Should Pols get a Pay Raise?

Naomi late to her own party

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 27- The latest news is that there may be a special session right after the election by the NY Assembly to take up the matter of a pay raise from the current base salary of $79,500 to just over $100,000. 

The key word is base, because there are extra monies for chairing committees, travel expense reimbursement, among the other perks of an assembly member. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in trying to justify the raise by saying that members of the assembly have not had a raise in their pay for 14 years. Silver also says that the legislature has taken measures to end corruption and dysfunction in Albany. Mind you this comes as in the past week Queens State Senator Huntley announcing that she is awaiting to be indicted (most likely) for fraud, Brooklyn County Democratic Leader Assemblyman Vito Lopez was stripped of his committee Chairmanship after being found guilty of sexual harassment, and the most recent scandals involving Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera who is now under investigation by almost everyone. If passed the pay raise would go into effect on January 1st 2013 when there is a new assembly body, otherwise that new assembly body would have to take up the measure which would then go into effect January 1st 2015.

Our Committee of 100 Democrats 8th Annual Free Community Barbecue was a huge success as over 1,000 people attended. Even as we were ending the event there were still over 200 people dancing on East 204th Street. Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Richardo “Ricky” Martinez who is running for the 78th Assembly seat said that the people loved it, and those voters in the district want him as their new assemblyman in the 78th A.D. A special thank you goes to Senator Jeff Klein an old friend of the committee who stops by every year, and is not influenced by anyone. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more and see photos of the event. There was mention in the New York Post that Mr. Martinez's opponent the current assemblyman owns a house with his wife in Elmont Long Island, and residency questions may now arise about the incumbent.

There was a festival on Allerton Avenue (the 5th Annual) Sunday sponsored by Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera. I arrived at 12:30 p.m. to see the festival that started at 12 p.m. and was scheduled to end at 5 p.m. was not even half set up. While I waited I talked to some people, and asked a few questions. I asked one of the police officers how many people were expected, and was told a few hundred. I stopped at some of booths to find out that they were being charged for their space, and was told that their was no real price structure only as much as could be gotten from the vendor. Many store keepers said that business was down, and the local supermarket was empty with people crowded in the shade in front of the store. I went into Assemblywoman Rivera's campaign office (that just happened to be on Allerton Ave.) to find out when the assemblywoman would arrive, and first was told later, and then about a half hour, which I took as the usual quick photo opportunity whenever, so I left at 2 p.m.

Last week, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., held a press conference with New York Ranger great Mark Messier, Olympic Gold Medalist skater Sarah Hughes, and some of the local elected officials to announce his backing of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal for the Kingsbridge Armory. Diaz said that the Bronx has the “Greatest baseball team, a top flight golf and tennis center under construction, and with this proposal perhaps the greatest ice sports center in the nation.”

Messier and Hughes spoke of the wonderful opportunities that children and adults would have. Of the local elected official, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell said, “Fifteen years ago I had a vision for a sports center here at the armory,” while it seemed to me and others that Assemblyman Jose Rivera was trying to take the credit for fixing the roof and inside of the armory. Go to my blog to read more and see photos of the event, and a sketch of armory in this proposal.

The New York City Council Redistricting Committee held its last preliminary hearing at Lehman College last week, and by the poor turnout and lack of speakers it seems like no one cares. Only nine of the scheduled 10 speakers had any thing to say, and three more people from Queens and Brooklyn spoke after the chairman practically begged the audience if there was anyone else who wanted to speak, even taking a recess for 20 minutes still with no more speakers.

The important thing here is that according to the figures given out Brooklyn lost almost 40,000 people, Queens 150,000 people, Manhattan and Staten Island gained about 1,500 people each, and the Bronx gained 75,000 people. The size of a council district is about 160,000 people, with district 8 part Bronx and part Manhattan the Bronx council delegation is looking to have another full council district.

Lastly, speaking of council districts, there will be a special election on election day for the vacant council seat that Larry Seabrook was elected to. Seabrook was removed from office after being convicted of 9 out of 12 counts corruption in office. Community activist (and friend) Andy King who came in a strong second to Seabrook last year now is favored to win this special election. Since this seat is in Co-op City, we are going to let the Co-op City news cover this special election, but we will give updates in this column.

Don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for more details, photos, updates, and items that may not have made it into this column. 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.

Genovese Family Member Convicted of 20-year-old Mob Hit

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 24- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that a 64-year-old New Jersey man with ties to organized crime is facing life imprisonment after being convicted of murder for his role in a “mob hit” that occurred in the Bronx 20 years ago.

