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The Race ...

City Council
District 13

Morris Park, Pelham and Throgs Neck

Know something we should know? Let us know at campaign05@gothamgazette.com

Election Results ...

General Election Results

James Vacca

Primary Results

James Vacca

Candidates...

The Incumbent:
There is no Incumbent posted for this race.

General Election Challenger(s):
Philip F. Foglia
James Vacca

Primary Election Challenger(s):
Ismael Betancourt, Jr.
Stephen Kaufman
Joseph A. McManus
Egidio Sementilli
James Vacca

(Candidate Biographies below)

Feature Articles ...

District 13 General Election Update: Protecting the Northeast Bronx from Too Much Development

October 23, 2005

Democrat James Vacca and Republican Phil Foglia agree on at least one thing: Development –- or overdevelopment as some would have it –- is the biggest issue facing this swath of the northeast Bronx, which includes Pelham Bay, Throggs Neck, and City Island.

James Vacca, the Democrat, thinks his 25 years as district manager of the local community board give him the experience to deal with the problem. "I'm the one that reined it in," he said of development, pointing to the "downzoning" of City Island and Throggs Neck.

Now James Vacca said, he is taking the fight to the next level, making sure that developers do not evade the new restrictions. He said he recently noticed someone building a three-family house, something not allowed under the new rules. He complained to the buildings department about it, and about subsequent adjustments, until the builder agreed to construct a one family house with two parking spaces instead.

But Phil Foglia, a former prosecutor who now serves as executive vice president of a non-profit housing company, thinks Vacca's experience is part of the problem. Calling the recent "downzoning" of the area to limit development "too little too late," Foglia pointed to Vacca's 25 years at the community board. "Downsizing could have happened anytime since 1989." Now, he said, "some areas are so dense people can't park their car on their own block."

Both men also said that education remains a big concern in the community. Phil Foglia said that, despite the city's push for new small schools, not a single freestanding small public school has opened in the area. He would particularly like to see a school for special education students and one for the gifted and talented in the Bronx.

James Vacca says the high schools in the area, Christopher Columbus and Herman Lehman, are simply too large and that the intermediate schools in the area need restructuring as well.

In a district that in many places resembles a suburb, both men point to concerns that may seem alien to most New Yorker. Phil Foglia would like to see a change in the tax code to help people who improve their homes. And James Vacca said that, as district manager, he received many complaints from people who need trees pruned, leading him to conclude the Bronx needs more money to tend to its trees.

Although Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than three to one here, Phil Foglia thinks the district would profit from having a Republican represent it. "It's important for the Bronx that there be a different point of view," he said, noting that the Bronx currently has no Republican elected officials.

Despite the Democratic edge in registration, both Phil Foglia and James Vacca expect Bloomberg to do well in the district. James Vacca said this does not worry him: "My district has a history of voting back and forth."

So apparently do some of its politicians. The area's current councilmember, Madeline Provenzano, who must leave because of term limits, is a Democrat but she has endorsed Bloomberg and is supporting Phil Foglia for council.

Phil Foglia has some celebrities backing him as well. Actors Robert de Niro and Chazz Palminteri each gave $2,000 to his campaign. Overall, though, James Vacca has raised almost $144,000, more than twice as much as Foglia.

Saving Suburbia in the Northeast Bronx
-August 8, 2005

Seven candidates for City Council are vigorously competing to convince voters that they can preserve the character of the northeast Bronx. They believe that neighborhoods like Pelham Bay, Throggs Neck, and City Island - which offer residential streets, lined with one- and two-family homes, complete with flower box-adorned front porches and grassy yards - are unique in the city and must be saved.

And the candidates - including a former assistant U.S. Attorney under Rudolph Giuliani, a former state assembly member, a union leader, a district manager, and several community activists – all agree the number one issue is "over-development."

Single-family homes are being torn down and replaced with five-unit apartment buildings. The new buildings dwarf the surrounding homes, changing the appearance and atmosphere of the neighborhood. In addition, the demand for parking multiplies. More children suddenly attend local public schools, and the need for local services - such as bus service or elderly care – also increase.

This type of change - where the suburban is gradually replaced with the urban - is unwelcome.

"If we wanted to live in Manhattan, we'd live in Manhattan," said candidate Joseph McManus, a union leader for Steamfitters Local 638.

The Throggs Neck and City Island neighborhoods were recently "down-zoned", meaning new rules were implemented that limit the size and density of new buildings and mandate increased on-site parking - a deliberate attempt to stop intrusive development.

James Vacca oversaw the rezoning as the district manager on community board 10, and he wants more to be done.

