Council Candidate Stanton Accuses Dinowitz of Legal Corruption

Council Candidate Cliff Stanton, who is running for the seat occupied by Oliver Koppell, recently threw the kitchen sink at Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. In an opinion piece in the Riverdale Press, Stanton said Dinowitz "has hijacked our local community board, distributed public money in exchange for political support, used his government office

to advance the fortunes of candidates he favors or can control, conspired with a local tabloid publisher to carry out his political vendettas and actively blocked progressive proposals that do not emanate from his office."  Dinowitz responded in a letter of his own defending his positions and accusing Stanton of going negative.  

Bronx DA Getting Pushed Out?

Are the Bronx Dems pushing out Bronx District Attorney Bob Johnson?  Newspapers, including the New York Times, have reported that there is a movement to oust Johnson after a series of reports about the dismal performance in the Bronx courts and by Bronx DA's.  

Dinowitz Takes Over Delegation and Takes Courthouse Patronage

This past week the Riverdale Press reported on interesting two items involving Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. First, Adam Wisnieski of the Press reported that Dinowitz has taken over as the head of the Assembly Delegation for the Bronx.  I guess he can now boss around the other 11 Bronx Assemblymembers -- wonder whether Jose Rivera will pay any attention to him?  Second, it seems that Dinowitz has been making himself a pig at the trough over at our court system, where the Riverdale Press reports that he is raking in tens of thousands of dollars through appointments from judges on matters. For example, one judge that Dinowitz recently helped to get elected has appointed him to more matters than anyone else. Dinowitz will say he was the most qualified and politics had nothing to do with all those appointments (btw, Oliver Koppell's wife Lorraine is also a top beneficiary from judges).  It's good to see that clubhouse politics and good old fashion patronage is alive and well -- even with our "reform" politicians.      

Diaz, Sr. Aide Pleads to Stealing Over $500k

A former top aide to State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $500,000 from two not-for-profits closely linked to Senator Diaz. The Senator founded one of them and his wife served as the executive director of the other. The Daily News reports that "Diaz had no comment on the guilty plea. But last April, he lashed out at law enforcement in his “What You Should Know” blog for not arresting Gardner in 2007 after he supposedly confessed to an FBI agent. Clement Gardner was allowed to embezzle thousands of dollars, under the knowledge, approval, advice and direction of law enforcement agencies that are supposed to protect the people of the State of New York,” Diaz wrote

Adolfo Looking for Republican Line

Now that former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion has secured the Independence Party line for Mayor he is working to get into the Republican primary. He needs 3 Republican county chairman to support him to get that line, and, as the Village Voice reports, his chances just got better because of the upheaval over in Staten Island, where it's Republican County chairman just resigned.  Of course, the Daily News loves to bring up that scandal about his porch so he is going to have to try to change that tune.

Dinowitz Attempts to Handpick Next Councilman

As the Riverdale Press reports, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is intent on installing his former staffer Andy Cohen as Councilman Oliver Koppel's replacement. Despite his thin resume and lack of public recognition, Cohen has already lined up an array of elected officials at the behest of Dinowitz. Dinowitz has begun the Cohen push in earnest, parading him out before a press conference last week attacking Con Edison (see photo with Cohen at Dinowitz's hip).  Expect to see a lot more of that.  The only other announced candidate at this time is community advocate Cliff Stanton. 

Jeff Klein Holds the Cards in State Senate

Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein has found his way back to the top of the State Senate by brokering a deal with the Republicans to share power.  Klein, who founded the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference last year with three other Senators, is has the votes to decide which party is in power.  As Adam Wisnieski at the Riverdale Press reports, Klein's move angered some fellow dems but Klein is describing it as governing by coalition. Hard to say it can be worse than we have seen in the last decade. 

Carrion Bucks Party For Mayoral Run

As any politicial junkie has heard already, former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion has quit the Democratic Party in order to mount a race for Mayor and try to capture the Republican nomination.  The NY Times reported that Carrion was meeting with Republican leaders to try to lock up their nomination. Let's hear what you have to say about this development.

BP Diaz Fundraising During Disaster?

