Politics

Bronx News Roundup: Nelson Castro, the Ghost from the Machine

If you haven’t done so already and you’re interested in Bronx politics, you need to read this article, written by Steve Fishman and published in New York Magazine two weeks ago, about former Bronx Assemblyman Nelson Castro. It delves into the beginning of Castro’s political career, how he got busted for perjury and how nobody in politics wants to talk to him. Compelling read that offers insight into the often shadowy world of the borough’s political scene. We urge you to read the whole thing, but in the meantime, here are some of the highlights:

Inside Albany: The Search for Jeff Klein

With the Assembly dominated by Democrats and Speaker Sheldon Silver, all eyes are on the Senate, which is controlled by an unprecedented coalition of Republicans and four independent Democrats, led by Bronxite Jeff Klein, who is nowhere to be found.

Community Board 7 Braces for Big Changes at the Top

Last week, on a dark stormy Tuesday evening, change was afoot at Community Board 7. By the end of the board’s final meeting before the summer hiatus, members elected a new chairman for the first time in four years and approved the hiring of new district manager, a paid position that had been vacant for nine months.

Video: Gjonaj Talks Bronx Day/Night in Albany

Bronx Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj wants to give the Bronx more access to Albany legislators and insiders and he’s busing Bronxites up to upstate today to make it happen. In conjunction with the Bronx Borough President’s office and Montefiore Medical Center, Gjonaj’s office is hosting Bronx Day at “The Egg” convention center. They’ll be showcasing some of the best the Bronx has to offer and allowing borough leaders, stakeholders and residents to meet with some of the state’s most powerful committees. In an interview on Bronxnet (above), Gjonaj talks about today’s events and why he’s doing it.

Activists Drop Banners, Urge Klein to Support Campaign Finance Reform

A recent banner-dropping campaign that led to the arrest of three activists, was the most visible show of pressure on Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, who is also feeling the heat to pass a package of campaign finance reform bills from fellow Democrats, Governor Andrew Cuomo and political action committee led by a billionaire’s son. Reform advocates say the reforms are needed to lessen the influence of big money on politics and allow better candidates to run for office.

Op-Ed: Correcting Oliver’s Wrongs

Jeff Klein, a Democrat from the Bronx, is co-leader of the Senate with Republican Dean Skelos. On May 31, we published an op-ed from City Councilman Oliver Koppell urging State Senator Jeff Klein to force a vote on campaign finance reform legislation that passed overwhelmingly in the Democrat-led Assembly, but is opposed by Republicans in the Senate. This is Klein’s rebuttal.