Tuesday, November 20, 2012

City Politics

100PERCENT
By Robert Press
No More Twinkies for Bloomberg to Kick Around Anymore
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 20- It appears that Mayor Bloomberg will have one less junk food company to kick around these days with the closing of Hostess Inc. Hostess CEO Greg Rayburn announced the closing after striking workers refused his last and final offer. It seems that we saw this happen in the Bronx not to long ago when the Bronx Stella Doro Bakery workers went on strike, and the owner of Stella Doro closed their Bronx factory. Unlike the complete closure of the Hostess company, Stella Doro products were and are baked at other plants that stayed open. While you may experience Twinkie, Ho Ho, Ding Dong, and Wonder Bread withdrawal symptoms, we expect that some if not all the product names will be sold to other companies. The next question will be, how do the new products compare to the originals?
Speaking of originals, Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. wants to remind us that in this time of Democrats in the State Senate joining Republicans (as new Brooklyn State Senator Simca Felder has announced) he (Senator Diaz) has always been a Democrat. “I am a Democrat, and I will be a Democrat, but the only difference is that I am a Conservative Democrat” said Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. in one of his What you Should Know letters. Senator Diaz ends his letter titled “To Set the Record Straight” with I am a Democrat and I will be voting with my Conference, and I will be voting for a Democrat as the Leader. You can seethe entire “What You Should Know” by Senator Diaz on my blog, by going to the archive section on the left and looking for “To Set the Record Straight”.
As we continue in the State Senate, but move to Independent Democratic State Senator Jeff Kline last Thursday he was in the Riverdale section of his district. Klein was with the North Riverdale Merchants Association and the local assemblyman to announce over 200 pounds of canned food were collected. in their drive for the local food pantry, and hurricane victims. On Sunday Senator Klein hosted his annual “Veterans Day Breakfast” which takes place before the “Annual Veterans Day Parade” in the Throggs Neck Section of his district. The Honorees (all women this year) were Ms. Holly Campbell, Ms. Wendi Carpenter, Ms. Isolina Espinosa, Ms. Hattie Harris (a WWII Vet), Ms. Rosa Kellogg, Ms. Jeanette Martin, Ms. Colleen McCarthy, Ms. Juliana Oliver, and Ms. Patrice Sweeting. You can go to my blog to see photos of the event, and the two other WWII Veterans (Mr. Joe Garofalo and Mr. Albert Mazzit) that I found who were in attendance.
While we are on the subject of the State Senate, don't expect to find out what party and just who is the new Senate Majority Leader is until perhaps sometime early next year. Our guess is if the Democrats hold on to the majority, State Senator Adriano Espiallat could be become the new Majority Leader. That is of course if the Senate Democrats, who are their own worse enemy can get and hold on to the majority.
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
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FreshDirect to give away turkeys

