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NOW Mayor Bloomberg And Council Speaker Quinn Disagree On Term Limits

By Frank Lombardi

It comes a bit too late, but Mayor Bloomberg and Council Speaker Christine Quinn are at odds over shrinking term limits.

There’s nothing new in this post, honest. We just thought it would be fun to rub it in.

Quinn today personally said that she will vote NO Question One on Tuesday’s referendum ballot asking if the current three-term limit should be scaled back to two terms. (She did issue a statement to that effect through a spokesperson earlier this week when the mayor surprisingly fessed up that he will vote YES on the question.)

Kind of like jewel robbers who got away with the goods, spent it all and now are having a falling out over who concocted the heist in the first place.

Asked at her pre-session press conference today if she could explain why she intended to stay with the current three-term limit, Quinn replied, “Because that’s the decision I made on how I’m voting.”

Well, that makes it clear!

She also said, when asked how she intended to vote on the referendum, “I think I’ve been clear, I’ve never been a supporter of term limits, but I will be voting to keep the system the way it was put in place after the Council voted a year and a half ago, whenever it was.”

How quickly they forget: It was exactly two years and four days ago, on Oct. 23, 2008, when the Council voted 29 to 22 in favor of extending term limits to three terms. Quinn had decided to go along with the mayor’s desire to run for a third term, citing the recession crisis and the need to have continuity in office at the time.

Quinn had agreed to the controversial legislative change, without putting the question to the voters, after having all but sworn a blood oath that she would never go along with such a legislative change.

Here’s how she put it on Dec. 3, 2007: “I am today taking a firm and final position. I will not support the repeal or change of term limits through any mechanism, and I will oppose aggressively any attempt by anyone to make any changes in the term limits law."

Her reversal less than a year later came as her putative 2009 mayoral bid was foundering among the scandal headlines generated by hanky-panky budget tactics in the Council of using the names of phony nonprofit groups to park pork money, and of the first of several indictments to come about staffers or councilmembers abusing pork funding and other funds. Allowing herself to run for another four-year term in the Council and as speaker would give her time to rebuild her standing and run for mayor in 2013, or so many thought at the time.

So, now that she’s in the midst of her third term, she objects to changing it back to two terms. Well, unlike the mayor, she can at least say that she’s consistent--at least this time around.

Quinn’s Conference Call for ‘Love Love Interfaith Weekend’ Canceled After Voices of Dissent Emerge

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 25, 2010

Speaker Christine Quinn’s office will surely claim it was a glitch in their conference call system which caused them to cancel today’s planning meeting for the upcoming ‘Love Love Interfaith Weekend.’

The BorreroReport has been promised a return call from Maria Alvarado, of Quinn’s press office. Alvarado is the person that Kihani A. Brea referred us to after deciding that she didn’t want to explain why the meeting had been canceled.

However, two of the three sources that called to inform us of the cancellation, said that the Speaker—who is still in Ireland—and some of her key staff members are not happy with the way this is developing.

Voices of Discontent Emerging as a Result of Quinn’s Selective List of Invitees to ‘Love Love Interfaith Weekend’

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 24, 2010

Fireworks are already beginning to go off among clergy members who also happen to be bona fide members of the LGBTQ community. The complaint from some is that they were not included in the planning committee conference call on Thursday morning that was coordinated by Speaker Christine Quinn’s office.

Rev. Carmen Hernandez, founder of the NYC LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Inc. sent out a blistering reaction in an email that is making its way through the LGBTQ community and was obtained by the BorreroReport.com. She wrote:

“I am very disappointed with Quinn ‘cause she knows who I am and I get her emails so why is she not including me as part of LGBT leaders in the Bronx? I was not the only one as well, Charles Rice Gonzalez another leader and Eric Soto and others were not included; only GALDE and Bronx Community Pride. As you can see in the emails they sent out, only these two organizations were included. What happened with the organizations BAAD, Family Circles, Boogie Down Pride?? And what about churches that are gay-friendly and gay/lesbian churches?”

Kihani A. Brea, Speaker Quinn’s Interfaith Liaison and the person responsible for coordinating the conference call, when contacted today by the BorreroReport said, “I’m sorry, I can’t talk to you about this. I don’t want to get into trouble.”

The BorreroReport did confirm, from various other sources, that the second conference call planning meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, October 25 at 9:30 AM.

Included in an email from Brea to participants is this part of an agenda for tomorrow’s call:

1. Have religious institutions participate in their own way across all 5 boroughs. a) Mosques on Friday, Synagogues on Saturday, Christian churches on Sunday.

2. Have a rally & concert. Denes Striny committing to putting together concert to present requiem to address resurrection of love and death to discrimination and hatred.

3. 5 Borough community conversations to take place on Friday: GALDE to partner with another organization to host roundtable in the Bronx.

4. Workshop on how clergy can advocate for LGBTQ equality based on what others have done around the state. The idea of a clergy breakfast on Nov 19^th surfaced after the call perhaps that would be the venue for this workshop.

Interestingly, still missing from this agenda is a discussion about any criticism of Senator Rubén Díaz. Many within the LGBTQ community believe Quinn must do this in order for all sides to join in the effort.

Stay tuned.

Quinn Calls for 'Love Love Interfaith Weekend' but has yet to Denounce Rubén Díaz’ Homophobic Rants

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 22, 2010

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is leading an effort by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) activists to hold a city-wide interfaith weekend with the goal of “fostering dialogue within communities of faith that will address the issue of bias crimes and the recent high profile suicides of LGBTQ youth.”

Quinn has taken a leadership role in the endeavor and convened a planning committee conference call yesterday morning at 9:30 with leaders from the LGBTQ community.

Despite the fact that the Speaker’s initiative is welcomed by most activists, there are those who wonder why Quinn has yet to take on the most vocal member of the clergy, State Senator and also Reverend, Ruben Díaz, Sr., who also happens to be a member of Quinn’s political party.

Some of the individuals involved in the effort described the purpose of the planned weekend to the BorreroReport.com. Three individuals even forwarded email they received from Kihani A. Brea, a staff member in Speaker Quinn’s office: “The goal of the Love Love Interfaith Weekend is to have faith based institutions city-wide commit to creating a safe environment for young people dealing with bullying, intimidation or other issues with sexual orientation and connect them with appropriate counseling services and to have faith based institutions city-wide deliver a message promoting love, acceptance and peace.”

At the moment, Speaker Quinn is in Ireland, so the BorreroReport could not speak to her about the project. The Interfaith Weekend is tentatively scheduled for November 19-21.

A number of the activists, who spoke to the BorreroReport, on the condition of anonymity, applauded Quinn’s initiative but simultaneously took issue with the Speaker’s refusal to denounce “the most offensive homophobe” within the Democratic Party. One source told us, “Rubén Díaz cannot continue to get a pass from top Democrats. And the Speaker can lead the charge.”

We believe this criticism is both appropriate and legitimate. In her current role as City Council Speaker, Quinn is by far the most powerful member of the LGBTQ community in all of New York State.

Another of the three individuals that we spoke to pointed to this particular aspect of Quinn’s effort cited in the email: “In many instances and in many traditions, the message that clergy put out about LGBTQ people (that it's a sin, etc) sends a subtle message that LGBTQ persons are not worthy of the full measure of human dignity and respect. That creates a context that some interpret as a 'green light' for anti gay action (bullying, ridicule, shunning and the more severe incidents of physical and psychological violence).”

One heterosexual Quinn supporter who would like to work with the Speaker and the other activists on the Interfaith Weekend, expressed hope that the Speaker would understand the need to denounce her fellow Democrat Díaz.

If Quinn is as serious about this issue as she purports to be, then the BorreroReport suggests she make an appearance next Tuesday, October26^th for a 6:00 PM prayer vigil denouncing Senator Diaz’ homophobic views in front of The Bronx County
Courthouse. Will she attend? Let’s just say we suggest that activists don’t hold their collective breath awaiting her arrival.

Hiram Monserrate Surrenders to Feds This Morning

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 19, 2010

Hiram Monserrate, disgraced former New York State Senator and New York City Council Member, has surrendered to federal authorities in Manhattan this morning. Federal charges will be presented today as part of a sealed indictment.

The charges are related to a federal investigation that has been focused on LIBRE (Latino Initiative for Better Resources & Empowerment), an alleged not-for-profit agency in Queens, that got hundreds of thousands of City dollars from then-City Councilman Monserrate.

The arrangements pertaining to the conditions of the politician’s surrender were reached with the Feds by Monserrate’s attorney, Joseph Tacopina, last night.

A source told the BorreroReport that the probe by the Feds is believed to reveal that campaign workers from his [Monserrate's] first unsuccessful campaign run against then-Senator John Sabini used public funds to obtain signatures for petitions, register voters, and perform other campaign-related tasks.

Monserrate won the State Senate seat in 2008, but was kicked out earlier this year after being convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge against his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo.

The BorreroReport spoke to one New York attorney about how Monserrate’s current probation conditions would impact his remaining free from jail. The counsel’s response: “This will have an effect and will probably keep him behind bars.”

What Education Reforms?!

New York, NY, October 15, 2010

While too many of us in the media mostly follow the silliness of the gubernatorial race, gracias go out to Richard Lipsky for keeping his eye on the con job Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Joel Klein have been perpetrating on the our City's public schools, and its children. Read about how Bloomberg's so called education "reforms" have, by now, been widely discredited here.

No Carl Paladino and No Amigos on Fifth Today

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 10, 2010

Sounding like a rejected bride after learning that her candidate would not be present, Carmen Gomez Goldberg the Co Chair of ‘Latinos for Paladino’ told the BorreroReport, “I don’t like being left at the altar.”

According to the well known Puerto Rican Republican from Westchester, “They seeked us out for support,” said Gomez Goldberg as she tried to find a reason for the slight from the Republican gubernatorial nominee.

The State Co-Chair of ‘Latinos for Carl’ made it very clear, “I don’t care if they call. I’m not going to put my people through this”. Gomez Goldberg, was not amused by the slight to the estimated 400 persons that were giving up time with their families to meet at 10 AM and rally behind Paladino.

Asked if she and ‘Latinos for Carl’ would be marching with their candidate at Monday’s Columbus Day Parade Gomez Golberg said, “They need some sazón. I’ll be watching from my living room.”

It Will Be ‘Amigos,’ Minus Carl Paladino

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 9, 2010

Citing an increasingly tightening schedule for New York’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Michael R. Caputo said that, “Latinos for Carl will be formally presented tomorrow at the Hispanic Day Parade; however Carl will not be there.”

