Community Board 7 Holds Second Livable Neighborhood Program

  Community Board 7's Community Relations and Long Term Planning Committee along with the Municipal Arts Society of New York presented the second part of the Livable New York Program. 

  Today's agenda included Arts, Culture, and your community, a mapping exercise, pin ups including a discussion section, and a wrap up and survey questionnaire. Ms. Samelys Lopez the Chair of the committee spoke briefly about the previous meeting, and also briefly about today's goal for the meeting. Community Board 7 District Manager Andrew Sandler also spoke briefly about some of what he and Community Board 7 do. The meeting was then turned over to the representatives of the Municipal Arts Society of New York to continue the agenda as you see in the photos below.

Above - Ms. Lopez speaks about the different areas of CB 7, and the different facilities in the Bedford Park area of  Community Board 7.

Below - A chart of the local business corridors in CB 7. 

I left early when current 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera made it a political event apparently for himself as you can see in the photo above. It must be re-election time for Rivera as he was taping answers by those in the audience, probably to learn what the problems of the district are. Assemblyman Jose Rivera challenged me to a boxing match for some of the things that I have been writing about him. As you can see Assemblyman Rivera you will not bully this member of the press, and I will continue to write about your record (or lack of one). The Democratic primary for New York State Assembly members is Tuesday September 13th.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlement With Walgreens/Duane Reade For Overcharging Consumers And Misleading Advertising Practices

  Walgreen Co. Will Pay $500,000 In Penalties, Fees, And Costs And Will Reform Its Advertising Practices In New York

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained a settlement with the national drugstore chain Walgreen, Co. and its subsidiary Duane Reade (collectively, “Walgreens”) for overcharging New York consumers and using misleading advertisements.  Walgreens has also agreed to reform its advertising practices. 

“Businesses are required to ensure that their advertisements are truthful and not misleading,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “When consumers purchase products at retail stores in New York, they should be able to rely on the prices displayed in advertisements and on shelf tags and not have to worry about being overcharged when they get to the register.”

“Walgreens has failed to provide the staffing and systems needed to accurately price its products,” said Michael Zucker, Director of Change to Win Research Initiatives. “We’ve seen these deceptive practices in a number of other states, costing consumers and violating the public trust.  We applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for taking strong action and standing up for New York consumers.”

Walgreens operates approximately 251 Walgreens and 214 Duane Reade stores across New York State.  The Attorney General’s undercover investigation found that Walgreens deceptively induced New York consumers to purchase products by:

• Representing to consumers that they will receive the price published in print advertisements and on store shelf tags, but charging consumers a different price at the register (including shelf tags that remained up after the advertised price had already “expired”);
• Representing to consumers that a product is a “Smart Buy” or “Great Buy” when the advertised price is the same as the original retail price Walgreens regularly charges for that product;
• Representing to consumers that a product is a “Last Chance” or “Clearance” item, thus implying that the product is available at a reduced price only for a limited time when such product may actually be available at the reduced price for a significant period of time (in some cases as long as 8-10 months);
• Implying that consumers will receive an immediate cash discount, when the discount would only be received on a future purchase.  For example, representing that consumers’ purchases are “like paying . . .” or “like buying . . .” a product for a certain price when the item could not be presently purchased for that price.

The Attorney General’s investigation also found that Walgreens failed to provide consumers with clear and consistent information concerning its Balance Rewards Points program, a loyalty incentive program that allows consumers to redeem points toward a discount on future purchases.   For example, Walgreens’ website contained two different charts regarding point redemption.  One chart showed that consumers could redeem points starting at 1,000 points, which is equivalent to a $1.00 discount.  Another chart, however, showed point redemption starting at 5,000 points, which is equivalent to a $5.00 discount.  Furthermore, Walgreens employees did not routinely ask consumers whether they want to redeem their accumulated points toward their current purchases during the check-out process.

