The Race for Bronx Borough President
GOTHAM GAZETTE: SEARCHLIGHT ON CAMPAIGN 2001: BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT

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What is Searchlight on Campaign 2001?
Searchlight on Campaign 2001 is a guide to the political races in what many are calling New York City's most significant campaign season in modern history.

What is so significant about it?
For the first time in memory, most political offices in the city will be wide open to people who have neither money nor connections.

Why will the races be so open?
There are two reasons. This year, a new law goes into effect that limits the terms of New York City elected officials, forcing the mass retirement of most incumbents in the city - including the mayor, the comptroller, the public advocate, four of the five borough presidents, and 36 of the 51 members of the City Council. At the same time, a new campaign finance law kicks in, which allows any candidate who agrees to certain restrictions to collect four dollars of matching funds for every dollar they raise.

What does this have to do with this site?
As a public service, Searchlight on Campaign 2001 has a separate page for each race, including all the races for City Council, that not only sorts out the candidates -- many of them new and unfamiliar -- but also offers an opportunity to learn about the issues, and the districts themselves.

Who is behind Searchlight on Campaign 2001?
Searchlight on Campaign 2001 is a project of Gotham Gazette, a non-profit, non-partisan, non-ideological (but non-boring) web site about New York City news, policy and politics published by Citizens Union Foundation, part of the oldest and largest good-government group in the city (founded in 1897).

What's wrong with the way the regular press covers the races?
That is for you to decide. And one of our regular features, Campaign Trail, helps you to decide. Campaign Trail provides succinct summaries and links to campaign articles in the commercial press.

Who are we?
Masthead

 

Click for larger image

Incumbent: Fernando Ferrer (can't run in 2001)

The Candidates:


For who has donated to these candidates see the Campaign Finance Board:

Contributors to Adolfo Carrion
June Eisland did not file


Letter from a Brooklyn Jail
by Adolfo Carrion


Campaign Feature:

While Freddy Runs For Mayor

Unlike the other boroughs, the field for borough president is yet to coalesce in the Bronx. That's because the Bronx Democratic organization holds large sway over the Democratic primary and prospective beep candidates are reluctant to make a move until the organization--personified by the chairman, former Assemblyman Roberto Ramirez--makes a choice. And Mr. Ramirez's top priority these days is not electing a new beep, but helping elect the current beep, Fernando Ferrer, to Gracie Mansion this fall.

As a result, no candidates have officially entered the field. Still, there are hints as to what the contest will look like. The leading prospective candidate is Adolfo Carrion, a freshman councilman and former city planner. Most political insiders believe Mr. Carrion will eventually be Mr. Ramirez's choice to succeed Mr. Ferrer, which would make him the instant front-runner. But Mr. Ramirez has created enemies with his political machinations over the last year and anti-organization opponents are sure to emerge to challenge Mr. Carrion or whomever Mr. Ramirez backs.

For example, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, whom Mr. Ramirez tried to defeat for re-election in last year's Democratic primary, is looking to back singer Willie Colon (who once ran against Mr. Engel) for borough president. And Councilman Wendell Foster, who can't seek re-election because of term limits, has talked about running for beep if Mr. Ramirez doesn't back his daughter, Helen, for his council seat. And June Eisland, another term-limited council member, has been looking at the contest.

So far, the Bronx is still an undeveloped story.

 


Campaign Trail

7/3/01
Just a few days after his release from a federal prison in Brooklyn after being held for 40 days, Adolfo Carrión is returning to his race for Bronx borough president with a fury. But Mr. Carrión, a Democratic city councilman, has returned to a campaign whose competitive dynamics have intensified significantly since he was arrested and jailed for his role in a protest against the United States military's bombing exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. In that time, State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. has unleashed a campaign whose pitch can only be described as feverish. Apart from daylong campaign appearances throughout the borough, Mr. Espada has raised more than $100,000 and plastered the Bronx with his campaign posters and campaign literature. And another competitor, Councilwoman June M. Eisland, is also raising money and increasing her public profile throughout the Bronx. Moreover, the names of two other candidates have surfaced. One, Ronald Law, who was once an aide to Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the former senator, and Mario M. Cuomo, the former governor, has entered the race. Councilman Lawrence A. Warden, another Democrat, has also begun raising money and collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot in the Sept. 11 Democratic primary. All of that has heightened the sense of unpredictability in a race that is the most competitive contest the Bronx has seen for the borough presidency in recent years. (New York Times)

