Politics

Op-Ed: Why You Shouldn’t Just Vote In the Presidential Election

By MARGARET GROARKE
  Presidential elections are important. But your vote also matters, probably even MORE so, in local elections. In New York City elections, we choose the people who will be in charge of many of the things that affect our daily lives. If you care about the quality of local schools, the way NYPD polices your community, the state of the parks, how safe it is to walk, drive or bike on our streets, those are all issues that are dealt with by the mayor and the City Council.    So, why did five times as many people vote in the


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District 11 June Primary Race: Abigail Martin Endorsed by NYC Kids PAC for City Council

By DAVID GREENE
City Council candidate in the District 11 Democratic June primary race, Abigail Martin, announced on Tuesday, Feb. 23, that she has received the endorsement of NYC Kids PAC, the only parent-led political action committee focused on NYC public schools.   NYC Kids PAC opposes the privatization of public schools, and advocates for the elimination of high-stakes testing and the reduction of class size and school overcrowding, among other issues. The organization advances its goals by supporting candidates for office who have demonstrated a commitment to improving New York City’s public schools.   Martin’s campaign said she is a parent of


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District 11 City Council Race: Eric Dinowitz Receives Support of Additional Trade Unions

By SÍLE MOLONEY
On Thursday, Feb. 18, it was announced that Eric Dinowitz, teacher and Democratic male district leader for the 81st Assembly District, who is running for City Council in the 11th District, for which a special election is being held in March, is building on his existing coalition of support, and has received additional trade union endorsements from 32BJ SEIU, DC37, and the Hotel Trades Council (HTC).   32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country, and represents over 175,000 members across the northeast and Florida – including a critical mass in New York City. DC37 is


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District 11 City Council Race: Melissa Mark Viverito Endorses Jessica Haller

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former New York City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, announced her endorsement, on Monday, Feb. 22, of Jessica Haller, City Council candidate in the 11th District special election, which will be held on Tuesday, March 23.   “Jessica has the skills to lead our City toward a more just and equitable future, and help ensure that all women – including mothers, women of color, and LGBTQ womxn – have a passionate advocate representing their needs on the NYC City Council,” she said. “I strongly urge voters to reject the machine politics, and rank Jessica #1 on their ballot on March 23rd.”


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Update: Elections 2021 – Kevin Pazmino on Community, the Economy & Policing

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Freelance filmmaker, business owner, and father, Kevin Pazmino describes himself as someone who has worked hard, evolved, and taken some chances to get to where he’s at right now, in life. He acknowledges having availed of government programs which have facilitated his career progression, yet he is opposed to big government. A supporter of former President Donald Trump, he is the latest candidate to join the District 11 City Council race to fill the seat vacated on Dec. 31 by former City Councilman, Andrew Cohen, and his platform is based around community-based solutions, and community integration.   “The thing


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Update: In District 15 City Council Race, Samelys López Endorses Elisa Crespo

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Elisa Crespo, education liaison at the Bronx borough president’s office and candidate for City Council in the 15th District race, for which a special election has been called on March 23, has been endorsed by Samelys López, Bronx community organizer and former Congressional candidate. López, who was profiled last year by the Norwood News, won around 14 percent of the final vote in a crowded 15th congressional district primary race in June 2020 which was ultimately won by then Councilman, and now Congressman, Ritchie Torres, who went on to win the general election in November.   López announced her endorsement of


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Commissioner Mostofi Welcomes Introduction of New Citizenship Act, Warns of Potential Scams

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bitta Mostofi, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, issued a statement, on Feb. 18, in response to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) unveiling the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.   The bill would create a pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants, most of whom have been long-standing, essential members of various U.S. communities. The bill also places a strong emphasis on the integration of immigrants by increasing access to citizenship, strengthening labor protections, addressing naturalization and other backlogs, expanding access to legal counsel, providing grants for legal services, expanding caps


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Update: In District 15 City Council Race, Congressman Adriano Espaillat Endorses Oswald Feliz

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY13), the nation’s first Dominican American elected to Congress, announced on Feb. 18, his endorsement of Oswald Feliz in the upcoming City Council special election for the 15th District in the Bronx. Feliz, a tenant lawyer and Hostos Community College adjunct professor, previously profiled by the Norwood News, served as a campaign aide to Espaillat in the past. Feliz has also received the endorsement of Bronx Assemblyman Victor Pichardo and the Northwest Bronx Democrats.   Espaillat described Feliz as someone who has spent his life in the Bronx, and deeply understands the challenges local families face. “He understands the


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Update: Gibson Honored by Crain’s New York Business, Gets Backing of Torres, Vacca in BP Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, representing the City’s 16th District, has been honored by Crain’s New York Business 2021 as a Notable Black Leader and Executive. The list spotlights Black men and women who have affected the city with professional, communal and philanthropic achievements, particularly in matters of diversity and inclusion. Gibson congratulated her fellow honorees, said she was blessed to be recognized during Black History Month, and that she stood on the shoulders of the pioneers and trailblazers who started the work before her.   As reported previously by the Norwood News, Gibson is currently one of six candidates running for


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