Sports Agent Tavarez Challenges Rivera in 33rd Senate District; Still Hasn’t Filed Campaign Finances

With his high cheekbones, wide smile and tan skin, Manny Tavarez looks every part a professional baseball player. Although injuries ended his playing career in the Dominican Republic, baseball remains an integral part of Tavarez’s life, even now that he is running for the state senate, making sure to pass out baseballs at nearly every campaign event he attends.

Bronx Notes: UNHP Fundraiser at Bronx Ale House

The University Neighborhood Housing Program, a local nonprofit think tank and multi-service provider, is holding a fundraiser tonight at the Bronx Ale House. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a commemorative pint glass, a free drink, and food. We will also be raffling off some great prizes including Yankee tickets and a Bronx Ale House beer basket.

78th Assembly District Underdog: Ricky Martinez

Ricardo Martinez is a true underdog.The longtime Bedford Park resident is running for office in the 78th Assembly District (Bedford Park, Fordham, Crotona) against a living legend in Jose Rivera, the well-known patresfamilias of a Bronx political dynasty. He has no campaign money to speak of. And he’s battling bone cancer.

Bronx Notes: Flag Football Program

The New York City Christian Athletic League, based in the northwest Bronx, is accepting registration forms for the upcoming fall season for those ages 12 to 18. The league starts Sept. 15 and will run for 10 weeks. All games will be played on Saturday mornings at Harris Field. The fee for all players is $25. For more information or to fill out a registration form, visit nyccl.org or e-mail nyccal@aol.com.

5 Observations From 80th AD Debate Last Night (Plus Video of Actual Debate)

The candidates for the 80th Assembly District — minus incumbent Naomi Rivera (more on that in a minute) — debated last night on Bronxnet. Here are five quick observations from the action between the candidates who did show up: Irene Estrada-Rukaj, Mark Gjonaj and Adam Bermudez.

Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 10 (Primary Edition)

Welcome back to a long overdue edition of the Bronx News Roundup. Lots of Bronx news to get to, but today we’re focused on politics leading up to Thursday’s primary. On with the show!

80th Assembly Underdogs: Adam Bermudez

The youngest candidate in a crowded field for the 80th Assembly District primary, Adam Bermudez, 29, worked as a reporter for the Bronx Times and as a freelance public affairs consultant for other campaigns before deciding to run for office himself.

80th Assembly District Underdogs: Irene Estrada-Rukaj

Irene Estrada-Rukaj, an ordained minister and community activist, is challenging incumbent Naomi Rivera to represent the 80th Assembly District in Albany. Estrada-Rukaj is one of four candidates whose names are appearing on the ballot on Primary Day, Sept. 13.

80th Assembly District Candidates Debate Tonight on BronxTalk

Three of the four candidates who are vying for the opportunity to represent the 80th Assembly District (parts of Norwood, Allerton, Morris Park, Pelham Gardens) will be debating live tonight on Bronxnet’s BronxTalk show with host Gary Axelbank.