where more women are running for office and challenging the status quo. Samelys, if she continues running a grassroots campaign, as we have seen in her social media, making it a point that she's not with the party establishment, combined that with some more media, she can pull off an upset. It is surprising she's not highlighting or taking advantage of the fact that she's a woman and this is a great time to send a woman to Congress. She's charismatic and can convince voters easily. If AOC comes out for her, sooner rather than later, we could be looking (or writing) about Congresswoman Samelys Lopez.

MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO: MMV was expected to be the front-runner in this race as it was speculated for some time that she was pursuing this seat, even before current Congressman Jose Serrano announced he was not running for re-election the year. Having served as the last Speaker of the City Council, she had clout.

However, as she became more focused on Puerto Rico, she also became too distant from the district. This is now catching up to her and unfortunately, with little to no traction nor any grassroots support, we shouldn't be surprised if Samelys gains more votes than MMV.

It is worth noting that the Bronx Democratic Party, nor any Bronx elected official for that matter, has come out in support of any candidate. We suspect that it will remain as such given that in the middle of all this, is the father of the Bronx Borough President who would like to be Mayor in 2021. So rather than to upset the Diaz dynasty, folks seems to be what any good soldier does: follow orders.

Ruben Diaz, Jr. For Mayor in 2021

Bronx BP Diaz, possible mayoral contender, does Staten Island homework

Diaz said that the Bronx and the Island have a lot in common.

“We do have that certain kinship,” Diaz said. “We’re two of the smaller boroughs, we always feel like we are the forgotten boroughs.”

And like the Island, the Bronx is looking to re-brand itself, tout its economic development successes and to draw tourists in by highlighting its parks, beaches and cultural attractions.

That “Bronx renaissance” will no doubt be a key part of the campaign platform should Diaz run for mayor.

Seems like Bronx Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda's Speech was BOOOORRRIIINNNNGG for Bronx Colleague

You be the judge of how, ummm, not-so-exciting Assemblyman Luis Sepuvelda's (87th Assembly District) speech seemed to be for his Bronx colleague Victor Pichardo (86th Assembly District).

This was last week (March 25th, 2014) when Assemblyman Sepulveda was speaking in favor of the National Public Vote.

Since Assemblyman Pichardo is the new kid on the block, maybe someone should let him know that the cameras in the Assembly chambers are always running. Let us not forget how he 'won' that September 2013 primary where Bronx Times reporter Bob Kappstatter dubbed him Assemblyman 'Levergate'. Hope this serves as a learning experience for the young Assemblyman.

Check out the video here and look how much fun Pichardo is having at the 40 seconds mark.

Yudelka Tapia Joining Forces with Victor Pichardo?

Victor Pichardo and Yudelka Tapia @ Bronx Centennial KickOff - January 9, 2014
Picture by www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com

Word on the street is that Yudelka Tapia, Female District Leader for the 86th Assembly District in the NW Bronx, is joining her former political rival and eventual winner Victor Pichardo in the upcoming September 2014 primaries as she seeks to keep her District Leader seat.

Yocasta Polanco

One of her potential challengers is Yocasta Polanco, former State Committeewoman under former disgraced Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Polanco has been rallying up troops from Castro's camp, which for better or worse, remain active in community issues. Recently, Congressman Rangel was the guest speaker at the William Jefferson Clinton Democratic Club, which she serves as one of its leaders. Polanco is also part of the team led by Male District Leader Steve Santana and potential candidate for State Senate (33rd District) Manny Tavarez.

When asked about Tapia's decision to join with Assemblyman Pichardo's slate, one of the former candidates for State Assembly stated that "she [Tapia] will do whatever she needs to do to stay as District Leader and/or be elected into office, even if that includes selling her soul to the devil."  A Bronx political operative with knowledge of this scenario stated that "Tapia and Pichardo are talking" and further added that "Tapia knows what's best for her."

We tried reaching out to Hector Ramirez and Haile Rivera, two of the other candidates who ran in last year's Democratic primaries against Pichardo. Ramirez did not respond to our email and Rivera simply stated that "I'm focused in my family and whatever Yudelka decides to do is her decision to live with."

Ramirez has been reaching out to folks in his effort to challenge Pichardo while Rivera has been rumored to be potentially seeking the District Leader. There are also several names floating around for this position (more on that later).

