A Look at NY Reps. Debts and Riches

Here is a article from the NY Post about the financial disclosures of New York members of Congress. Nita Lowey is the wealthiest with assets ranging from $15 million to $67 million and no liabilities. On the other end of the spectrum is Eliot Engel of the Bronx who reports $50,000 in credit card debt.

Dinowitz in Push to Kill Electoral College

Here is an article from New York Magazine about a push by some NY State lawmakers, including Bronx Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, to kill the electoral college. For many people the Bush/Gore fiasco was their first realization of how under the current system more people can vote for one candidate but he or she can still lose because all of a state's electoral votes go to the candidate who wins that state. However under a new proposal, all of a state's electoral votes would go to a candidate who wins the popular vote -- thereby killing the electoral college without having to endure a Constitutional amendment. Thus far, Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, have pledged their 77 electoral votes to this new arrangement. New York is now considering doing the same. It has already passed the State Senate and now under a bill sponsored by Bronx Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz it may well pass the Assembly. However it appears that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver may not be too keen on it. The articles quotes Dinowitz as saying, "I really have trouble understanding why somebody would object to the first-place finisher actually winning an election," said Dinowitz, sounding sincerely bewildered."

Diaz Sr. -- Ok With Sexting But Not Gay Marriage?

With the debate in Albany in full bloom regarding gay marriage, here is a piece from Michael Daly at the Daily News where he contrasts the position of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. on the Weiner texting scandal and the battle over gay marriage. Diaz has been the most vocal opponent of the gay marriage bill, but Daly points out that "At the same time, Diaz (D-Bronx) seems to think it's no big deal for a man who is married to a woman also to be a lying perv with any number of other women." As backup, he quotes Diaz as saying, "The Bible teaches us to take care of others and to help others when they are down. ... It is shameful to see how many of Congressman Weiner's supposed friends have abandoned him as the media makes a total mockery of him." Daly follows up with these words, "In Ruben's World, the Good Book commands the faithful to help and take care of a perv but shun gays who seek only to live in a relationship sanctioned by the law as well as by love."

Dinowitz Wants State Park Smoking Ban

The New York Post reports that Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz wants to extend the City's park smoking ban to state parks such as Jones Beach and Roberto Clemente park. But he has yet to find a sponsor in the State Senate.

Diaz Sr. Hits Others Over Rent Regs

Here is a posting by Bronx News Network about State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. blasting Mayor Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Quinn over their support for gay marriage as opposed to spending more time supporting extending the rent regs. But, BNN points out that last year Diaz supported a rent freeze bill by former State Senator Espada that some say would have hurt tenants rights.

Bronx BP Diaz Wants Yankee Parking Lot Made into Hotel

Juan Gonzalez of the Daily News writes today about the major financial difficulties at the Yankee Stadium parking lot. The $340 million parking system is in financial collapse, partly because customers are using only 31 percent of the 9000 parking spots. Gonzalez writes, "In a desperate effort to stave off default, the firm hiked its rates this season to $35 for self-parking and $48 for valet, from $23 and $36, respectively. The new prices have driven more fans away. Barely 100 patrons a game are forking out the $48 valet price, less than half what the company expected." Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. has suggested that the garage be torn down and a new hotel or other project be built in its place. What do you think?

Diaz Protest Against Marriage Equality Angers Lesbian Granddaughter

In another chapter in the complex and almost bizzare public life of State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., has his lesbian granddaugther holding a counter-protest to his protest against marriage equality. Senator Diaz led a march down the Grand Concourse towards the Courthouse at 161st st. in oppostion to the movement to pass marriage equality in New York. Celeste Katz of the Daily News reports that "his granddaughter, Erica Diaz, a former Marine who said she was ousted under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, said her grandfather has met Torres, whom she hopes to one day marry. Despite their differences, she said she'd like her grandfather to attend the wedding."