[Updated] Vote for Dan Padernacht Fliers Hitting Mailboxes; Padernacht Says They Aren't Coming From Him

We don't have a copy on hand, but mailers urging 33rd Senate District Democrats to vote for Dan Padernacht are arriving in mailboxes this week. But Padernacht, who essentially dropped out of the race earlier this week, says they aren't coming from him.

"Our campaign has not sent out any mailers," Padernacht said in a brief phone interview, but wouldn't elaborate or say who he thought might have sent them out. 

It's widely assumed that votes for Padernacht would help the re-election chances of incumbent Pedro Espada Jr.

Padernacht's name will appear on the primary ballot Sept. 14, but on Monday morning he announced that he would throw his support behind fellow challenger Gustavo Rivera, saying he felt the need to oust Espada was bigger than his candidacy. Many believed Padernacht would siphon critical anti-Espada votes away from Rivera, who has received loads of political, institutional and union endorsements.

Many of New York's most popular Democratic leaders hailed Padernacht as a hero for endorsing Rivera and campaigning on his behalf in the days leading up to the primary.

Death Panel-ish Mailer

Another mailer, showing a doctored photo of a menacing-looking Rivera is also finding its way mysteriously into voters homes. On one side, along with a picture of a doctor or nurse with their hand on a respirator above a patient (as if about to pull it it off), says: "Guess who's planning to pull the plug on your health care?"  And then on the back, with the menacing photo, it says: "Gustavo Rivera. That's who."

The accusations it includes, aside from pulling the plug on folks -- increased prescription drug costs for seniors, more seniors will be without insurance, shorter hospital stays and the closure of neighborhood clinics -- are completely baseless as far we can tell.

Plus, the mailers are being sent anonymously, meaning someone is trying to avoid scrutiny (or possible legal action) for sending these out.

We're waiting for a reply from Espada's campaign.

[Update: Haile Rivera, who is handling media responsibilities for Espada's campaign wrote in an e-mail: "all of our mail has 'New Yorkers for Espada' printed. Aside from that, I am not aware of such mailer."]

Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 7

A nurse at Calvary Hospital was flabbergasted to discover that her new patient was her long lost father, who vanished from her life some 40 years ago when she was just a baby. Sadly, the reunion is bittersweet because the father has terminal cancer.

The name of a 19-year-old Bronx man killed in Vietnam has been added to a war monument in Van Nest, after his friend noticed the oversight and did something about it.

1520 Sedgwick Ave., a high-rise near the Harlem River often called the birthplace of hip-hop, has been sold. Tenants and housing advocates are hopeful the new landlord will address many of building's housing violations. More on 1520 Sedgwick here.

State Senate candidate Gustavo Rivera is asking the Justice Department to send federal election observers to the northwest Bronx on Primary Day. He says he's concerned Espada may attempt to suppress voter turnout. As close followers of this race will have heard by now, lawyer Daniel Padernacht has dropped out and is now supporting Rivera. This morning Padernacht's making his endorsement official. (Espada is also unveiling endorsements today.) With Padernacht gone, the Daily News' Bob Kappstatter says Rivera and Espada are now "neck and neck." That and more in his weekly column.

Robert Schimmel, a Bronx-born stand up comic who's best known for his appearances on The Howard Stern Show, has died in hospital from injuries sustained in a car accident last month.

The owner of a Bronx nail salon faces a hefty fine after refusing to serve a disabled woman. "We don't take her kind here," the store owner allegedly said.

The city's public beaches and swimming pools have closed for the season. Roberto Clemente State Park's pools never opened to begin with.

In a Labor Day editorial, the NY Post bashes the modern day labor movement, which, it says, is partly to blame for the country's high unemployment rate. Not for the first time, the paper also goes after Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. who helped nix plans to turn the long-vacant Kingbridge Armory into a mall, after the developer refused to agree to a "living wage" requirement. 

The Times profiles the Ghetto Film School, a non-profit organization which runs an after-school program in Mott Haven.

A new program at Montefiore Medical Center has put cameras in the hands of seriously ill teenagers, to help them express their emotions.

The long disrupted express service on the 5 Train is being temporarily restored.

ShopRite, a supermarket chain, is considering opening a store on East Gun-Hill Road near Allerton Avenue.

