Changes abound at community boards

Change is sweeping through the Bronx, and community boards (CB) can’t hide. In addition to the recent resignation of Fr. Richard Gorman at CB 12 following allegations of past sexual abuse, which he has denied, Andrew Sandler left his staff position at the northwest Bronx councilman’s office to become district manager of CB 7. At CB 2 in the South Bronx, District Manager Rafael Salamanca stepped down in order to run for a recently vacated City Council seat. Many of these scenarios make the presence of Bronx politics in community boards feel palpable. 

“Community boards, in principle, are the closest form of city government that we have,” said Christopher Malone, an associate dean at Lehman College and former aide to Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera. “City officials are really connected to them very closely.”

Mr. Malone explained that a regular flow of communication between boards and officials is commonplace and the steadier the flow, the better. 

“You want more communication,” he affirmed. 

Northwest Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz agreed that nurturing a discourse with a board is a strong asset for those in office. 

“I would say that anybody who’s elected would be well advised to maintain a dialogue,” he said.

“There should be dialogue between community boards and their elected officials because the mission of a community board is to be a liaison between the public and the city. You’re going to have issues that both offices are working on,” said CB 8 Chairman Dan Padernacht.

City Council members like Andrew Cohen of the northwest Bronx and James Vacca in the East Bronx worked on their community boards prior to running for office. Evidence suggests that the boards function as stepping stones for aspiring politicians.

“It does give you an advantage, without a doubt,” Mr. Malone said.

“Why would you not want somebody more experienced?” Mr. Dinowitz remarked.