After a couple of days of no power and cabin fever, I contacted some friends who where similarly situated and went over to the Bronx Ale House for a change of scenery and a good burger. We had a hard time getting a table because there was an event going on. I was shocked to see that it was a political event for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. In the middle of a disaster where so many Bronxites and New Yorkers are without power, gas for their cars and heat, it was surreal to walk into the middle of a bunch of fat cats in suits attending a political event. As I sat with friends who had not been able to work or take a shower all week, I thought how out of touch and selfish some politicians really are.   

MTA Chairman Calls Bx. Board Member "A Liar"



Charles Moerdler



Joseph Lhota

 In a very unusual moment during the normally staid MTA Board meeting, MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota blasted Bronx board member Charles Moerdler calling him a liar -- and that was just the beginning. As the NY Times reports, after Moerdler disagreed with the chairman about a proposal to reduce MTA board meetings, Lhota called his thinking "flawed", "erroneous" and "actually scurrilous.” He went on to say "To make statements in public like this, similar to the statement that you made when you only parked in that parking spot for a few minutes when it was documented by camera that it was over four hours — enough of lying to this board.”  Lhota is referring to an incident reported by the Daily News in which Moerdler is accused of parking his car illegally and using MTA placard.  To which Moerdler replied,  “Mr. Chairman, character assassination does not do you credit.” He further added, that he “will not challenge” Mr. Lhota, to which the chairman responded, “I wish you would” and he should “Be a man.” Mr. Moerdler, who has been a member of Bronx Community Board No. 8 for over 30 years, has been described in a prior article in the New York Daily News as talking "with an amazing and bizarre Victorian-era accent. When he opens his mouth, you half-expect him to call for the butler and ask for tea and crumpets."

Espada -- Can't Keep a Good Crook Down

As this article from the NY Times details, former Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada (now a convicted felon awaiting sentencing), is still ripping off the health center he was convicted of cleaning out. Seems that his family sold the assets for about $600,000 and divided the proceeds among the brood. So he raises the form of doubling dipping to a new level. The Feds now want to get his bail revoked because he was told by the judge not to have any dealings with the health care center. In the meantime, the center owes millions to creditors and the IRS. You get the feeling he is going to continue to get paid by this organization while he is sitting in the can for the next decade. 

Scandal Tainted Rivera Goes Down at Ballot Box

BP Diaz Endorsing Rivera

It's rare that even a scandal can bring down an incumbent -- especially in the State Legislature -- but last week two went down at the ballot box including our very own Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera. As the NY Times reports, Rivera was weighed down by allegations that she hired current and former boyfriends who were not qualified.  The story reports that "Ms. Rivera was defeated in the primary, 52 percent to 41 percent, by Mark Gjonaj, a real estate agent and community activist who was a first-time political candidate. She has served in the Assembly since 2005 and comes from a powerful Bronx political family: she is a daughter of Jose Rivera, an assemblyman and Bronx political leader, and a sister of City Councilman Joel Rivera." This is a rare event, and proof of that can be found in the handful of other state elected officials who have even been indicted and still held onto their seats last week.  Of course, despite the serious allegations and a lackluster record, virtually the entire Bronx political establishment endorsed Rivera including BP Diaz, Carl Heastie (the Bronx Boss), and Jeff Dinowitz (the Heffie of Bronx Democratic County Organization)

Bronx Politicians Make Not-for-Profits Their Piggybanks



Bronx BP Diaz Endorsing Assemblywoman Rivera

 Here is an article from the Daily News outlining the continuing problem of Bronx politicians using not-for-profit organizations they control as their piggybanks.  The latest one to get ensnared is Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera. 

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! 

Engel in Hot Water on Personal Loan

The Daily News reports that Congressman Eliot Engel has failed to provide full disclosure about a large personal loan he received from a campaign contributor.  Engel borrowed between $100,000 to $250,000 from a long-time political contributor to buy a Bronx apartment.

Seabrook Circus Begins Again

Part 2 of Councilman Larry Seabrook's corruption trial is under way and it already has a lot of the craziness we saw in the first trial, which ended in a mistrial. Seabrook, who is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a not-for-profit, started off by insisting that prosecutors call him "Councilman Seabrook” or “Mr. Seabrook” but never just “Seabrook.” A Daily News editorial suggests maybe he should be called "Your Majesty" or just plain "guilty". 

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.