District manager for Bronx Community District 7 (CB7) and Democratic candidate, Ischia Bravo, received another boost to her campaign to fill the seat of former Councilman and now Congressman, Ritchie Torres, in the District 15 City Council race, when she was endorsed by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr on Jan. 19.

“Ischia Bravo has the energy and experience to represent The Bronx in the New York City Council,” said Diaz Jr. in a written press release. “As a product of public housing and public schools, she understands the struggles that Bronxites face every single day, and as district manager, Ischia has already done so much to benefit the people of The Bronx.”

The borough president went on to say that Bravo has the knowledge and the passion to fight for local communities, and will build coalitions to deliver solutions on the issues that face the borough and the city, especially in terms of the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. “I am proud to endorse her in her run for the New York City Council, and I encourage the residents of the 15th City Council District to join me in supporting Ischia Bravo.”

During her time as district manager of Bronx CB7, Bravo’s campaign said she has worked with the borough president’s office to bring affordable housing to the 15th District, as well as creating jobs and work for the people of the district. During the Bronx CB7 Housing Committee meeting dated Sept. 15, 2020, a spirited debate evolved among residents, committee members and church representatives (who favored the plan) over plans to build a nine-story mixed use building next to the landmarked St. James Episcopal Church at 2500 Jerome Avenue in Fordham Manor which would include additional affordable housing units.

Some home owners had concerns that the addition of more affordable housing in the area would affect the value of their homes. They also had concerns that the neighborhood did not have sufficient school, transportation or other resources or amenities to absorb more residents. During the discussion, Bravo ensured that all parties were heard, stepping in to check anyone who sought to badger home owners over their concerns, while also contextualizing the need for more affordable housing by saying, “Being poor is not a crime.”

Reacting to the endorsement announcement, Bravo said, “I am proud to have the endorsement of a proven leader like Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.” She added, “The work that he has done around building a better Bronx has been inspiring, and I have been honored to participate in the ongoing revitalization of our borough that he has led since 2009.” She said she was grateful for his support in the race, and she looked forward to building on his efforts to make The Bronx an even better place to live, work and raise a family, if elected to City Council.

Last month, Norwood News reported how Bravo received the endorsement of New York State Senators, Jessica Ramos and Alessandra Biaggi, the latter representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester.