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Volume XXI • Number 18 • May 1-7, 2014 •
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Local political situation heats up As the rumors fly in political circles, observers are waiting for former Council Member Oliver Koppell’s final decision as to whether or not he will challenge State Senator Jeff Klein, in the upcoming Democratic primary elections. Koppell is telling friends and associates that he expects to run, but has shied away from a full commitment, letting several self-imposed deadlines pass, including one highly publicized Easter Sunday target date. Koppell, 73, out-of-office for the first time in years, was forced into retirement due to the city’s term limit law afterserving twelve years in the City Council. This followed stints in the State Assembly, a brief stint as State Attorney General and even a term as President of Community School Board 10. Koppell was elected to fill a vacancy as State Attorney General by the State Legislature but lost the election to keep the post in 1994. Four years later, he lost a comeback bid to regain the post. Should Koppell run, he expected to set off a war within the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club for its support. Despite an association of over 50 years with the
group, it is considered likely that Koppell may be rejected by the club membership. It is almost certain that Klein has already nabbed promises of support from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, once considered Koppell’s protégé, Congressman Eliot Engel and Councilman Andrew Cohen, recently elected to succeed Koppell. “This could rip the club to shreds,” said one observer. Klein already has the backing of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx County Democratic Leader Carl Heastie, City Councilman James Vacca and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. Meanwhile, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced his support for Adriano Espaillat in the NY13 Congressional District, which covers parts of Kingsbridge, adding to a string of high-profile endorsements for the veteran state legislator this month. Espaillat is trying to unseat Congressman Charles Rangel, the 44-year incumbent in that post. “Adriano is a proven fighter in our State legislature, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy,” Stringer said. “He has worked hard to maintain
our affordable housing stock, to help small businesses shine and to fund our children’s education. In Congress, I know he will listen carefully to the community on every decision he makes. He will be the unifying voice for the 13th District.” “I am honored to have the support of Scott Stringer, who was born and raised in Washington Heights and has been a longtime champion for our community,” Espaillat said. “Scott is a true reformer who has focused his career on building a strong middle class and fighting for our city – as a state Assemblyman, as Manhattan Borough President, and now as New York City Comptroller. Our City needs federal funding and support in order to thrive. In Congress, I will work with Scott to pass legislation that grows small businesses, increases funding for NYCHA, and gives New York the resources it needs to remain the safest big city in America.” Stringer’s endorsement is the latest benchmark of growing support for Espaillat, who has earned the backing New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; the Transport Workers Union
Senator Jeff Klein with students from the Project BOOST program, grades 9 – 12, at a breakfast in the library at MS/HS 141 in the Bronx. MS/HS 141 administrators and BOOST coordinators joined Senator Klein.
Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz presented 35 orchids from the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Show to seniors at the Riverdale YMHA Senior Center. Every year, the Botanical Garden reserves 35 orchids for one non-profit in Senator Klein’s district. The constant presence of Dinowitz at Klein’s side is thought to reflect the political reality that Dinowitz is prepared to abandon his long-time alliance with Oliver Koppell and will throw his support to Klein.
Local 100, Laundry & Distribution workers affiliate of Workers United SEIU; Bronx County Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Carl E. Heastie (AD -83); Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; Senators Brad Hoylman (SD-27) and Gustavo Rivera (SD-33), Assemblymembers Karim Camara (AD-43), Gabriela
Rosa (AD-72), José Rivera (AD-73), Jeffrey Dinowitz (AD-81), and Victor Pichardo (AD-86); Councilmembers Mark Levine (CD-7), Ydanis Rodriguez (CD-10), Andrew Cohen (CD-11) and Richie Torres (CD-15); the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, and the Democratic Club of El Barrio & East Harlem.
Manhattan College athletic chief will retire at the end of current semester By LINDSEY BURNS Come June, longtime Manhattan College Athletic Director Bob Byrnes will retire with 26 years of service under his belt. Byrnes has overseen the entire athletic program and is also involved in everything from hiring to scheduling with the MAAC conference, to making sure that Manhattan College athletics is represented the right way. Because he is so involved with just about anything sports related at Manhattan, Byrnes has formed strong relationships with his co-workers and athletes and has made a significant impact on many individuals. “I have really enjoyed working with Bob,” said Dr. Shawn Ladda, a professor in the department of
kinesiology and a faculty athletic representative. “How I think he’s made such a big impact is with student-athletes. He has been an outstanding mentor, coach and teacher to so many student athletes,” Ladda is not alone in the high praise for Byrnes. Men’s soccer Head Coach Jorden Scott also had many positive things to say about him. “Bob’s the type of person that makes you feel good,” Scott said. “He makes you feel like you’re a million dollars. You could be losing games, you could be having the worst season of your life and he just makes you feel like you have a chance. Throughout my time with him as an assistant