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.