As far as who will County Chairman Carl Heastie support (Tapia or Polanco) remains to be seen but we suspect that they will rather have nothing to do with anyone who is tied to Nelson Castro. On the other hand, Tapia still has that $108,000 fine pending with the New York City Campaign Finance Board for failure to account for $60,000 in matching funds received from her unsuccessful 2009 City Council run. Not sure how Heastie is able to back Tapia with this heavy baggage (we confirmed with the NYCCFB last week that this matter remains pending).

Politics, particularly in the Bronx, is unpredictable and yes, interesting. Stay tuned for more updates on this race!

Benjamin, Michaels, Alvarez & Blake: The 79th Assembly District

Former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin

As every Bronxite political junkie, even novice, know by now, former Assemblyman Eric Stevenson was convicted and immediately removed from his seat in the 79th Assembly District, which covers the Morrisania and East Tremont sections of the Bronx. So yes, another Bronx politician is found guilty of corruption and has earned the title of disgraced and convicted.

George Alvarez for State Assembly Facebook Page

That being said, who will run for the 79th AD (whenever the Governor decides to call an election) which may not happen until September primaries? Numerous respected names have been floated around such as former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, who has recently moved back to the district;    attorney Marsha Michaels (no link found), political consultant George Alvarez and last but not least, Michael Blake, former Obama campaign operative and White House staffer from 2009-2011.

Alvarez, while relatively an unknown in the community, might pull the Latino votes and could be a key player in the outcome of the race. Whoever wants to have a serious opportunity of winning, should be reaching out to Alvares. Although we suspect Bronx Party Boss Carl Heastie will, if he has not done so already, be reaching out and ... 'work it out'.

While all the possible candidates seem to be well-respected and each have its own merits and accomplishments, our bet is on Blake, who will help the Bronx Democratic Party's reputation, especially after the De Blasio and Mark-Viverito's horrendous and embarrassing campaigns. Blake is highly regarded given his on-the-ground work while in the White House. His campaign would also bring some needed fresh air to the residents of the 79th.


Bronx Dem Chair Heastie definitely has his work cut out for him and his District Leaders.

GUSTAVO RIVERA IN HOT, HOT, HOT WATERS

Here at Changing Bronx Politics (CBP), we are not surprised to hear that the so-called 'beloved' State Senator from the NW Bronx, the Honorable Gustavo Rivera, is in hot waters with Bronx County Boss Carl Heastie and the Bronx Dems. 

BRONX DEMOCRATIC PARTY BOSS CARL HEASTIE: The Honorable Gustavo Rivera has had a tendency of going against the Party at every opportunity he gets. When Heastie and Bronx Dems. rallied behind Bill Thompson for Mayor last year, Honorable Rivera supported Christine Quinn, who came in 3rd place in the Bronx and citywide (Bill de Blasio came in first followed by Thompson). 

And as if that was not enough, Honorable Gustavo Rivera decided to 'stick his noses' in the Speaker's race and supported Melissa Mark-Viverito vs the County's pick, Dan Garodnick, who ultimately conceded to Mark-Viverito. Honorable Gustavo Rivera might have scored some brownie points with Mark-Viverito and some of the progressives who supported her candidacy but locally, he burned his bridges with Party Boss and the entire organization. And if Mayor de Blasio has any say, he might not be as nice as Speaker Mark-Viverito was with her foes.

JEFF KLEIN: As if having the Party not-against-you-but-not-with-you is not enough, the Honorable Gustavo Rivera has acted as the 'pitbull' with no mouthguard, 'el alcahuete' of the Senate Democrats, against his colleague State Senator Jeff Klein. The Honorable Gustavo Rivera may think he has more 'cojones' than Klein but he is forgetting who is Jeff Klein and the immense power and clout he has in NYS politics. As they say in his homeland Puerto Rico, Honorable Gustavo Rivera 'esta abombao'. Klein is ready to put his mighty war chest to oust the Honorable Gustavo Rivera.

REV. RUBEN DIAZ, SR.: And let us add the Honorable Gustavo Rivera's latest insult to injury by mocking the heavy accent of another of his colleagues, outspoken Reverend State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. 

JOSE RIVERA: It is no secret that former Bronx Party Chair, known to many as 'El Padrino' of Bronx politics, Jose Rivera (no relation to the Honorable) has very little, if any, interest in keeping the Honorable Gustavo Rivera acting as if he's the Godfather of the NW Bronx. 