Talk about being left to walk the plank. Here we have some brave Latinos stepping out on Fifth Avenue to publicly endorse one of the most controversial candidates the New York State GOP has ever placed on the ballot, and the man is too busy somewhere else to show up.

As if that were not enough of an insult on behalf of Mr. Paladino to his Latino diehard supporters, Mr. Caputo told The Borrero Report that Mr. Paladino would take part in the Columbus Day Parade on Monday. I can just hear now what the bochinche will be. Something along the lines of, “¿Quien carajo se cree este loco que es? Viene a estar con los italianos y a nosotros nos deja como pendejos esperándolo…que se vaya al…”

For the linguistically challenged, a quick translation to modern-day English would be: WTF?

Latinos for Carl’ taking their ‘Amigo’ to Fifth Avenue

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 9, 2010

The Carl Paladino campaign is at work pulling together some of his Latino supporters for this Sunday’s Hispanic Day Parade in Manhattan. “It’s a great stage to show that he does have support from this community,” said one of his New York City supporters.

The Latinos, that will come out in favor of the man that the established leadership of New York and others have deemed as “unfit” to be Governor, includes an array of those who appreciate the wild man’s candor.

Among those already known to be on board, and a statewide Co-Chair of Latinos for Paladino, is Carmen Gomez Goldberg. The Republican Goldberg is a Puerto Rican from Westchester who supported and worked on Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s 2009 re-election bid.

No word on whether polemic State Senator Rubén Díaz will be present to also formally announce his support for Paladino as has been rumored.

While We Follow Hevesi…Andrew Cuomo Skates on The Truth

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 7, 2010

If you know Andrew Cuomo, then you know better than to expect a straight answer from the presumptive next Governor of New York. His own perception of infallibility often drives him to have his spinmeisters use any means necessary before admitting that he is wrong.

This time around, it was his flacks at the Attorney General’s office that tried to compare apples to oranges rather than admitting that their boss has failed by currently having zero Latinos as part of his senior staff.

Yesterday, the BorreroReport reported the absence of Latinos within the AG’s current senior staff of twenty. We stand by that finding. We find pathetic Cuomo’s attempt to disprove our disclosure by pointing to two past Latina members of his senior staff as evidence of Latino inclusion within the highest ranks of his current AG office.

Here’s what was spun by the AG’s office and reported in today’s El Diario La Prensa. We have translated part of the EDLP article below for your convenience:

“Andrew Cuomo’s office yesterday denied comments made by columnist Gerson Borrero with respect to the lack of inclusion of Hispanics within the Attorney General’s office. John Milgrim, the Attorney General’s spokesman, said that up until a few months ago two of the twenty members of his Senior Staff were Hispanic, Lillian ‘Lee’ Llambelis as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Jenny Rivera, as Director of the Office of Civil Rights, but they decided to change jobs.”

Gee, thanks Andrés! So you had two Latinas within your senior staff. Two Latinas who no longer work for you! So, we were right. You currently have no Latinos within the senior staff of your AG office.

In both English and Spanish, we made it abundantly clear that our reference was to Mr. Cuomo’s current staff. Our curiosity was born as a result of the Saturday love fest that Latino elected officials – headed by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez – pulled together for their “amigo.”

Cuomo’s flack also told El Diario that my reporting was flawed because in fact there are 6 Latino attorneys out of 107 total within the AG’s regional offices. I had mistakenly reported that there were 4 out of 116. My bad. But honestly, there are still just 6 out of 107? That’s less than 6% of the total number of attorneys in AG Cuomo’s regional offices.

We guess Andrew may not know there are an estimated 4,000 Latino lawyers as members of the bar in the state of New York.

When the Latino community has friends like you, Andresito, who needs enemies?

Hear ye! Hear ye! Cuomo Hires a Latina!

New York, NY, October 6, 2010

What a slap in the face, Andrew!

The BorreroReport blows your cover today by disclosing you have zero Latinos among your AG’s office senior staff, and zero Latinos leading your campaign, and you respond by announcing, via your spokeswoman, Lauren Passalacqua, that, just today, you are naming a Latina as a “community liaison”?

Kudos to Evelyn Cruz who, according to your press release, joins the Cuomo campaign after having, “served Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez as the Congressional Coordinator and Community Liaison.”

Gee, gracias Andrés, but isn’t it a bit too little? Yes, too late, cynical, and rather insulting!

* * *

Editor’s Note: Below is a translated version of a column that appears in today’s El Diario La Prensa. We spoke to Attorney General Cuomo’s spokesperson, Richard Bamberger, several times last night after the El Diario column had gone to print. We are awaiting an official statement from the AG’s office, and will update the story on the BorreroReport.com once we receive it.

Cuomo: "We Are One," But He Has None

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, October 6, 2010

Last Saturday, after receiving the endorsement and praise of a hefty group of Latino elected officials, Andrew Cuomo concluded his press conference by saying in Spanish, "We are more than just friends. We are brothers and sisters. We are one, we are one, we are one." And, as a final point, Cuomo said in English, "And this is what this campaign is about."

However, the State's current Attorney General, who wants to govern 19 million citizens, doesn't have a single Latino/a in his senior staff made up of twenty senior employees within his current administration. According to the New York State Attorney General's official website, there are five Blacks within that group of senior staff members. It looks like Cuomo considers them more important than the folks he described Saturday as "brothers and sisters." In addition, he also has Italian Americans, Jewish Americans, and at least one Irish American among his senior employees.

Cuomo's lack of Latino inclusion is so pronounced that within the thirteen regional offices statewide, out of 116 attorneys, he only has four Latinos. And none of these four attorneys is at the helm of any of the thirteen regional offices.

Readers may ask themselves, how is it possible that veteran Congresswoman and so-called great defender of our interests, Nydia M. Velázquez, by agreeing to serve as one of three co-chairs of his gubernatorial campaign, would lend herself to the political game of someone who lies when he says "we are one?"

The same should be asked of Congressman José E. Serrano, Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr., and State Senator José Peralta of Queens—all of whom endorsed Cuomo.

Yet another who danced to the tune of 'we are one' was former Bronx Borough President and 2005 NYC mayoral Democratic contender Fernando Ferrer, who during his praise for a man he claims is his 'friend,' said, "We know him. We get along with him and we trust him with our State. With our neighborhoods, and with our hopes and dreams."

Add on to that the fact that Cuomo doesn't have a single Latino within his proselytizing campaign, and that's all one needs to realize that we are in bad shape in this State. On one side we have Carl Paladino, the Republican who openly insults us; and on the Democratic side, we’ve got Cuomo, who shamelessly excludes us and still gets the support of our so-called advocates.

As we say in my beloved hometown of Ponce, Puerto Rico, we're screwed!

Shameful!!

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, September 30, 2010

One would think the dubious distinction of being the poorest Congressional District in the Nation would elicit from Congressman Jose E. Serrano more than the response he gave the NY Daily News. As the reason for the notoriety Serrano said his congressional district "has always had poor people. It’s a reflection of a lot of things, and the bad economic times have driven a lot of things up."

The flippant response sheds light on the total disregard for accountability and culpability from a professional and seasoned politician whose biography on his Congressional website opens up with the following:

"U.S. Representative José E. Serrano represents the Sixteenth Congressional District of New York in the Bronx. He is the only Congressman from New York City on the exclusive House Appropriations Committee and serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. This prestigious chairmanship allows Congressman Serrano to lead the subcommittee, which oversees the budgets of multiple agencies, including the Treasury Department including the IRS; the FDIC; the District of Columbia; the Judicial branch, and other agencies. Congressman Serrano is also Senior Whip for the Majority Whip operation, a position through which he helps develop strategies to marshal support for party positions and legislation. He is an active member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and served as Chair of the Caucus from 1993-94. He is now the most senior Member of Congress of Puerto Rican descent."

Should the previous declaration be dismissed as mere aggrandizement and self-promotion, or should Serrano be deemed totally ineffective for those whom he has represented since January 3, 1993?

Serrano was first elected to the NYS Assembly in 1975, which means he has held elective office for a whopping 35 years! At his current age of 66, in good health, and never having faced any serious challenger, the Congressman of the poorest district in America will probably live off the poverty ridden South Bronx for a good while to come.

In the sixth paragraph of his impressive view of his own worth the following is stated: "As an appropriator, Serrano has managed to secure millions of dollars in federal funding for his Bronx Congressional District. He has directed funding to countless local initiatives, including environmental projects, improvements to Bronx parks, educational programs for disadvantaged students and displaced workers and funding for various local charitable organizations, whose goals range from providing access to the arts to developing small businesses".

With 38% of its residents living below the poverty level and 49% of its children living with the scarcity that poverty imposes, Serrano, who has an apartment in the district - but has always lived in DC - should be booted out of office by the South Bronx voters he has failed.

As Cuomo Meets with Blacks, Paladino Focuses on Latinos

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, September 27, 2010

As first reported by Nicolas Confessore in the New York Times, Democratic nominee Andrew Cuomo is huddling this morning with African American leaders in Harlem to come up with a strategy to address his loss of support among Black voters. In the mean time, his opponent's camp is focusing on Latino votes.

Michael Caputo, campaign manager for Republican gubernatorial nominee Carl Paladino confirmed to the BorreroReport that, “We’re putting together a coalition of Latinos for Carl that will be announced within ten days.”

Two reliable sources told us last Friday that an effort by the Paladino camp to attract Latinos to their candidate was underway, “as soon as Carl had the nomination.”

According to Caputo, “Puerto Ricans in Buffalo know Carl well.” And the Paladino camp believes that those Latinos who know Carl will help convince those who may have doubts about him.

“His tactics are not great, but he is doing an excellent job,” said one of the Puerto Ricans from The Bronx that is already on board with the outspoken candidate. The source also confirmed that there are many other Latinos who are supporting Paladino, and that a lot of them are the same people who supported former Republican governor George Pataki.

“He’s not anti-immigrant,” this supporter told us about Paladino. The source, out of respect for the process, did not want to be identified. “Like others concerned with the issue of immigration, Carl is trying to find an even-handed solution,” the source explained. According to this individual, “Latinos for Paladino” will help the Republican nominee develop a position that is acceptable to those concerned with the issue of immigration.

During our conversation with Caputo, he volunteered to us that “Carl is very fond of Senator Diaz because he is a straight shooter...And when he invited us to meet with his ministers, Diaz allowed him [Paladino] to talk and explain his position.”

On the other hand, Andrew Cuomo has, as of yet, not accepted an invitation by the polemic Ruben Diaz to meet with the ‘relipol's’ Hispanic Clergy Organization. The BorreroReport first wrote about that invitation last month. Caputo confirmed that Paladino and Diaz have had several conversations. We believe these conversations may lead to an endorsement from the conservative religious politician.