Paul Gaccione, a.k.a. Doc, was found guilty on one count of murder in the second degree in the death of Angelo Sangiuolo, who was 32-years-old when he was shot to death on June 3, 1992. The jury found that Gaccione, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, had acted-in-concert with others in causing Sangiuolo’s death.

State Supreme Court Justice Seth Marvin set sentencing for Wednesday, September 12, 2012 in Part T27. The judge could impose a maximum term of up to 25 years to life in prison.

The jury heard testimony that Gaccione was the driver of a stolen van in which the deceased was a passenger when he was shot numerous times in the torso and head. Following the “hit” in the vicinity of Wilkinson and Westchester Avenues, Caccione drove the van into the parking lot of a nearby McDonald’s Restaurant at 1515 Williamsbridge Road and abandoned the stolen vehicle with the body in it.

During the trial, witnesses testified that the murder had been arranged by Angelo Prisco, a member of the Genovese Organized Crime Family and carried out at Prisco’s direction by John Leto, who shot Sangiuolo to death. The deceased was in the van with Gaccione and Leto under the pretense that Prisco had asked them to help Sangiuolo resolve some problem.

Both Prisco and Leto were prosecuted and convicted for their roles in this killing as well as other crimes, by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The case against Gaccione was referred to the Bronx District Attorney for prosecution because federal authorities lacked jurisdiction under the RICO Statute. Gaccione could not be charged under the federal enterprise corruption law solely on the basis of his participation in the murder.

The case against Gaccione is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Robert Caliendo, of the Rackets Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Glucksman of the Investigations Division.

Back to School Sale at Verizon Wireless!

Back to School Sale at Verizon Wireless!

Pantech Breakout Bundle with Car Charger, Cover, Anti-Glare Screen Protectors and Free Shipping!

Pantech Breakout Bundle with Car Charger, Cover, Anti-Glare Screen Protectors and Free Shipping!


LG Enlighten Bundle with Vehicle Charger, Silicone Cover, Screen Protectors and Free Shipping!

Cool Plan for Kingsbridge Armory

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 23- In front of the Kingsbridge Armory, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a host of elected officials joined with New York Rangers’ legend Mark Messier and Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes to announce their support for the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal for the historic armory.

The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) would bring a total of nine regulation hockey rinks to the Kingsbridge Armory, featuring a 5,000 seat showplace area as its anchor, making it one of the largest ice sports centers in the world.

The developers behind the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal have made assurances that all jobs created by the development will pay a “living wage,” that local hiring will be handled through the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, that more than 50,000 square feet of community space will be made available to area organizations and that an education program modeled after the successful Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation program in Philadelphia will be incorporated as part of the project. This LEED Gold, sustainable development is anticipated to bring $250 million in private investment to the northwest Bronx.

“Our borough is home to the greatest baseball team, and will see a top-flight golf course and state of the art tennis center take shape in our borough over the next few years. With the development of perhaps the greatest ice sports center in the United States right here at the Kingsbridge Armory, the Bronx will stand at the forefront of athletics for the entire region,” said Diaz. “Given the developers commitment to ‘living wage’ jobs, local hiring and community programming, it is clear that the Kingsbridge National Ice Center project is the right fit for our borough.”

“Winning the Stanley Cup with the Rangers was a tremendous moment in the history of New York hockey,” said Mark Messier. “But when the doors open for the first time at the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, it will literally change the sport, as well as New York, forever. With the world’s greatest ice sports facility right here in the Bronx, New York City is destined to be the proud home of countless NHL champions and Olympic gold medalists to come.” 

“Becoming a champion figure skater has long been one of the few dreams you have to leave New York City to achieve,” said Sarah Hughes, 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist in Women’s Figure Skating and a partner in the KNIC development. “The Kingsbridge National Ice Center will mean a world of new possibilities for boys and girls in the Bronx and throughout the five boroughs. More than just skating rinks, this facility will offer incredible educational and fitness initiatives that will shape future generations in this community.”

“The Kingsbridge National Ice Center will transform this incredible piece of history into an awe-inspiring international destination and a source of pride for the Bronx and all of New York City,” said Kevin Parker, the founder of KNIC and partner in the project. “This project will create jobs and economic activity in the Bronx, support important community and educational initiatives, and provide New Yorkers with unprecedented access to a variety of spectacular ice sports.”