FERNANDO CABRERA: We al know that local Councilman Fernando Cabrera is no friend of the Honorable Gustavo Rivera. Both want to have control of the NW Bronx and both see each other as a threat, whether they admit it or not. Cabrera is even rumored to be one of the possible candidates looking to oust the Honorable Gustavo Rivera. Will Party Boss Heastie stay out it in this case? Remains to be seen.

DOMINICANS: The district which the Honorable Gustavo Rivera represents has a high concentration of Dominicans and while he does not like to admit it or has no interest in acknowledging this fact, they do matter. The Honorable Gustavo Rivera relied on former Assemblyman Nelson Castro (see below) to make him appeared Dominica-friendly, the Honorable Gustavo Rivera has very little respect for this group and we believe the feeling is mutual. He takes his Puertorican pride to a level we all know as arrogant. This will come back to haunt him. 

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT: With State Senator Adriano Espaillat's likely challenge against Congressman Charles Rangel, we could safely assume that Senator Espaillat will need, seek and welcome the support of the Honorable Gustavo Rivera, who in turn, also needs Espaillat to again, re-introduce him as Dominican-friendly. In 2012, when Espaillat challenged, and almost won, Congressman Rangel, the Honorable Gustavo Rivera, once again, defied Bronx Party Boss Heastie who were supporting Rangel, and supported Espaillat for Congress. Word on the street was that the Honorable Gustavo Rivera only showed face when the candidate was in the area but the folks doing the hard work were Nelson Castro's team. We can attest that for better or worse, Castro himself was very active and visible in their efforts to elect the first Dominican-American to Congress. The Honorable Gustavo Rivera was, well, around. 

NELSON CASTRO & VICTOR 'LEVERGATE' PICHARDO: Disgraced Assemblymember, who represented the NW section of the Bronx, was Rivera's base. While the Honorable Gustavo Rivera would probably deny it,  it is of no secret that he never had or has a base established in the district he represents. The recent, and questionable, election of his protege Victor "Levergate" Pichardo means nothing since Pichardo is a newbie to Bronx politics and lacks a base as well. 

PEDRO ESPADA: The Honorable Gustavo Rivera may not like to mention his name but we all know that even if a dog ran against the former, and imprisoned Senator, he (dog) would have won. So we urge the Honorable Gustavo Rivera to not think of himself so high and to make sure he knows he walks the same streets we do and lives on the same planet. Or does he? 

It is clear that his days as the Honorable State Senator from the NW Bronx are numbered.  Maybe he should start looking at trying out for American Idol.

Honorable Gustavo Rivera, our best wishes!

Palma Betrayed by Her Own Party? King Left Out; Torres New Bronx Star

So, how did the Bronx Council delegation do with Speaker Mark-Viverito’s committee assignments? Not so good.

First, keep in mind that the Bronx Democratic Party, except freshman Councilmember Ritchie Torres, supported Mark-Viverito-s rival, Dan Garodnick.

The only two Councilmembers who did not get a piece of the pie were Andy King (Co-op City) and Annabel Palma, who also ran for Speaker.

After the assignments, Palma went on the offensive, bashing Speaker Mark-Viverito and called it “politics as usual” and stating “a blind man can see that this is political retribution.” This argument falls short as the Speaker even appointed her strongest rival (Garodnick) Chair of the powerful Economic Development Committee.  Palma further stated that “nothing has changed.” However, many political observers have commented that the new Speaker’s assignments demonstrate strong leadership on the part of Mark-Viverito.

When questioned by reporters about Palma’s comments, Speaker Mark-Viverito simply responded that “unfortunately, that’s the interpretation of our colleague. I respect the position but I differ with it.”

In his weekly appearance on NY 1’s Inside City Hall, political commentator Gerson Borrero said that Palma “was sold out by her own people” and challenged Palma to questioned “the deal” that Bronx Part Dem Chair Carl Heastie brokered with the Arroyo family. South Bronx Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo was selected to Chair the Community Development Committee.

It remains to be seen what political effect this may have on the leadership of Chairman Heastie, whose leadership has been put in question as a result of several recent political scandals in the Bronx.

Andy King, surprisingly, was also excluded from any committee chairmanship. This was a surprise to many since he was not publicly bashing Mark-Viverito during her race.

NW Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera was assigned Chair of Juvenile Justice. This came as a surprise given Cabrera’s opposition to Mark-Viverito’s race for Speaker. Further, minutes after Mark-Viverito’s historic election, Cabrera left a cloud of doubt when asked about Mark-Viverito’s election by Spanish newspaper (El Diario/La Prensa) and stated that “now let’s see if she really does what she said she would do and if the Council is really united under her leadership.” Seems like these comments were irrelevant to Mark-Viverito’s decision to designate Cabrera as Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee.