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 20- FreshDirect is donating a total of 1,900 turkeys this week to various groups throughout New York City and Philadelphia in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The schools and charitable organizations receiving the turkeys are the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition, the East River Development Alliance, Project H.O.M.E., and Public School 209 in the Bronx. The offices of State Senator José Peralta, Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz Jr., and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will help distribute the donated turkeys. FreshDirect is also providing 200 turkeys to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Far Rockaway through the Church of the Nazarene in Queens.
“Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a warm, fresh and high-quality meal,” said FreshDirect CEO and co-founder Jason Ackerman. “We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help provide part of that meal for those who need it most.”
Due to a shortage of delivery trucks caused by Hurricane Sandy, the company is enlisting the help of Bronx-based small business FarmFresh Trucking to aid in its donation deliveries.
“We work hard to give the Bronx community a helping hand during the holiday season. Assistance from private sector companies like FreshDirect is invaluable to our efforts,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
State Senator José Peralta, who represents District 13, added, “Queens has been through a lot in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  Many of our residents are struggling and need a helping hand.  FreshDirect’s donation will help some of them get a good meal on Thanksgiving.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said, “Bravo to FreshDirect for its generous donation to the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition and for helping to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for those in need. But let’s not forget that for many struggling to recover after Hurricane Sandy – and for thousands of residents in our area every year – the issue of hunger will be around long after the last light is turned back on and the final home is rebuilt. So as we count our blessings and give thanks for all we have, remember to support individuals and organizations like FreshDirect who are dedicated to putting healthy food on the tables of Brooklynites and New Yorkers throughout the year.”
Reverend Leslie Mullings of the Church of the Nazarene in Queens said, “Many areas in Far Rockaway were devastated by the recent storm.  As we work with residents to rebuild our community, we are glad to have FreshDirect pitch in during this difficult time.”
P.S. 209 Principal Anne Keegan added, “I know there’s been some concern about how FreshDirect will fit into the Bronx, but this company is letting their actions do the talking. They’re actually following through on their promise to be a good neighbor, and I look forward to welcoming them to our community.”
Bishop Mitchell Taylor, President and Founder of the East River Development Alliance, said, “Seeing charitable donations being given to those in need, especially during the holidays, is a beautiful thing. Residents all over Queens will be grateful to receive the 400 turkeys that FreshDirect is providing.”
Reverend W. Taharka Robinson, founder of the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition, said, “I would like to thank FreshDirect for their support for the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition and the surrounding communities here in Brooklyn. FreshDirect has been a great community partner and we look forward to their continuing success and productivity in the community.”
FreshDirect is not limiting its contributions to New York City. The company will also make a donation to Philadelphia’s Project H.O.M.E, an organization devoted to ending homelessness in the area, where it will distribute 100 turkeys.
“As an organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, Project H.O.M.E. is proud to be working with FreshDirect and others to makesure everyone in our city is able to feed their families this Thanksgiving,” said S. Mary Scullion, executive director of Project H.O.M.E.
FreshDirect began distributing the turkeys this past Saturday, November 17th and will continue to do so through Wednesday, November 21th.  
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Friday, November 16, 2012

BP, Zoo Collects Toys for Needy Kids

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined officials from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and  students from PS 205 at the Zoo Center to kick-off Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s holiday toy drive.
The partnership between the Bronx Zoo and the Borough President on the toy drive has become an annual tradition. The Bronx Zoo will serve as a collection point for new, unwrapped toys donated by members of the community. Toys will be collected through the end of December and will be distributed by the Borough President’s office to local veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families.
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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Laughing Bandits Mug Teen

By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 15- A trio of laughing teens are wanted by cops for a mugging in Norwood.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down the three members who range in age from 15 to 18. The attack took place at around 4:15 p.m. on October 24. A 13-year-old was entering the “D” line subway station at 205th Street and Bainbridge Avenue when three males approached him. As two of the group acted as lookouts, the third suspect punched the teen in the mouth. The mugger then snatched a gold chain and crucifix from his victim’s neck. 
Police released surveillance video of the suspects who are seen laughing. The first suspect is described as a black male between the ages of 15 and 18. He is 5 foot 11, 150 to 160 pounds and was seen wearing braids, a blue jacket and blue sneakers. Suspect number two is described as a black male between the ages of 16 and 17. He is 5 foot 4 to 5 foot 6, 120 to 135 pounds. He has short black hair and was seen wearing a dark colored jacket and carrying a backpack. The final suspect is a black male  16 or 17 years old. He is 5 foot 4 to 5 foot 6, 120 to 135 pounds. he was seen wearing a blue baseball cap, black sweatshirt, grey jeans and black and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.  The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

FREE Pizza giveaway

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 14- CiCi’s Pizza in the Bronx is keeping its doors open on Thanksgiving this year and will give away its famous endless buffet for adults and children for free all day while supplies last. No purchase is necessary, but drinks are not included and will be available at regular price.
“We’re new to the Bronx community and want to say thank you to our great neighbors for making us feel so welcome,” said CiCi’s Pizza Franchisee Nabeel Ansari. “As part of this community still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, we also wanted to invite people affected by the storm to come enjoy a meal on us this Thanksgiving.”
CiCi’s Pizza offers more than 28 pizzas in rotation on its endless pizza buffet in addition to pasta, salad, soup and dessert. Every CiCi’s restaurant makes each pizza by hand using house-made dough, sauce made in small batches with special herbs and seasonings, freshly grated cheese and crisp vegetables. Guests are limited to one free visit on Thanksgiving. CiCi’s will offer hot, made-to-order carryout pizzas at regular price throughout the day.
The restaurant hours of operation for dine-in and carryout are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

