15th Council District - Raquel Batista

  You see a very pregnant 15th Council District candidate Raquel Batista standing outside her campaign headquarters located at 308 East 181st Street just one block from the 46th Precinct. By now candidate Batista should be the proud mother of a newborn baby (a girl she told me).

  Everything else aside Raquel Batista is no stranger to the community or even politics. Candidate Batista mentioned her Voter Rights work at the Puerto Rican Defense Fund now Latino Justice. We spoke of the recent decision by the Supreme Court to strike down an important section of the Voter Rights Act. Batista told me she was an observer one election year, and of the lack of bilingual poll workers citing that in a very large poll site where there was only one for the many many election districts. She then went into her work as an organizer for the Northwest Bronx Church & Clergy Coalition when NWBCC was planning for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory.

  On the topic of education (my favorite) we differed, because candidate Batista like others in the 15th council race believe that Parent Coordinators are a good thing to schools. She said it is a good thing to have someone be able to communicate with the parents. When I asked candidate Batista to give me the job description of the parent coordinator she like others could not. Batista was also concerned about all the school closings, lack of accountability, Charter School oversight, and the lack of resources. She wants to see more oversight by the city council on public education with the chancellor (an educator) being approved by the city council. This interview was done before the much lower test results was announced.

  On to other topics, candidate Batista said the Bronx has its own problems. Housing - how to preserve the aging housing stock, and keep it affordable. Transportation - how to speed up the slow mass transit system mentioning the surface buses. Merchants - how to help them stay in business.

  In all I had a good conversation with 15th City Council candidate Raquel Batista, her answers were real, she really wants to help the district, and perhaps if she does not win the winner will ask Ms. Batista to become a part of their staff.

  Good luck on the birth of your baby girl.

UPDATE:
In her 39^th week of pregnancy, Raquel Batista went into labor Monday morning August 12th.

Statements RE: Common Core Testing Results

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to early reports on City schools’ results on the new state “Common Core” test scores:

“New York City public schools’ reportedly dismal results on the new state tests send a clear message: Mayor Bloomberg and his Tweed cronies have been cooking the books on student test scores for 12 years. Pointing to rising high-school graduation rates, the Mayor claimed that high-stakes testing was leading to greater student achievement and teacher accountability. He excoriated teachers and others who pointed out the flaws in his analysis. In fact, the regime of teaching to the tests pushed kids out the schoolhouse door, even if their diplomas were worthless and their skills did not permit them to succeed in college or jobs. Mayor Bloomberg had 12 years to advance his so-called reforms and pad his educational legacy. He failed. He cannot spin these results to mean something they don’t. New York City’s children deserve better.”

 

STATEMENT FROM JOE LHOTA ON COMMON CORE TEST SCORES

 

 

“We must do better in educating our children and preparing them for the rigors of competing in a global 21st Century. The release of today’s Common Core math and English test scores will undoubtedly solicit varying opinions about their meaning and efficacy in assessing student’s learning. But it’s important to look at the entire picture, rather than isolated facts. Test scores are lower, but for the first time, students were tested on new, more demanding material.

 

Education reform continues to be one of my top priorities and a Lhota Administration will remain committed to helping our children excel in these new requirements. We have already begun to transform New York City’s public education system under mayoral control and the expansion of charter schools. Our objective must be to set the highest standards possible, while giving our educators and students the resources they need to help them achieve their goals. We must not allow politics or special interests to come between the success of our children.” --Joe Lhota

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Common Core Testing Results

The dramatic decline in test scores by New York City school children raises a number of issues, questions and concerns.  Standardized testing is inherently imperfect.  We’ve seen this before, as a myriad of objections have been raised regarding the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test.  In fact, in the complaint filed by the NAACP, LatinoJustice, AALDEF and others, it is noted that this test has yet to be properly validated.

In this case, the alarmingly low passage rates seem to validate all along, that for 12 years, the DOE has been promoting a policy of teaching to the test.  If real learning and skill development were happening in our schools, wouldn’t more of that educational attainment have been reflected in the new tests?