"Community Board 10 will probably be the first board in the city that will be entirely down-zoned," he said. Vacca also intends, if elected to City Council, to push to extend new zoning throughout the entire district.

While all of those running to replace the term-limited City Councilmember Madeline Provenzano welcome the new building regulations, several contend growth should have been slowed sooner and criticize two candidates – Stephen Kaufman and James Vacca – who have held positions of political power in the area.

Kaufman served as a representitive in the State Assembly from 1998 until 2004. Vacca has been the district manager of Community Board 10 for the last 25 years.

"The most outrageous thing that's happened in this area is over-development," said Republican candidate Phil Foglia, a former assistant U.S. Attorney under Rudolph Giuliani. "It has occurred for decades without any response from elected officials and representatives."

But Kaufman, who offered few specific plans for the future, said his past record speaks for itself.

"While the other candidates campaign, I have done," said Kaufman, who has also been endorsed by the outgoing Councilmember Madeline Provenzano.

DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Despite changes to the zoning code in Throggs Neck and on City Island, construction in the district continues.

At Ferry Point Park, plans are in the works for an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, complete with driving range and catering hall. The developing group, Ferry Point Partners (of which Jack Nicklaus is a member), has signed a 35-year city contract to develop the course atop a park that was once a garbage dump. After the contract ends, the city will take full ownership of the site.

The project has the support of James Vacca and current Councilmember Madeline Provenzano.

But the development has raised environmental concerns.

There are two closed landfills in the district. One, at Pelham Bay, was declared a "Superfund" site in 1990, ending all dumping and entering it into the U.S. federal government program established for toxic waste cleanup. The health implications of that landfill have long been in question since it was learned in the 1980s that illegal, toxic dumping occurred there. In a lawsuit filed 14 years ago and continuing today, 15 area residents claimed they suffered various cancers as a result of the dumping.

The other landfill, closed in the 1960s and located beneath what is now Ferry Point Park, is the site of the proposed golf course.

Given Pelham Bay's toxic history, Egidio Sementilli, a community board 6 member and chairman of a community daycare center, believes analysis of the Ferry Point site has been insufficient and that it may have also been illegally contaminated by toxic chemicals.

"If I get elected, there will not be a golf course until we get rid of the mountains of garbage and do a full environmental screening," said Sementilli.

But if something is built there, Sementilli wants to be part of it.

A company headed by Sementilli, called EPOCH Industries, recently submitted a grant proposal to the state to build luxury high-rise apartments on the site.

Republican Phil Foglia believes the city or state should build a university campus at Ferry Point, not a golf course or luxury apartments.

"To use the land for a golf course is a travesty," he said.

SCHOOLS AND QUALITY OF LIFE
While all candidates are concerned with maintaining the suburban atmosphere of the district, several chose to focus on education and quality of life issues.

Joseph McManus is directing his campaign at working families. His main goal, if elected, is to provide more resources to support them, because, he said, "It takes two horses to pull the cart today."

Specifically, McManus wants the City Council to ensure adequate space for parking and decrease ticketing, and improve libraries and parks – which he believes are a good after-school option for children.

On education, McManus insists that school facilities need to be better funded and renovated. "Access to education is handicapped by infrastructure. It’s expensive, but it’s well worth it," he said.

McManus believes the state legislature should bring back the commuter tax to generate revenue needed to fund these projects.

SMALL BUSINESSES
Candidate Ismael Betancourt is focusing much of his campaign on the district's small business community. "[Small businesses] are the backbone of the economy, and I don't think they're getting enough support from the city," said Betancourt, who is President and CEO of the Institute for Multicultural Communications, Cooperation and Development.

He proposes the formation of small business coalitions to take on large projects. Through collective small business efforts, Betancourt also said cross-cultural relationships would develop, which he believes is important in a diverse district where, according to the 2000 census, 54 percent of residents are white, 29 percent are Hispanic, and 17 percent are from other racial and ethnic groups.

Betancourt uses his own personal experiences as part of his campaign. He immigrated to New York City from Puerto Rico, dropped out of high school to serve in the Air Force, and afterward took a job at Columbia University, where he managed to get his Bachelor’s degree. He then went on to Harvard for business school.

If elected, Bentacourt wants to open a local community development office to help local entrepreneurs realize their dreams. "I want to promote jobs,” he said.

DISTRICT DISPARITY
Irene Estrada-Rukaj is concentrating on the district's minority population, who she believes have been ignored.

Rukaj, who described poor paying jobs for immigrants as "legalized slavery," would like to see the City Council allocate more money and resources to social services in the district. She would also like more affordable housing.