In addition to paying $500,000 in penalties, fees, and costs, Walgreens has agreed to several important reforms of its current advertising and business practices in New York.  These include, among others:

• removing expired shelf tags within 36 hours;
• restricting the manner in which Walgreens can use “Smart Buy” or “Great Buy” shelf tags;
• no longer promoting items as a “Last Chance” or a “Clearance” item if the product will remain available for sale for an extended period of time;
• restricting the manner in which Walgreens can use “like paying” or “like buying" shelf tags;
• conducting internal and external price check audits in its stores;
• each store that fails two consecutive external audits will pay an additional $2500 penalty;
• updating PIN pads in its stores to display consumers’ Balance Rewards Points and, on every fifth purchase, ask consumers if they want to redeem their points.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Melissa O’Neill and Stephanie Sheehan, Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia, all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.

Bronx Borough President Invites you to celebrate Cinco De Mayo Sat. May 7th

BP Diaz & Bronx Tourism Council Announce 2016 Bronx Walk of Fame Inductees

   Vincent Pastore, Peter Sohn, Arlene Alda & Eduardo Vilaro make up this year’s class

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council announced that actor Vincent Pastore, animator & director Peter Sohn, author Arlene Alda and dance pioneer Eduardo Vilaro are the 2016 class of honorees for the Bronx Walk of Fame.

“Once again, we have put together a tremendous class of individuals that represent the best of our borough for induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “These four individuals have seen considerable success in their chosen fields, and throughout it all they have highlighted their strong roots in The Bronx. I congratulate Vincent Pastore, Peter Sohn, Arlene Alda and Eduardo Vilaro on their induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments during Bronx Week 2016.”

Vincent Pastore has been a star of screen and stage for decades, and is best known for his role in HBO’s hit series The Sopranos, for which he received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work in 2001. A City Island resident, Mr. Pastore has appeared in films including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way, Awakenings, State of Grace, The Godfather Part III and many more.

The first Asian-American to ever be inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame, Peter Sohn is an award-winning animator and director with Pixar Studios, having worked on numerous hit films including Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Up. Most recently, Mr. Sohn directed Pixar’s 2015 feature hit The Good Dinosaur.

Arlene Alda, who grew up in Williamsbridge and graduated from Evander Childs High School, is an award-winning photographer and author whose work has appeared in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and galleries. Mrs. Alda is the author of 19 books, most of them children’s books featuring her words and illustrations. Her latest book, Just Kids from The Bronx: Telling it the Way it Was, An Oral History, consists of stories about growing up in The Bronx based on interviews with over 60 accomplished and proud Bronxites.

First generation Cuban-American Eduardo Vilaro became artistic director of Ballet Hispanico, the nation’s first and oldest Latino dance organization, in 2009. He is only the second person to head the company since it was founded in 1970. In 2015, Mr. Vilaro took on the additional role of Chief Executive Officer of Ballet Hispanico. Mr. Vilaro has been part of the Ballet Hispanico family since 1985. As a dancer with the Ballet Hispanico company, he performed throughout the United States, Latin America, and Europe for an audience of nearly 3 million while assisting founder Tina Ramirez with the development of dance education residencies.

“I love living in The Bronx,” said Vincent Pastore. “This borough is a great mixture of cultures and ethnic groups—a true cross section of today’s America. And my home, City Island, is growing each year. It’s New York City's very own Martha’s Vineyard.”

“I am so proud to be honored in this way.  The Bronx is a part of me in so many ways, in how I was formed and how my family was formed,” said Peter Sohn. “My father came to the United States from Korea with nothing and he started our family in The Bronx.  And just like all those other families that would come to my dad’s vegetable store it became a community of immigrant families that were all just beginning and helping each other out. My career as an artist in film started here as well.  There were several years of study and drawing at the Bronx Zoo that helped me fill up my portfolio to get a job in animation.  And the stories and memories of my youth here have fueled so much of the work I do at Pixar today.  So thanks Bronx.  Thanks for taking care of me and my family.” 

“I am a first-generation American, and so to be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame is especially meaningful to me. I feel the special connection to the current generation of first generation immigrants in The Bronx, now. It is a deep honor I do not take for granted,” said Arlene Alda.

“I have been blessed with a special life. I create art and impact young people with the arts education and my culture. When I look back and think of what in my DNA made me strong enough to contend with the challenges I had to face, I know it is because I grew up in the Bronx,” said Eduardo Vilaro. “The Bronx gave me the strength and determination to excel and succeed. Growing up in a tough neighborhood wasn't just about learning to stand up for yourself. It was about community and the neighbors who watched out for you—the helping hand when one of your own was in trouble. We learned the respect and dignity of hard working adults. Behind the often described gritty face The Bronx, there is a community that is full of pride and a beautiful soul that welcomes everyone.”