Our school system is overly reliant on standardized tests, and the debate on which tests to use only distracts us from the larger challenges facing our children.  In the mean time, testing companies are signing lucrative contracts and profiting from our children’s misfortune.  Who does Common Core really benefit, the testing companies or our children?

The other questions we need addressed include: What have we done in 12 years to reduce class size? What have we done to ensure that our teachers are receiving the necessary professional development to succeed and stay in the profession? What have we done to adequately fund after-school programs, so that kids in economically disadvantaged communities have equal access to growth opportunities outside the class room?  Why haven’t we moved to extend the class day and the school year? 

What are we doing to mitigate the correlations between poverty and scholastic underperformance?  If we want to raise academic standards, that’s fine.   However, we must also look at which school districts had the biggest drops, study why those drops occurred and support those schools with the critical funding and resources they need to succeed.

We should incorporate, and place greater emphasis, on other and better pedagogical metrics to ascertain academic growth and achievement.  It’s inconsistent to celebrate Common Core for implementing critical thinking testing on students, when we as educators invest such incredible blind faith in the infallibility of standardized test,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Merchants Join Senator Klein to Highlight Boost from Summer Concert Series

  State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein kicked off his second concert of the season, he was joined by local business and restaurant owners to highlight how his annual summer concerts and movie events, taking place at venues across the Bronx. By staying in the area this will gave a boost to the local economy by encouraging attendees to come for the show and stay local for dinner.

   Singer & Entertainer Dionne Warwick headlines the Sunday August 27th event being held in Seton Park Independence Avenue between West 235th and West 236th Streets. One note of caution if you plan to drive to this concert. There are several speed bumps on and around Independence to slow down the speed of cars and other vehicles. Word from the Department of Transportation was once a driver goes over the new speed bumps they will know where they are.

  On  Saturday September 7th starting at 8 PM the movie "UP" will be presented as part of this program in Seton Park. To see all the listings around State Senator Klein's district you can find it at this link to Senator Klein. 

 Senator Jeff Klein announces his August Concert & Movie program 2013. Dionne Warwick is scheduled to highlight the August 27th concert in Seton Park.

Tracy Shelton the Executive Director of the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation is helping State Senator Klein as several local Riverdale merchants are also in the photo.

Wave Hill Events August 23–August 30

 

FRI, AUGUST 23    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens on-site at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, AUGUST 24    FAMILY ART PROJECT—LANDSCAPE MOVIE SCROLLS

Landscape Movie Scrolls/Rollos de película de paisajes

Experience and sketch some of the delights of Wave Hill’s natural landscape. Then, extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper movie scroll.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, AUGUST 24   TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, AUGUST 24    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s summer exhibition, Bronx Calling: the 2nd AIM Biennial, which features the cutting-edge artwork by NYC-area emerging artists, as well as an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Jarrod Beck translates geologic processes into drawing. Mounted sculpturally, these large-scale works create an immersive environment. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM.  Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, AUGUST 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT—LANDSCAPE MOVIE SCROLLS

Landscape Movie Scrolls/Rollos de película de paisajes

Experience and sketch some of the delights of Wave Hill’s natural landscape. Then, extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper movie scroll.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 25   HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, AUGUST 25    MEDITATION

This summer, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple relaxation techniques followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. All levels welcome. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, AUGUST 25    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, AUGUST 26

Closed to the public.

TUE, AUGUST 27    STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Join us for a delightful reading adventure as we explore a different, nature-related theme each week with beautifully illustrated storybooks, beloved classics and exciting new selections. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent.  Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companion. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, AUGUST 27    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s summer exhibition, Bronx Calling: the 2nd AIM Biennial, which features the cutting-edge artwork by NYC-area emerging artists, as well as an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Jarrod Beck translates geologic processes into drawing. Mounted sculpturally, these large-scale works create an immersive environment. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

FRI, AUGUST 30    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens on-site at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in August. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

ELECTED OFFICIALS URGE CONGRESS TO RESTORE VOTING RIGHTS ACT THIS YEAR IN WAKE OF SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT GUTTED KEY PROVISION

  BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, U.S. SENATOR GILLIBRAND AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS  URGE CONGRESS TO RESTORE VOTING RIGHTS ACT THIS YEAR IN WAKE OF SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT GUTTED KEY PROVISION AT THE VERY HEART OF THE LAW

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand and other elected officials as well as the Puerto Rican Bar Association joined together to urge  Congressional leaders of both chambers to pass a bipartisan legislative solution this year to restore the Voting Rights Act in advance of the upcoming 2014 midterm elections to protect voters from discrimination and ensure that all Americans have full and equal access to the ballot box.