The real winner in the Bronx is newly-elected Councilmember Ritchie Torres, who defied Chairman Heastie and supported Mark-Viverito early on. He will Chair the Public Housing Committee. Many observers say that Torres represents the future of Bronx politics, with a new era of progressives running for office. 

It remains to be seen how much ‘lulus’ each of the Bronx Councilmembers will receive when they are doled out in the new few months. Each Councilmember can receive from $200,000 to millions, depending of course, on their relationship with the Speaker.

As Assemblyman Jose Rivera, a staunch supporter of Mark-Viverito, wrote in his Facebook page that “If you were one of those who saw this train "Stop" at your local train station while the conductor was saying, "ALL ABOARD!" and did not jump on, don't blame Melissa blame yourself.”

Another Bronx Scumbag On His Way to Federal Prison

Eric Stevenson has proven, yet again, that the Bronx is in desperate need of a leadership change. If you look at a timeline of events, the Bronx has been mass-producing corrupted politicians and someone needs to stop this. Thank the Heavens for US Attorney Preet Brahara.

Check out the column from the NY Times.

Assemblyman From the South Bronx Is Convicted on Bribery and Extortion Charges

By BENJAMIN WEISER, NY Times 

January 13, 2014

Eric Stevenson

Eric A. Stevenson, a New York assemblyman, was convicted on Monday of taking more than $20,000 in bribes in return for helping four businessmen build an adult day care center in his South Bronx district.

A federal jury in Manhattan deliberated for roughly 90 minutes before returning a verdict finding Mr. Stevenson, 47, guilty of charges that included bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and extortion.

The conviction of Mr. Stevenson, a Democrat in his second term, automatically vacates his 79th District Assembly seat, an Assembly spokesman said.

Judge Loretta A. Preska of Federal District Court said Mr. Stevenson would be sentenced on May 20. Prosecutors said he faced a maximum sentence of 20 years on each of two counts and lesser maximums on the others.

After the verdict was delivered, Mr. Stevenson, standing in the courthouse lobby, said: “I want to reserve my thoughts and my feelings. I don’t feel down. We’ll see what the future brings.”

The weeklong trial was the first arising out of an Albany corruption scandal that erupted last April when, on the same day that the office of Preet Bharara, the United States attorney in Manhattan, announced charges against Mr. Stevenson, it also revealed that another Democratic assemblyman, who turned out to be Nelson L. Castro, had resigned his office and was cooperating with the authorities.

That same week, Mr. Bharara announced charges against Malcolm A. Smith, a Democratic state senator accused of trying to bribe his way onto the ballot to run for mayor of New York. He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr. Stevenson “brazenly betrayed the public that elected him,” Mr. Bharara said on Monday. “Graft and greed are intolerable in Albany, and we will go to trial as often as we have to until government in New York is cleaned up.”

Prosecutors have filed papers seeking forfeiture of any pension money related to Mr. Stevenson’s service in the Assembly.

The prosecution’s case rested largely on the testimony of Sigfredo Gonzalez, a Bronx political operative who ran unsuccessfully in 2008 for the 79th District Assembly seat. He began cooperating with the authorities after he was caught trying to bribe Mr. Castro, who was already helping the government.Prosecutors indicated that the most audacious aspect of the scheme was when

Mr. Stevenson agreed to introduce legislation that would place a three-year moratorium on competing centers opening in the city. The measure would have been worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to the businessmen, who have all since pleaded guilty to conspiracy, the prosecutors said.

Mr. Stevenson’s lawyer, Muhammad Ibn Bashir, focused his attack on Mr. Gonzalez and his questionable past, which included admissions that Mr. Gonzalez had pleaded guilty to crimes including participating in an insurance scheme and lying to government.

“Just look at him. Look at his history,” Mr. Bashir said in his summation, adding, “He has never respected the boundaries of the law.”

But the prosecutors, Paul M. Krieger and Brian A. Jacobs, said Mr. Gonzalez’s testimony was corroborated by video and audio recordings made secretly of his conversations with Mr. Stevenson, which were played at trial, in which testimony began last Tuesday.