“Witnessing our hometown heroes take their rightful place on The Bronx Walk of Fame is one of my favorite events for Bronx Week. It fills me with pride to honor these sons and daughters of The Bronx!” said Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Mr. Pastore, Mr. Sohn, Mrs. Alda and Mr. Vilaro will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 45^th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2016 is a highly-anticipated 11-day event where the entire borough, including government, business, and the community-at-large, come together to celebrate “The Best of The Bronx” through festivals, concerts, health fairs, parades, performances and a host of other activities. It will take place from May 5^th – May 15^th.

At the end of the 11-day celebration, these four hometown heroes will be honored with induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where their names are emblazoned on a street sign to reside on the historic Grand Concourse forever.

For more information about Bronx Week 2016, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ & ASSEMBLY MEMBER CRESPO HOST “DAY OF SOLIDARITY” FOR ECUADOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

   In the wake of the powerful earthquake that recently devastated Ecuador, with a death toll of over 600 victims and still rising; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo and members of the Ecuadorian community will host a “Day of Solidarity” press conference to highlight ways to provide aid to Ecuador.

WHEN:          Monday, April 25, 2016

WHERE:       Steps of The Bronx County Building (Grand Concourse side)

                        851 Grand Concourse at East 161^st Street

                        The Bronx, NY

                        

TIME:            10:00 a.m.

Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda and Senator Rubén Díaz to Announce Push for Key Voter Registration and Elections Reforms

    Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda and Senator Rubén Diaz will hold a news conference to announce they will introduce legislation to make it a felony for boards of elections to dump or archive voters from registration rolls, requiring that such removals only be made upon confirmation either of the death of a voter or the out-of-state relocation of a voter, and to require boards of elections to notify voters by email, whenever possible, of changes in in polling sites. Sepúlveda and Diaz will also announce their support of legislation to provide for automatic registration of voters when they apply for or renew their driver’s license or non-driver ID (with the option for persons to opt out of becoming registered) and to allow voters to change party registration as easily and under the identical criteria applicable for new voter registration. 

WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 26 

WHERE: City Hall steps (NYC) 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Neither of these two elected officials candidates in the New York State Presidential Primary was victorious. 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Launches Senior Centers Tour in the 33rd Senate District

     On Wednesday, April 20th, State Senator Gustavo Rivera launched a tour of senior centers located throughout his district. The tour started with consecutive visits to the William Hodson Senior Center and the Arturo Schomburg Center and will continue next week with stops at the SEBCO Mt. Carmel Center, RAIN Tolentine Center, Bronxworks Morris Innovative Senior Center and Fort Independence Senior Center. 

 

The purpose of this tour is provide seniors citizens in the 33rd district with valuable and relevant information, resources and services on important topics such as elder abuse prevention, fire safety, public safety and housing assistance. Senator Rivera's office has partnered with a number of local health providers and city agencies, including the New York City Fire Department, the New York City Police Department, the Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, the New York City Department to the Aging, the New York City Department of Finance and the St. Barnabas Health System.

 

In anticipation of this tour and Older Americans Month in May, Senator Rivera's office has also created a useful senior resource guide which is now available at his district office. 

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING VISITS: 

1) Center: SEBCO Mt. Carmel Center

    Location: 2405 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458

    Date: Monday, April 25, 2016

    Senator Meet & Greet: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

    Event Time: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

 

2) Center: RAIN Tolentine Center

    Location: 2345 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468

    Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2016

    Senator Meet & Greet: 11:00 AM -12:00 PM

    Event Time:  11:00 AM -1:00 PM

 

3) Center: Bronxworks Morris Innovative Senior Center

    Location: 80 E 181st Street, Bronx, NY 10453 

    Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

    Senator Meet & Greet: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

    Event Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

 

4) Center: Fort Independence Senior Center

    Location: 3340 Bailey Ave., Bronx, NY 10463

    Date: Friday, May 13, 2016

    Senator Meet & Greet: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

    Event Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

EDITOR"S NOTE:

This year State Senator Gustavo Rivera is up for re-election.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Taffic & Moving Violations Forum