A preview of the upcoming Bronx A boys soccer season.

Gustavo Rivera Bails on Debate Tonight; Going to Event in East Bronx Instead

The headline pretty much sums it up.

At 2:45 p.m., about four hours before he was scheduled to appear at a debate of 33rd Senate District candidates at Fordham Lutheran Church, Christopher Malone, the policy director for Gustavo Rivera's campaign, wrote us an e-mail to say Rivera would not be attending the debate.

Instead, Malone said Rivera would be attending a candidates' forum in the east Bronx, near Westchester Square, an event hosted by the Bronx branches of the NAACP.

Last week, Rivera's campaign said he would participate in the debate, organized by Transportation Alternatives at Fordham Lutheran Church, which the Bronx News Network will be moderating. On Monday night, Rivera participated in a debate with fellow candidate Dan Padernacht on the talk show, BronxTalk. Pedro Espada Jr., the incumbent in the 33rd Senate District, has refused to debate his fellow candidates.

Yesterday, Dan Levitan of the Working Families Party, which is working on Rivera's behalf, said he didn't think Rivera would attend tonight's debate, adding that he felt Padernacht was in the race to smear Rivera.

We reached out to Rivera's campaign yesterday -- as did organizers for Transportation Alternatives -- to see if, indeed, he would be backing out of his commitment. There was no response until Malone's e-mail  an hour ago. 

In the e-mail, Malone repeatedly bashed Espada, saying that instead of debating, Espada had "decided to hide from the community."

Malone added: "With all due respect to Mr. Padernacht, Rivera is the only candidate who has received enough support in this community to have a chance of defeating Sen. Espada and bringing the change and accountability we need." 

Tonight: 33rd Senate District Candidates Debate

The Bronx News Network will be moderating a debate tonight at 7 p.m. at Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2430 Walton Ave. (just south of Fordham Road) between candidates of the 33rd Senate District.

The debate is being hosted by nonprofit groups Transportation Alternatives and Picture the Homeless, so there will be questions about transit and homelessness. We will also be asking about other issues affecting the 33rd District and taking questions from the audience. Come, participate and get answers so you can make an informed decision on Sept. 14 (if you're a Democrat) and Nov. 4 (if you're a voter of any party).

(Note: if there are burning issues you would like discussed, leave the questions or issue topics in the "comments" section and we'll try our best to address them at the debate tonight.)

The incumbent Pedro Espada Jr. has declined to attend tonight's debate (or any other debate or even answer a simple survey of questions that we gave out to all of the 33rd District Democratic candidates). 

But candidates Gustavo Rivera and Dan Padernacht (both Democrats) as well as John Reynolds (Green Party) have all confirmed with Transportation Alternatives that they will be attending.

Espada Camp Feeling Good (Updated)

Standing outside of Pedro Espada's district office on Bainbridge Avenue, a political outpost among rows of medical offices, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. offered a prediction for the upcoming primaries on Sept. 14.

"Pedro's going to win. I'm going to win. And we're going to come back stronger, faster and better," said Diaz, who remains the only elected official to have endorsed Espada. "You know, like the $60 Million Man, you remember the TV show?"

Well, not really. But point taken. In fact, several people in Espada's camp have expressed this feeling over the past few days. It's clear they feel -- despite all the negative press, the investigations, the law suits, the confrontations with hecklers and protesters, the hundreds of thousands being spent to defeat him -- that Espada is in a good position to be re-elected for another two-year term.

And why wouldn't they?

• With all the institutional and political endorsements going to challenger Gustavo Rivera, Espada is able to paint himself as the underdog, despite having an enormous campaign war chest bankrolled mostly by the real estate industry.

• His refusal to debate his two challengers is looking increasingly like a shrewd political move. During a debate on BronxTalk on Monday night, which Espada didn't attend, candidate Dan Padernacht continually attacked Rivera for his lack of community involvement and for playing dirty politics in trying to get him to drop out of the race. While Rivera focused his criticisms on the incumbent, Padernacht didn't mention Espada once, except to say he worked to get him kicked off the ballot two years ago for residency issues. Padernacht maintains he's not being encouraged or aided by Espada (and there's really no concrete evidence to support those rumors), but regardless, it's clear his presence is hurting Rivera and helping Espada. (Earlier today, Dan Levitan of the Working Families Party, which is campaigning on behalf of Rivera, said they felt it was clear Padernacht's only goal was to smear Rivera on Espada's behalf and that he probably wouldn't attend tomorrow's debate at Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church if Espada doesn't. We haven't heard back from Rivera's campaign staff to confirm whether he would attend or not.)

