Presidential Race: Bronx Residents Head to the Polls

By DAVID CRUZ

With the presidential race, one of the more hotly contested presidential races in recent memory, upon us, the Norwood News is sending out a friendly reminder to vote. If you don’t know where to vote, here are some helpful resources: To get to know the positions of each of the presidential candidates, go to ontheissues.org. Or click here. For those who don’t know where to vote, check out this link courtesy of the New York City Board of Elections, which will look up your polling site for you. Hint: if you know your Assembly or Congressional district by memory, you can skip the long lines and

By DAVID GREENE

Ahead of the Nov. 8 General Election, we asked readers their thoughts on the recent debate and the 2016 Presidential election. I don’t like Donald Trump, and I’m confused because I don’t know who’s doing right. They’re confusing me; it seems like they’re both dishonest. I’ve never seen an election like this, it’s crazy. I’m concerned about talk of more war and talk of implanting a chip in people that can be scanned; I don’t agree with that. Maybe I’ll vote for Hillary, I don’t know. I would only vote for her because I don’t like him. Trying to send

A producer with BronxNet, commonly seen working the phones behind the scenes, is once again stepping in front of the camera to produce a show for the Latino community. Nosotros, a new program celebrating the contributions, culture and legacy of the Latino community in the United States, particularly the Bronx, is debuting on BronxNet in October. The program features intimate profiles of amazing people, highlighting their life, struggle and success in the community. The focus will be on distinguished leaders and famous personalities as well as unsung heroes. Nosotros is televised on BronxNet Ch. 67-Optimum and Ch. 33-FiOS, Tuesdays at

By JALEESA BAULKMAN

Stories telling of the exponential growth of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) under the leadership of Donald Bluestone will no longer be the only way to remember the executive director after he retires in 2017. On Oct. 20, board members unveiled the renaming of a central point of one of MMCC’s campgrounds in upstate after Bluestone, sealing Bluestone’s enduring legacy that saw the neighborhood center impact the lives of thousands of young Bronx residents. “We decided that the best way to honor Donald was the camp,” longtime MMCC board member Natly Esnard said at a dinner honoring Bluestone. The

Hello Fellow Readers! The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering Norwood and its surrounding Bronx communities, is out with plenty of community news you can use. There’s plenty of news in this 16-page packed paper, so let’s get to it. We begin with a story on the internal politics happening at the local Community Board 7, which covers the Norwood section. Read about members extending the probationary period of its district manager, and learn what may have really triggered this animosity. Inside the cover, we look into the impact the NYPD fatal shooting of Deborah Danner of Castle Hill

By DANIELA BEASLEY

It was the kind of crucible Andrew Sandler thought he passed, only by the end of the night he realized he had more to go. Eight months after Sandler, Community Board 7’s District Manager, was hired, members voted on Oct. 18 to extend his probationary period into February 2017, continuing the fractious relations members have had with the rotation of its district managers in the last four years. Prior to the vote at the community board meeting, several people defended Sandler, criticizing the board’s experience with Sandler’s predecessors. Since 2013, CB7, which covers Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge Heights, Fordham, and

With recent NYPD crime statistics showing September as the safest month since the Police Department began tracking violent crime trends, we asked readers if they believe that. No. I think it’s the same as it’s always been. I see a lot of crime and it’s not safe. I don’t know if the police are under reporting crime, but I know these streets are still dangerous. Sylvia Soriano Morris Heights I’d agree with that; I don’t really hear anything going on around here. I think it’s mixed, but I don’t think crime is drastically down like that. Do they say what

Tenant Assistance The Office of Senator Gustavo Rivera offers assistance on tenant-related issues every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment at 2432 Grand Concourse. For more information or to make an appointment, call (718) 933-2034. Halloween at Gracie Mansion Free tickets for a Spooky Halloween at Gracie Mansion on Oct. 28 and 29 are available now through Oct. 17. To reserve a spot, go to www.nyc.gov/GracieHalloween or call 311. Donate Used Coats The Office of Councilman Andy King is accepting winter coats for the less fortunate, starting Oct. 31. Donate new or gently used, clean coats to 940 E. Gun

By ANDREW COHEN

Participatory Budgeting introduces the public to the City budget process and gives them a direct say in how millions of tax dollars are spent in our communities every year. This grassroots, people-powered initiative not only increases civic engagement, it connects individuals to their neighbors and encourages them to learn how local government plays an important role in our daily lives. Yes, Participatory Budgeting has its flaws. It is labor intensive for Council Members’ staff; volunteers don’t necessarily have the time necessary to devote; and it is challenging for community members to learn the complexity of the City budget. However, Participatory