“Today's proposal proves that you can have responsible development in the Bronx which provides living wage jobs for New Yorkers and builds stronger communities. We are proud to have worked with the Borough President and the community to help pave the way for a Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment that will bring decent jobs to the area.  It shows that when we work together there are real solutions to the challenges of building in this city in a way that benefits everyone,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

"The Kingsbridge Armory has the potential to be an important economic engine for the surrounding Kingsbridge community as well as the rest of the Bronx. As a member of the community and a representative for the area, my major concern has been that regardless of the project, Bronxites and neighbors feel that the Armory is used by the community and that it brings good, well-paying jobs to local residents. I am excited to begin the next step in making our dreams for the Kingsbridge Armory a reality,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

"Once transformed, the Kingsbridge Armory will again be a vibrant center in the Bronx," said Jonathan Richter, a KNIC partner. "Through a diverse array of community programming, KNIC will help lead the way in improving academic performance and incentivizing active and healthy living among young people in the Bronx, serving as a model for childhood education and fitness."

“The creation of a world class ice-skating facility that will provide athletic opportunities to everyone from local residents to Olympic champions would realize a dream that arose out of my daughters’ figure skating training at the Olympic facility in Lake Placid,” said City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

“By all measures, the transformation of the Kingsbridge Armory into the Kingsbridge National Ice Center would have a profound, positive economic impact on the Bronx and the entire city,” said Carl Weisbrod, KNIC consultant and partner at HR&A Advisors and the founding President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. “KNIC would be a true economic engine that would create hundreds of permanent and construction-related living wage jobs, and support hundreds more. This global destination would also bolster neighborhood businesses and generate significant new spending and tax revenue for New York City by bringing in millions of visitors to the Bronx, not only from the surrounding area, but from across the country and around the world."

“In 1996, the Bronx City Council delegation and I allocated $27 million in order to secure the re-development of the Kingsbridge Armory.  It has always been my position to develop the Armory and help create jobs in order for our Bronx community to completely benefit from this project.  I stand with my colleagues in elected office, including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who has provided strong leadership in getting this project off the ground.  I stand with them in support of the re-development of the Kingsbridge Armory,” said Assemblyman Jose Rivera.

KNIC is estimated to generate approximately 885 construction-related jobs in the Bronx, as well as 170 full-time equivalent permanent positions at the facility. The operations of the facility will ultimately support a total of 380 permanent jobs in the borough, and net new economic activity of more than $42 million annually. With the development of the North Parcel, an additional 520 jobs are expected for the Bronx through both construction and ongoing operations. KNIC has agreed in writing that each of these jobs will pay a “living wage.”

In addition to the creation of “living wage” jobs, KNIC has agreed to handle its local hiring process through the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC). The BOEDC has run successful hiring programs for a number of borough businesses, including those retail stores at the Gateway Mall and FreshDirect.

“The Kingsbridge National Ice Center will provide the local businesses with a much needed economic shot in the arm.  The thousands of spectators as well as those participating in events will now be able to use the Kingsbridge business corridor to eat at the exceptional restaurants in the area, as well as the stores surrounding this historic structure.  The ice center will create jobs and produce millions in revenue for the City and the Bronx as the world’s largest ice arena becomes yet another exceptional sports destination here in the Bronx,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“The addition of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center to the already diverse Bronx destinations would be a positive step in attracting more visitors to our borough.  This project will enhance the visibility of this neighborhood to national as well as international travelers” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of the Bronx Tourism Council.

The KNIC will also feature an education program modeled after the wildly successful Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation in Philadelphia. In addition to providing inner-city youth with an opportunity to play hockey, the program includes a strong education component that has created new and positive opportunities for at-risk youth in Philadelphia. Statistics show that this program has been a success, as participating students have seen an increase in their matriculation rate from 46 percent to 97 percent, school attendance increased by 70 percent and academic performance increased by 62 percent. In addition, unsatisfactory behavior has decreased by 54 percent.

The KNIC proposal will also feature more than 50,000 square feet of community space, which will be made available to neighborhood organizations. In total, the project is expected to bring tens of thousands of individuals to the Bronx from other areas each year, opening up the boroughs restaurants, businesses and other attractions to an entirely new audience.

“This education program, combined with this expansive community space, will be a real amenity to the people of not only the northwest Bronx, but the entire borough. The KNIC will generate commerce, new tourism and education opportunities for the Bronx as well,” said Borough President Diaz.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation, which will eventually choose the future tenant of the Kingsbridge Armory, is expected to make their decision before the end of 2012.

“We stand together today to send our message to the City in one voice: the Kingsbridge National Ice Center is the right choice for the Bronx. We urge the City to show their faith in this proposal and give this developer the opportunity to create an innovative, unique and complimentary project in the historic Kingsbridge Armory,” said Diaz.

