100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
Why Should We Be Thankful?
Another Thanksgiving has passed, and one has to ask the question 'Why Should We Be Thankful This Year?' There may be a few good reasons why, but it seems that there are many more reasons why not. The two former state legislative house leaders are probably going to jail, and one has to wonder who is going to be next? The city is no better off today than it was one year ago, as the homeless situation has reared its ugly head, The public school system is in its worse shape in years, our beloved mayor is trying to push a one size fits all affordable housing plan for everywhere in the city but Manhattan above 14th and below 125th Streets to name a few reasons. Then there is the possibility of war in the Middle East region as a Russian plane was shot down by Turkey during the civil war in Syria.
I thought the Sheldon Silver trial would be over before Thanksgiving so we could give thanks that at least another perceived crooked elected official would be headed for jail, but we will have to wait now until the beginning of December for the verdict. As for the case against Dean Skelos it looks like an open and shut case as both the former State Senate leader and his son Adam should be joining others in Club Fed. Once the Silver and Skelos trials are over 'Which elected official is going to be Next' to be charged by the U.S. Attorney.
Bronx City Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo announced recently that she will be stepping down as of the end of this year giving no explaination except for family reasons. Could it be that her mother long time Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo will not be seeking re-election next year also? This means that there will be at a special election to fill Councilwoman Arroyo's seat, and the winner of that race will be able to fill out the remainder of Arroyo's term and go for two full terms in the city council.
My spies are telling me that there might be another Bronx elected official leaving before his or her term is up this year, and we will have to wait to see if that is true. I could hint at the name, but I do not want to give out any information that has not been confirmed as of yet.
There will be a Blood Drive on Monday November 30th at 2018 Williamsbridge Road with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. The hours to give blood are 2:30 - 7:00 PM.
The North Bronx Democratic Club will be hosting its first Holiday Party with State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj on Tuesday December 1st, at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue beginning at 6 PM and running through 9 PM. The Guest of Honor is Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Honorees include Norman Seabrook (Correction Officers Union President), Beatrice Castiglia Catullo (Founder of RAIN Inc,), Joseph Kelleher (President Metro Properties and Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce), and Meisha Ross Porter (Superintendent Bronx School District 11). You can call 347-256-8719 or email northbronxdems@gmail.com to purchase tickets or for more information.
The Committee of 100 Democrats will be hosting their first Holiday Party on Tuesday December 15th, which will also be the release date of the new Bronx County News. More on both in next weeks column. This column and its sister column the Riverdale Report will be featured in the Bronx County News.
If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