Those damn polls…

When asked which of the past week's polls were accurate, Caputo’s take was that, “All polls are a snapshot of a certain moment. The one that is closest to our numbers is Survey USA. We are at about nine to ten.”

Caputo told us that he believes Paladino's numbers are “moving in the right direction.”

The BorreroReport then asked Caputo where he thought the numbers would be by November 2nd. The campaign manager responded as if he were the trainer of a pugilist who knows that every punch thrown by the opponent is going to connect and hurt his fighter. “We’re going to bleed for every point. They are going to make us bleed for it. And we’re going to hurt them,” Caputo said.

Who should be in the debates?

When asked what the Paladino campaign thinks about the Freedom Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Charles Barron, telling us during a radio interview on AM 1600 WWRL, that he has the right to be included in the debates, Caputo quickly responded: “It’s not fair to just make a debate between the white guys [he includes Rick Lazio in the mix, if he should remain as the Conservative Party nominee].”

Caputo added that, “Mr. Barron turned in an amazing number of signatures. And just like all the other candidates that collected the required number of signatures to qualify, he deserves to be included.”

Caputo got his last jab in at Democratic nominee Andrew Cuomo by saying, “The only one who didn’t get here like the rest of us is Cuomo.”

"Governor-turned-journalist," Spitzer, Talks About Love and His New Profession

New York, NY September 23, 2010

The Borrero Report just got its hands on the current issue of the Princeton Alumni Weekly. Buried on page 43 of the September 22'nd issue is a must-read Q&A with former NY governor, Eliot Spitzer (Princeton '81). The ex-guv talked to reporter Marc Fisher about life after politics, his new gig at CNN, and his feelings on matters of love.

You can read the interview online here. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Monserrate & The Voters......Forever!!

New York, NY, September 16, 2010

You would think that the fact that he’s been trounced—not once, but twice, by voters in two separate elections—would lead Hiram Monserrate to realize that voters in Queens have had enough of his mug.

In Tuesday’s Democratic primary, Francisco P. Moya gave Monserrate an electoral whipping. Moya received approximately 67% of the votes casted by Democratic voters in the 39^th Assembly District, compared to Monserrate’s 33%.

However, the Borrero Report has learned, from a very reliable source, that Monserrate will be back again in three years (that's 2013, folks) to challenge his former Chief of Staff Julissa Ferreras.

As we have written before, jokers like Monserrate are the gift that keeps on giving!

But it was true love!!!!

New York, NY, September 3, 2010

The NY Post reported today that former Tiger Woods mistress, Rachel Uchitel, has purchased a $2 million Park Avenue apartment (for that measly amount she must be slumming it on Park Avenue) with part of the $10 million settlement she reached with Woods.

Yes, this is outside our usual bailiwick, but we couldn’t pass this one up without adding our two cents.

Remember, it was never about the money for Uchitel!! She LOVED Tiger!!

Woods is certainly a dirt bag for what he did to his wife and family, but now, even a ho.., ah, we mean a mistress, gets a "settlement??!!”

The $10 million must make Uchitel the most expensive “when-the-sun-goes-down” lady in history (we would not want to call her a “lady of the evening” and insult those fine working women who, at least, recognize themselves for what they are).

Lawyers will be drooling (not to mention tripping) over each other to tap this new found source of wealth.

Isn't America great?? The chick KNOWS the guy is married, she KNOWS he has kids, she KNOWS she is, potentially, breaking up a household, AND she ends up with $10 million!!!

Both Woods and Uchitel are adults who knew, or should have known, what they were doing. But where are the "feministas?"

For the otherwise vocal proponents of women's liberation, does the "empowerment" of women and the "taking control" of their lives and bodies include the right (without fear of being criticized) to destroy a household??!!

Anyone for having sent this case to a place like, let’s say Iran, for adjudication?!

Rubencito: When you Live in a Glass House you Can’t Afford to Throw Stones

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, September 1, 2010

It’s a shame that Pedro Espada, Jr.’s main opponent hasn’t been the center of attention in the race to take over the 33^rd Senatorial District. Instead, it’s actually been some of his supporters and their blatant contradictions that have come under the spotlight.

Case in point, check out the first sentence in the statement issued this past Monday by Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. (see release here), in which he lends his support to Espada’s novice opponent: "It is time for change in Albany, and Gustavo Rivera will bring that change to the 33rd District. Gustavo Rivera is committed to reform, in both the Bronx and in Albany, and will fight for the people of his district, the Bronx and the entire State.

”The key words here are “change” and “reform.” We have no doubt that the former Assemblyman from the 85^th District knows a thing or two about what needs fixing in our State’s Legislature. After all he did serve in Albany for thirteen years. So where are the changes and reforms that he produced in the Legislature during that time?

Now, we don’t want anyone to misinterpret this attempt to keep the record straight as any sort of endorsement for Espada, but rather as an effort to shed a spotlight on the facts.

It would be irresponsible for us to let Rubencito continue with this hypocrisy and dishonesty. In referring to Gustavo Rivera, Rubencito stated, “Not only is Mr. Rivera a smart candidate with real ideas for improving the lives of his future constituents in areas such as housing, healthcare and quality of life issues, he is a true Democrat who—unlike the unfortunate incumbent Pedro Espada—will not abandon the shared principles of both his party and the voters who sent him to Albany.”

Those of us who have lived to tell about the recent Albany chaos know that Rubencito could be saying the exact same thing about his own father.

Rubén ‘relipol’ Díaz has been a disloyal Democrat who has abandoned the very people who elected him and instead prioritized his own alleged ministerial loyalties. Has Rubencito forgotten the threats his father made to Democrats? What about the fact that his daddy was the most vociferous member of Albany’s infamous “gang of four”? And how can we forget the offensive homophobic insults that have emanated from the mouth of the self-professed servant of the Lord?

We just don’t understand how Rubencito could have the audacity to think that those of us in the media who know all about his father’s political trickery aren’t going to remind the electorate.

If Rubencito would measure Senator Díaz by the same standards he’s used to measure Espada, Jr.—whose re-election efforts his daddy is supporting—then the logical thing for the Borough President to do would be to lend his support to Carlos ‘Charlie’ Ramos, Jr. against his own father in the 32^nd Senate District.

Rubencito alleges to be the wave of the future of the Democratic Party in the Bronx so he must stop being a hypocrite and apply the standards he’s applied to Espada Jr. to his own papá. We can’t let him get away with throwing stones when we all know he’s standing in a huge glass house.

Espada’s only concerned with appealing to the voters in his district

Senate Majority Leader takes swings at his opponents, the media, Andrew Cuomo, and others

Exclusive One-on-One with NY’s #1 Political Troublemaker

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 30, 2010

New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. is simply not fazed by the fact that he is confronting staunch opposition. In fact, he says he looks forward to remaining inside the ring duking it out as the Senator from the 33rd District. On Wednesday, August 25th, the BorreroReport sat down with Espada in his district office, located on Bainbridge Avenue in The Bronx on the second floor of a two-story residential home converted to office space. Two posters hung side by side at the entrance to Espada’s private office—one of Che Guevara and the other of Puerto Rican Nationalist Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances. What we learned during our exclusive interview with Espada is detailed below.

Espada on his district…

By the time we arrived at his office at 11 AM, Espada had already been to Fordham Road, where he made his first subway stop of the campaign season. Asked if greeting daily commuters was still a crucial part of campaigning in this day and age he responded, “No, but it is an integral part of what you must do to make sure you get to know the people you represent. You get a real feel about whether they like you, can’t be bothered because getting to work is more important than shaking hands, or they don’t vote.”

Make no mistake about it—Espada seems to love his job. So much that he is fighting tooth and nail to win the votes of his district’s Democrats on the upcoming September 14 primary. He told us that he hopes to “continue representing the people of this district,” which he describes as a “global district” as a result of changes in demographics.

When asked to elaborate on that, Espada explained, “The Bronx is a different place than it was fifteen years ago. Today, it’s a community of immigrants from all over—Filipinos, Africans, Latin Americans—and everybody is important so you have to be acquainted with what’s happening in their homeland. If you bump into a Dominican constituent, you better know all about what’s going on with the political parties in the Dominican Republic or else you may wind up in trouble.”

According to Espada, the District’s largest voting group is still Puerto Ricans with Dominicans a close second, Whites are still strong, and other groups represented in lesser numbers.

Espada on his opponents…

Pushed to comment on the fierce opposition he faces, Espada said, “I view this race as a local one and that’s where the opposition is failing.” He went on to say that he does not know Gustavo Rivera or Dan Padernacht, and he called “false” the allegations that have been made about Padernacht being a spoiler in the race set up by Espada to take votes away from frontrunner Rivera.

While we take Espada at his word, one has to consider that the incumbent Senator did tell us that while his main opponent’s signatures were flawed he did not challenge them. “I think everybody that wanted to run against me should have run.” The logic here is that the more divided the vote the more likely he is to win the primary and thus re election in November.

Espada on the media…

So since the opposition hasn’t caught him totally off guard, we asked him, what has?

“The media,” Espada responded, “if this election was held statewide, I would lose. I’m the most vetted politician of this generation. The AG (Attorney General) candidates haven’t even gone through this kind of scrutiny. None of the candidates for any office have actually been vetted like I have.”

This was a topic Espada was eager to talk about so he went on: “I feel the venom and hatred by the mainstream media—the Anglo media—and they have it for a person they’ve never met.” To prove this, Espada claimed to us that he has never been invited to an Editorial Board meeting with any of the newspapers that have vilified him.

When asked to explain why he believes he is being singled out, Espada responded, “I break their stereotype. If I were a gardener or a laborer then that would be acceptable to them, but I’m Senate Majority Leader. I am the first Puerto Rican to have this title. The first Latino. They are so disrespectful.” Espada, of course, made no mention of the fact that he was a crucial member of Albany’s infamous “four amigos” or “gang of four” that left New Yorkers as spectators of the chaos taking place in the State Legislature.

Espada on scrutiny and opposition from within the Democratic Party he belongs to…

Senator Espada tells us he’s become accustomed to the scrutiny. “For the last fifteen years I have woken up every morning knowing that I’m being investigated—that all began in 1996 with Roberto Ramirez and DA Robert Johnson and they have never let go,” Espada said. He was referring, of course, to the 1996 public feud he engaged in with then-Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Chairman, Roberto Ramirez. It was Ramirez and his Bronx Democratic Party machine who led the way in accusations—and won—against Espada. Among the accusations they made were that Espada had committed fraud in collecting signatures for nominating petitions. Resulting in his being kicked off the ballot for the Democratic Party. (See the full article by Jonathan P. Hicks published August 23, 1996 in The New York Times here).

