Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his annual State of the Borough speech in a rather interesting way, sidestepping its usual ceremonial proclivities that involve absorbing all the attention while unveiling his to-do list for the upcoming year by honoring the borough’s unsung heroes (more on this can be found in our front page story).

But missing in that retrospective speech complete with pomp and swagger, bespoke of Diaz’s own personality, were ideas for the borough. Where were they? Checking back on previous state of the borough speeches (unlike this year, his office would send reporters a transcript of his speech), the paper found a multitude of ideas Diaz would introduce in a speech that found ample time to scorch “the city,” code for Mayor Bill de Blasio, for not doing enough for the Bronx. Even that, too, was absent from his speech. Diaz’s role in his latest state of the borough speech seemed more akin to a master of ceremonies.

It’s important to add some context here. Diaz’s state of the borough address happened just under a month after he threw a wrench into his own plans by announcing he will not be running for Mayor of New York City, a decision he said he’s “at peace” with despite all indications showing he had used his last 10 years as borough president to take the next step. It’s certainly his prerogative, though it once again delays the watershed moment of seeing a Latino rise to a citywide elected position (it has not happened yet in the city’s history). Yet, Diaz has two years left in his current administrative role, and with his decision to limit himself coupled with a lack of ideas for the last two years of his borough presidency, the question becomes how much of a lame duck does Diaz want to be? Or has Diaz checked out? Not even de Blasio, who leaves office the same year as Diaz, sat back after an unsuccessful bid to run for President of the United States. In his last State of the City speech, de Blasio had provocative ideas that seek to expand affordable housing, lower crime, and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

The Norwood News, of course, did hit Diaz with those questions following his speech, and he was quick to point out a laundry list of items, including the rebuilding of the Orchard Beach pavilion where he allocated capital funding, the Bronx Children’s Museum, the hip hop museum, and the opening of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center that’s dogged his entire borough presidency. To omit that in his speech leaves us wondering where Diaz would have found another venue to make such announcements.

There are voices out there quietly wishing him to weigh in on the Southern Boulevard rezoning, whether the Webster Avenue rezoning achieved its intended purpose, criticisms on bail reform and discovery, the recent assassination attempts on officers from the 41st Precinct, privatization of NYCHA complexes, and the proposed cuts to Medicaid. Those voices include this paper. What about pursuing other ideas announced in past state of the borough speeches, like the plating of two railyards in the Bronx to make way for affordable housing projects? To his credit, Diaz Jr. did offer his thoughts on expanding Right to Counsel, which would benefit hundreds of thousands of Bronxites. But there’s just too much that was left off the table.

City & State magazine recently placed Diaz as the 46th most powerful person in New York City. It’s a fantastic placement, recognizing Diaz’s achievement in continuing to turn the borough around even with such limited powers. Yet, that placement, if he continues to essentially coast, could be stripped away next year, finishing a borough presidency that began with a grand vision into a blip. We hope he finishes strong.