News Photog Captures Vicious Pitbull Attack

(Photos by David Greene)

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 22- Dozens of Concourse residents watched in horror as a dog was brutally attacked by a pit bull. Two police officers stayed back at a safe distance, one holding a billy club as a half dozen residents separated the two dogs. The critically injured dog was taken by cab to a local animal hospital, its condition was not known. The alleged owners of the pit bull were allowed to take the dog back inside an apartment building and no report was taken or summons issued by police.

Investigate Cougar Gate!

Naomi Rivera’s Opponent Calls on DA, Attorney General to Probe Alleged Misuse of Tax Payer $

By Robert Press

UPDATE...

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 20- Follow the money, is what Naomi Rivera’s opponent is saying to investigators in regards to affairs the assemblywoman had with younger men whom she put on staff at her office and at a not-for-profit. The political challenger is calling on the Bronx DA and state Attorney General to investigate alleged misuse of tax payer dollars.

Mark Gjonaj candidate for the 80^th assembly district sent the following statement: “The Post story shows a clear misuse of public tax payer dollars, which only serves to further voters’ lack of confidence in their elected officials. These allegations necessitate an immediate investigation by the Bronx District Attorney and the NY state Attorney General. I am sure on election day, the voters will make their voices clear that this behavior is no longer acceptable by their public officials.” 

Another opponent of Assemblywoman Rivera Adam Bermudez said, "I believe that no voters who have heard the well reported facts regarding misappropriation of tax dollars will vote for the incumbent Assemblywoman. 

In what has become the second of a series of stories the New York Post last Sunday had a front page story about Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera titled “SUGAR MAMA.” 

This was a tell all story by “BOY TOY” #1 Vincent “Vinny” Pinela on how he got a job as executive director of a non profit The Bronx Council for Economic Development. In the Post article Pinela claims that he had no experience in non profits, but was hired at a salary of $60,000 at the urging of Assemblywoman Rivera after the two started to see each other. The Post article goes on to say that Pinela and Rivera shared an address for parts of 2008 and 2009, that the non profit received over $300,000 in grants from the state, and that Assemblywoman Rivera herself steered just under half of the monies to the non profit herself.

As for where the state monies went, the Post says that romantic dinners, a payment of over $40,000 to a production company owned by one of the assemblywoman’s family members for work done in 2007, and political expenses and donations, (which the Post says were not allowed by a non profit) were among other items. 

"The allegations made by Mr. Pinela against me are untrue and are made intentionally and maliciously to defame my character, and to question my integrity. Friends, and constituents who know me, know that these are baseless accusations. I will not let myself be distracted from the work that needs to be done in my district," said Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera.

As to why the article brings in her father Assemblyman Jose Rivera who was the Bronx Democratic County Leader from 2002 until 2008, I spoke with Mr. Mike Nieves (her father’s campaign manager), who said “Jose Rivera's daughters private life has nothing to do with her father.” 

I spoke to several other people which included Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who asked me to make sure that I mentioned that He was the first elected official to endorse Mark Gjonaj for the 80^th Assembly seat, not Naomi Rivera. Political Strategist Patrick Jenkins spokesman for the Bronx Democratic County Organization said, “The Bronx Democratic County Organization stands behind Assemblyman Naomi Rivera and continues to support her, and will not change their position.” Again there were some supporters of Assemblywoman Rivera who did not want to comment.

You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com and check the archive section on the left for the links to both Sunday's and Monday's New York Post stories.

Kids Shop Sale - Extra 30% OFF

Yanks are Sitting Pretty

Beat Boston to Continue Command of First

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 20- More than 330,000 fans came to Yankee Stadium during the most recent seven game homestand of the Yankees. Many fans took advantage of summer vacations to spend some time at the great ballpark in the Bronx.

The first four games were contests between the Texas Rangers, leaders of the American League West, and the Yanks, leaders of the American League East. Fans could have been witnessing a preview of the ALCS. The battle between the two American League powerhouses was centered upon which of the two clubs would finish the 2012 season with the best record in the league, thus capturing home field advantage in the American League Championship Series.

The two clubs entered the series with identical won/loss marks, 67-47. The Yanks clinched the four-game series by winning the first three contests while holding the Rangers to a total of four runs. Yankees starters David Phelps, Hiroki Kuroda and Freddy Garcia each won one contest.

The Texas offense came to life in the final game on Thursday by scoring 10 runs on 16 hits. The 10-6 victory allowed the Rangers to leave the Bronx without having been swept.

Although the Yanks gave up 10 runs on Thursday, manager Joe Girardi reflected on the team’s fine work, “We pitched pretty well. We swung the bats pretty well. We played pretty good baseball. We’re in the race for the best record.”

After the Rangers limped out of town on Thursday night, the Boston Red Sox began their second three-day visit within a month. The three sell-out crowds were treated to some interesting baseball between the arch-rivals in the American League East.