Espada on unions and outsiders…

What about the opposition he faces in the form of endorsements for his main opponent that have poured in by labor unions and others? “When you overdo vilification, it doesn’t work. The people of the district resent it. The eleven-ninety-niners [referring to leaders of the prominent labor union, 1199] and the Working Families Party fail to understand our people’s reaction. People in my district see them come in like an assassin squad and step all over them. Voters are going to smack them down in the voting booth,” Espada said with confidence.

Espada on Andrew Cuomo and the gubernatorial race…

The BorreroReport switched gears, asking Espada to comment on the gubernatorial election. Espada was more than willing to talk about candidate Andrew Cuomo: “I don’t know what kind of governor he will be, but on a personal level, his character has to be vetted and tested. It’s a problem if you have been coronated without being scrutinized.”

Espada reminded us of Cuomo’s performance as Secretary of Housing Urban Development (HUD) during President Clinton’s Administration. He then referenced the article by Wayne Barrett of the Village Voice (see here for the investigative piece, published August 5, 2008) which is the journalistic piece to date that has raised the most questions about Cuomo.

The Senator also told us that he doesn’t appreciate the all-White slate that Cuomo, as leader of what the Majority Leader referred to as “the new Democratic party,” is heading. This lack of diversity on the slate is one of the reasons Espada thinks he deserves to keep his job. “It would help communities of color to have a Pedro Espada as a state senator sitting across from him [Cuomo]. As Latinos, we have no currency. I did what I did knowing the consequences. I cashed my check. I want this job. I have earned it.”

With regards to the civil case (access to the complaint is available here) that Attorney General Cuomo leveled against him in April of the current year, Espada appeared to find the allegations absurd: “Let’s be clear, he sought to bring criminal charges against me. He pointed to a clause that was known to all. How can I possibly loot nine million dollars which are not there?”

Espada calmly pointed to the fact that the nine million dollars would be upon his death, “The money would go to my wife and children,” he told us.

He then accused Cuomo of being responsible for this, and called the whole thing “an opportune moment for him to get headlines.”

Espada on the money he is alleged to owe the NYS Board of Elections…

“I don’t owe them the money. I made a good faith effort by putting down three thousand dollars,” Espada responded when questioned him about accusations made in an article published earlier this week by the Daily News’ Kenneth Lovett. According to the article, Espada still owes the Board of Elections $10,310.

“The statue reads that it be a willful violation,” as he attempts to explain why he is not paying what is alleged to owe. “The Treasurer of that campaign, Paul Lenok has been dead for seven years,” which Espada says makes it impossible to answer some of the questions being asked by NYSBOE.

Espada mentions letters that his attorney Daniel Pagano has sent to the New York State Board of Elections on this matter and volunteers to share them. We are still waiting for them.

Espada on Freedom Party gubernatorial candidate Charles Barron…

His issues with the all-White slate of the NYS Democratic Party sounded strikingly similar to the issues that Freedom Party gubernatorial candidate Charles Barron shared with us two weeks ago. So we asked Espada whether he’s talked to the Brooklyn Council Member about this. He told us, “I have not had any conversations with Charles Barron, but I felt his view and vision as a member of the City Council did not include Latinos. I will eventually talk to Charles Barron. I would like an invitation to have that conversation with him.”

Espada on Governor Paterson…

We ended the interview with a question about how the current New York Governor has performed. “David Paterson did the best he could. He had the intellect to do the job, but he mostly suffered from twenty years of no primaries,” is all Espada had to say of the man he has been critical of in the past.

Espada TV spots are running in the 33^rd Senatorial District

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 24, 2010

“We put them up on Cablevision. The spots are running on News 12,” Haile Rivera told the BorreroReport.com when asked where the two Pedro Espada, Jr. commercials we had posted would air.

Haile, who as of 5 PM today serves as the spokesperson for New Yorkers for Espada, told us, “It's all going to be local. We are focusing on all that is district-based.”

According to Haile, who was an early 2008 supporter of President Barack Hussein Obama, the first spot, which was reported exclusively on Friday by the BorreroReport.com, and in which Espada trashes one of his opponents, Gustavo Rivera and his supporters-while depicting Rivera as their puppet, was revised. “They [Cablevision] did not want to run that one… We re-did the first one,” Haile said.

The spokesperson also said additional ads will be airing in both English and Spanish.

Espada turns to the scriptures to make his case

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 24, 2010

It’s no surprise when a politician toots his own horn, especially one engaged in a tough reelection bid. So running down a litany of legislative accomplishments, and reminding his constituents of everything he and the Democrats have done on their behalf, was predictable. What caught us off guard about Pedro Espada Jr.’s 60-second TV spot, obtained yesterday by the BorreroReport.com, was the second half of the commercial.

After the conventional self-promoting narrative during the first 30 seconds, Espada, seated in a chair with his hands neatly folded, changes his tone. The camera zooms slightly closer to him as he says, “There is a dishonest campaign being waged by wealthy outsiders against me.” It’s no shocker that one of the biggest troublemakers in Albany over the past 18 months continues to blame others for the mess he’s in today.

But the double take really comes when the maligned and tarnished Senate Majority Leader concludes his spiel with this: “The scripture tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.” We were so moved by his words at the Borrero Report that we had to look-up the biblical reference.

Turns out it’s from the Book of Isaiah (54:17), and the full passage, from the King James Version, goes like this: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.”

His parting words are “Stay positive and God Bless.” Stay positive?! This, coming from a man who, in the first ad we obtained, trashes both his opponent as well as his opponent’s supporters.

With all that religious talk, it sure sounds like Rubén ‘relipol’ Díaz has had an influence on this amigo.

You can check out Espada’s must-see ad here.

Don’t hold your breath, Rubén!

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY August 23, 2010

What is it Rubén ‘relipol’ Díaz doesn’t get? By now, he should know that Andrew Cuomo’s every move is politically calculated, meaning, that he’s too smart to show up to any religious meeting or event that the part-time Reverend/part-time Senator invites him to. He didn’t attend the Annual Minister's Banquet, held in April, which Díaz invited him to. In fact, Cuomo never even bothers responding to the letters Díaz sends him.

In August 2009, I reported, in two separate posts on the BorreroReport.com, that Attorney General Cuomo had not responded to Senator Díaz’s written requests that he [Cuomo] investigate cases of nepotism by members of the State Legislature.

So, I have some advice for Díaz — don’t hold your breath! Cuomo isn’t gonna be attending any of your Thursday morning religious gatherings anytime soon. Doing so would be a slap in the face to New York’s LGBT community. Andrew can’t afford to piss off this strong voting bloc.

Díaz, just be content with the visit you’ll be getting from Carl Paladino. That’s the closest you, and your minister cronies, are going to get to meeting with any halfway serious gubernatorial candidate.

But, for the record, the BorreroReport.com reached out to Cuomo 2010 spokesperson, Josh Vlasto, to find out if Cuomo is considering accepting this invitation. We’re awaiting a response.

You can check out Díaz’s letter to Cuomo here.

Espada’s Ad Portrays Challenger Gustavo Rivera as An Outsiders “Puppet”

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 20, 2010

The BorreroReport.com has gained exclusive access to State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.’s new campaign ad which takes his main rival, Gustavo Rivera, head-on by pointing out exactly where some of his (Rivera’s) strongest support comes from.

In the first of two commercials that will air beginning next week, Espada Jr. calls Rivera, who is vying for a chance to serve as the 33rd Senate District’s representative, a “puppet” of outsiders - all of whom happen to be White. You can see the 30-second ad here.

Espada Set to Roll Out “hard-hitting” Spots

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 20, 2010

We aren’t sure whether he will be donning any of the six custom-made suits he allegedly stiffed Manhattan tailor Vijay Rakjumar for, but State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. has several “hard-hitting commercials” in the can that will begin airing next week.

According to a well-placed source, “the commercials are in both English and Spanish.” The BorreroReport.Com source would not share whom we should expect the embattled politician to beat up in these ads so, until we get to check them out for ourselves, we will have to speculate as to the object of Espada’s blows.

Barron labels Fidler a “messenger boy” for Vito Lopez and Andrew Cuomo

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 19, 2010

Charles Barron, the Freedom Party’s gubernatorial candidate, called his fellow Brooklyn City Council Member, Lew Fidler, “a messenger boy” for Brooklyn Democratic County Leader and Assembly Member Vito Lopez and Andrew Cuomo. “It’s their way of challenging us without having to do it themselves,” Barron said.

Barron went on to tell the BorreroReport.Com, “I find it ironic that he [Fidler] would not be concerned about a prostitute on the ballot. He is basically saying that a prostitute is better to have on the ballot than having a Black and Latino-led party.
The Council Member from the 42^nd District was, of course, referring to Kristin Davis the infamous ex-Madam who allegedly supplied call girls for Eliot Spitzer during both his time as Attorney General and later as Governor. Davis has filed approximately 22,000 voter signatures in her attempt to secure a place on the ballot as a candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party.

On Monday, the same day Barron and close to 100 members of the Freedom Party announced they had collected 43,500 signatures, Fidler told the Daily News’ Adam Lisberg, as reported by Celeste Katz in The Daily Politics that, "I think it's going to be horrible to give this guy a dignified platform, because he is the antithesis of what Dr. King said, which is his desire that people be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin."

But Barron argues that Fidler “Is also playing to his constituency; to his Jewish community.”

According to Barron, “This is also personal for Lew. He thinks he is attacking me, but in reality he is attacking the signatures of the people who want an alternative.”

As usual, Barron was not shy about his opinions of the Council Member from the 46^th District: “Lew Fidler is an embarrassment. When he says we are dangerous, who are we so dangerous to? Lew Fidler is starving for attention. Nobody pays him any mind, unless he attacks me.”

Barron concluded the telephone conversation by assuring me that, “The Freedom Party welcomes all ethnic groups.”

Freedom Party Taking It to the Streets with Charles Barron as its Gubernatorial Candidate

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 16, 2010

He may not be taken seriously among the power brokers that run the New York State Democratic Party, but New York City Council Member Charles Barron does not seem to be concerned. If anything, he appears to relish the opportunity to prove how racist they are.

“The all-white state slate is unacceptable,” Barron says, without a tinge of concern about whom he might offend with his statement.

Today, Barron stood on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall alongside close to 100 supporters to announce that they had collected 43,500 signatures for the Freedom Party. These signatures come from all over the state—29 of the 31 Congressional districts in the State are represented on the list. Among the other pronouncements Barron made regarding race and politics in New York were: “We are no longer on a plantation. There is no post-racial society.”

