100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
Ruben Diaz Sr. Resigns
State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has given State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins his resignation from the New York State Senate as of midnight December 31, 2017. The letter says nothing about the soon to be former senator's accomplishments, and asks that the 32nd State Senate office be kept open to serve the 50 to 60 constituents served daily over the past 15 years. In case you didn't know, Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. was elected to be the new Councilman from the 18th City Council district replacing term limited Annabele Palma.
Diaz had said that he was going to stay on until the last minute possible, but has changed his mind in resigning at the last moment in 2017. That should force Governor Cuomo's hand to call a special election since not only had Diaz Sr. left the State Senate, but so will have Westchester County State Senator George Latimer from the 37th district. That would mean two less Democrats in the State Senate, and would give the Republicans control over the state senate, even if all Democrats were to come back to the Senate Democratic Conference.
There are a few Assembly seats that will also have to be filled by special election, and the 80th A.D. here in the Bronx is one where current Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj will become Councilman Mark Gjonaj beginning in January 2018.
Speaking of the 80th A.D. Soon to be former State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has sent out one of his famous 'What You Should Know' letters about a possible candidate in the special election for the 80th A. D. Is it that this candidate also lives in that part of the 80th A.D. that is in the 32nd State Senate district? Has Diaz Sr. learned from an old Amigo friend that if you are in an assembly district and also happen to be in a state senate district that you can play games to pick where you want to run? Is Diaz Sr. trying to have this person not run in the special election for the 32nd State Senate District, but run in the special election for the 80th A.D.? It seems that Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has been fortunate that his friend Mayor Bill de Blasio took what would have been the possible next 32nd State Senator (as was originally planned) into the de Blasio administration. Is this other person who (I was told) just happens to work currently in the de Blasio administration going to be pushed into running against the former Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Gjonaj, who now happens to work for the Cuomo administration? Let's throw in the fact that Jessica Ramos also of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration has left her job to run against IDC State Senator Jose Peralta. Also IDC member Marisol Alcantara will be facing a challenge by former City Councilman Robert Jackson who should be supported by anti IDC forces. So much for peace in the Democratic State Senate. I have already told IDC Leader Jeff Klein it would be foolish to agree to dealing with those who pushed him to leaving the Senate Democratic Conference. As a constituent of Senator Jeff Klein I like the IDC and the way he has served his district, the Bronx, the city, and the state.
Upcoming events -
Tuesday - December 12th 3:30 PM Bronx House Menorah Lighting 990 Pelham Parkway.
Wednesday - December 13th 10:00 AM Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. lights the official Bronx Menorah at the Riverdale Y 5625 Arlington Avenue.
Thursday December 14th - Bronx Democratic County Organization Christmas Party 6 PM Andrew Freedman House 1125 Grand Concourse, It's 'Ugly Sweater' night.
Friday December 22nd - TEAM DIAZ Christmas Party 7 - 12 PM Maestro's Caterers 1703 Bronxdale Avenue "BY INVITATION ONLY' 'NO CHILDREN'. 718-991 3161 for more information.
Check the archive section on the left to read more about these upcoming events or other items.
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered here, you can e-mail me at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199.
