Bronx Dems Revel In Primary Victories

It was a clean sweep for Bronx Democratic regulars last Tuesday when a small electorate helped deliver primary victories to the machine’s incumbent and rookie candidates. The results were a big ego boost for the organization, which has taken its lumps over the last year for a number of its controversial positions and potential legal troubles.

Council Poised To Approve Plant

The City Council is expected to vote on Sept. 28 on a deal that will allow the city to build a water filtration plant in the Norwood section of Van Cortlandt Park in return for spending over $200 million on Bronx park improvement projects.

Serrano Distances Himself from Arts Group

Congressman Jose Serrano has moved to reclaim federal funds he appropriated for a Bronx nonprofit that did little to realize his dream of building a Puerto Rican heritage museum in the borough.

Manhattan Services Could Shift to Bronx VA

The Bronx Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center could absorb an influx of additional patients from the closure of the Manhattan VA facility as early as next year, a possibility that alarms officials and veterans’ advocates.

A Filtration Myth

Is a mantra repeated by Bronx Democratic Party chief Jose Rivera and his allies: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz wanted the water filtration plant built in Riveras district at Fordham Landing.

Scooter Success

Could it be? The incessant drone of those dastardly motorized mini-motorcycles that terrorized our communities over the summer has disappeared or at least dissipated?

Three Local Schools Rise to Good Standing

The year started on a high-note last week at PS/MS 15, PS 94 and MS 206 as the schools were recently removed from the states list of schools in need of improvement. The three local schools were the only ones in the district to join the 65 schools citywide that demonstrated sufficient improvement over the last two years.

Norwood Actor Makes Home at Pregones

In the Martin Luther King Auditorium, housed above the offices of SEIU 1199, the health care workers union, on West 43rd Street in Manhattan, the final performance of “Baile Cangrejero” is in full swing and all eyes are on one slight man. His grin is wide and mischievous, and the dips of his white hat alternately hide and reveal crow’s-feet. He dances loosely and carelessly, as if he were hosting a beach party instead of performing on a stage.

Ruiz Challenges Gonzalez for Senate Seat

The race for Senate in the 33rd District pits against each other two well-acquainted adversaries — incumbent Efrain Gonzalez and his one-time boss, former state senator Israel Ruiz, Jr. While yet to face a serious primary during his seven terms, Gonzalez has faced political turbulence in recent weeks as he was hit with news that he’s the subject of an investigation by the U.S attorney’s office.