Daniel Padernacht, the Kingsbridge Heights lawyer who was one of two candidates challenging incumbent State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. in next week’s election, abruptly dropped his bid on Sunday, announcing in a statement that he would instead get behind former opponent Gustavo Rivera.

While exiting heavily-used St. James Park on a recent Sunday evening, young father, Jelani Ciria, was executed – shot in the chest at least six times – in broad daylight.

Somebody must have seen something.

Rashaad Ernesto Green, who wrote and is directing the film "Gun Hill Road" as part of his senior thesis for NYU’s Graduate Film Program, is quite familiar with the neighborhoods that encompass the street his film is named after.

Voters hitting the polls in state elections this fall won’t have any levers to pull this time. The State Board of Elections has traded in the old machines for a new voting system, debuting in New York on Sept. 14 during the Democratic primary.

In the buildup to the primary, the Board of Elections has been holding demonstrations throughout the five boroughs to teach voters how to use the new machines. Two weeks ago, the Bedford Park Senior Center on East 204th Street hosted one of these demonstrations.

There is so much anger and disgust with our state legislature, perhaps the most dysfunctional in the entire country, that we often lose sight of one of the best remedies: voting.

It sounds Pollyannaish but it’s not. A tiny fraction of registered voters in this area usually vote in primaries like the upcoming one for Assembly and State Senate, particularly when there’s no Democratic primary for mayor or governor. Just a small uptick in voting would inevitably impact local elections and make our elected officials work harder.

When people stay away from the polls in droves, accountability is absent and even the best-intentioned elected official can forget who’s boss. Poor turnout also means elected officials don’t really have to care what most concerns constituents. It’s actually like having no boss at all.

State politics may not be as sexy as a presidential election but it arguably has a greater impact on the day-to-day lives of New Yorkers. In addition to making laws, state government oversees school policy and contributes to the budgets for every social service and public amenity imaginable.

The Norwood News does not make endorsements because we are published by a nonprofit, Mosholu Preservation Corporation. But we do endorse, encourage and promote participation. We hope you’ll read our articles and all other news and information regarding the election that you can get your hands on.

Hope to see you all at the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

It’s no secret that the Bronx is home to some of the worst health stats around – from obesity and asthma to HIV and diabetes. That’s why in this issue we’re inaugurating our Be Healthy! section, a new, regular feature with news and information that can, we hope, be just one tool in helping our readers pursue an active, healthy lifestyle. If there are any health issues, programs or resources you’d like us to cover or include, please e-mail norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org. Thanks!

According to the latest campaign filing reports, State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr., the incumbent in the 33rd Senate District, is swimming in excess campaign cash, while his primary opponent, Gustavo Rivera, is gaining ground, but spending money at a much higher rate.

•    Community Board 7 will hold its general board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The location has yet to be decided.  For more information, and for details of upcoming committee meetings and other CB7 meetings and events, visit bronxcb7.info/calendar or call (718) 933-5650. •    The Croton Facilities Monitoring Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the DEP’s community office, at 3660 Jerome Ave. Call the office nearer the time at (718) 231-8470 to confirm the day and time. •    The 52nd Precinct Community Council will meet on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7

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Last month, the Norwood News asked candidates in the 33rd District Senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions concerning their political positions, their thoughts on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

Daniel Padernacht and Gustavo Rivera got back to us, but State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr., the incumbent, didn’t. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: “Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator’s positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook.”

The accompanying grid contains a synopsis of Rivera’ answers. As Espada didn’t provide any, we’ve attempted to fill in some of the gaps for him, using his voting record and comments he’s made in the past to the press. Padernacht withdrew from the race last weeked.