Northwest Bronx Dems Support TWO candidates for 13th CD Race

The political club Northwest Bronx Democrats have now thrown their support for state Senator Adriano Espaillat and Yolanda Garcia, a community activist, in the race for the 13th Congressional District. The latest news puts the incumbent, Congressman Charles Rangel, further away from winning the Bronx, which comprises 20% of his overall district. But Anthony Rivieccio, president of the Northwest Bronx Democrats, emphasized the support is not an endorsement. “We decided as a group that we want to do whatever we can to make sure Charlie Rangel does not win,” said Rivieccio. “Do we believe Adriano Espaillat will be a very

By David Cruz Election 2014 is still in the early stages, and with an unusual year in politics shaping in the Bronx, the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democrats held off on an early endorsement for candidates in the 13th Congressional District held by longtime incumbent, Congressman Charles Rangel. Members voted unanimously to postpone their endorsement during their Feb. 24 gathering shortly after Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, whose district falls within the political club, spoke in favor of delaying the vote.

BP Diaz Jr. Touts Accomplishments, Further Visions in State of the Borough

by David Cruz Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. continued his promotional campaign of transforming the Bronx, touting some critical projects and offering his take on city policies during his State of the Borough Address. The tone was virtually optimistic, though issues of nagging unemployment and the influx of supportive housing remained untouched.

Hot Political Races Brew in the Bronx

By DAVID CRUZ Higher political aspirations are brewing these days, as several Bronx incumbents jockey to unseat their fellow incumbents within the Bronx political sphere, a rare development in the Bronx. This season could also pit the rest of the delegation against one another when the time for endorsements comes. While ambitious legislators have yet to fully flesh out their political ambitions, several warning shots can be heard in the distance, signaling open season for election 2014.

Who’s Gained and Lost in the New Progressive Council Despite the Bronx political machine delaying their support of one of their own, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito (D-8th CD) still extended a hand of solidarity to several of her fellow Bronx political brethren by offering key roles in the City Council while leaving some in the lurch. We broke down a list of the borough’s political haves and have-nots: WHO REALLY GAINED Ritchie Torres: Councilman Ritchie Torres (D-15th CD) has gained the most, thanks to his early support of Viverito. He’s the only freshman council member to be included

Bronx Reacts to Stop-and-Frisk Settlement

by David Cruz Mayor Bill de Blasio promised, and now he’s delivered. In what was a major campaign pledge during de Blasio’s road to Gracie Mansion, the city will now settle two class-action lawsuits over the constitutionality of stop-and-frisk, a decision that sends ripples through a public that grew distant from the police. The controversial practice had for years eroded relationships between police and minority communities, with Bronxites claiming it was an intentional form of racial profiling. The lawsuits— Floyd v. City of New York and Ligon v. City of New York—

Editor’s Note: The Norwood News publishes a section in the paper dubbed “In The Public Interest.” It features noteworthy news items that can make for a better informed public. Below is what we featured in the Norwood News. Bronx Celebrates Centennial For 2014, the Bronx will examine its past, present and future with the Bronx Centennial, reflecting on the 100 years the Boogie Down became known as Bronx County. In celebration of the borough’s first 100 years, a year-round centennial celebration will be held, with the

Assemblyman Eric Stevenson Found Guilty

by David Cruz In a unanimous decision Assemblyman Eric Stevenson (D-79th A.D.) was found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for drafting legislation that would have benefitted owners of two senior day care centers throughout the west Bronx. “As a unanimous jury swiftly found, Assemblyman Stevenson brazenly betrayed the public that elected him,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “Graft and greed are intolerable in Albany, and we will go to trial as often as we have to until gronment in New York is cleaned up.”

Andy Cohen Sworn in as Councilman for 11th District

by David Cruz With his wife and energetic child by his side, Andy Cohen took the oath of office as the next Councilman for the 11th Council District, succeeding term-limited Oliver Koppell. Well-wishers, community leaders and nearly the entire Bronx Democratic Caucus were on hand to witness Cohen sworn to office by friend and former colleague Bronx Supreme Court Justice Justice Edgar Walker. “The campaigning is over, the rhetoric is over, no more campaign promises—it’s time for the real work to begin,” said Cohen, delivering remarks from a prepared speech in a nervously quick yet emotional tone.