  This past June, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, a cornerstone provision that sets the preclearance formula used to determine which state and local jurisdictions must receive federal pre-approval before changing their voting laws. With the dismantling of the Section 4 formula, there is an increased likelihood of discrimination through redistricting, voting location changes, new voter ID laws, and reduced early voting periods in many areas of the country.

  The court ruling removes major federal legal protections for New York City voters – since 1968 The Bronx had been covered jurisdictions under the Voting Rights Act.

  It was said that the Bronx is one of 57 counties nationwide that is covered by the Voter Rights Act, and that the New York State legislature will be asked to put a New York State voters Rights Act into place. Senator Gillibrand also called for same day online voter registration. 

 

Left - U.S.Senator Kristen Gillibrand ia speaking as to why the voter Rights Act needs to be fixed.

Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. mentions that the Bronx is one of the 57 counties covered by the Voter rights Act.

Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera gets in a few words with U.S. Senator Gillibrand.

Right - Left to Right State Senator Gustave Rivera, Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie, Congressman Eliot Engel, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. State Senator Marcos Serrano, Congressman Jose Serrano.

 

Senator Klein Secures $250,000 In Funding For Gun Violence Prevention Program in the Bronx

  Senator Jeff Klein announced that he has secured $250,000 dollars in funding for Operation S.N.U.G. (guns spelled backwards), an initiative designed to reduce violence in communities in New York that experience disproportionately high rates of shootings and killings. Senator Klein made the announcement at the 49^th Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime and has committed to working with local officials and community leaders throughout the Bronx.

Senator Klein said, “Gang violence has devastated our neighborhoods in the Bronx, and has far too often resulted in the deaths of our young men and women.  We have to take a comprehensive, aggressive approach to combat this.  That’s why I’m proud to announce that I’ve secured $250,000 for the Bronx’s Operation S.N.U.G. program in order to drive the anti-gang violence movement in New York, providing a brighter for our families, and most importantly, our youth.”

Previous funding for Operation S.N.U.G. has been awarded to various communities with high cases of gang violence in New York such as Brooklyn, Queens, and Yonkers.  This year will mark the first year that S.N.U.G. funding has been granted to the Bronx thanks to the advocacy of Senator Klein.

S.N.U.G. is a comprehensive response to gun violence that works with community based organizations and experts who specialize in outreach to high risk individuals education and job opportunities. Experts will be hired to keep the pulse of each community for the purpose of intervening in violence before it escalates.

Operation S.N.U.G uses a data driven model to determine what messaging would be most effective for each community. S.N.U.G. will also operate during hours when violence is most likely to occur, such as late nights and early mornings. The initiative is based on the successful “CeaseFire Chicago” program, whose model produced a 67% reduction in shootings its first year, and helped between 85-99% of high risk clients find jobs, drug treatment, and education. The annual murder rate in Chicago as of 2010 became the lowest it had ever been in 45 years, spurring a series of other successful programs across the nation in cities such as Baltimore, Kansas City, and New Orleans. By securing funding for S.N.U.G., the Bronx will be on the path to significant reductions of violence in its’ most vulnerable areas, enhancing the future safety and quality for our communities, neighborhoods, families, and youth.

Bronxtalk 15th Council Debate

  This photo was taken before the 15th Council debate started. Bronxnet head Michael Knobbe is standing next to host Gary Axelbank thanking the 6 candidates for coming, while a Bronxnet stage hand appears behind the candidates making final preparations for the live show.

  Host Gary Axelbank went over the rules of Monday night's one hour Bronxtalk 15th Council debate, and said since he was off the ruled ballot by the Board of Elections that Kenny Agosto would not be appearing. The 6 candidates pictures above from left to right were, Raquel Batista, Rev. Joel Bauza, Cynthia Thompkins, Albert Alvarez, Joel R. Rivera, and Ritchie Torres. Note that Joel R. Rivera is not current term limited Councilman Joel Rivera.

