State Senator Provides Some Hope

In the aftermath of the conviction of Pedro Espada and another episode of disappointment for Bronxities comes a great story about State Senator Gustavo Rivera, who defeated Espada.  The New York Times has a great profile of Rivera, who is regarded by many as a breath of fresh air in a cesspool state legislature.  If even half of the story is true, it puts Rivera head and shoulders above most of his colleagues. Let's hope he maintains his integrity and does not let this system corrupt him. People in that Senate district in particular deserve it. 

Justice Finally Catches Up With Espada

Pedro Espada (left) and his son

Former Senator Pedro Espada, a poster child for political corruption for years, has finally been brought to justice.  He was found guilty of four counts of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the healthcare center he founded in the Bronx.  The New York Post reports that the government will move forward with retrying him on additional charges. The jury deadlocked on those charges, so this saga will continue for Espada and his son. This is another sad story of betrayal and greed, but most Bronxities saw this one coming for years. 

More Bronx Primaries on Tap Involving "Riveras"

Looks like there may actually be at least three primaries in the Bronx in the coming months -- and they all involve a person with the last name Rivera, although none are related. In addition to the primary of Naomi Rivera mentioned on this blog earlier, Gustavo Rivera also has a challenger. The Norwood News reports that Manny Tavarez will be running against Rivera. Tavarez worked on the campaign of Hector Ramirez who tried to unseat Assemblyman Nelson Castro. In addition to that race, there will be a hot contest to replace outgoing Assemblyman Peter Rivera, who is leaving the Assembly after two decades to head up the State Labor Dept. under Gov. Cuomo.  The Norwood News says that Danny Figueroa, Rivera's longtime Chief of Staff is looking to take the seat. Another contender could be Luis Sepulveda, who challenged Riveral in 2010.  Getting hard to keep all these Rivera's straight. Let's hope that Joel Rivera does not get a challenge next! 

Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera to Get a Primary

It appears that State Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, daughter of former Bronx Boss Jose Rivera, will have to work over the summer now that a newcomer has decided to challenge her in a primary. The Daily News reported that real estate broker Mark Gjonaj will challenge Rivera in the primary this September.  Mr. Gjonaj grew up on Arthur Avenue and is a Commissioner on the Taxi and Limousine Commission. Stay tuned for this one.

Espada Probably Won't Testify

The NY Post reports that Pedro Espada, former State Senate Majority Leader, will not testify at his own trial for embezzlement. He is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a health-care charity he controlled.  When asked Espada said, My side has been provided adequately and completely by my attorney." 

Diaz Jr. Not Happy with Potential Armory Bids

After all the years of battling over the Kingsbridge Armory and the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. opposing the prior development plan, we now get word that he may be disappointed with the potential bidders. According to a posting in the wnyc blog, the BP is not excited by any of the proposals which are said to include a mega church but not a big box store. It would be sad, and more than ironic, if a good proposal is not submitted after Diaz led the effort to kill a former offer valued at over $300 million.

Post Writer Giove Calls Senator Klein Unethical

Post writer Candice Giove is perfecting the trade she learned at the knee of Andy Wolf at the Riverdale Review with an all out attack on the ethics of State Senator Jeff Klein. In this piece she does not leave a stone unturned in making her case that he is the most unethical person in the world -- even going after his pet iguana. She refers to him as "slick", "gamed the system", "possibly broken the law", "ethical breaches", and "perpetually tanned". Is it a coincidence that her mentor Andy Wolf hates Klein almost more than anyone (and that says a lot!).