Barron, in referring to the battle he would face against frontrunner and presumed next Governor, Andrew Cuomo, said, “Let the debates begin. Tell Cuomo I’m coming after him and tell Lazio to get out of the way.” Though Cuomo appears to be the sure shot, he should consider listening to some of the voters I met earlier today in Brooklyn. Voters like Sonia Morales, 60, a lifelong Democrat and Coney Island resident who told me she has become so disenchanted with her party that, “I did not vote for the President (Obama) because I was not convinced and I was not mistaken.” Morales also skipped the 2004 presidential election. “I have grown tired of the Democrats’ politics. The Party has ignored the working class,” the bilingual salt and pepper-haired Puerto Rican told me.

And Cuomo? Well, here’s what Sonia declared: “He looks like a phony. He was handed the nomination. This has been a coronation.” So I asked her about Barron, and she stated: “So far, he hasn’t been afraid to say what he has to say. He’s been witness to the injustices that have been committed against our community. He [Barron] is going to have to go into our neighborhoods, but I really think our people are going to understand and relate to him.”

* * *

I seldom translate my columns. However, given the reaction I have received since it was published, as well as subsequent responses following my comments on NY1's Political Rundown (video here), I decided to go bi-lingual on this one. The column, which was published this past Wednesday in El Diario, was about State Senator Rubén Díaz and it can be accessed, in Spanish, at eldiariony.com, or by clicking on the Bajo Fuego tab on this page. Its title is, 'Que se peine o se haga rolos'.

Below, is a translated and extended version of the column on Díaz. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as Díaz did!

Make up your mind, Rubén either comb your hair or wear rollers

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 11, 2010

Rubén Díaz is a transvestite. I’m not saying the notorious loudmouth homophobe wears women’s clothing. And if he did, that’s
not really any of our business. Nor is it my intention to offend transvestites by calling him one.

What I’m referring to is his behavior, which forms and is part of Rubén’s religious/political antics. Over the years his dual role-playing has often made it difficult for us to distinguish whether it’s the senator or the reverend speaking or making a fool of himself.

I have grown tired of constantly trying to figure out which Rubén Díaz it is that I am listening to. Those of us that have covered Rubén know that when it’s convenient, the Bible-thumping lunatic makes an appearance and, when he has a trick up his sleeve, he’s a legislator. He put his dual role as a Minister and a politician through an initial run as a member of the City Council and has honed his dubious skill in the State Senate. In other words, he works both for God as well as the devil. So, to avoid the long term ‘religious/political,’ I have opted for inventing the word ‘relipol.’

It was Rubén, the ‘relipol’ who this past Monday ventured out of The Bronx to Staten Island accompanied by some of his fellow ministers and politico cohorts. The ‘relipol’ loves the limelight and it was on the taxpayers’ dime that he sent out a press advisory letting the media know of his plans.

According to the troublemaker’s press release, his purpose there was to defend the recently attacked Mexicans. However, Senator Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) knew all too well what their colleague was up to. So they beat him to the punch. And in a barrage of well earned put downs, the two politicians gave Rubén the ‘relipol’ a verbal tongue lashing that was long overdue.

“If they are going to act like media whores, they should at least dress the part,” said Titone, dangling a black wig, a red high heel shoe and a black lace glove. “They are looking to exploit Staten Island for their own purposes.” Bingo! “He is looking for cheap political headlines,” said Ms. Savino, noting that Diaz is facing a primary challenge next month. “He should be worrying about the 14 shootings that took place over the weekend in his district.” Amen!

Savino and Titone fell short though. They should have mentioned that the borough, which Rubén’s own son, Rubencito, presides over, is also where those gunshots left two adolescents dead last week end.

While there have been racially motivated attacks against Mexicans in SI over a recent period, so far, no one has been killed.
This is not the case in The Bronx where there were ten homicides in June and, in July, a whopping 23 more were victims of homicidal acts!

During the first ten days of August alone, Bronx residents have already seen three homicides. And the only thing Rubencito has done is put out a measly press release.

And his dad the ‘relipol?’ Well, we haven’t seen or heard much from him—not from the pastor with his sermons, nor from the senator with his cronies. He hasn’t taken to the streets of the neighborhoods he claims to represent.

To be fair, it’s Rubencito who should really be taking the initiative. The son of the ‘relipol’ has lacked the courage to take back the streets from the criminals responsible for these heinous acts. Rubén, Sr. should first work to bring an end to the violence that is taking place in his own borough before he goes meddling in faraway waters.

We remind Rubén Diaz, the transvestite, who goes from being a Minister to a Senator at any given moment, that both his parishioners and constituents deserve a full time Minister and a fulltime Senator. He cannot continue to be both. If he can’t make up his mind, then the decision must be made by his flock or the voters of the 32^nd District should decide for him.

92% of all Homicide Victims in NYC Over the Last 70 Days were Black or Latino

…And We Haven’t Heard much from the Mayor, the Borough Presidents or the City Council

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 9, 2010

From June 1 to August 9, 2010, there have been a total of 122 homicides in New York City. Of those killed across the five boroughs, 79 were Black and 33 were Latino. That adds up to an alarming 112 victims from the two communities of color. The 112 victims make up approximately 92% of the homicides over a 70-day period this summer. As if these numbers weren’t sufficiently alarming, a whopping 60 (43 Black males, 17 Latino males) of the total victims were men under the age of 30. That's 49%, or almost half, of the homicides thus far for the summer. These are Black and Latino young men who did not live past the age of 30. And we all know what that means for these communities, where young men are leaving behind fatherless children and devastated family members.

Given these startling figures, one would expect that at this point City elected officials would be up in arms about the tragic wave of violence. Yet Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the five Borough Presidents (Marty Markowitz, of Brooklyn, Ruben Diaz, Jr., of The Bronx, Helen Marshal, of Queens, Scott Stringer, of Manhattan and James Molinaro, of Staten Island) have been practically silent.

Whatever happened to Mayor Bloomberg’s coalition, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, formed in 2006. Is his well intentioned national initiative not working in New York?

Where is the ever enthusiastic Brooklyn cheer leader, Borough President Markowitz? Does he not realize that his county leads in homicides this year?

For his part Borough President Diaz, Jr., as a response to the 9 shootings, that left 2 dead teenagers and 14 victims since last Friday in The Bronx, said in a written statement: “Last night’s wave of violence is extremely alarming, not only to myself but to the overwhelming majority of my constituents: 1.4 million Bronx residents who want to do nothing more than work, raise their families and live their lives in peace without having to worry that they or their children will be cut down by a thug’s bullet. The summer is supposed to be a time to relax with family and friends without fear of losing one’s life. Those responsible for these shootings must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Those who would turn to a gun as the answer to their problems have no place in decent society. This has to stop.” So, aside from a statement written for Diaz, Jr. by some mediocre overcompensated flack, what else is the BP of the county with the second highest number of victims doing?

According to a recent press release, Diaz, Jr., “plans to meet with Assistant Chief Carlos M. Gomez, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Bronx, and Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson in the coming days to discuss new strategies to combat gun violence in the Bronx.”

That’s great, but what he isn’t doing is taking to the streets and talking to the young men in the barrios he knows so well. Not long after he took the helm of the borough where I was raised, I had at least two conversations with BP Diaz, Jr., during which I advised him to stay on top of this problem. He didn’t listen. So now he is trying to play catch up and, not surprisingly, doing a poor job at that. Instead of getting to 1 Police Plaza and demanding to meet with Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly about this issue, he is being as nonchalant as he was during our conversations last year.

And while Diaz, Jr., appears to be doing more than the other four BP’s, one has to wonder how many more homicides will have to take place before he takes a more hands-on approach.

Also troubling is the deafening silence from the Black and Latino members of the City Council, in whose districts these homicides are occurring on a daily basis. Clearly they are more preoccupied with slush fund scandals and covering up what appear to be their many other corruption messes.

And where are the muted voices of the Members of Congress in whose districts this wave of violence is occurring? Where are the pronouncements by Senator

Charles E. Schumer or Representative Anthony Weiner, two sons of Brooklyn—the borough with the highest portion of these homicides?

Where is the leadership by City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, who is front and center when it comes to hate crimes against gays and lesbians?

Maybe the following summaries compiled by the BorreroReport.com and based on information included in the daily emails sent by the office of the NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, will get some action from these officials:

* In the month of June there were 41 homicides in New York City. Of those killed, 32 were Black, 7 Hispanic, 1 White, and 1 unidentified. The youngest victim was a 17-year-old Black male. Brooklyn led the count of homicides with 21 of the deaths. The remaining deaths by borough were 10 in the Bronx, 6 in Queens, 3 in Manhattan, and 1 in Staten Island. In the month of June, 21 Black and Latino men under the age of 30 died as a result of homicides.

* Homicides increased by 26 for the month of July from the previous month. There were 67 homicides in New York City in the month of July. Blacks accounted for 41 of those killed, 20 were Latinos, 3 were Asian, 2 were White, and 1 Indian. Brooklyn and The Bronx were each home to 23 of the homicides. Manhattan had 14, while Queens had 6, and Staten Island, 1. In the month of July, 32 Black and Latino men under the age of 30 died as a result of homicides.

* The first nine days of August have been deadly for 14 victims in New York City. Of the deceased, 6 were Black and 6 Latino. Brooklyn leads the count with 8 homicides. 3 took place in the Bronx, 2 in Manhattan, and 1 in Queens. So far in the month of August, 7 Black and Latino men under the age of 30 have died as a result of homicides.

All New Yorkers should be troubled by these figures.

Would City Hall and all those mentioned here be as silent as they have been if the exact same number of homicide victims were white New Yorkers? And to be fair and with all due respect to my colleagues, would the media be as disinterested as it has been?

Have we gotten so accustomed to black on black and brown on brown crime that no one cares if our young men dying are been killed in droves? I sure hope not.

Shame on all our elected officials for being silent on this matter, and in particular, shame on the Black and Latino elected officials who claim to represent our communities. If you don’t start becoming outraged about this soon, no one will.

It's great to be a prosecutor

The most recent in the long list of the "How Do I Get My Reputation Back" series

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, July 22, 2010

Now that master rigger William Rappetti, 49, has been acquitted on all seven counts of manslaughter in the March 15, 2008, horrific crane collapse tragedy in which seven people died who gives the vilified his reputation back?

"While we respect the criminal justice process, we are extremely disappointed by the court's verdict. At this time our thoughts go out to the seven victims' families, whose lives were devastated by this tragic incident," Is what Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance, Jr. had to say in a statement after the non-jury trial.