   Axelbank went right into questions with no opening statements. The first going to candidate Batista on her role with Vantage Housing on tenant landlord problems and asked which side she was on? Batista replied that her role at Vantage was to represent tenants, and that she would like the council to have more control over housing. Thompkins rebutted that Housing Court is one way, and that tenants need more help. Candidate Rivera said that it takes up to 5 years to get into a housing program, an intentional dig at candidate Torres. Candidate Alvarez said that more senior housing is needed in the district. Batista ended by agreeing more resources were needed. Candidate Torres then spoke of the needs of public housing& lack of funds for NYCHA. Batista then ended again by questioning the management of NYCHA.

  Candidate Bauza was then asked about his religious background, and how it might affect him as a councilman. Candidate Bauza said that he had been a pastor for 25 years, he has advocated for people finding jobs, food, and with clothing drives to help the community. He then went on to say that his words are misunderstood, that he does not hate the LGBT community, and he does not hate them and will take care of the LGBT community. Thompkins rebutted saying "As a gay woman the LGBT community does not think Bauza is hateful, but his message is taken the wrong way which leads to violence to the LGBT community. Alvarez said that the LGBT community needs a center in the Bronx to help themselves that would be better than government help. Rivera said that as a Christian he has always helped everyone. Batista said that it is the problem of who Bauza has aligned himself with stopping short of any names. Bauza ended by inviting all to his church to see that he does not preach words of hate, and he is against what is said by some other churches on the LGBT issue. Torres then agreed with what Thompkins about Bauza's message. 

  Candidate Thompkins was asked about her law background and if she was a one issue candidate. Thompkins replied that she is a multiple issue candidate such as violence, youth programs, better education, housing issues, and health issues. Alvarez rebutted that he has lived in the district his whole life, that he wants to bring the police and community together through the precinct councils, and likes the parent coordinator position in schools. Thompkins answered by saying that she is the President of the 46th Precinct Council and wants more money if Alvarez is elected. Bauza said that he belongs to the 42nd Precinct Council that he is trying to reestablish communications between people who do not trust the police and the local police department. Rivera said that for 6 weeks in the 44th precinct officers spoke with the community and played sports together. Torres agreed and said he wants more PAL programs. Rivera then attacked Torres on what Rivera said was his answer on Stop N Frisk at an endorsement meeting being different then and what Torres says now. Torres came back with that was not true, and he has the Working Families endorsement. Batista mentioned the recent legislation passed by the city council about the police department that was vetoed by the mayor. Thompkins ended by saying that in Stop N Frisk police need the tools to police, but that a balance is needed with more training.

   Candidate Alvarez was asked about the record of Councilman Joel Rivera who he has been Chief of staff to.. Alovarez said that pilot programs were started in the district giving two examples one more mobil health units and the other a program with the Department of Education that improved reading and attendance at one school. Rivera rebutted that the West Farms community has been neglected, but that Councilman Joel Rivera did a decent job. Alvarez countered by saying that the district hours are the same for any other council member, and that he attends community meetings where complaints are heard. Thompkins said that she would have more community outreach with Town Hall type meetings. Bauza said that he is in the community every day, and that people ask him who is the councilman. Alvarez ended that he has been out in the community and at meetings.

   Candidate Rivera was asked about the similarity of his name to the current councilman and that only the middle initial was different that the candidate is not using. Rivera said that he is using the middle initial R now that he has not in the past. That he has been endorsed by neighboring Councilman Cabrera, been at the rallies, he was the only one at a day care closing, at town hall meetings, and that he has put up his own posters not paying anyone to. Thompkins rebutted that she was not sure of when these town hall meeting were, and that she had not gotten any notice of any. Alvarez and Rivera went back and forth a couple of times as to just who sponsored these town hall meetings, where there were, and for what reasons. Bauza said he did a rally for immigration where 10,000 people, and Rivera's father was there not him. Thompkins said that when violence happened that she walked the area with the people not the elected officials. Rivera ended by saying that he did not do anything with Senator Diaz as Bauza had. 