• While Rivera and Padernacht are out campaigning and trying to get their name out to voters, Espada is out giving away school supplies, produce and vans. Everyone already knows who he is -- for good or bad. He's also using his status as a working senator to hold press conferences about hot-button issues like immigration and marching for civil rights.Never underestimate the power of incumbency.

Espada may be the most demonized candidate in New York, but he knows how to win elections.

Update: About the signs, Espada spokesman Franck Laboy said he couldn't comment.We'll look into it.

Former BP Ferrer Endorses Gustavo Rivera

As we mentioned in the news roundup yesterday, former Bronx Borough President Freddy Ferrer is endorsing candidate Gustavo Rivera in the 33rd Senate District race, as Rivera fights to unseat State Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr.

Ferrer and Rivera held a brief press conference on the steps of Bronx Borough Hall yesterday afternoon. Flanked by a modest showing of Rivera supporters holding signs, Ferrer praised Rivera and then said he was "embarrassed" by Espada's "scofflaw attitude."

"If there is a moral test in politics this year, it is this race," he told the crowd. Watch the video below to hear the rest of Ferrer's statement.


Freddy Ferrar Edorses Gustavo Rivera from Jeanmarie Evelly on Vimeo.

The two men are no strangers--Rivera worked for Ferrer on his failed campaign for Mayor.

"It's been almost ten years since I first knocked on doors throughout the Bronx for Freddy, and its an incredible honor to receive his backing today," he said.

The current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. was spotted entering Bronx Borough Hall yesterday as well--his office is on the building's third floor--though he didn't make an appearance at Rivera's press conference.

Diaz has yet to endorse a candidate in the 33rd District race, though he said he wants to see Espada defeated. The Borough President had a lunch meeting last week with Rivera at a Kingsbridge restaurant, and is also supposed to meet with the remaining candidate, lawyer Daniel Padernacht, at some point in the future (their original meeting, scheduled for this past Tuesday, had to be postponed, Padernacht said.)

Padernacht-Diaz Meeting To Be Rescheduled

Dan Padernacht, the underdog Democratic challenger who is taking on incumbent Pedro Espada Jr. and Democratic establishment that wants to see him go aways in the 33rd Senate District race, says his meeting with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., scheduled for today has been postponed. He's currently working out a new meeting time with Diaz's scheduler.

Diaz met with Padernacht's fellow challenger, Gustavo Rivera, last week. He didn't commit to supporting Rivera, but said he wanted to see Espada defeated. (In an odd twist, Diaz Jr.'s father, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is supporting Espada.)

Padernacht (pictured), a lawyer and member of Community Board 8, and Rivera, a longtime Democratic operative and adjunct college professor, are both on the ballot after weathering petition challenges.

Yesterday, the New Roosevelt Institute, which has endorsed Rivera and is adamantly anti-Espada, released a poll it commissioned that said Espada would prevail in a three-way race that included Padernacht, but that Rivera and Espada were virtually in a dead heat if the two matched up one-one-one.

The message from the Insitute, Padernacht said earlier today, is simple: move out of the way and let Rivera and Espada go head-to-head. It's a message Padernacht is not listening to. 

"I'm not giving [the poll results] any credence," Padernacht said. "It's all intimidation. All they're doing is turning voters against the democratic process."

New Poll: Espada Vulnerable But Crowded Race Benefits Him

Despite low name recognition, Gustavo Rivera is currently tied with State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. in a head-to-head matchup, according to a recent poll conducted by Red Horse Strategies on behalf of the New Roosevelt Initiative, a political committee which has endorsed Rivera.

When Daniel Padernacht, the third candidate in the race, is added to the equation, however, Espada jumps into a healthy lead. (Concerned about the “Ralph Nader” effect, Rivera and the New Roosevelt Initiative have been urging Padernacht to end his campaign - so far without success.)