6/8
Adolfo Carrion, who just finished a week-long hunger strike, has some trouble running for Bronx borough president stuck in jail serving 40 days for protesting the Navy bombing exercises in Vieques, Puerto Rico. But his incarceration could inspire the Latinos of the Bronx. (NY Times)

5/22/01
City Councilmember June Eisland says she is joining the race to succeed Fernando Ferrer as Bronx borough president. She joins state Senator Pedro Espada Jr., singer and former congressional candidate Willie Colon and City Councilmember Adolfo Carrion as contenders in September's Democratic primary. (Daily News)

5/20/01
The Bronx Democratic Organization endorsed Adolfo Carrion Jr. for Bronx borough president, though this by no means assures his election. His opponents include State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. and Willie Colón, the salsa performer and onetime candidate for Congress. Other candidates the organization endorsed: Ruben Diaz Sr. (district 18), Michael Benjamin (district 16), Jose Marco Serrano (district 17), Larry Seabrook (district 12) (NY Times)

4/05/01
Willie Colón, a potential candidate for Bronx Borough President, has called for reform of the system used to tax co-op apartments. Colón, a musician and actor, is expected to announce his candidacy for Bronx borough president shortly. Colon said the current system requires co-op owners to "go back to politicians on a recurring basis to maintain the tax relief that should be their permanent entitlement." He also charged that co-op owners often pay two to three times the tax charged single family homeowners, even when their home is of equal value. (Riverdale Review)

3/15/01
Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer's final major speech to his Bronx constituents was very much an attack on the Giuliani administration. Ferrer focused on police/community relations and on education, especially the recent court ruling which found that the state underfunds New York City schools. He criticized Governor George Pataki's decision to appeal the court's ruling and Guiliani's plan to dissolve the Board of Education, stating that it would not help a single student learn.(Riverdale Review)

3/11/01
So far, only Pedro Espada Jr. has formally declared his candidacy for Bronx Borough President. But others known to be considering running include City Council members Adolfo Carrion, June Eisland and the Rev. Wendell Foster; Assemblyman José Rivera; Bronx Overall Economic Development head Joe Ithier; former state Sen. and City Councilman Israel Ruiz, and salsa legend Willie Colon. The reason why the party organization has not narrowed the field down, some say, is based on the strategy that the more candidates running, the more incentive for their supporters to go to the polls - and vote for current Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer for mayor. (Daily News)

2/26/01
The race for Bronx borough president is heating up, and is seen as a theatrical battle between two rival political organizations. On one side, State Senator Pedro Espada Jr, has already announced his candidacy. On the other, Assemblyman Roberto Ramirez and the Bronx Democratic organization is looking for a strong candidate. Among those interested are Assemblyman Jose Rivera, City Councilman Adolfo Carrión Jr. and Jose L. Ithier, former chief of staff to current borough president Fernando Ferrer. But adding to the political theater is some music: Willie Colon, the salsa musician who ran for Congress in 1994, said over the weekend that he, too, was a candidate. (NY Times)

01/12/01
No candidates have formally announced in the race to replace Fernando Ferrer as Bronx Borough President, but those people who are considering a run include: the singer Willie Colon, City Councilmembers Adolfo Carrion Jr, Wendell Foster and June Eisland, and newly elected State Assemblymember Jose Rivera. (Crain's NY)

 

 

 

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Find what city council district you are in -- and learn more about what's going on there, and who's running.


What is this?
Gotham Gazette's Searchlight on Campaign 2001 offers a comprehensive look at what is being called New York City's most significant campaign season in modern history. (See the left-hand column for an explanation).


Districts of the Week

District 1 -- Lower Manhattan
Whoever wins the election in district 1 will represent immigrant Chinese garment workers, as well as Wall Street traders living in Battery Park City. There are several candidates hoping to be the council's firsts -- the first Asian-American man, the first Asian-American woman, the first gay Rhodes Scholar, the first dot-com guru -- running against some politically well connected opponents. Endorsements and fundraising will play a big role in this race. But voter turnout could be the main determinant of who will next represent district 1 on the council. The key question is how many voters from each community will come out on Election Day.