Mr. Stevenson could be heard on the recordings using code words to discuss money, expressing concern at being found out and even making threats against those who might seek to expose him, prosecutors said.

In meetings about a year ago, Mr. Stevenson asked Mr. Gonzalez whether the businessmen were “putting together a nice little package for me.” He also told Mr. Gonzalez, “I want a blessing in place, man.”

At one point, he cautioned Mr. Gonzalez, “Be careful of no mistakes, man, those recorders and all those things, man.” And: “Make no paper trail or nothing.”

“Are these the words of an assemblyman just doing his job?” Mr. Krieger argued during his summation. “Absolutely not,” he continued. “Stevenson was doing everything he could to cover up his paper trail, to cover up his relationship with the businessmen.”

En El Bronx Todos Se Preguntan: Donde Estuvo Adriano Espaillat?

Adriano Espaillat recientemente anunció su intención de disputar el escaño al veterano Charles Rangel y convertirse en el primer legislador federal de origen dominicano. 

La pregunta para el Senador Espaillat es la siguiente: QUE HA HECHO PARA GANAR LA CONFIANZA DE AQUELLOS QUE VIVIMOS EN EL DISTRITO CONGRESIONAL QUE ASPIRA REPRESENTAR PARA QUE NOSOTROS VOTEMOS POR USTED? 

Para nadie es un secreto que el Senador Epaillat solo ayuda a su anillo y nada mas (ojo: su equipo es muy trabajador y de nuestra admiración) pero para Espaillat, lo único que es importante para el es ADRIANO ESPAILLAT.

Ahora quiere que el Bronx le apoye y no podemos aplaudir una sola acción que sea merecedora de nuestro (la comunidad Dominicana del Bronx) apoyo.

Cuando el Dominicano Carlos Sierra se postulo para Concejal en el 2009 contra la entonces incumbente de origen afro-americana Helen Foster, donde estuvo Adriano Espaillat?

Cuando en el 2010 el también Dominicano Hector Ramirez se postulo contra el ahora ex-Asambleísta Nelson Castro, donde estuvo Adriano Espaillat?

Cuando mas reciente, en las primarias Demócratas del 10 de septiembre, se postularon varios reconocidos candidatos para el escaño de Castro, entre ellos Yudelka Tapia, Haile Rivera y el propio Hector Ramirez, donde estuvo Adriano Espaillat?

Cuando también en las pasadas primarias del Partido Demócrata, habían varios candidatos de origen Dominicano, como Manuel Lantigua, a Concejal por el Distrito 7, donde estuvo Adriano Espaillat? En este caso, Espaillat fue quien estuvo detrás del ganador, el judío Mark Levine. 

Ahora Espaillat (y sus seguidores) dicen que debemos de apoyarlo para "hacer historia," por que "nos toca" y "tener uno de los nuestros" en el Congreso. nuestra pregunta: por que Adriano Espaillat no trato de ayudar (de una u otra manera) aquellos Dominicanos que han tratado de ser Concejales y/o Asambleístas? Por que todos sabemos que a el solo le concierne a ADRIANO ESPAILLAT. 

Por este egoísmo no llegara a retirarse de la política/servicio publico de manera honrada. Es cuestión de tiempo que alguien con capacidad y apoyo diga "Espaillat, eh pa' fuera que va" por que como dice el dicho "no hay mal que dure 100 años" y en este caso, los días de espaillat están contados.

En llamadas a varias de las personas que mencionamos en esta nota, no hubo uno en confirmar su apoyo a la candidatura de Espaillat para el Congreso. Tampoco descartaron apoyarlo, si como dijo uno de los entrevistados "el le da la importancia que amerita". Otros confirmaron que aunque quizás no respalden a Espaillat, tampoco ayudarían al incumbente y legendario Congresista Charlie Rangel. En el caso de uno de los candidatos que aspiraron por el distrito 86 (donde gano el supuesto y desconocido Dominicano Victor Pichardo), la respuesta era "y que hizo Adriano por mi para apoyarlo a el? Ya con eso te dije mi respuesta." Pero si todos los entrevistados acordaron en desearle "buena suerte" para Adriano Espaillat.

También indagamos a personas cercanas al Partido Demócrata del Bronx y nos indicaron que según sus opiniones, el Partido Demócrata respaldaría nuevamente a la re-elección del Congresista Rangel.