The Yanks, more than any other club in the majors, have lived and died by the home run. On Friday, their season high of five homers provided them with a 6-4 victory over the Red Sox. On Saturday, the only run scored by New York was by a solo home run by Curtis Granderson. The single run was not sufficient as Boston won by a score of 4-1.

The multi-homer hitter for the Yankees on Sunday night was not the usual suspect. Icharo Suzuki homered in consecutive at bats to the delight of the full house. He followed the two four baggers with an infield single. Much less surprising was that Derek Jeter hit safely in his first three at bats. The three hits raised his career total to 3,251, one below Napoleon Lajoie, who is in 12^th place. The four Yankee runs were scored by the two future Hall of Famers, Jeter and Suzuki. Each crossed the plate twice during the game.

Hiroki Kuroda held Boston scoreless for 6.1 innings before surrendering a solo home run to Adrian Gonzalez. That homer was the only run given up By Kuroda in his eight innings on the mound. The 4-1 win was the ninth in his last 11 decisions.

The Yanks are still leading the race in the A.L. East, but the final outcome has not been decided. Tampa, in second place, has won 11 of its last 13 and Baltimore, in the third place, has won 11 of 15. The Yanks will face the Rays in six additional games and will play Baltimore on seven more occasions. The Yankees have kept pace with their challengers, winning 9 of their last 12 contests. The home games were not only a financial success, but were beneficial to the pennant race for New York as the Yanks won five of the seven games played.

The ability of the Yankees to win on the road as effectively as they do at Yankee Stadium will also be a factor in the race for the American East title as 16 of the club’s next 22 games will be played on the road.

The answer to where the Yankees will place as the regular season concludes may be a little clearer to discern on August 27 when the Yanks return to the Bronx after a six game road trip.

Kids Shop Sale - Extra 30% OFF

Stormin’ Yanks Bash Sox

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 18- All but one run for each club was scored via a home run on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. The five homers clouted by the Bronx Bombers allowed them to edge the Boston Red Sox, 6-4.

The five long balls of the Yankees raised their total this season to a Major League high of 186. The Yanks, on a good run, have homered in 33 of their last 37 games. They are currently on pace to equal if not surpass their single season mark of 244, achieved in 2009.

Nick Swisher hit the first Yankee homer of the contest with one out in the first. He connected for another solo homer from the other side of the plate with one out in the seventh. This was the 12^th game in Swisher’s career that he accomplished this feat. He is only behind teammate Mark Teixeira, who has homered from both sides of the plate in 13 games.

The very hot Swisher has scored and driven in at least one run in each of his last six games. The streak is the longest by a Yankee since August 30-September 4, 2008 when Alex Rodriguez did the same.

Manager Joe Girardi said of Swisher, “He’s been extremely impressive. He’s done a great job there [batting in the second spot].”

Curtis Granderson (31) and Russell Martin (13) hit back-to-back homers in the second inning.

Derek Jeter led off the fifth with his 250^th homer, surpassing Graig Nettles on the Yankees. The homer was his 10^th of the 2012 season, which gave the Yankees a Major League leading total of 10 players (Robinson Cano, Eric Chavez, Curtis Granderson, Raúl Ibañez, Derek Jeter, Andruw Jones, Russell Martin, Alex Rodriguez, Nick Swisher, and Mark Teixeira) with homers in double digits. The hit also increased Jeter’s consecutive game hitting streak to 13.

Girardi praised the iconic Yankee hero, “He’s [Jeter] an amazing player. How many 38 year olds play 15 games in a row.”

Red Sox starter Franklin Morales gave up four of the home runs in 5.1 innings. In his only other start against the Yanks this year Morales also yielded four homers. Interestingly, in six other starts in 2012, Morales surrendered only one home run.

The Red Sox scored all their four tallies in the third inning. Although none of the four runs were charged to Yankees starter Phil Hughes his throwing error caused them to be scored. Mike Aviles singled to begin the inning. Hughes fielded an easy grounder by Scott Podsednik into center on what appeared to be an easy double play. With one run in and two on base Dustin Pedroia awarded himself three runs batted in with a homer into the left field seats as a present for his 29^th birthday. This was the third game in which Pedroia celebrated his birthday with a home run.

Hughes gave up only two other hits in his seven inning stint. The win ended his two game losing streak.  Girardi was pleased by his performance, “He got ground balls; he didn’t walk people; he got us through seven innings. It was great except for his throw to second.

David Phelps (3-3) and Jon Lester (6-10) will start the second game of the weekend series to be played on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Kids Shop Sale - Extra 30% OFF