independent democratic conference

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club Under Fire

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The following is an extended version of the story that appeared in our latest print edition.   Citing factors relating to the pandemic, on Nov. 18, the executive committee of the Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club (BFRDC) voted on a resolution which facilitated a departure from the club’s bylaws relating to what were described in the minutes as two of the club’s “critical functions.” These were to postpone the annual vote to replace them, as members of the executive committee, a vote that would usually take place at the end of each club year, and to cede authority to the


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IDC Disbands Ahead of November Election

IDC Disbands Ahead of November Election
By DAVID CRUZ
Democrats in the Albany Senate are looking forward to April 16 when Bronx Senator Jeff Klein, who as head of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) had caucused with Republicans for years, and will now caucus with his counterparts after agreeing to disband the IDC. The IDC wielded some of the greatest political power in Albany for nearly six years when Klein formed it in 2011 as a way to fix Albany dysfunction. Its largest criticism came when the group—comprised of eight Democratic senators—routinely caucused with Republicans, effectively broadening the IDC’s and Republicans’ influence on legislation. But with a critical November


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State Ethics Panel to Probe Forcible Kiss Claim Against Jeff Klein

State Ethics Panel to Probe Forcible Kiss Claim Against Jeff Klein
By DAVID CRUZ
A state investigative body is looking into claims Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), forcibly kissed a former employee in 2015. The former staffer, Erica Vladimer, told the Huffington Post that the incident happened on April 1, 2015 at an Albany bar. Klein and his staffers were celebrating the passage of the New York State budget, according to the report. Vladimer and Klein then exited the bar to smoke a cigarette. “All of a sudden there was a hand on the back of my head and he shoved his tongue down my throat,” Vladimer said in


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Former Staffer Accuses Jeff Klein of Forcibly Kissing Her

By DAVID CRUZ
Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, has blasted accusations that he forcibly kissed a former employee at a bar in Albany in 2015. The former staffer, Erica Vladimer, told the Huffington Post that the incident happened on April 1, 2015 at an Albany bar. Klein and his staffers were celebrating the passage of the New York State budget, according to the report. Vladimer and Klein then exited the bar to smoke a cigarette. “All of a sudden there was a hand on the back of my head and he shoved his tongue down my throat,” Vladimer said


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Neighborhood Notes

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage Hours The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage at 2640 Grand Concourse, is now open two extra days during the week–Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An audio tour is available by calling (718) 971-2156. For more information call the Bronx Historical Society at (718) 881-8900. Flea Market Donations Sought The Bedford Mosholu Community Association, 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., Apt. B1 lobby floor, seeks donations of new and used items (excluding clothing) for its flea market. Donations can be brought to the office on Feb. 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 28 from 1:30


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Klein and Koppell Spar In Bronx Televised Debate

By David Cruz It was an intriguing picture–State Senator Jeff Klein sitting alongside former Councilman Oliver Koppell. A year back, the sighting was relatively common. Now, with Koppell mounting a hard charging race against the incumbent Klein, the appearance was somewhat priceless.

Activists Drop Banners, Urge Klein to Support Campaign Finance Reform

A recent banner-dropping campaign that led to the arrest of three activists, was the most visible show of pressure on Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, who is also feeling the heat to pass a package of campaign finance reform bills from fellow Democrats, Governor Andrew Cuomo and political action committee led by a billionaire’s son. Reform advocates say the reforms are needed to lessen the influence of big money on politics and allow better candidates to run for office.

Editorial: Klein’s Power Play

Now the pressure is on Jeff Klein. As the head of New York’s Independent Democratic Caucus in the State Senate, Klein could have chosen to throw his group’s support behind either Republicans or Democrats and ensure majority rule for either party.