En el 2012, cuando Espaillat se postulo en contra de Rangel por primera vez, el contó con el apoyo del entonces-Asambleísta Dominicano Nelson Castro, el Senador Estatal de origen puertorriqueño (Jose) Gustavo Rivera y la Lider Distrtital, Yudelka Tapia, tambien de origen Dominicana. Gracias a esta coalicion de apoyo, Espaillat logro ganarle a Rangel en el Bronx por 233 votos Esta por verse si estas personas estarán de nuevo con Espaillat en el 2014. 

Para culminar, 'Changing Bronx Politics' (Cambiando la Política del Bronx) decidio escribir sobre este tema por que el distrito para que aspira el Senador Espaillat esta compuesta por 30% del Bronx. 

Sin duda, el 2014 sera un año muy interesante para la política del Bronx, y en este caso, para los Dominicanos que residen aquí. 

Feliz Año Nuevo!

CBP 

Concejal Mantiene Juego con Dios y con el Diablo

El Concejal Dominico-Boricua Fernando Cabrera 

Continua Jugando con Dios y con el Diablo

El Bronx -- Las acusaciones de posible soborno contra el Concejal y Reverendo Fernando Cabrera esta 'como papa caliente' en el Bronx y en las conversaciones politicas. Cabrera, quien representa la parte Noroeste del Bronx en el Concejo Municipal, ahora cambia, de nuevo, su posicion en cuanto al proyecto de convertor el Kingsbridge Armory al Centro Nacional de Patinaje. 

Aquí una cronología de la posición del Concejal Cabrera en torno al proyecto del Kingsbridge Armory:

Primero, es el único de todos los oficiales electos que cuando anunciaron su apoyo para la construcción de un proyecto de convertir el Armory al Centro Nacional de Patinaje, estuvo aislado.

Luego, cuando vino el Alcalde Bloomberg para una firma de acuerdo, acto realizado adentro del Armory, el Concejal Cabrera estuvo allí muy sonriente ante las cámaras.

Después, surge las acusaciones que este estuvo detrás de un plan macabro para obtener una suma de $9.9 millones del grupo de inversionistas que están apoyando al proyecto, para que el pueda darle su respaldo. Claro esta, la simple intención de querer sobornar a los inversionistas es un crimen federal. Aun existe la posibilidad que el Fiscal, ya sea del Bronx o del Estado de Nueva York, puedan darle seguimiento. 

Cabrera entonces dice que no es verdad y que le preocupa el trafico de vehículos/entaponamientos en la zona para os residentes ya que como esta, los estacionamientos están muy escazos y por lo tanto, no apoya al proyecto.

El 21 de Noviembre, Cabrera cambia de posición, de nuevo. En la Junta del Condado del Bronx, la cual es presidida por el Presidente del Bronx, Ruben Diaz, Jr., Cabrera apoya el proyecto. 

El Presidente Diaz, Jr. estuvó contento pues pensó que ya Cabrera estaba respaldando el proyecto. 

Sorpresa que se llevo Diaz, Jr. cuando el pasado jueves 5 del presente, Cabrera lo enfrenta (a Diaz, Jr.) en una audiencia realizada por el Sub-Comité del Uso de Tierra del Concejo Municipal. Cabrera incluso ataco a los activistas comunitarios que se unieron al proyecto y concluyo exhortandole a sus colegas en el Consejo a no aprobar el proyecto de patinaje. 

Nadie sabe que decisión tomaría el Concejal Cabrera el día de mañana pero si de algo se esta seguro es que su futuro político desde ya esta en peligro de extinción. Los comentarios entre los políticos del Bronx es que "ya la maquinaria esta buscando a quien apoyar para que se postule contra un traicionero" en las elecciones municipales del 2017. Aun es muy temprano para decir quien seria pero entre los que mas suenan están los activistas Yudelka Tapia y Hector Ramirez, ambos que ya se han postulados en reiteradas ocasiones a varias posiciones pero no han podido lograrlo. También suele a sonar Steve Santana, actual Líder Distrital, quien era y se mantiene como la mano derecha del ex-Asambleísta Nelson Castro. Claro esta, el Partido Demócrata del Bronx y el Presidente del Condado Ruben Diaz, Jr serán los que decidirán quien seria el contrincante con mejores posibilidades de enfrentar al Concejal Cabrera en el 2017.