There's more analysis from the poll below.

In related news, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. officially endorsed Espada today at a church in Kingsbridge, according to Riverdale Ramblings. His son, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr., is considering backing Rivera.

New Roosevelt Initiative Poll

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 6)

The Bronx News Network recently asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

Over the past several days we have posted their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Last week, we published Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. Yesterday, we published Part 5. Today, we will conclude our series with the candidates' views on independent redistricting and member items (discretionary funds intended for local nonprofit groups).

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

Part 6

QUESTION: Do you support an independent redistricting panel?

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 5)

The Bronx News Network recently asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Last week, we published Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. Today, we are focusing on social issues and legislative reform. Tomorrow, we will conclude our series with the candidates' views on independent redistricting and member items (discretionary funds intended for local nonprofit groups).

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

Part 5

QUESTION: What’s your position on same-sex marriage? Abortion rights?

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 4)

Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Part 1 was published Tuesday. We published Part 2 Wednesday and Part 3 Thursday. Today, we are focusing on housing and crime issues. On Monday, we will center the debate on hot button social issues and on what legislative issues the candidates would prioritize if elected.

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

Part 4

QUESTION: What’s your position on vacancy decontrol? Any other housing legislation you would like to see moved in Albany?

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 3)

Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Part 1 was published Tuesday. We published Part 2 yesterday. For Part 3, we asked them how they would balance the state budget as well as their position on sin taxes. Tomorrow, we will publish their answers to questions about addressing crime problems and housing policy.

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

Part 3

QUESTION: How do you think the state can balance the budget this year? What do you cut? How do you raise more revenue?

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 2)

Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Part 1 was published yesterday.

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

Part 2

QUESTION: If you were a member of the City Council last December, would you have voted for or against the Bloomberg administration’s proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a shopping mall? Do you support legislation in the Council right now that would mandate developers seeking city subsidies to require retail tenants to pay a living wage to their workers?

BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 1)

Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.

In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time.

There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. 

Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."

PART 1

QUESTION: Will you serve as a full-time legislator? If not, what other jobs will you also keep?

PADERNACHT: It is my plan to serve as a full-time Senator with an office in Albany, and two offices in the District. All the offices will be staffed by qualified and competent staff. I will continue to practice law as a solo practitioner though I will restrict my caseload to a handful of matters.


RIVERA: I will gladly and willingly serve as a full-time legislator whether the law is changed or not. I have been a university professor for 11 years and a part time faculty member for last 6 years at Pace University. I would love to be able to continue to teach if I am elected, which is the only job I would consider keeping – but only if it doesn’t interfere with my legislative duties and is not deemed a conflict of interest.

TIRADO: Currently, I have no other plans other than to serve as a full-time legislator.







QUESTION: How would you describe yourself politically (e.g. liberal, conservative, etc.)? Name three political figures you admire. What books have you read recently?

PADERNACHT: Politically, I would describe myself as a reasonable progressive. Three political figures that I admire are Bill Clinton, John Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln. I am currently reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

RIVERA: I am a progressive. I believe we must address the basic issues: quality education, universal healthcare, pensions for retirees, unemployment, and regulation of business to protect hard-working families.

President Obama is a great example of a progressive elected official committed to serving his community and I was honored to play a key role in the 2008 presidential race, witnessing first-hand an incredible movement that inspired my generation. I also admire Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is a Bronx heroine in every way and the best sort of role model anyone from the Bronx can have. Of course, the dedication and passion of Cesar Chavez is an inspiration to political organizers everywhere.

The three books I have read most recently are: The Power Broker by Robert Caro; Millenial Makeover: MySpace, YouTube, and the Future of American Politics by Morley Winograd and Michael D Hais; and Last Words by George Carlin.

TIRADO: I consider myself to be more closely associated with Conservative or Centrist Democrats / Blue Dog Democrats in ideology. I believe strongly in having an efficient government that practices transparency and does not turn a blind eye to wasteful or needless spending.

Thomas Jefferson, Luis Muñoz Marín, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

American Gospel, The Faiths of our Fathers, and Warrior of the Light.

Editor's note:  Tomorrow's post will include candidates' responses to questions about the Kingsbridge Armory and unemployment.

