The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club (BFRDC) has announced that it will “discuss and decide whether to endorse a candidate for the 2023 11th district City Council [Democratic] primary election.”

 

A representative for the Kingsbridge-based club said that if the club decides to go ahead with this proposal, club members will vote on any such endorsement for the council position, which is currently held by incumbent City Councilman Eric Dinowitz.

 

As reported, the club had been criticized by some during the 2020/2021 election cycle for the manner in which the club endorsed Dinowitz, then a candidate for the position, ahead of the special election held in early 2021. As reported, it had been alleged, in the context of the endorsement, that the club’s bylaws had not been properly followed amid the height of the pandemic when absentee voting became the norm. The club denies the allegations.

 

The BFRDC representative added that candidates who have formed a [campaign] committee or who have taken other substantial steps to run for City Council District 11, and are seeking the endorsement of the club should contact Virginia Krompinger at (646) 265-1964 or email benfranklinclub@gmail.com by Nov. 12, 2022.

 

Virginia Krompinger was elected president of the BFRDC club in early 2022. Krompinger told Norwood News, “Our general club meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.” The club’s most recent meeting was held on Oct. 19, according to a recent email update. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) was thanked for his attendance at the meeting and for reportedly sharing some of his legislative wins and initiatives with members, including working to lower the cost of prescription insulin, as well as how he will Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in the upcoming election.

 

Krompinger said of the congressman’s presentation, “I am confident that our club members feel the same pride I do, having voted to endorse both Congressman Espaillat as well as our own Congressman from District 15, Ritchie Torres.”

 

The club also gave special thanks to Laura Levine Pinedo, who, it was stated, started community group, “The 4Bronx Project” (https://www.instagram.com/4bronxproject/). According to Krompinger, Levine Pinedo shared how her personal experiences led her to a life of community service. “It’s clear to me that Laura’s efforts are geared towards giving everyone a sense of place and belonging, in addition to the much needed basics like food, clothing, and shelter,” the club president added, in part, “Her successful giving projects are too numerous to count.”

 

At the Oct. 19th meeting, opportunities for giving, community engagement, and GOTV were discussed. Details of a Public Safety Town Hall hosted by Council Member, Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11) on Monday, Oct. 24, at Lehman College were highlighted.

 

It was also noted that the district 11 councilman will also host a “Coffee and Tea with City Council Member Dinowitz” at Earlybird Café, 5628 Mosholu Avenue, on Friday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. The councilman is looking for community members to share their ideas about how to make their community better.

A number of ongoing donation drives for migrants were also highlighted by the club. The Female Fight Club had been collecting donations at its facility at 5912 Riverdale Ave, The Bronx, NY 10471. It was confirmed that executive committee member, Johanna Edmondson, created this opportunity to give new and gently used clothing. The drive concluded on Oct. 23.

 

Community Education Council District 11 (CEC11) is hosting a Clothing and Toiletries Drive for Migrants. Donors can call Merritt to arrange drop off on (718) 548-3980 or Virginia on (646) 265-1964. Donations of coats, shoes, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioners, diapers, feminine products, comforters/ blankets, baby items (bottles, pacifiers, blankets, etc.), pencil sharpeners and bottles of water (water at shelter from pipes are making them sick) are being accepted.

 

Members were also invited to get involved in various New York State Democrats “Get Out the Vote” and canvassing initiatives (some of which have since concluded) and were encouraged to make calls to help keep New York blue.

 

The club endorsed the following candidates in 2022: