Looking to find a voice Bronx politics

To the editor:

I would like to thank The Riverdale Press and [reporter] Nick Judd for taking a recent interest in the “west side” of the 80th Assembly District, most notably the areas of Bedford Park, Norwood and Van Cortlandt Village.

What I would like to do for a moment is clarify Mr. Judd’s articles just a little.

Firstly, the New Northwest Bronx Liberty Democratic Club is not to rival Kenny Agosto’s Liberty Democratic Association in the 80th Assembly District.

Secondly, as Mr. Judd saw himself at LDA’s recent Candidates Night, it is a lovely North Bronx east side association covering the areas of Allerton, Morris park, Pelham Parkway, while in the east side of the 80th Assembly District, has no representation on the North West side of the 80th District. The 11th councilmanic district covering the areas of the communities mentioned prior. This is why many do not understand the political decision of Anthony Cassino asking a clubs help that does not represent the neighborhood of the districts he wants to represent, Bedford park, Norwood and Van Cortlandt Village

Thirdly, our real fight, which ironically is similar to your most recent story on “Guy Velella’s Revenge.” The Northwest Bronx, in surviving two political wars over the last 20 years has become “sliced and diced” out of all realms of political power. Our club, having long-standing leaders in their communities, like Sallie Caldwell from Tracy Towers, want to give neighborhoods like Bedford park a new and energizing voice. Like your article relates to the political triangle and West 246th and Waldo Ave, we have our triangle too; at Tracy Towers.

To the left is the 81st Assembly District. To the right is the 78th. Of course, Tracy’s residents are in the 80th. If these three assembly people were working together, then yes, like Riverdale today with the state Senate situation, this would be a good thing. Sadly, for 20 years, however, Jose Rivera (78th), Naomi Rivera (80th) and Jeffrey Dinowitz (81st), have let their infighting destroy Bedford park by not reaching its highest level of political voice.

We want our Fordham, Kingsbridge Bedford Park, Norwood and Van Cortlandt Village communities to get their political voice back. This new club , we hope, is one step in that direction. What makes it harder is when non resident clubs interfere with resident business. What makes it sadder is when Council candidates do not realize this either. We hope this letter clarifies our position and our group’s purpose. It is not anti-Kenny Agosto and Anthony Cassino (actually our neighborhoods think very highly of Mr. Cassino), it is propolitical voice

And to finally note that our club has taken some real steps to this end, including asking a formal request to Community Board 7 to create an “ad hoc” redistricting committee so the community can suggest to our state legislators “in advance” to the new redistricting proposals to come down the pike within the next 2 to 4 years.

Thank you Riverdale Press and Nick Judd for your continued good efforts.

ANTHONY RIVIECCIO

This is part of the June 11, 2009 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you. Click here.