We are sure Justice Roger Hayes, of Manhattan Supreme Court, who offered no explanation for his verdict - which amounts to a complete victory for Rapetti and his company Rapetti Rigging, Inc. which was also cleared - will be delighted with the DA’s comment.

From our vantage point, it seems that DA’s can indict anyone they want (including a ham sandwich). They can then hold press conferences on what a vile despicable low-life the accused is, spend unlimited sums of taxpayer money gathering "evidence," bankrupt the accused by making them spend all their savings in legal fees and, when they lose a trial,
blame it on the jury, judge, legal system or all of them at once.

And, because DA’s are, generally, immune from lawsuits, they can go along their merry way knowing that they will never be called to account for their sometimes reckless and self-serving abuse of discretion and prosecutorial power. All the while building a political career and thinking about the next elected office to pursue.

The greater concern for New Yorkers who were outraged about what happened in 2008 has been best expressed in the statement issued by Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer: “Questions about the innocence or guilt of this particular rigger miss the larger point that still lingers some 28 months after the tragic crane collapse on East 51st Street. Any questionable straps, beams, collars or other crane parts should have been caught through the use of aggressive inspection protocols by the Department of Buildings.”

Mr. Rapetti still faces dozens of civil lawsuits in the collapse of the 300-foot-high tower crane that killed six workers and a tourist from Florida and injured 24 other people as well as flattening a brownstone.

So, as we wait for the rest of this nightmare for the families of the deceased and Mr. Rappetti to unfold, the one thing we know for certain is that - it’s great to be a prosecutor!

Public Housing for the Poor Could Become Lucrative Real Estate for Developers

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See the video

Brooklyn, NY, July 21, 2010

I have always been intrigued with the discussions about affordable housing within this outrageously expensive real estate market we have in New York City.

As a result of the financial crisis this nation is facing, discussions about public housing – or as we call them here “los projectos” – as well as subsidized Section 8 dwelling have become extremely complex.

For many immigrants, the American dream began when they secured an apartment in one of the projects. A roof over their heads allowed many families to take that first step towards upward mobility.

Just one case in point is Sonia Sotomayor, who early on in her life resided in public housing in The Bronx, where her parents raised her and her brother, who is now a doctor.

But today success stories like that of the Sotomayor family are becoming less common as a result of the current financial limitations of our government. It has become harder for too many families to work their way out of the projects. And the ever-growing divisive partisan political ways of those in Washington, DC, make it even more challenging for working folks and persons that look like you and me.

And then there are those that are only concerned about increasing profits for their companies. I’m talking about the real estate tycoons in the Big Mango who look at where many of those public housing buildings are located and instead of seeing families, they see dinero.

As concerned as I am about the policy makers whose jobs it is to preserve public housing for the neediest, it is the greedy developers that scare me the most. Hay que mantener los ojos watching both of these groups or they may find ways to turn the projects into Co-ops or Condos.

That’s the way I see it.

In NY, immigration is also political issue that gets lip service

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See the video

Brooklyn, NY, June 29, 2010

As you just heard, part of the discussion between David Diaz and Vincent Morgan was about immigration. Certainly, it’s one of the most complicated issues this country faces.

In New York, while many of us care about the issue, there has yet to be a serious debate about how to address these concerns. Oh, we have opined about Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, but there has not been a New York state-focused discussion.

We’ve had Senator Schumer talk about the issue for years with no real progress by the Brooklyn politician, just promises. And there was the volcanic reaction to then-Governor Spitzer’s idea of issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants in 2008; only to see it quickly fall victim to the presidential aspirations of then-Senator Hillary Clinton.

During this year’s statewide elections, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy-who has quite a record of anti-immigrant bashing – set out as a gubernatorial candidate. That was short-lived. At least Levy’s candidacy would have provoked dialogue.

So today we are left with an economic problem that continues to be defined as a political one, with both political parties exploiting the issue at the expense of immigrant workers that continue to be abused and treated like criminals.

!Estoy harto!, of the lip service.

We need a serious bi-partisan effort on this issue that the White House continues to play with. New York should lead the way.

That’s the way I see it.

Wonder What the Wannabes Think of Using Sin Taxes to Solve the Fiscal Crisis?

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

Brooklyn, NY, June 23, 2010

See the video

With a state deficit that exceeds 9 billion dollars, one has to wonder why anyone would want to be a New York State legislator these days.

It’s great to see young, well-educated public servant wannabes jump into the electoral process. I’m just wondering how these candidates intend to serve their constituents once they get to Albany.

Would they have voted for Governor Paterson’s proposal to increase by $1.60 the tax on a pack of cigarettes which was approved by the Legislature? New York leads the entire Nation with a $4.35 a pack tax and with city and federal levies the sin tax on a pack of 20 cancer sticks rises to $6.85.

The emergency bill – which is how the Governor is getting this done while a budget is approved – also includes $150 million from the collection of taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations. Indian tribes in New York currently don’t pay their share of the tobacco tax while competing with tax paying merchants.

The tax increase will raise an extra $290 million to help plug the State’s deficit.

Lo que yo quiero saber, is what these reform-minded candidates would do. Would they support these taxes? Would they tax some of the many other vices New Yorkers have in order to help solve the deficit?

According to the Tobacco Control Program, smoking kills 25,500 people every year in our state. So it seems like a no-brainer right?

That’s the way I see it.

He may be under fire, but the veteran politico is still a warrior

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See the video

Brooklyn, NY, June 16, 2010

The race for New York’s 15th Congressional District is one of the most watched in the state and in Washington DC.

Charles “Charlie” Bernard Rangel, the most senior member of the State’s Congressional Delegation awaits the results of an investigation by the House Ethics Committee who has been looking at very serious accusations against the popular Democrat. So serious in fact that in March, Mr. Rangel gave up his Chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee.

Let me put this political saga in a historical context. Part of the District represented by Mr. Rangel includes Harlem. This is the District previously represented by none other than Adam Clayton Powell, Jr, the first African-American from NY to be elected to the House of Representatives.

An active legislator, – just like Mr. Rangel – Mr. Powell was also quite a controversial figure. Mr. Powell was accused of misappropriations of funds and other serious allegations that resulted in his House colleagues voting not to seat him. It was the political story of those days.

That’s when political novice Charlie Rangel wrestled the seat from Powell in 1970. The district was then known as the 18th. And now, forty years later, we have the Korean War Veteran Decorated Hero, fighting for his political survival.

Keep in mind that the district is no longer majority black. As a matter of fact the district now encompasses heavily populated Dominican barrios, and some could argue that since Mr. Rangel’s father was Puerto Rican, we have already had the first Latino representing the district. However, since Mr. Rangel has never identified with his Latino side we could someday have a bona fide proud Latino representing this District.

¡Ojala que eso sea pronto!

That’s the way I see it.

Congresswoman Velázquez catches up with opponents of convicted domestic abuser Osvaldo Ríos

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, June 10, 2010

The old adage, ‘better late than never’ seems appropriate to explain away Nydia M. Velázquez’ newly minted hard line on Puerto Rican Day Parade fellow honoree Osvaldo Ríos.

Here’s what Velázquez, the 2010 parade Grand Marshall, told NY1 Reporter, Ruschell Boone in an interview this past Tuesday, "This is a way for him to say there's still a long journey in his recovery, in his process of understanding that domestic violence is wrong." That was the same day the soap opera super star Ríos announced that, due to the controversy surrounding his selection as International Godfather of the parade, he would not march up Fifth Avenue this coming Sunday.

Boone also reports that, “Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez called the decision by organizers to give Ríos Godfather status inappropriate and ill conceived.” View the full report here.

However, when addressing whether Ríos, a convicted domestic abuser, was an appropriate choice as International Godfather, the Representative from NY’s 12th CD told the BorreroReport.com at the parade’s press conference on Monday, May 17: “I am not marching with anyone. I am marching with my people.”

So, it is indeed encouraging to see that it only took Nydia, also the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, 21 days to denounce her fellow honoree Ríos.

Of course, Nydia was probably pushed along by the fact that a total of eight NY elected officials – seven NYC Council Member (six Latinas, one Latino), and an Assembly member - called for Ríos’ removal.

Just as important - and totally embarrassing for Nydia - was the widely admired and applauded decision by Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (Ill-4^th CD), to give up his title as the parade’s State’s Grand Marshall in protest to Ríos’ participation (first reported by the BorreroReport.com on June 4th).

It took her a while, but Nydia has now followed the many leaders who rose in opposition to Ríos and who denounced his irresponsible selection by the misguided Board of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade - even if she gives no praise to her valiant congressional colleague Gutierrez.

Boricuas on Fifth Avenue, but all is not well

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

Brooklyn, NY, June 10, 2010

See the video

¡Que bonita bandera, que bonita bandera, que bonita bandera es la bandera Puertorriqueña! Puerto Ricans love their flag. And this Sunday, June 13 you will hear better renditions than mine sung along world famous Fifth Avenue as the city becomes the Big Mango.

The National Puerto Rican Parade is one of the biggest celebrations of ethnic pride in the United States. It is a day in which los Boricuas in New York – more than fifty years ago – chose as a day to showcase all our positive contributions to society and place our heritage and culture on display.

Unfortunately, this year the organizers of the event – that draws about two million people to Manhattan – have selected as the 2010 “Padrino Internacional” a convicted domestic violence abuser. Renowned telenovela actor Osvaldo Rios was bestowed the title. A distinction that is certainly not befitting “un abusador.” In spite of protests against this horrendous selection, the parade’s Board has insisted in keeping the disgraced Rios as part of the national celebration.

This is shameful!

The response from community leaders, activists and, in particular, six courageous Latina elected officials, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Annabel Palma, Rosie Mendez, Julissa Ferreras, Maria del Carmen Arroyo of the NY City Council and NYS Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo said it best: “We are disgusted at the selection of convicted domestic abuser Osvaldo Rios as the Padrino Internacional of this year’s Puerto Rican Day parade. The Board of Directors’ decision is unacceptable and should be immediately withdrawn. Domestic violence is a destructive cycle. Lives are destroyed and futures are damaged by this horrendous crime.”

We simply cannot remain silent on this issue.

To his credit, Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez of Illinois 4th District, resigned his bestowed title as the parade’s State’s Grand Marshall. We applaud the gentleman from Illinois and if you want to read his letter go to BorreroReport.com.

As a result of the principled leadership of those mentioned here and others that remain behind the scenes, Rios issued a statement at earlier today saying that he would not participate in the Parade.

I guess the soap star must have read the request made by the great Willie Colon who in unequivocal told Osvaldo Ríos: “Si tienes vergüenza quítate del Desfile.”

So, this year we celebrate en grande la dignidad de nuestro pueblo. And the shout out to all is: Domestic Violence and any form of abuse are unacceptable from anyone.

