by David Cruz
In a move that could erode turf strength from former Councilman Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz and Councilman Andy Cohen have officially endorsed state Sen. Jeff Klein in the race for the 34th Senate District. Dinowitz and Cohen, who succeeded Koppell, represent a large swath of Riverdale, the neighborhood where Koppell has always drawn the most support.
“Obviously he was not very happy that I told him that I would support Senator Klein,” said Dinowitz of Koppell.” But ultimately we have a good senator and I think it would be dishonorable for me, after I asked our senator to do a list of things for our community–to work with us to fight with us–and not repay him by not supporting him would not be the right thing to do.”
Klein, the incumbent, received support from the northwest Bronx pols at the Tin Marin eatery. Dinowitz and Cohen, active members of the Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club, were the last holdouts for key endorsements. A month back, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Democratic County party boss Carl Heastie and other lawmakers threw support for Klein when he launched his bid.
Koppell has long said that Klein, the president of the Independent Democratic Conference, has deserted democrats by sharing power with republicans. It was a main reason Koppell decided to run.
Koppell did not return requests for comment. But in an email sent out to supporters on May 16, Koppell’s wife Coyle blasted Cohen and Dinowitz, saying their support for Klein has ramifications.
“What neither Dinowitz nor Cohen realize is they have lost whether Oliver wins or loses,” said Coyle.
It remains unclear whether the Riverdale political club known as the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club will back Koppell or Klein. Members will meet on Thursday to weigh in on a decision. While Dinowtiz and Cohen are members, Dinowitz insists it’s still unclear.
“I intend to speak on behalf of Senator Klein at that meeting but ultimately the club members make the decision and it’s done by all the club members,” said Dinowitz.
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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
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Dinowitz and Cohen have chosen cynicism and expedience over principle. Dinowitz is also turning against his mentor. It’s a sad commentary on the moral decline of Riverdale’s politicians.
Over the years Mr. Koppel changed radically from a reform minded and progressive Democrat who was sensitive to the needs of the unprotected to a person who would believed in ambition over compassion. He opposed the needed change in Bronx Dems leadership. He turned his back on those who did not believe that the City Council and then then Mayor should overturn term limits. He became a lackey for Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Chris Quinn. He turned his back on the disabled community by reversing course and opposing accessible taxis. He became a supporter of people who wanted to kidnap elephants and abuse them as slaves in circuses. He opposed humane legislation. Are there issues I have with my friend Jeff Klein? Of course there are. We have been in this political game since the 1980s. We have had disagreements. When it comes down to the present situation Jeff is a progressive leader. He is with labor, the middle class, UPK, affordable housing, the disabled. Hopefully in the next session Jeff will work with the LGBT community and others to guarantee the rights of our transgender community. I know his heart is with them. I enthusiastically support the re-election of Jeffrey D. Klein for NYS Senate.
Lewis Goldstein
Member Executive Committee
NYS Democratic Committee
Vice Chair
Bronx Democratic County
Committee
Liaison to the LGBT, Disabled
and Animal Rights Communities