Wednesday Night was the Morris Park Community Association 13th City Council Democratic Forum for the six candidates who made it to the June 24th primary. This community forum was advertised well in advance so when a competing forum by a local newspaper was announced it took everyone by surprise. The newspaper the Bronx Times had scheduled their candidates forum at virtually the same time as the Morris Park Community Association, and had scheduled only two of the six candidates Shirley Aldebol and David Diaz based on matching funds by the Campaign Finance Board. The newspaper had to add a third candidate when the latest CFB listing came out showing candidate Joel Rivera had more money than either of the two invited candidates.
Candidates John Perez and Theonia Reets-Dupont were at the MPCA forum at 7 PM. Candidates Diaz and Rivera had sent word that they would arrive as soon as the other forum ended. The MPCA began the forum like their monthly meeting at 7:30 PM, having the new Community Affairs and Neighborhood Coordination Officers speak. The officers introduced themselves and answered questions from the packed room. Candidate John Perez wanted to know why the forum wasn't beginning and left. He would send this reporter the following. " The stalling hoping to give the other candidates time to get to Morris Park is unfair, unethical, unprofessional and a blatant disrespect to me. This was a candidates forum and not a regular meeting."
After the police finished the MPCA then invited candidate Theonia Reets-Dupont up front and questioned her. Candidate Reets-Dupont said she has lived in the district for five years, is against the Just Home as it was presented, she supports the City of YES lawsuit, does not want ICE on Rikers Island, is in favor of plates and registration of bike and does not support Congestion Pricing.
Candidates Diaz and Rivera finally arrived and after quick opening statements both were asked the same questions. To Just Home candidate Diaz answered people transforming from prison, and that a Democratic City Council needs a Democrat to represent the district. Candidate Rivera said it was a land grab by the Fortune Society and he is against it. To the City of YES lawsuit both agreed that they needed to know more about it. On crime Diaz again mentioned the Democratic majority council, while Rivera said he would work with everyone regardless of party. On bail reform Rivera said common sense is needed to stop recidivism, while Diaz brought up the Kalif Browder incident. On Pricilla's Law Rivera is for it but also for rental EScooters, while Diaz mentioned that it takes three buses to go from Throggs Neck to Bay Plaza. On ICE being at Rikers both were against it. On Bike Lanes Rivera said how many people use them, while Diaz wants more bike lanes.
For all three there was a question of Bally's Ms. Reets-Dupont is against it because it will bring crime, Diaz is right now against it, and Rivera was also against it. On school Choice Ms. Reets-Dupont is in favor, Rivera is in favor saying his family started a charter school in the South Bronx, and Diaz is a public school parent questioning the separation of Church and State. On bullying Diaz said people have to raise children right, Reets-Dupont said her two daughters were bullied, and it is not easy for working parents, Rivera said he taught his kids to stand up for themselves. In closing statements, Rivera stressed unity, Reets-Dupont stressed her experience, and Diaz disagreed with her saying one has to be able to meet people where they are.
The three candidates at the MPCA candidates forum. (L - R) Joel Rivera, Theonia Reets-Dupont, and David Diaz standing.
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