City Comptroller Candidate, Zach Iscol, Supports Bill Aimed at Sex Trafficking Prevention

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Candidate for New York City Comptroller, Zach Iscol, voiced his support, on Tuesday, April 6, for the passage of New York State Senate Bill S6040, the Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act. Among other things, the bill would decriminalize people in prostitution, mandate that they receive access to necessary social services, strengthen laws against sex trafficking, and advance criminal justice reform. This approach is known in some circles as partial decriminalization of the sex trade or the equality model. Advocates for the model say it is a survivor-centered approach, where the focus is on harm reduction and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

With the results of the March 23, District 15 (and District 11) City Council special election still not yet known, and as candidates gear up for the June City Council primaries, District 15 candidate, Elisa Crespo, announced on Tuesday, April 6, that she will not be running in June. Crespo issued a statement on Twitter announcing her decision but did not give any specific reason for not running again. As reported by Norwood News, Crespo, an education liaison to the Bronx borough president whose candidacy we previously profiled, won 15.08 percent of the vote in the special election, based

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ

Passover, which started on the evening of March 27, is one of the most meaningful times of year for Jewish people throughout the world. The holiday, which will conclude on Sunday night, April 4, combines what is important for families with what is important for Jews as a distinct people. The holiday, in a more modern context, links Jews to struggles for liberation and freedom in our country and throughout the world. On a very personal level, Passover is a time for my family and other families to get together for very special Seder meals that are very rich

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of the unidentified man seen in the attached photo and video, who is sought in connection with an assault that occurred in the 46th precinct, close to the border of University Heights. It was reported to police that on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11.45 a.m., in front of 4 East Burnside Avenue, in Mount Hope, the victim, a 61-year-old man, was approached by the suspect who punched him in the face. The victim was knocked to the ground and was rendered unconscious. EMS responded, and

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Caring for a child with special needs requires a lot of attention. Add a second child and the work multiplies. Add living on the third floor of a building with a broken elevator, inside an apartment with a roach and rodent infestation, and it is enough to drive a tenant to protest her living conditions. These are the conditions Daisy Reyes faces on a daily basis. Reyes, mother of a two-year-old and a 12-year-old who uses a wheelchair, was one of about a half dozen tenants who took to the street on Saturday, March 20, in front of

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers for their thoughts on the recent District 11 and District 15 City Council special elections which took place on March 23, and the use of the new Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system. “I didn’t know about the special election and now, it’s too late. I wish I would have known because I would have voted in this City Council race. I just thank God that the coronavirus in New York is getting better. I heard about Ranked Choice Voting and I think it’s better to have more choices today.” Delphine Sanders, Norwood “Ranked

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The 504 Democratic Club (504) is one of three, city-wide clubs, and the nation’s first and largest to advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities. On Monday, March 29, club representatives said its membership intends to endorse candidates in as many 2021 New York City political races as is practicable, and proceeded to announce the club’s first slate of endorsements for a number of races across the city. In the Bronx, the club endorsed Vanessa L. Gibson, who currently represents the 16th City Council district, for the position of Bronx borough president. Mike Schweinsburg, who is president

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced his endorsement of City Council Speaker, Corey Johnson, as the City’s next comptroller on Monday, March 29, during a campaign stop on Arthur Avenue in the Little Italy section of the Bronx. The announcement marked the first by the borough president in a competitive 2021 citywide race. After the formalities, Johnson and Diaz Jr. spent time along The Bronx’s iconic Arthur Avenue hub, greeting voters and speaking to local business owners. Diaz Jr. said the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the residents of The Bronx, and that the people are going to need experienced

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Following the release on Tuesday night of the initial, unofficial results of the District 11 City Council special election which took place on March 23, by the New York City Board of Elections, candidate, lawyer and chair of Bronx Community Board 8 Traffic & Transportation committee, Dan Padernacht, released the following statement to his supporters. “I am writing to thank you for your time, dedication and support in our campaign. Words cannot express the appreciation I feel for each of you who have helped in so many different ways,” Padernacht wrote. “While the initial results from the Special Election

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Politics

City Comptroller Candidate, Zach Iscol, Supports Bill Aimed at Sex Trafficking Prevention

Update: District 15 City Council June Primary Race: Elisa Crespo Drops Out

Op-Ed: Passover, An Extremely Meaningful Time of Year

61-Year-Old Man Assaulted on Burnside Avenue Treated at St. Barnabas Hospital

Update: “Rally for Repairs and Respect” at 2770-2780 Kingsbridge Terrace

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Recent District 11 and District 15 Special Elections

Democratic Club Advocating for People with Disabilities Announces Slew of Endorsements

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Endorses NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson for City Comptroller

District 11 City Council Special Election: Dan Padernacht Releases Post Election Statement