Under Indictment, Castro Helps Build Corruption Case

Nelson Castro’s career as a politician and undercover informant began with a lie. Ironically, the lie made him one of the most trustworthy lawmakers in New York. This is how the former Bronx assemblyman went from indicted to accomplished lawmaker to critical government informant.

Op-ed: Why NYPD Needs an Inspector General

In June of 2012, the City Council introduced a bill that would establish the office of Inspector General for the Police Department. The office would oversee the policies and practices of the NYPD and analyze the effect of those policies and practices on civil liberties, among other things. Mayor Bloomberg has expressed serious opposition to the bill, promising to veto the legislation and describing the creation of an Inspector General’s office as mere “politics” that tamper with public safety. The mayor could not be more wrong.

Underdog Candidate in 11th District Hypes Local Endorsement

While Andrew Cohen, the establishment favorite in the 11th District Council race, continues to trot out a cavalcade of endorsements, from the city’s most powerful labor unions to the Bronx borough president, his chief rival, Cliff Stanton, was thrilled to announce the backing of a small political club based in Norwood and Bedford Park.

25-Year-old Winning Money Game in 15th District Race (Corrected)

The race to replace Joel Rivera as City Council representative in District 15, which includes the Fordham-Bedford area, is shaping into the most unpredictable and interesting race in the Bronx this year.

Klein’s State Budget Deal Leaves Local Dems Wanting

Bronx Democrat Jeff Klein, who represents a whiff of Bedford Park and is the co-leader of the State Senate, trumpeted the state budget deal hammered out last week as the most “family friendly budget in a generation.” But many Democrats outside of Klein’s five-person Independent Democratic Conference say Klein compromised too much, to the detriment of Bronx families.

Castro Announces Resignation, Cites 2009 Perjury Indictment, Not Bribery Charges

Following the revelation earlier this morning that he had helped federal prosecutors build a bribery case against colleague Eric Stevenson, Bronx Assemblyman Nelson Castro said he will resign from office effective Monday, April 8, in a statement released through his attorney.

Bronx Pols Implicated in Bribery Scheme; Stevenson Charged, Castro Expected to Resign Today

Add two more names to the long list of Bronx politicians caught up in scandals involving money — Eric Stevenson and Nelson Castro. .

Bronx Clergy Leaders Pushing Klein on Progressive Minimum Wage

A group of Bronx clergy leaders, including some with deep ties to the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, are rallying today at noon on the steps of Bronx Borough Hall to demand that the New York State Senate adopt an Assembly-approved plan to increase the state’s minimum wage to $9 an hour and make the rate tied to inflation.

Rivera Backs Chief of Staff as Replacement

In the wild, congested race shaping up in the City Council’s 15th District, which stretches from the Fordham-Bedford area into West Farms, current seat holder Joel Rivera is backing his right-hand man, Albert Alvarez. Rivera and his longtime chief of staff were making the rounds at a recent fundraising event hosted by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, trying to drum up support.