The 33rd Senate District covers much of the west Bronx (Graphic courtesy of the Senate's website)

Momentum Builds for Rivera as Pressure Mounts For Others to Drop Out

As the political stars appear to be aligning in support of Gustavo Rivera's bid to topple incumbent Pedro Espada, Jr. in the 33rd Senate District, fellow Espada challengers Daniel Padernacht and Fernando Tirado refused to go along with the program.

"Unless something dramatically changes by midnight, I'm staying in the race," Padernacht said.

Candidates have until midnight tonight to drop out of the race without their names appearing on the ballot. After that, if the candidates' petition signatures hold up -- they need the signatures of at least 1,000 unique registered Democratic voters -- then their names will be on the ballot.

Common political handicapping says more challengers will favor Espada in the primary. And Rivera is gaining momentum as the most politically and institutionally supported challenger.

He compiled the most signatures of any challenger -- 6,200, he says. He has the most political endorsements, including Councilman Oliver Koppell who announced his support earlier today in front the Amalgamated Houses. And he recently received backing from deep-pocketed, anti-Espada Democrat Bill Samuel's New Roosevelt Initiative as well the Working Families Party.

Padernacht said he's received numerous calls since Friday asking him to step down and let Rivera take on Espada one-on-one for the Democratic ticket.

Specifically, Padernacht says he's received pressure from SEIU 1199 (the healthcare workers union) and the office of Public Advocate (and former Councilman) Bill de Blasio, one of the city's rising Democratic stars. Neither SEIU or de Blasio's office could be reached for comment.

In Fund-Raising Efforts, Espada Out in Front

Last week, state legislators running for reelection, and those challenging them, filed financial disclosure reports with the state's Board of Elections.  Those reports are now listed on the Board's website.  To see how much money a candidate has raised, click here and enter their name.

In the 33rd District senate race, the picture looks like this:

• Pedro Espada Jr. (incumbent) has raised $81,775 since March, and a total of  $386,225 since the beginning of last year. 
• Gustavo Rivera has raised $65,535. 
• Daniel Padernacht, $19,405.   
• Fernado Tirado, $2,335.

To see how much candidates have spent, click here and search by name.  (For Padernacht, search "Citizens for a Brighter New York.")

A few initial observations:

• Espada, the chair of the senate's Housing Committee, received a glut of money from the real estate industry, which is only likely to fuel critics' arguments that he sides with landlords over tenants. He also received big bucks from several beverage companies, as have many state legislators who opposed Gov. David Paterson's "sugar tax."
• Rivera received $6,000 from the union 1199 SEIU, whom he once worked for but has not yet officially been endorsed by. 
• Tirado has spent all the money he's so far raised. 
• Staples has been doing some good business these past few months. 

In the coming days, we'll try and delve a bit deeper - who gave what to whom, what this means, etc.  In the meantime, feel free to chime in with your own thoughts (no personal attacks please) in the comments section.

By the way, unlike in city races, candidates in state races don't receive matching funds, so what they raise is what they get.  Earlier this year, Paterson proposed overhauling this system in an effort to fight corruption.

Primary Petitions Due Today

Candidates vying for a spot on the primary ballot this fall have a deadline to meet today. Petitions, or voter signatures of support, have to be filed with the Board of Elections office by the end of the day.

Legislators and legislative hopefuls had the last five weeks to collect signatures--a daunting task, considering the signatures must be from voters registered with the candidate's respective party and who live in their district. Congressional candidates need 1,250 valid signatures, state Senate candidates need 1,000, and 500 are required for the state Assembly.

Here's a little update on how the candidates in the 33rd Senate race fared:

We already know that incumbent Pedro Espada's filed his petitions--he did it very publicly at a press conference at the Bronx Board of Elections office on Monday. He said he had 10,000 collected.

Fernando Tirado told us this morning that he's already filed over 1,000 signatures. He declined to give a specific count, but said he had enough to "cushion" the potential signatures that could get thrown out by the BOE.

Kingsbridge attorney Daniel Padernacht said he filed his on Monday and had more than 4,500 signatures.

Gustavo Rivera's count was 6,250, according to campaign advisor Elizabeth Lorris Ritter.