District 7 -- Washington Heights, Manhattan
The northern tip of Manhattan has become one of the most popular places for new immigrants to call home. The northern tip of Manhattan is a place that today's new immigrants call home. The majority have come from the Dominican Republic, but also from countries in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. But it is not just new immigrants that are moving in. Students, artists, and other Manhattanites looking for less expensive rents and larger apartments have also moved north. Ten Democratic candidates are competing for the 15,000 voters expected on primary day. The winner who emerges from a crowded field of candidates will have to balance the needs of the newcomers with those who have lived there for years.

District 16 -- Highbridge, Bronx
The neighborhoods of district 16 are the city's poorest, with the highest rate of unemployment and the lowest median household income. But those who live there also point out that much is positive and stable about the area, thanks in large part to local organizations, not-for-profit agencies, and houses of worship that help hold the neighborhoods together. Each candidate for City Council believes that through his or her connections to churches and local organizations, they can help empower the community toward a better life. Helen Foster, the current council member daughter, will face Michael Benjamin, who has worked as an aide to several government officials and Anthony Curry, a Bronx neighborhood activist.

District 20 -- Northeast Flushing, Queens
This year district 20 may elect the first Asian-American ever to the City Council to an area which now has the second highest number of immigrants from Korea and Taiwan in the city. There are three Asian candidates in the Democratic race who have each drawn big endorsements. Council Speaker Peter Vallone enndorsed Terence Park, City Comptroller Alan Hevesi endorsed John Liu, and the New York Times recently endorsed Ethel Chen The campaign has also drawn national and international press coverage

District 25 -- Jackson Heights, Queens
Thirty-seventh Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens is one of the most diverse streets in the world. Little India quickly blends into Little Colombia, with vendors selling Latin American food to Colombians, Peruvians, Ecuadorians, Mexicans, and Uruguayans. And each summer, the Queens Pride Parade fills the same street with rainbow banners. So it is no surprise that this election year the district produced a diverse field of candidates. A number of them, however, found out that getting on the ballot is not an easy task, especially when the Queens Democratic organization sends teams of lawyers to challenge petitions. But five Democratic candidates survived and will face off on September 11.

District 31 -- South East Queens
When a heavy rain hits southeast Queens, many residents in neighborhoods like Springfield Gardens, Laurelton and Rosedale head to the basement with a bucket in hand. And it has been that way for the last 50 years. In the rush to build housing in the area after World War II, developers overlooked the need for storm drains in hopes that the city would eventually build a city-wide sewer system. The plan never materialized and the area has experienced "100-year rains" three times in the last decade. The eight Democrats -- all with little experience overseeing massive infrastructure projects--will try to convince voters that they can finally solve the flooding problems.

District 35 -- Central Brooklyn
The residents in council district 35 have some of the highest incomes in Brooklyn and some of the lowest. They can play in a famous park and a beautiful botanical garden, and live in the city's most crumbling public housing. They can attend one of the four institutions of higher learning in the district, and the worst-scoring high schools in the city. Such juxtapositions are a way of life for a district that includes the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens; mid dle-class African-American communities near Prospect Park; immigrant communities from Haiti, Sierra Leon, Nigeria, and Trinidad, and in Crown Heights, a mix of Hasidic Jews and African-Americans. Seven Democratic candidates are campaigning in hopes that they can bring some kind of unity, and attention, to the area. Their backgrounds are as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves.

District 39 -- Park Slope/Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
The candidates in district 39 include a chief of staff for an Assemblywoman, the husband of a member of U.S. Congress, a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society, an attorney and president of the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, the district manager of Community Board 6, and a labor organizer. This is the race to watch this year. The group of high-profile Democrats have raised a lot of money, almost $1.4 million combined.

District 45 -- East Flatbush
In no place in the city are the effects of campaign finance reform and term limits being felt more than in East Flatbush. The seven Democratic candidates seeking to represent this largely West Indian district come from a number of Caribbean nations. Many have been working on politicians' staffs and serving with community groups, clearly hoping someday to win their own elected office. Term limits has presented them with that opportunity, and they want to make the most of it. But this race that usually draws only about 8,000 voters could be decided by just a few votes. The candidates are attempting to come up with anything that will separate them from the pack.