En el 2014, se realizaran las elecciones Congresionales y como ya se ha publicado, el Senador Estatal del Alto Manhattan buscara de nuevo este escaño con el propósito de convertirse en el primer Congresista de origen Dominicano electo en la historia de los EEUU. Dichas elecciones se llevaran a cabo en Junio 2014, y el papel del Cabrera en esa contienda estaría por verse. En el 2012, cuando Espaillat se postuló para ese escaño en contra del actual Congresista Charlie Rangel, Cabrera le dio una 'galleta sin mano' a la candidatura de Espaillat ya que se esperaba que Cabrera respaldaría a quien le confirmo su Dominicanidad. Pero no fue así. Cabrera, y ya vemos que para este es una rutina, de ultimo minuto, respaldó a Rangel.

Según nos informan, el Senador Estatal Gustavo Rivera, quien si respaldo a Espaillat en el 2012, pueda que no este de su lado en esta ocasión pues de hacerlo, corre el peligro que el Partido Demócrata y el Presidente Ruben Diaz, Jr. no respalden su re-elección en Septiembre, cuando es muy probable que este (Gustavo Rivera) tenga un contrincante 'de peso fuerte'. 

Así que aun esta por verse que sucederá con el Concejal Y PASTOR Cabrera pero claro esta, sabemos que no puede seguir con Dios y con el Diablo! 

Another Bronx Elected Official ALLEGEDLY Caught in POSSIBLE Corruption Scandal

Bronx Councilman ALLEGEDLY Asks $9.9M 

for Support of the Kingsbridge Armory Developer

New drama for Kingsbridge Armory

In yet another twist in the quest to redevelop Kingsbridge Armory, the local City Councilman is reportedly withholding his support months after a failed attempt to extract a massive donation package for his personal charity.

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Cabrera Holding Out On Armory

Four sources, including two directly involved with CBA negotiations between the developer and 27 community organizations represented by the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance, said that after the deal was agreed upon, Cabrera tried to get KNIC to funnel $100,000 annually for the next 99 years to Community Action Unlimited, an organization he controls.

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'Fiercely Independent Democrat' Sepulveda Wins - Heastie Looses - with de Blasio Victory

de Blasio Bronx Campaign Headquarters with wife on board.
Photo courtesy of 100percentbronx.blogspot.com

Bronx, New York --- On July 18th, Bill de Blasio, who was trailing in every poll in the Democratic Mayoral race, officially set up shop here in the Bronx. Campaign headquarters was located at 1512 Castle Hill Avenue, also the home of the Roselyn Johnson Democratic Club of the 87th Assembly District. As you may know, the 87th Assembly District is represented by the 'fiercely independent' Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, who was also the first elected, and of the very few, Bronx elected officials to not fall in line with the Bronx Democratic Party and endorsed de Blasio early (April 21st, 2013 to be exact).

To many, including some of us here at CBP, it was a surprise that Bill Thompson, the candidate of the Bronx Dems., lost in pretty much every Assembly District, including in the AD that is represented by the Chair of the Bronx Dems. Honorable Carl Heastie, where Thompson lost by 1,068 votes. No doubt this was an embarrassment for Heastie and the Bronx Democratic Party. This is not the first time they rally behind a loosing candidate. 

We must congratulate the Bronx Dems. for getting behind Letitia James for Public Advocate and Scott Stringer for Comptroller (both won the Democratic primaries). 

Over in the NW Bronx, State Senator Gustavo Rivera (surprisingly) endorsed Christine Quinn for Mayor. We say surprisingly because if he was as smart as he sometimes professes, he would have known that Quinn never stood a chance of winning, in the Bronx or citywide. In his district, she came a very distant 3rd. This is definitely not a good sign of Senator Rivera's 'leadership" and one wonders if the fact that he no longer has former and now-disgraced Assemblyman Nelson Castro by his side reflects the Senator's real lack of leadership in his district. We will have to wait and see as his re-election nears in 2014.

Assemblyman Sepulveda Endorses de Blasio for Mayor (April 21, 2013)
Photo credit: 100percentbronx.blogspot.com

The winner here is Honorable Luis Sepulveda. He jumped on board with de Blasio very early and while many, including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Heastie and State Senator Gustavo Rivera (more on him below) tried in vain to change his mind, Sepulveda stuck to his guns and again, demonstrated why he has consider himself a 'fiercely independent Democrat'. Of course, once Thompson was out, Heastie and the Bronx Dems. jumped on the de Blasio victory train. 

Congrats to Sepulveda who lest we not forget might be next in line to be the Bronx Democratic Chair (definitely earned brownie points with the soon-to-be Mayor).