That's the way I see it.

The Six Shooters

New York, NY, June 8, 2010

The six Latina elected officials who have been at the forefront of the movement denouncing the selection of Osvaldo Ríos as the National Puerto Rican Day Parade’s “International Godfather” have released a statement reacting to Ríos’ withdrawal from the parade.

Statement by Council Members Melissa Mark Viverito, Julissa Ferreras, Diana Reyna, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Annabel Palma, and Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo

Re: Osvaldo Rios Withdrawing From the Puerto Rican Day Parade

Today, Osvaldo Rios declined the invitation to serve as Padrino Internacional of this year’s Puerto Rican Day Parade. We would like to thank Mr. Rios for coming to his senses and making the right decision on this matter. In particular, we would like to thank Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, who encouraged Mr. Rios to pull out of the parade as well as Congressman Luis Gutierrez for having previously declined the invitation to participate due to Mr. Rios’ selection. Continue reading.....

Osvaldo Ríos' Press Release

New York, NY, June 8, 2010

Below is our translation of the press release issued today by Osvaldo Ríos explaining his withdrawal from this coming Sunday's National Puerto Rican Day Parade:

Press Release
For Immediate Publication

Miami, June 7, 2010

"It has never been my intention to divide a community, much less when this community distinguishes itself by celebrating, with pride, its national identity and culture through the biggest parade in all of the United States, as is the Puerto Rican Parade of New York.

I am deeply thankful to Mrs. Madelyn Lugo, and the Selection Committee of the Boricua parade, for the designation that they have conferred on me of 'International Godfather’ of the event to be celebrated next June 13^th - an honor that I had previously received in 1993 - and for having been designated 'Guest of Honor' in 2009.

After discussing this issue with my wife, my children, and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, to whom I am thankful for her wise words, my family and I have decided, within all good faith, not to attend the parade and instead to promote unity and consensus between the Puerto Rican community at such a great event. Even though we accepted the honor conferred by the Committee of Selection, we understand that the event must be one of unity, not of discord; of human sensitivity, compassion, and pardon; not of hatred, hidden agendas, and/or created personal interests.

I invite my Puerto Rican brethren of New York City to carefully evaluate those that single me out and condemn me today, many of whom have been accused and singled out for acts corruption. I invite them to also pardon them, and to have compassion and human sensitivity towards them, and towards their personal and political processes. From my, and all my family’s part, I will not be the cause of discord and the lack of unity, but instead the catalytic agent of unity, pardon, and brotherly love between all Puerto Ricans."

Attentively - Osvaldo Ríos-Alonso

RIOS LEAVES PARADE – ISSUES PRESS RELEASE

New York, NY, June 8, 2010 - 1:50 PM

Below, for those of you lucky enough to be bilingual, is the press release issued by Osvaldo Ríos-Alonso upon withdrawing his participation in this coming Sunday’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
Para Publicación Inmediata.-

Miami, 07 de Junio de 2010.-

"Nunca ha sido mi intención dividir a un pueblo, mucho menos cuando este pueblo se distingue por celebrar con orgullo su identidad nacional y su cultura, a través del desfile más grande en todos los Estados Unidos, como lo es el Desfile Puertorriqueño de Nueva York.

Agradezco profundamente a la Sra. Madelyn Lugo, y al Comité de Selección del Desfile Boricua, la designación que me han conferido como "Padrino Internacional" del evento a celebrarse el próximo 13 de Junio, honor que ya había recibido anteriormente en 1993, y destacado como "Invitado de Honor" el pasado año 2009.

Luego de discutir este asunto con mi esposa, mis hijos, y la Congresista Nydia Velázquez, a quien le agradezco sus sabias palabras, mi familia y yo hemos decidido, dentro de un marco de absoluta buena Fe, no asistir al desfile y promover la unidad y el consenso entre el pueblo Puertorriqueño en tan magno evento. Aun cuando aceptamos el honor conferido por el comité de Selección, entendemos que el evento debe ser uno de unidad, no de discordia; de sensibilidad humana, compasión, y perdón; no de odio, agendas escondidas, y/o intereses personales creados.

Invito a mis hermanos Puertorriqueños de la ciudad de Nueva York, a que evalúen detenidamente a aquellos que hoy me condenan y me señalan, muchos de ellos acusados y señalados por actos de corrupción. Les invito a que también les perdonen, y tengan compasión y sensibilidad humana hacia ellos, y hacia sus procesos personales y políticos. De mi parte y de mi familia toda, no seré yo el causante de la discordia y la desunión, y si el agente catalítico de la Unión, el perdón, y el amor fraternal entre todos los Puertorriqueños.

Atentamente, Osvaldo Ríos-Alonso

Congressman Luis Gutierrez Drops Out of National Puerto Rican Day as States Grand Marshall
Will not march with Convicted Domestic Abuser Osvaldo Rios

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, June 4, 2010

Making it clear that, “honoring an individual who has committed such a serious crime is not in keeping with the spirit of our parade or the principles of our community,” Congress Member Luis V. Gutierrez has today informed the President of the Board of Directors of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) that, “…I must now decline your invitation.”

The Representative from Illinois 4^th Congressional District had been selected as the 2010 Parade’s States Grand Marshall by the NPRDP Board of Directors.

The six paragraph letter to Madelyn Lugo, a copy of which was obtained by the BorreroReport two hours after it had been received at noon today in New York, is a major blow to the NPRDP who have dismissed the concerns of those who have condemned their selection of the convicted domestic abuser tele novela star, Osvaldo Rios, as the parade’s International Godfather.

The refusal to march in the parade by Congress Member Gutierrez, and his unequivocal statements of repudiation of the actions of abusers like Rios, place his colleague, Nydia M. Velázquez, in an uncomfortable position. Velázquez has defended her participation as Grand Marshall of the parade by saying that she is marching with her people and not with any one individual.

Sources have told the BorreroReport that the Representative from New York’s 12^th Congressional District was upset that the six Latina elected officials had not consulted her when they issued their condemnation of Rios and asked the Parade to rescind his designation.

The BorreroReport could not confirm if the Board of Directors will address the issue of Gutierrez’ pulling out of the Parade.

Joining Gutierrez in his repudiation of Rios' selection, NYC Council Member Ydannis Rodriguez issued the following statement:

Council Member Ydannis Rodriguez (D, Manhattan 10 CD) joins the Call to Boycott Parade due to the Selection of Osvaldo Rios as Padrino Internacional of the Puerto Rican Day Parade

“It is disappointing the Board would select a convicted domestic abuser such as Osvaldo Rios as the Padrino Internacional of this year’s Puerto Rican Day parade. This decision is unacceptable and should be immediately withdrawn. Domestic violence is a destructive cycle. Lives are destroyed and futures are damaged by this horrendous crime. We simply cannot remain silent on this issue.

Mr. Rios may have paid his dues for his actions, but that does not mean that he is now a positive role model or adequate representative for the Latino community. Unless the Parade decides to change its Godfather, I too will be joining my Puerto Rican colleagues in the City Council and boycott this event and call on other elected officials to do the same.

The Padrino Internacional is a position that should highlight the proud achievements of and leadership within the vibrant Puerto Rican community; a serial abuser most certainly does not qualify. The selection of Osvaldo Rios as Padrino Internacional, instead of promoting all that we have to be proud of as Puerto Ricans, unnecessarily tarnishes our culture as a whole. We are fortunate to have a great many Puerto Ricans who have made great and commendable contributions to society. Surely there is a more appropriate and well-deserved individual for this position.”

It has to be more than youth

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See the Video

Brooklyn, NY, June 4, 2010

It’s always encouraging to see young inspired idealists and activists come into public office. Well it is for me.

In New York City there are a dozen such new City Council Members – including Ydanis Rodriguez – that were sworn in this year. A lot of promises were made during their campaigns. I’m sure you have seen the same in your state, city or county.

For the most part these well intentioned individuals have spent time working as community organizers in housing, education, homelessness and health issues. Does Barack Hussein Obama ring a bell?

Sadly for us, what most of these folks – including the current occupant of The White House – find out about the offices they win is that the political structure that they have often fought to reform or change can, if they are not careful transform them into bona fide members of the dysfunction they abhorred.

That is part of what drives many of us crazy about politicos.

However, there are exceptions. In the Big Apple some of the new blood has formed a Progressive Caucus in the municipal legislative body.

Hopefully, they will keep each other in check with the agenda of those they should be still sharing the battle ground with in their barrios.

They now hold titles as legislators that allow them to move los intereses de la comunidad forward. The trick is to keep them from becoming so enamored with the trappings of the titles they hold and the powerful they rub elbows with to keep them honest and on course.

Young people can make a difference, but it has to be with a new way of doing things and not business as usual. It can just be que se parezcan a nosotros. It has to be about resolving the issues that keep our people from making progress and giving guidance to la sangre nueva.

That’s the way I see it.

Verizon Drops Puerto Rican Parade: Will Not March with Domestic Abuser

Can you hear me now?

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, June 2, 2010

Demonstrating that Verizon Wireless doesn’t just talk the talk, but also feels the pain of domestic violence victims, the BorreroReport has confirmed that the communications giant has decided that, rather than march with convicted domestic abuser Osvaldo Ríos, they will walk the walk…….right off the Puerto Rican Day Parade Fifth Avenue route.

“No we are not involved,” confirmed David Samberg, Verizon’s NY Metro Public Relations spokesperson to the BorreroReport.

“We were a sponsor. We were sponsoring a float and we decided not to participate this year,” stated Samberg.

Various independent sources familiar with Verizon say that their very serious program against domestic violence would be tainted if they stood with the selection of National Puerto Rican Day Parade’s Board (NPRDP) of Spanish soap opera star, Osvaldo Ríos, as the parades “International Godfather.”

“… [J]ust wanted to clarify that Verizon Wireless decided to pull out of the PR Parade association because of Osvaldo Ríos being chosen as the Godfather of the parade. This is not a decision they took lightly. Verizon's charity Hope Line provides recycled phones as support to domestic violence victims. It is a big initiative for them so you can understand why they can no longer participate,” is what one person said.

It was made crystal clear to the BorreroReport by another source that, “It’s not an association they want. It would contradict all the work that Verizon is doing with the serious issue of violence against woman and the effects it has on the survivors of abusers.”

Echoing the previous statement, Verizon’s Samberg said, “We realize the damage to both victims and survivors.”

While Verizon is the first and, thus far, the only one to react to the presence of the telenovela star, the BorreroReport has learned of at least two other corporate sponsors who are having internal discussions as to whether or not to continue their involvement in this year’s event.