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Legal Series Forum

Join us for our first Legal Forum on  Traffic & Moving Violations Thursday, May 12, 2015 6 pm to 8 pm Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, N.Y. 10461 For more information, please contact the office of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (718) 409-0109

You & Clean Power Plan May 11 from 6-8 pm

Wednesday May 11, 2016 from 4:30 pm to 8 pm 

Future Plans for Harlem River Working Group

BCEQ Board Meeting

Conversation NYS Clean Power Plan 

HOLD THE DATE

We hope to be holding a series of meetings tentatively at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street. Room TBA  WE NEED TO CONFIRM

• The Harlem River Working Group will disucss updates on the Harlem River and plans for the year. 4:30 pm
• BCEQ will hold a brief Board meeting to discuss Educational and Environmental Awards. 6 pm
• A conversation with Department of Environmental Conservation on the State's Clean Power Plan 6:15 pm.  

These meetings are open to the public, but a reservation is necessary.  TBA

Directions:  http://www.bronxmuseum.org/visit

Harlem River Working Group (HRWG)

The HRWG will be meeting to discuss our successes, updates, and future plans.  

• Fall Festivals (Roberto Clemente and VCP) and Wilderness Inquiry Canoemobile
• Workshops on the Harlem River Long Term Control Plan
• What's next along the Harlem River Greenway
• Tibbetts Brook Daylighting
• BCEQ's Step 2 of the Harlem River Brownfield Opportunity Area Program
• City of Water Day Activities

A Conversation on the State's Clean Power Plan

The Clean Power Plan is a new rule set by President Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut carbon pollution from large power plants – the biggest source of carbon pollution in the United States. The Clean Power Plan will reduce the pollution causing climate change and its impacts on New York. 

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) needs to develop a state plan to meet the goal that EPA has set for New York and would like your input. New York is better situated than most states to comply with the Clean Power Plan because it has reduced emissions substantially over the past decade.  Governor Cuomo’s clean energy programs will reduce these emissions even more. 

New York is working to develop strategies to provide broad benefits to communities - particularly low-income and communities of color – by reducing carbon pollution from power plants and doing so in a way that focuses on cleaner energy.  

They are looking to you to provide the vision for these strategies. 

NYS has the flexibility on how to meet the goals of the Clean Power Plan.  Help the state choose among various approaches, while also hearing about how the Clean Power Plan works with other air pollution and clean energy programs.

Link to the DEC website

HEAD'S UP:

Look for an invite to a discussion for the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary Program Workshopsthe second week in July before the City of Water Day.  We are planning to hold the Proposed 2-Hour Workshop at Manhattan College Lower Campus during the day.

 

We also plan a 30 minute brief presentation in the evening at another location.

COUNCIL PASSES THREE HOUSING BILLS SPONSORED BY WILLIAMS

    The New York City Council voted to pass three bills sponsored by Council Member and Deputy Leader Jumaane D. Williams. The three bills change Department of Buildings (DOB) permit filing fees and provide an extension of the J-51 tax exemption / abatement program.

Int. No. 831 alters permit filing fees for certain new building and alteration permit applications filed with DOB. The bill decreases fees for 1-, 2- and 3- family homes and increases fees for larger buildings.

"Decreasing new building and alteration filing fees will lessen the financial burden on our smaller building owners and encourage the maintenance of their properties. There is an increase in fees for larger developments included, as well. Permit fees have not been adjusted since 1991, and doing so will modernize the fee structure," saidCouncil Member Williams.

Int. No. 1118 and 1119 provides an extension of the tax exemption for the J-51 program for renovations of buildings and single room occupancy housing units. 

"The extension of the J-51 tax abatement/exemption program motivates property owners to make improvements on their properties, without the added burden of an onerous tax bill," Council Member Williams said. "Although we passed a straight extender of J-51 today, I look forward to continuing conversations with the Administration, Speaker and stakeholders on how we improve the program in the months and years ahead."

