Seabrook is Finally Convicted

The Bronx continues to be the most prolific borough when it comes to corruption. Former City Councilman Larry Seabrook (aka "Cash and Carry Larry") has finally been convicted of stealing from taxpayers.  Seabrook has been known to be on the take for decades and managed to get a hung jury in his last trial, but justice finally caught up to him. Seabrook is the second councilman in three years to be convited on corruption charges arising from the misuse of discretionary member-item funds. Back in 2009, former Councilman Miguel Martinez was sentenced to five years in prison for siphoning more than $100,000.  Here is an editorial from the Daily News once again calling for the elimination of member-items. 

Bronx Pols Report Fundraising

Jimmy Vacca

Dan Beekman at the Daily News reports that Bx. BP Ruben Diaz and James Vacca brought a good stash of cash.  Councilman Vacca brought in 115k in the last six months while the Diaz hauled in 285k.  Two new City Council candidates also reported their first fundraising totals. Cliff Stanton, who is running for Ollie Koppell's seat hit the 32k mark while Andy King, who is running to replace the ethically challenged Larry Seabrook pulled down 18k. 

Naomi Rivera Gets Another Challenger

Azi Paybarah over at The Capital blog reports that Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera has just picked up another challenger. Azi reports that "Adam Bermudez registered his campaign committee today with the state Board of Elections. He was a field organizer for Thompson's mayoral campaign and worked for former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin. Bermudez also worked for six months at the Bronx Times back in 2008. Rivera, the daughter of the former Bronx Democratic leader, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, is already facing one strong challenger: Mark Gjonaj, who owns a real estate company and is the Bronx commissioner on the Taxi and Limousine Commission. Gjonaj also has the support of Rep. Nydia Velazquez, who was angered when Rivera endorsed the congresswoman's primary opponent, Erik Dilan."  It's going to be a busy summer for the Riveras!