Norwood News

11th District Council (Norwood, Bedford Park, Woodlawn, Riverdale)

Tony Perez Cassino
Age: 44
Occupation: Assistant Director of Public Service at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP law firm.
History: Grew up in the Bedford Park area, went to John F. Kennedy High School, and later New York University for law.
Involvement: Director of Pro Bono Affairs for the New York State Bar Association in 1996; Chairman of Bronx Community Board 8, 2004-2008; Created the Coalition of Riverdale/Kingsbridge Schools and the Northwest Bronx Democratic Alliance, 2001; Board Chairman of the Riverdale Nursery School and Family Center, Adolescent and Family Comprehensive Services, as well as serving on the board of Bronx Legal Services.
Endorsements: SEIU United Healthcare Workers Union, Firefighters Union
Issues/Concerns: Fighting over-development in Bronx neighborhoods, improving city parks and landmarks, strengthening economic development, bettering education and school safety and fighting corruption.
Web site:
www.cassinoforcouncil.com

Oliver Koppell (Incumbent)
Age: 69
Occupation: Politician, Lawyer at his firm, G. Oliver Koppell & Associates
History: Went to Bronx High School of Science, Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Member of the New York State Assembly from 1970-1994, elected to New York State Attorney General in 1994, President of the Community School Board for District 10, has been the New York City Council Member for District 11 since 2001.
Involvement: Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, and a member of the Finance, Consumer Affairs, Education, Community Development, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and Technology in Government Committees.
Endorsements: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Congressman Jose Serrano, ACORN, Tenants Political Action Committee, Working Families Party
Issues/Concerns: Public safety, conserving energy and environmental awareness, universal healthcare, tenant rights, youth programs, and support for senior citizens.
Web site: www.koppell2009.com

14th District Council (Kingsbridge, University Heights, Mt. Hope)

Yudelka Tapia
Age: 45
Occupation: Senior Auditor for the City of New York
History: Emigrated to Bronx in 1988 from the Dominican Republic where she was president of a national organization to educate women, attended O & M University (D.R.) in Accounting, and later Bronx Community College for computer science, moved to New York in the early ’90s.
Involvement: Founder of the Great Alliance Democratic Club in 1994; founded the Center for the Development and Protection of Dominicans; on the Board of Directors for the Center of Alternative Communication, Young Adults Against Drugs and Alcohol, and on the Executive Board of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO- DC37, Local 1407.
Endorsements: North West Bronx Democrats, Local 1359, Local 768, Political Parent Party
Issues/Concerns: Affordable housing, immigration amnesty, fighting domestic violence, supporting senior citizens, protecting the Kingsbridge Armory, better health care, supporting small businesses, “greener” neighborhoods, and government transparency.
Website: www.yudelkatapia.com

Fernando Cabrera
Age: 45
Occupation: Pastor, Counseling Program Director at Mercy College
History: Began as substance abuse counselor, created the first Mental Health Counseling graduate program in New York State at Mercy College, worked as bilingual school counselor, started New Life Outreach International Church with wife, and became the pastor of his church.
Involvement: Was co-chair of the Hispanic-Jewish Relations Task Force for President Adolfo Carrion, partnered with DARE, advocated for revitalization of the Fordham Library and living wages at the Kingsbridge Armory.
Endorsements: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Assemblymen Adriano Epaillat, Jose Peralta and Carl Heastie, Bronx Democratic Party, ACORN, Working Families Party, SEIU United Healthcare Workers Union
Issues/Concerns: Increasing youth development through education, creating jobs, rights of working families, affordable housing, rising food prices, mental health, and alternative energy.
Website: www.fernandocabrera.us

Maria Baez (Incumbent)
Age: 51
Occupation: Politician
History: Attended PS 109, JHS 82 and Walton High School, attended Monroe College, and later Lehman College, started career working as an administrator with Assemblyman Jose Rivera.
Involvement: Chaired the State and Federal Legislation; on Finance, Health, and Planning Committees; formed the 2300 Tenants Block Association; was Chief Clerk of the Bronx Board of Elections; the Executive Director of The Housing Workshop, and later Chair of the Committee on Aging
Endorsements: Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson, former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn
Issues/Concerns: Affordable housing, senior center improvements, services for older adults, more playgrounds for youth, domestic violence protection.
Website: www.council.nyc.gov

Citywide Elections:

Mayor:

Tony Avella (D)
www.tonyavellaformayor.com

Jimmy McMillan (D)
www.mcmillan09.org

Roland Rogers (D)
RR4mayornyc.com

William C. Thompson, Jr. (D) www.thompson2009.com

 

Public Advocate:

Bill de Blasio (D)
www.billdeblasio.com

Eric Gioia (D)
www.EricGioia.com

Mark Green (D)
www.markgreen.com

Norman Siegel (D)
www.normansiegel.com

Imtiaz Shabbir Syed (D) www.imtiazsyed.com

 

Comptroller:

Salim Ejaz (D)
www.salejaz.com

Melinda Katz (D)
www.melindakatzforny.com

John C. Liu (D) www.liunewyork.com

David I. Weprin (D)
www.davidweprin2009.com

David Yassky (D)
www.davidyassky.com

For information on campaign contributions, go to the Campaign Finance Board’s Website at www.nyccfb.info.

On Voting Day:

The primary election date is Tuesday, Sept. 15. Polling sites around the city will be open on that day from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. If you do not go to the correct polling site indicated for your address you won’t be able to vote.

If you cannot make it to the polls, you can go to the Board of Elections borough office in the Bronx (at 1780 Grand Concourse 5th floor) and request to vote early from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any day before the election. If you are voting by mail you must request an Absentee Ballot Application by phone (1-800-FOR-VOTE), online, or in person, stating the reason for voting absentee along with your name and mailing address.

If you have questions on how to find your nearest polling place or for qualifications on who can vote, visit the Board of Elections Website: www.vote.nyc.ny.us/pollingplaces or call (718) 299-9017.

To find out more information regarding the election, as well as to hear statements from the candidates, visit the Voter Assistance Commission’s Website at www.nyc.gov/voter.