Public Forum on ACTIONHealth NYC

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Endorses Keith Wright for Congress

   “Keith Wright has been a key member of our community and I am proud to have him as a colleague and friend in public service. Keith helped rebuild Harlem. He has improved the lives of our residents with his unyielding support for affordable housing. His passion for education and the vital windows of opportunities it creates for our youth is one of the many areas, where his consistent advocacy has been invaluable.  Keith is a fighter for our neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing to work with him on the issues of immigration, providing a living wage, criminal justice reform, health care, equal rights, economic development and education. I support Assemblyman Keith Wright's campaign to serve as our community’s advocate and partner in Congress,” said Bronx Borough Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

“Borough President Diaz Jr. has served our community for close to two decades. Three years ago the people of our community affirmed his commitment to us by re-electing him our Borough President with overwhelming support.  During his service he has worked tirelessly on an ambitious economic agenda. As the Chair of the Committee on Housing, I have partnered with my friend and colleague Ruben Diaz. A part of his economic agenda was providing housing funds to build new units and create more new jobs. President Diaz’s leadership on economic development, education and public safety has produced results for all of us. I look forward to working with him, to continue our progress, as our community’s next Representative in Washington. I am honored to have my friend Ruben’s support," said Wright.  

   

Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr.’s endorsement adds to the growing list of many public officials including, Gov. David Paterson, Mayor David Dinkins, Senator José Serrano, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assembly Member Denny Farrell, and Council Member Inez Dickens are also supporting Wright.

 

Wright has won the support of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Teamsters Joint Council 16, New York City District Council of Carpenters, and International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 1 and Local 79, Laborers International Union, and the Bronx County Democratic Organization.

 

Assembly Member Keith Wright represents the 70th District in the NY State Assembly and is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.

 

While in the State Assembly, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. served as Chair of the Committee on Election Law and on the Assembly’s Standing Committees on Education, Ways & Means, Children and Families, Environmental Conservation and Transportation. He was also a member of the Assembly’s Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force and the Black/Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus.

Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. explains that he waited until after his choice in the Democratic Primary Hillary Clinton won to endorse Keith Wright for the congressional seat that Charlie Rangel will soon be vacating. 

Below - Current Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright thanked Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. for his endorsement in a congressional district that covers Manhattan and the Bronx. 

CM COHEN & COMMUNITY LEADERS ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF FIRST DOWN-ZONING IN 2 YRS

  On Wednesday, April 20th the New York City Council voted in favor of a down zoning amendment pertaining to a portion of the Woodlawn neighborhood. This change marks the first down zoning in over 2.5 years in the City of New York.

The area affected is property generally bounded by East 240th Street to the North, East 234th Street to the South, Viero Avenue to the West and Webster Avenue to the East. This section was previously an R7A District and will now become a R4A District. Before, the project area was 19 lots that were either zoned R7A or were split between R7A and R4A districts. R7A Districts are typically 7 and 8 story apartment buildings, while R4A Districts are one-and-two family detached homes.

This zoning change will provide a framework for orderly growth while protecting the established residential character of the neighborhood. The previous zoning did not adequately reflect the one-and-two family housing stock typically found on residential blocks. The change to a R4A District more closely reflects the existing built condition of the project area’s properties, and will protect against future development that would be out of scale and out of character that was permitted under the R7A zoning.

“The down zoning of Woodlawn will stop the destruction of the single family homes that currently gives the neighborhood its intrinsic character, as well as prevent high-rise developments from invading its narrow streets. This is something that the residents of Woodlawn have been in support of for quite some time and I am proud to have been able to make it a reality. I would like to thank Community Board 12, the Women of Woodlawn, the Woodlawn Taxpayers Association and the Webster Avenue Taxpayers Association for their backing on this issue and for continuing to ensure that this unique neighborhoods remains just that, unique,” said City Council Member Andrew Cohen.

"Bronx Community Board 12 was happy to rezone this portion of Woodlawn after several meetings with the local constituency and elected officials.  This rezoning is the result of careful planning between the Community Board, City Planning and Council Member Andrew Cohen's office to help preserve what makes Woodlawn a vibrant and close-knit neighborhood," said George Torres, District Manager of Community Board 12.  

  

The Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers and Community Association is delighted that Councilmember Cohen and the NY City Council passed this zoning amendment, as it will maintain the current character of our neighborhood, and prohibit large, multi-family dwellings from being built on our quite residential streets. Thanks very much to Councilmember Cohen and his staff for all their help,” said Kenneth Nugent, President of the Woodlawn Taxpayers Association.