  Candidate Torres was asked about the supportive housing he now lives in, and if his boss Councilman Jimmy Vacca pulled any strings to get him in there. Torres replied that he only earns 20,000 dollars a year which qualifies him for the housing program, and that ho strings were pulled to get him in the program. Torres added that he has lived in poverty, and it is wrong to say that someone like himself does not qualify to run for council because of it. Rivera rebutted by saying that it was ironic that Torres tries to put himself as a person of poverty and from the community when he is supported by the richest people in Throggs Neck and Riverdale. That Torres has raised the most money, where as the two got into a heated back and forth about Torres fundraising at Villa Barone Manor, Torres was a puppet of Jimmy Vacca and others. Torres challenged Rivera to have both reveal their previous tax forms, said that Rivera had his campaign office out of the district, and accused Rivera of fraud by running in the 15th district where he had the same name as the term limited councilman while living in the 16th council district. Thompkins said that she has raised the least amount of money $10.00 contributions from people who want to see her elected.    

   To a question on Stop N Frisk Batista said that it is unfair and spoke of meeting at the 46th Precinct Council. Torres said that this year there was still less crime. Rivera said that less than 5 percent of the community causes the crime. Bauza said that the person being stopped has no control over what happens. Batista added that illegal immigrants are put into Rikers and are being deported. Thompkins has the last words by saying that less Stop N Frisk is from better police training. 

  To a question on obesity, lack of fresh food, and education Bauza said to stimulate the economy of the local bodega for more fresh fruits other than bananas and mangos. Alvarez said to continue to educate the public on eating better foods. Thompkins said to work with the markets, give tax credits for good health. Rivera said education is great, but money is the problem. Good food is expensive, and the community can only afford cheap fast food. Batista said that fresh food must be kept in the bodagas. Bauza agreed when you have only $2.00 to spend for food it is not going to be healthy. When asked who they were supporting for mayor all but Bauzer who said Erick Salgado said no one right now. closing statements were next.

   Torres said that he is running to improve the living conditions, better education, find more jobs for a community with 40 percent below the poverty rate in a city with a 70 billion dollar budget.

   Rivera said that he has heard the speeches and broken promises. That like candidate Torres at his age he wanted to run for office, but told to wait and get experience saying that it is 16 years later.

  Alvarez said that he is the only candidate who lived and was educated in the district,and that he has worked in the district his whole life.

  Thompkins said that children are not playing in the streets any more, because it is unsafe. She wants more people to get out of poverty, and that she was the best qualified candidate.

   Bauza said that he has been in the community doing the work, he does not work 9 - 5 but 24 hours a day, and that he does not have the endorsement of the rich, but of the poor people of the district.

  Batista said that she is running because it is time for a real leader, a woman who has worked for the community, and for woman's rights.

   After the debate the candidates posed for the photo below with current 15th Councilman Joel Rivera standing center between host Gary Axelbank and candidate Ritchie Torres who has his hand on the councilman's shoulder. From left to right Joel R. Rivera, Joel Bauza, Raquel Batista, Ritchie Torres, Councilman Joel Rivera, Gary Azelbank, Cynthia Thompkins, and Albert Alvarez.

 

National Night Out

   National Night out events were held tonight throughout the Bronx . In Parkchester Mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio showed up to help bring the Parkchester community together. This was his third visit to Parkchester, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has put his neck out to be the only South Bronx state legislator to support De Blasio.

  In the 50th Precinct State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein was in attendance in what several people told me was a smaller scaled down version of last years event. Only one inflatable ride for the kids this tear as opposed to two last year, and less tables of information were on hand.

  In the 52 Precinct event held in Oval Park this year the attractions included a pony ride for the kids. More people were in attendance this year also. State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, 11th City Council candidates Andrew Cohen and Cliff Stanton, as well as mayoral candidate and former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion were on hand. 

 Left - Mayoral candidate Adolfo Carrion coming to the 52 Precinct National Night Out event.

Right - Is the NWB head employed by city council candidate Cliff Stanton trying to get an endorsement out of mayoral candidate Carrion, or is he looking for a new job?