District 49 -- North Shore, Staten Island
Staten Island has always been somewhat of a suburban stepchild to New York City. When a 1998 survey asked New Yorkers why they go to Staten Island, the top two responses were ''visiting friends and relatives" and ''passing through.'' But in many ways, the north shore has more in common with areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn than with the rest of the Staten Island. The top priority for all the candidates -- Jon Del Giorno, an administrative manager for the Board of Elections, Mike McMahon, an attorney and counsel to current Councilmember Jerome O'Donovan, and Debi Rose, an administrator at the College of Staten Island and the first African-American candidate in Staten Island politics -- is to make sure that the island becomes more than just a turn-around-point for the over one million tourists who ride the free ferry from Manhattan each year.


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New York, NY
10004-1609

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Poll Worker Applications

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Links You Can Use

Government sites
NYC Campaign Finance Bd.
NYC Board of Elections
NYC Voter Assistance Comm.
NY City Council
Federal Election Comm.

Local non-partisan sites
SavvyVoter.org
NYVote.com
Votesmart
NYPIRG
NY League of Women Voters
Common Cause New York

National non-partisan sites
Ctr. for Responsive Politics
Common Cause
DemocracyNet
League of Women Voters

NAACP Voter Empowerment
Vote Smart

E-Voting
Election.com

Political consultants
Amer. Assc. of Pol. Consultants

Prime New York

Media
Gotham Gazette
The Empire Page
Campaigns and Elections
Legislative Gazette

Political columnists
Andrea Bernstein
Joe Conason
Mario Cuomo (radio)
Rudy Giuliani (radio)
Clyde Haberman
Nat Hentoff

Joseph Mercurio
Joyce Purnick
John Tierney
Michael Tomasky

Political parties
Conservative
Democratic
Green
Independence
Liberal
Republican
Right to Life
Working Families
Communist
Libertarian
Marijuana Reform
Natural Law Party
Socialist
Taxpayers Party

Political clubs and groups
Blueprint Camp. Finance Reform
DL21C
Central Queens Greens
The Jefferson Democratic Club of Flushing
NY Young Republican Club
Stonewall Democratic Club
Village Independent Dems.


Abbreviations for Party Affiliation

American Dream Party (AMD)
Better Schools Party (BES)
Communist (Com)
Conservative (Con)
Constitution (CST)
Democratic (Dem)
Friends United Party (FUN)
Fusion Party (FUS)
Green (Gre)
Harmony Party (HAR)
Independence (Ind)
Liberal (Lib)
Libertarian (LBT)
Marijuana Reform Party (POT)
Natural Law Party (NLP)
Party of Ethics and Traditions (PET)
Reform Party (Ref)
Republican (Rep)
Right to Life (RTL)
School Choice Party (Sch)
Socialist Workers Party (SWP)
Working Families (Wor)


2001 Election Calendar

June 1 -- Deadline for candidates to join the Campaign Finance program, qualifying for the four-to-one match of contributions.
June 5 - First day for candidates from the eight major parties (Democratic, Republican, Indpendence, Conservative, Liberal, Green, Working Families, and Right to Life) to circulate petitions. Candidates running for City Council must collect the signatures of at least 900 people living in the district for which they are running in order to appear on the Primary ballot. Candidates not running under these eight major parties do not appear on the Primary ballot and have a separate set of deadlines.
July 12 - Deadline for major party candidates to file petitions.
July 10 - First day for unaffiliated candidates to circulate petitions, in order to appear on the ballot in the General Election. They must collect the number of signatures equal to five percent of the total enrolled in that party.
August 7 - Board of Elections announces candidates appearing on the Primary ballot.
August 17 - Last day for non-absentee voters to register to vote in the Primary Election.
August 21 - Deadline for non-major party candidates to file petitions to be included on the General Election ballot.
September 4 - Last day to postmark application for absentee voting in the Primary
September 10 - Last day to personally deliver application for absentee voting in the Primary Last day to postmark absentee ballot for Primary
September 11 - Primary election; Polls open at 6:00a.m. and close at 9:00p.m.; Absentee ballots must be hand-delivered by 9:00 p.m.
September 25 - Runoff Primary election for Mayor, Comptroller and Public Advocate, if needed
October 12 - Last day to for non-absentee voters to register to vote in the General Election
October 30 - Last day to postmark application for absentee voting in the General Election
November 5 - Last day to hand-deliver an application for absentee voting, or to postmark an absentee ballot for the General Election.
November 6 - General Election; polls open at 6:00a.m. and close at 9:00p.m. in NYC; Absentee ballots must be hand-delivered by 9:00 p.m.

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