FREE vouchers for Thanksgiving food

  BRONX, NEW YORK, November 10 - The New York Yankees and White Rose will team up once again to hold their annual Thanksgiving Food Voucher Giveaway on Thursday, November 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Gate 2 at Yankee Stadium (corner of 164th St. and Jerome Ave.).
Bronx residents are invited to come to Yankee Stadium and pick up a food voucher, which can be redeemed at a local Met Food market or Pioneer Supermarket (while supplies last). Proof of Bronx residency is required to receive a voucher.
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Monday, November 12, 2012

Senate Majority Leader Espaillat

100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 12- We called the Obama victory, and last weekend it was announced that President Obama did win the state of Florida. In this wonderful new age of technology it now takes weeks or more to certify an election that previously was done in days the old way. That brings us to our next subject the New York State Senate. It could be 2013 before we know which party or who has has control. Will it be the Democrats, Republicans, The IDC, Dos Amigos ll, or any one of a number of other possibilities. How long will it be until Republican State Senators realize that it is a matter of time before it will take more than one or two rogue Democrats to make a difference in the state senate.
As for who will be Senate Majority Leader should the Democrats have that edge, don't look for John Sampson to get that position again. Forget former Leader Malcolm Smith (who was dumped during the Espada fiasco) as he is rumored to be talking to Republicans about running for mayor in 2013. We also do not see Senator Jeff Klein as Majority Leader, but a person such as State Senator Adriano Espaillat who can be supported by all Democrats. The State Senate Democrats are their own worst enemy, as we have seen in the past. Check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for daily updates on this and the outcome of the 46th State Senate district as the recount begins with Democrat Ceclia Tkaczyk holding a 139 vote lead over Republican George Amedore. This race will be a deciding factor on who controls the State Senate.
The cost of Hurricane Sandy is now projected at $30 Billion according to Governor Cuomo, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has only $12 Billion in aid to give. It is unlikely that a Republican Congress will increase that by much is any.
Back in New York City, (not including any additional Hurricane Sandy costs) Mayor Bloomberg wants to cut libraries, after school programs, increase the fee for school lunches, and parking meter rates to make up for a $600 million gap caused by the probable rejection of a new taxi plan for the outer boroughs.
Here in the Bronx, candidates are said to be jockeying for position should current Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. decide to run for a citywide office such as Public Advocate. Names being tosses around besides term limited Councilman Joel Rivera are, Councilman James Vacca, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, and even Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Both Vacca and Cabrera have another term to serve in the City Council, but Cabrera should he choose to run for BP always has the State Assembly or State Senate seats to run for when he looses. This noise could also be coming out of the Jose Rivera camp as Assemblyman Rivera has said that he wants to return to the City Council so he can fatten his pension. The one with the least to loose would be Assemblyman Castro, as he would still be a member of the State Assembly. However with Vacca as BP and Castro as Deputy BP it could make for an interesting ticket. We however believe that Ruben Diaz Jr. (the 13th BP) who has two terms still to run for as BP will stay as BP and run in 2021 after he has made a legacy for himself like his mentor #11.
In the 11th City Council district as recently elected Bronx Democratic County Committee Vice-Chair Mr. Andrew Cohen joins nut vendor Mr. Clifford Stanton in the race to replace term limited Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, we await to see when the real candidate Mr. Ari Hoffnung announces. Hoffnung who ran in 2005 against Koppell was the leading candidate to replace him in 2009 until the city council overturned the term limit law. Hoffnung has maintained his war chest of just under eighty thousand dollars for a possible race in 2013. Hoffnung currently Assistant Comptroller for Budget and chief Policy Officer has expressed interest to me in the council race. Now that the position of Deputy Comptroller of Accountancy and Budget currently held by newly elected State Senator Simca Felder will open up it should further complicate Hoffnungs decision, as will the possibility of a new City Comptroller should current City Comptroller John Liu run for mayor as he has said.
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com. Or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
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