Rukaj believes that, despite the stable image of the neighborhood, serious issues of poverty and crime exist in the district.

To combat crime, Rukaj, a self-described "professional community advocate," has formed and led several community outreach programs. She is the civilian coordinator of the 49th Precinct Explorers, an educational program that works to form connections between local police and neighborhood residents, particularly youth.

Rukaj, the only woman candidate, is critical of previous representatives and her fellow candidates, who she thinks have ignored important issues of disparity.

"I don't believe any of the men who are running are aggressive enough to take a stand on these issues," she said. "There are two things that drive them: pride and power."

THE CAMPAIGN
All seven candidates are participants in the Campaign Finance Program. As of the mid-July filing deadline, James Vacca had raised the most, with $128,191. Joseph McManus and Stephen Kaufman both raised around $90,000; Republican Phil Foglia has $38,300; Ismael Betancourt has raised $22,654.

Party loyalty is mixed in this district, where the current council member, Democrat Madeline Provenzano, frequently casts votes alongside Republicans on issues of taxes, social programs, and various development matters. And, in a campaign where candidates appear quick to criticize one another, political party allegiance has become, for some, a contentious issue.

Stephen Kaufman has come under fire from several candidates in this race because he ran on both the Republican and Democratic lines in a losing bid for State Senate race last year.

But Kaufman, who is currently running as a Democrat and a Conservative, cites his bipartisan record as an asset.

"I'm nonpartisan. I've been able to work with everybody to bring things to our district," he said.

Phil Foglia, the Republican candidate also running on the Independence line, downplays his party position.

"We need different leadership that separates itself from party leaders," he said. "I'm not sure any ideology plays an important, distinctive role in this race.'

Candidate Bios ...

The Incumbent:

There is no Incumbent posted for this race.

Challenger(s):

Ismael Betancourt, Jr. | Dem |
Ismael Betancourt Jr. has been Special Assistant to the NYC Board of Education, Special Assistant to the Commissioner of New York City Department of Manpower, Member of New York State Advisory Council on Employment and Unemployment Insurance, 1982-1986. Member of the Executive Committee, New York State Job Training Partnership Council, 1984-1986. He is also President and CEO of the Institute for Multicultural Communications, Cooperation and Development, Inc.

Philip F. Foglia | Rep | IND | Con |
Philip Foglia is the executive vice president of SEBCO Development, a non-profit company that builds and maintains housing for middle income and working families in the Bronx. Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Foglia to the New York City Neighborhood Reinvestment Advisory Board. He has also worked as assistant district attorney in Bronx County and was special assistant U.S. Attorney Southern District under Mayor Giuliani. Foglia formerly served as executive director of the New York Center for Community Affairs and as a member of community planning board 6.

Stephen Kaufman | Dem |
Stephen Kaufman represented the 82nd Assembly District in the Bronx from 1998-2004. He served in the New York City Council from 1974 to 1982. He is a lawyer at Alpert & Kaufman.

Joseph A. McManus | Dem |
Joseph A. McManus is the Bronx coordinator for Steamfitter's Local 638. He serves as a member of Community Board 11.

Egidio Sementilli | Dem |
Egidio Sementilli ran in 2001 and 2003 for the City Council District 13 seat. He ran for State Assembly in 1998 and has been a member of Community Board 6. He heads a local day care center.

James Vacca | Dem |
James "Jimmy" Vacca has served as district manager for the Bronx Community Board 10 for 25 years. He has been the president of the Northeast Bronx Senior Citizen's Center 25 years, as well as part of numerous community organizations, Vice President of the Pelham Taxpayers and Civic Association and a member of AFT Local 2334 to name a few.

Campaign Trail ...

Below are the latest Campaign Trail items for the District 13 race. For the full Campaign Trail archive, go here

Democrats Win Council Races

November 9, 2005
Republican candidates for City Council seats had hoped that the popularity of the Republican mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg, would bring them votes in yesterday's election. But the mayor's coattails did not extend to local races, as several Republicans he endorsed went down to defeat.
(New York Times)

In a Suburban Corner of the Bronx, the G.O.P. Hopes to Win a Rare Close Council

October 21, 2005
It is one of the more suburban-looking areas of New York City, a string of northeastern Bronx neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes. And even though it is an overwhelmingly Democratic area, the city's Republican leaders say they have a good chance of winning the local Council seat in the Nov. 8 elections.

