City Council members who are gearing up for fall elections candidates are flexing their fund-raising muscles, according to campaign finance reports submitted on May 15.
In District 14, which covers University Heights, there are several strong contenders hoping to unseat Maria Baez, who is considered one of the most vulnerable Council members in the city. Baez has faced media scrutiny over her abysmal attendance record and her sky-high cell phone bills that reached $17,765 in 2007. She has raised $24,835 and has spent $16,788, mostly on rent and a $1,700 Verizon Wireless bill.
Yudelka Tapia, a city auditor who has been involved in politics since 1994 when she founded the Great Alliance Democratic Club, has raised the most at $30,203. Fernando Cabrera, founder and pastor of New Life Outreach International Church, has raised $26,764. The youngest candidate, Yorman Nunez, community activist and member of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, has raised $17,218. Yesenia Polanco, former chief of staff to Annabel Palma, has raised the least in the district at $11,868.
It’s not clear how much former state senator Israel Ruiz has raised since campaign reports list the funds at $44,725, but detailed receipts only list $2,725 of contributions.
In District 11, two candidates will be challenging Councilman Oliver Koppell. Ari Hoffnung, has raised $81,816 and Anthony Cassino, former chairman of Community Board 8, has raised $93,549, though Koppell has still raised more at $105,558. Koppell has already spent $54,031, which includes over $8,000 in political contributions to other office seekers.
In District 15, there is currently only one candidate challenging Councilman Joel Rivera, who has raised $15,914, and has only spent $568. The lone challenger is Jose Padilla, who has raised a paltry $480 and spent $337.
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