Speaking of Rivera: City Hall News reported this morning that Gustavo took a spill while exiting a bus on the Grand Concourse. Ritter confirmed as much, saying Rivera lost his footing last Wednesday, tripping down the bus stairs and landing face first on the sidewalk. He went to the emergency room at Montefiore to get patched up, she said, and is fine, with the exception of some bruises and "quite a shiner."

Another Pedro Rival: Gustavo Rivera

It's official: political aide Gustavo Rivera, whose most recent gig was in the office of New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as an outreach director, announced his candidacy yesterday for the 33rd State Senate district.

That makes him the third person to challenge embattled State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. He's now in the running against lawyer and Community Board 8 member Daniel Padernacht and community activist Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter. 

Over the past few days, Rivera's gone viral, launching a website--www.gustavoforstatesenate.com--posting videos on a Vimeo account and starting a Flickr photostream.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rivera's lived in New York since 1998 and said he currently resides in Kingsbridge Heights. It was a commitment to public service that prompted his decision to run, he said.

"What we're talking about is accountability, transparency," Rivera said in a phone interview. "However long Mr. Espada has been in government, he has not been as committed to public service as he needs to be. It's about restoring trust in government. It's about making sure we can have somebody in government who is going to be responsive to the needs of the citizens."

Rivera wrapped up his job at Senator Gillibrand's office on Friday, where he'd worked since last May, to pursue his campaign, he said. He's campaigned for a number of other politicians, including Bronx pols Jose M. Serrano, Melissa Mark-Viverito and former Borough President Freddy Ferrar. He also worked for now-President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign in Illinois.

In a statement, Councilwoman Mark-Viverito said she was getting behind Rivera: “Gustavo has a proven track record of electing progressive candidates, forging coalitions to ensure accountability in law making and most importantly is in touch with the voters throughout the Bronx, especially in the 33rd District.”

He's also garnered support from Council Members Annabel Palma and Jumaane D. Williams, according to a press release.

Meanwhile, contender Pilgrim-Hunter continues her fundraising efforts, according to the Daily News' Celeste Katz, with two events planned over the next few weeks.

Race Against Espada Getting More Crowded?

Liz Benjamin at the State of Politics blog says Gustavo Rivera, an aide to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, appears to have started a campaign committee to run in the increasingly-crowded race to unseat embattled State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.

We'll check into this soon, but if it's true, that would mean it could be a four-way race between Espada, Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, Daniel Padernacht and Rivera.

Stay tuned.

Bronx News Roundup, April 22

Yesterday morning, as you've no doubt heard, the FBI and IRS raided State Sen. Pedro Espada's Soundview HealthCare Network. Here's the story that appeared in today's NY Times.

In related news:

Law-enforcement officials tell the NY Post that Espada will likely be indicted on multiple federal charges in the next few weeks.

AG Andrew Cuomo's office has subpoenaed the State Senate in an effort to get its hands on records relating to ten of Espada's Senate employees who have previously worked for Soundview or sat on its board. More here.

The first victims of the Espada fallout could be the thousands of low-income patients who rely on his health clinics.

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. thinks Espada should relinquish his majority leader position, as do senators Neil Breslin (D-Albany) and Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn).  (Espada, remember, doesn't have much time for borough presidents, despite running for the office himself in 2001.)  UPDATE: 6 p.m.: We missed this: Sen. Eric Schneiderman is also calling on Espada to step aside.

Espada could face two or more candidates in September's Democratic primary. Desiree-Pilgrim Hunter, a community activist, has already announced her decision to run (here's a write-up she received in today's Times) and Daniel Padernacht, a lawyer and community board member, is also considering it. More on Padernaht here.

Away from Espada:

The lowdown on why a lawsuit filed by Legal Services NYC could have far reaching implications for landlords and tenants nationwide. (The suit is part of an effort to force a bank to maintain ten rundown Bronx apartments building, which went into foreclosure last year when a private equity firm defaulted in its mortgage.)

Two Bronx men charged with the fatal beating of an Ecuadorian immigrant in Brooklyn in 2008, laughed about it afterwards, according to a relative of one of the men.

In a video posted on YouTube, students at University Heights Secondary School are requesting that President Obama stop their school's relocation to the South Bronx High School campus. 

Students from MS 15 in University Heights have won a national chess tournament in Minneapolis.