(NY Times)

Republican Council Candidates Look For Bloomberg Coat Tails

October 13, 2005
Mayor Bloomberg hasn't given them money, and his endorsements have been low-key. But that doesn't seem to matter to Republican City Council hopefuls Phil Foglia, Pat Russo, Patrick Murphy and Joel Zinberg. The would-be GOP Council members all believe Bloomberg is headed for a big win Nov. 8 that could have a coattail effect for their uphill candidacies. (Daily News)

Giuliani Endorses Phil Foglia for Bronx Council Seat

October 6, 2005
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani is taking sides in a Bronx City Council race by endorsing Republican Phil Foglia, a former prosecutor who helped Giuliani jail corrupt Bronx politicians in the late 1980s.

(New York Daily News)

Foglia Grabs Third Ballot Line in Dist 13

September 29, 2005
In a maneuver adding suspense - and potential votes for a candidate in a Bronx City Council race - the Conservative Party has switched horses midstream, handing its ballot line to the Republican contender. (Daily News)

Daily News Endorses Vacca for Council

September 12, 2005
“Because of his community roots and lifetime of neighborhood involvement, James Vacca stands out in the race to succeed Madeline Provenzano.” (Daily News)

Bronx Democrats Don’t Endorse Anyone in 13th Council District

September 9, 2005
Except for the term-limited incumbent, almost none of the Democratic party's public officials are endorsing or campaigning for any of the candidates running in the 13th Council District covering Pelham Bay, Throgs Neck, Morris Park and City Island.
(New York Daily News)

Amsterdam News Endorses Betancourt

September 8, 2005
Ishmael Betancourt Jr., running for City Council District 13, has been working feverishly for the Bronx and the City of New York on everything from education to housing.
He has worked for and advised most of the people who have run for and won public office in the Bronx, his borough of choice.
Ishmael insists that he will never let any elected official of New York ignore the needs of the Bronx.
Educated at Columbia University and Harvard Business School, he believes that economic development is the best way his borough can obtain equity in the business world. (Amsterdam News)

New York Times Endorsement: James Vacca in District 13

August 29, 2005
13th District (Pelham, City Island, Throgs Neck, Allerton and Morris Park): Single-family homeowners worried about overdevelopment give this Democratic district a conservative streak. The current council member, Madeleine Provenzano, a Democrat, has straddled party lines on many votes. To fill her seat, she has endorsed Stephen Kaufman, who ran a ridiculous and losing State Senate campaign last year as both a Democrat and a Republican. In this race, Mr. Kaufman, who also has the Conservative Party line, is one of six Democrats in the primary. The candidate whose credentials make him the standout in the field is James Vacca. As the district manager for Community Board 10, he has become renowned as a solver of problems large and small. He has blocked oversized construction, challenged City Hall on the aggressive proliferation of parking tickets and been a longtime advocate for senior citizens. Mr. Vacca would be a welcome dose of steady energy on the Council. We endorse James Vacca. (New York Times)

Unusually High Number Of Union Members And Officials Running For City Council

August 27, 2005
a larger-than-usual number of union members and officials are running for City Council seats in New York this year, spurred by the strength of their labor organizations and by the support coming from other union groups.

Besides Ms. Mark-Viverito, there is Rodney L. Carroll, an organizer for Local 371 of the Social Service Employees Union, who is running for a City Council seat in central Harlem.

In the Bronx, Joseph A. McManus, the coordinator for Steamfitters Local 638 in that borough, is running for a City Council seat. Darlene Mealy, a member of the Transit Workers Union, is running for the City Council in a district in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

All are running in districts where term-limit laws have prevented incumbents from seeking re-election.

One incumbent seeking re-election is Annabel Palma, who was a union organizer with 1199/S.E.I.U. before winning a City Council seat in the Bronx two years ago
(NY Times)

Hunting The Magic Number

August 24, 2005
The window of the We the People document service center on East Tremont and Bruckner Boulevard is hedging its bets: There's a "Jimmy Vacca for Council" sign and a "Steve Kaufman for Council" sign. You can't blame the owners for playing it safe; the five-way Democratic race in District 13 is too close to call....In all these fierce council contests, most candidates have identified the raw number of votes they will need to win—a calculation based on presumed turnout, the size of the field, and the appeal of rivals.

In the East Bronx, it might be a mere 3,000 to 3,500 votes
(Village Voice)

Foglia will vie for 13th Dist. Council seat

May 20, 2005
Republican Phil Foglia announced his candidacy this week for term-limited Councilmember Madeline Provenzano's seat in the 13th district. Foglia has received the endorsement of the Republican County Committee. (Bronx Times)

Full District 13 Campaign Trail Archive

District 13 Campaign Trail in RSS format.