Brush Fire In Van Cortlandt Park

   If you think Brush fires do not occur in the Bronx you can tell by the photos above, there was a moderate brush fire which took yesterday in the northern section of Van Cortlandt Park just below the Yonkers city border. A dozen fire engines responded from all over the north Bronx, and five ambulances stood ready if any of the firemen became overcome by the smoky brush fire. There has been very little rain this month leaving places like Van Cortlandt Park vulnerable to brush fires.  

Above - You can see the line fire engines that responded.

Below - Firefighters had to lug equipment a long way to get to the brush fire.

In case they were needed the EMS set up a command center of several ambulances.

Ischia Bravo Fundraiser Thursday April 21th

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to remind you that I am having a spring fundraiser tomorrow night at Lexa, 357 East 204th Street, Bronx, NY Bar beginning at 630pm. Help me on the journey to restore the faith to voters in the 78th District. Now, is the time for change!

I really hope you can make it.

Your support at this crucial time is more important than ever. RSVP now for our fundraiser on April 21st. Please click here to make a contribution to help create the foundation for my campaign.

I am working hard every day to fight for progressive values and help change the face of Albany so that working families actually feel the positive impact of good government policies. 

Please click here to donate $300, $150, $50 or as much as you can today.

Thank you for your trust and faith in me,

Ischia

100 PERCENT EXTRA - The Day After The New York Primary - What Happened

100 PERCENT EXTRA

By Robert Press

The New York Primary 2016

  It is the day after the New York primary, and let's see what happened.

  On the Democratic side Hillary Clinton won bigger than most people (including myself) thought. The margin of victory was 58% for Clinton to 42% for Sanders. As far as delegates, Clinton picked up 139, while Sanders picked up 106. This puts Clinton closer to the nomination, and Sanders who has settled back for a few days to rethink his goal, and if he can get the Democratic nomination for president. Is it time for Sanders to pack it in, and support Ms. Clinton, we should find out by next Tuesday where five states are in play.

  On the Republican side it seems that Donald Trump did better than most people expected, especially his two opponents. I was off by the margin of error, and had Kasich coming in second with Cruz the third place finisher. One thing I said was that bad things happen to Republicans that go to State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. for his help. Well Ted Cruz wound up not winning a single delegate in New York, while Kasich was able to walk away with 4 delegates, with the rest going to Donald Trump. This now places Ted Cruz out of the hunt for the Republican nomination as it is now mathematically impossible for him to get to the number of delegates needed to win the nomination on the first round. 

  As of now it seems to be a race for the White House between Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side against Donald Trump on the Republican side. However as I always say 'One never knows what may happen next in politics'.

Election Day Investigation Called For

AMID WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT AND POLLING PROBLEMS, COMPTROLLER STRINGER ANNOUNCES AUDIT OF BOARD OF ELECTIONS

   With the New York City Board of Elections confirming that more than 125,000 voters in Brooklyn were removed from voter rolls and widespread reports of voters having trouble accessing polling sites and other polling irregularities, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced today that his office would undertake an audit of the operations and management of the Board of Elections.

“There is nothing more sacred in our nation than the right to vote, yet election after election, reports come in of people who were inexplicably purged from the polls, told to vote at the wrong location or unable to get in to their polling site,” Comptroller Stringer said. “The people of New York City have lost confidence that the Board of Elections can effectively administer elections and we intend to find out why the BOE is so consistently disorganized, chaotic and inefficient.  With four elections in New York City in 2016 alone, we don’t have a moment to spare.”

To read Comptroller Stringer’s letter informing Michael J. Ryan, Executive Director of the New York City Board of Elections, that his office would commence an audit, please click here.

Attorney General’s Hotline Troubleshoots A Range of Election Day Issues

    Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman reminded voters today that his office has created a Hotline to help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues and barriers encountered by voters at the polls for the primary today.  The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office’s hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The hotline will be staffed by attorneys and staff in the office's Civil Rights Bureau.  

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and my office is deeply committed to ensuring equal access for all eligible voters on election day,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “I urge all New Yorkers to immediately contact my office if they face any barriers or issues that prevent them from casting an effective ballot.”

EDITOR"S NOTE:

In addition to the above, Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for an investigation of today's voting irregularities. As well as candidates from both sides who are involved in the Democratic and Republican primaries today.