Incumbent Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera’s political presence in the Norwood area that makes up about 15 percent of the 80th Assembly District is most clearly manifested in a single poster, taped lazily to a residential window at 2970 Bainbridge Avenue.

When asked about the upcoming election, an older woman leaving the building shook her head, asking, “Who cares?” Other residents expressed a similar lack of interest, saying they didn’t know much, while others simply scowled. A general sense of apathy seems to have a far greater presence in Norwood than Rivera.

Yet, this lack of enthusiasm is starkly contrasted further down Bainbridge Avenue and onto E. 204th Street, where Mark Gjonaj’s face begins to appear. (He has a campaign office on Bainbridge and 204th Street.) Nearly every other store front features his campaign poster, some feature two. Here there is widespread awareness of the approaching election and Gjonaj’s efforts in the area.

“I’m starting to see some changes and he’s not even in office yet,” commented John Djonovic . “He’s helping the residents of [Tracey] Towers, and even sends out a cleaning crew,” he said, peering out the window to see if Gjonaj’s crew was sweeping the streets again.

When asked if he would vote for Gjonaj on Thursday, Johnnie Bowie smiled, “Sure, he’s family!”

In stark contrast to Rivera’s infamous attendance problems, Gjonaj is known for attending not only political, but cultural events. Pashko Camaj, who has lived in Norwood for 44 years, spoke of time spent with Gjonaj at the Albanian Catholic church, of which Gjonaj is an active member. “He was born and raised here,” Camaj said, “We need people who know this area, who will fight for this area.”

Many residents feel that Rivera has no involvement in the community.

“When election time comes, she shows her face so she can get votes,” one man said of Rivera. “[Gjonaj] isn’t like that. He’s not corrupt, yet.”

Comments regarding corruption began popping up in people’s responses. There seems to be a general feeling that the election is rigged. “People steal elections,” Camaj said, “They steal votes.” Asked how he knew this, Camaj sighed, “How do you know that God exists?”

Though no one seemed to have proof of explicit cheating, they were quick to offer up hard evidence of Rivera’s absence in Norwood.

“We need representation, someone who knows the background of the area,” said Nick Palushaj. “Gjonaj is a hard-working individual with good moral character, he’s determined enough to make that change,” he said. Palushaj is just one of many area residents who are passionate about Gjonaj’s campaign.

Across Norwood there is sharp and distinct contrast between people who don’t care about this election and people who care deeply, and want Mark Gjonaj to win. Not a single person spoken to for this article (out of dozens) was rallying for Rivera (or either of the other two challengers, Adam Bermudez and Irene Estrada-Rukaj). If residents had any sort of enthusiastic response to the incumbent, it was one of disappointment or disdain.

Gjonaj supporters, on the other hand, know the details of this race and exactly how they want it to end. All their rousing support, however, is up for review at poll centers Thursday.

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.