“No one can withdraw from something they have never been a part of,” was the response by Carlos Velázquez, President of the GALOS Group, the company in charge of sponsorships and marketing for the NPRDP. However, Velázquez also said that a company could participate in the parade but not deal with the parade group directly. According to Velázquez, a company could simply make a contract through other firms which broker spots in the parade.

“The Board of Directors would have to be made aware of any deal and approve it,” an ex-member of the Board told the BorreroReport.

According to Velázquez, “Verizon has not participated in the Parade in at least ten years.”

A source familiar with the business dealings and structure of the rates charged by the NPRDP told the BorreroReport that Verizon’s participation - as described by the spokesperson - would have a price tag of at least $30,000.

Verizon was asked three times to provide the specific amount they were paying, but the company spokesperson did not provide the amount.

One has to wonder if maybe after not listening to the rising chorus of voices in opposition to the ill advised selection of Rios - including the six Latina elected officials in NYC - the board of directors of NPRDP will now understand Verizon’s famous commercial tag line, “Can you hear me now?”

Another Must Read Observation on Andrew Cuomo

New York, NY, May 27, 2010

This one comes to us from NY1's Bob Hardt.

Read the Unconventional ItCH

A Budget Is Not Just Numbers

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See the Video

New York, NY, May 27, 2010

Good to know that John Liu knows how to count. He knows exactly how many days he has been holding the title of NYC Comptroller.

However, Mr. Liu will be watched to see how well he manages our money. He will be challenged to see how closely he keeps track of the Mayor and his colleagues on the City Council distribution of the scarce public dollars available.

Como se reparte el dinero, so that needs of all economic sectors and communities in this complex maze of municipal services system are treated equitably. Y aqui somos muchos Latinos that are constantly shortchanged.

He will do that, because public budgets are not just about counting the dollars available in the coffers. Budgets have a very powerful political component and most elected officials know it. And usually use a good portion of these dollars to play politics. Mr. Liu knows about Mayoral interests and other wannabes all too well.

In NY, we now have the declared candidacy of Andrew Cuomo for Governor. And make no mistake about it, Mr. Cuomo also knows how to count the numbers and can recite verse and chapters of the politics of budgets.

Mr. Cuomo has expressed concerned about waste in his campaign book. You heard Mr. Liu speak about the MTA. That’s one of the state’s biggest chupabolsillos. It will be interesting to see how the dismantling of the MTA occurs since it has served to protect incumbent Governors and Mayors.

By the way, did you all pick up on what Mr. Liu said about immigration?

I like this part, “…as immigrants what’s happening in Arizona, obviously is not only anti-immigrant, it’s un-American. The idea that law enforcement officers would not only have the option, but required to essentially pick people out, based on the way they look that’s racial profiling, it’s not something that’s tolerated in this country”.

So, you see it’s not just dollars that Mr. Liu understands. What we will wait to see is how well he performs as Comptroller and how much he pushes the political envelope. As Latinos, tenemos que estar pendientes.

That’s the way I see it.

Curtis on Cuomo

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, May 27, 2010

While I seldom agree with any of Curtis Sliwa's opinions during our weekly Wednesday Political Rundown segment on NY1 - for sure I don't like his antics and props - every so often he does provide a unique point of view. The Borrero Report found this op-ed piece in yesterday's Daily News one of the few enlightening comments yet on wannabe- governor, NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

As you read it, keep in mind that there has barely been any critical reporting on Cuomo.

Six NY Latina Elected Officials Tell Puerto Rican Parade Board Domestic Abuser/Godfather of Parade Has To Go Or Else

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, May 22, 2010

Not mincing words in making it clear to the Board of Directors of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Annabel Palma, Rosie Mendez, Julissa Ferreras, Maria del Carmen Arroyo and Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo tell the event’s leaders that they reject their decision and ask that it be rescinded.

“We are disgusted at the selection of convicted domestic abuser Osvaldo Rios as the Padrino Internacional of this year’s Puerto Rican Day parade. The Board of Directors’ decision is unacceptable and should be immediately withdrawn. Domestic violence is a destructive cycle. Lives are destroyed and futures are damaged by this horrendous crime. We simply cannot remain silent on this issue.”

In what is, so far, the strongest worded statement since first reported by the BorreroReport.Com on Monday, May 16, 2010, against the selection of the convicted domestic abuser, the five Puerto Rican (Mark-Viverito, Palma, Mendez, Arroyo Arroyo) and Dominican (Ferreras) clearly state their reason:

“The Padrino Internacional is a position that should highlight the proud achievements of and leadership within the vibrant Puerto Rican community; a serial abuser most certainly does not qualify. The selection of Osvaldo Rios as Padrino Internacional, instead of promoting all that we have to be proud of as Puerto Ricans, unnecessarily tarnishes our culture as a whole. We are fortunate to have a great many Puerto Ricans who have made great and commendable contributions to society. Surely there is a more appropriate and well-deserved individual for this position.”

The final sentence of the joint statement leaves little room for Madelyn Lugo, President of the NPRDP Board and the other seven members, who have minimized the grave mistake they have made in the selection, with the following salvo, “If the Board of Directors does not withdraw this honor from Rios, we will boycott the parade and call on all of our fellow elected officials to do the same.”

Short Changing Hard Working Newcomers

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

See Video Here

New York, NY, May 19, 2010

The new modality seems to be that the more things change in New York – and in other parts of the nation – the more negatively impacted are those that come to our State and our shores for a piece of the elusive American dream.

In sheer numbers, Latinos are surpassing every other ethnic group. Traditionally, for those other ethnic groups, greater numbers has meant "poder." It has meant the power to elect one of their own thus, hopefully, leading to a fair share of the public dollars that seems to have gone to everyone else.

As the sons and daughters of the foreign born get better educated – better jobs are supposed to be a natural progression.

Para nuestra comunidad, it seems that changing the political rules is the norm. Population growth in districts does not necessarily lead to more Latino elected officials.

Latinos as a people are hard workers. But, somehow, that’s an invitation for exploitation.

Say what you want about Eliot Spitzer’s personal failings, but the ex Governor, as Attorney General, was superb in protecting immigrants against unscrupulous and greedy "patrones." In his short time as Governor, Spitzer continued to protect those employees.

I know it first hand since, while I was Editor-in-Chief of el Diario, Spitzer’s pursuit of cheating deli owners and others who exploited immigrant workers made the front page of many editions.

In so far as the changing demographics of neighborhoods Latinos have to be vigilant in making certain that we can hold on and not lose our elected representatives as others move in. Just as important the wages and protection from exploitation of immigrant workers have to be safeguarded.

As I have said before, we have been pushed off the political stage and unfortunately from what we have just heard things are not getting any better. As far as I am concerned that’s a call to immediate action.

That’s the way I see it.

Domestic Abuser Selected Godfather of Puerto Rican Parade

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, May 19, 2010

The President of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Madelyn Lugo, uses a cliché to justify the selection of convicted domestic abuser Osvaldo Rios as the International Godfather of this year’s event on Fifth Avenue, “Everybody is entitled to a second chance.”

"He fulfilled his sentence, attended the courses demanded, was rehabilitated and is along the side of his family," Lugo said at a press conference.

Asked how she knew that Rios had been rehabilitated, "I talked to his agents," Lugo said.

The word of a convicted felons paid flacks is enough for Ms. Lugo.

"As an actor, he is number one and is working in countries other than the, U.S., and it is that which we are recognizing. Many young people make mistakes and then mature," added Lugo.

The reference to “young people” by Ms. Lugo fails to recognize that in 2003, Rios was 42 years old. And while Rios has only been convicted once, there are other alleged incidents of abuse.

Some years ago I had a conversation with one of the victims of the "International Godfather." The lady is one of three women that have been married to the serial abuser. At that time the victim told me that she was abused by the actor on multiple occasions.

No concern by the head of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board about what propping up a domestic abuser as a person worth recognizing, thus, a role model, does to the image of the Puerto Rican people. These are the same people who profess that part of their purpose is to improve the image of Puerto Ricans.

Domestic Abuser Selected Godfather of Puerto Rican Parade

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, May 17, 2010

Actor Osvaldo Rios may not be well known to the general public, but he is quite the heartthrob for many Latina fans throughout ‘telenovela’ soap opera land in the US and Latin America.

However, don’t expect his real life role as a serial domestic abuser to be mentioned when Rios is formally announced today as the ‘Padrino Internacional’ (International Godfather) of the 2010 National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The now 49 year old Rios was convicted in 2003 of having physically abused Daisy Annette Santiago seven years earlier when they were a couple. Rios was sentenced to three months in jail – which he served in 2004 in a Bayamon, Puerto Rico prison - and 15 months of probation for the crime of domestic violence.

Rios’ participation in the parade, whose ladies man career includes being a model, singer and guitarist, will be officially announce by Madelyn Lugo, President of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in a Manhattan press conference.

Rios selection is particularly striking since out of the eight Board of Directors members (Madelyn Lugo, Chairperson, Melissa Quesada, Vice Chairperson, Trinity A. Padilla, Secretary, Maria del Carmen Santisteban, Treasurer, Luis Rivera, General Coordinator and Rafael Dominguez, Shirley Cox and Rosalinda Ortega) five are women.

Rios’ selection could present a problem for Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez, NY 12th CD, and Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus, who will also be honored, alongside Rios, as the parade’s National Grand Marshall.

Given the congresswoman’s positive track record on gender issues - for which Velazquez received the 1992 Feminist of the Year Award from The Feminist Majority organization - her reaction to fellow honoree Rios’ well documented history of violence against women will be interesting.

Another member of the House of Representatives, Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, from Illinois 4th CD, is the parade’s State’s Marshall. Sharing an honor with a convicted woman beater is not something one would expect from the otherwise socially progressive Gutierrez and it may leave him with some explaining to do to the voters back home.

Rios has been married to actress Sully Diaz, journalist Carmen Dominicci, Geraldine Fernandez, and dated the multi-talented Colombian singer/songwriter Shakira in 1996.

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, which attracts well over a million spectators, will be held on Sunday, June 13 along Fifth Avenue.

Cuomo Has To Prove the Charges…Then Go after Others

By Gerson Borrero for HITN-TV

New York, NY, May 11, 2010

See video at - HITN-TV

Wow! These are very serious accusations against Pedro Espada, Jr.

Sounds like Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has got him nailed. It makes one want to call for Espada to be put inside of a prison cell and have the key thrown to the bottom of the oil spill in the Gulf.

Pero, it doesn’t work that way. Mr. Cuomo – the over ambitious accuser and wannabe Governor – has to first prove that Espada has done the things that he has accused him of. Keep in mind that, thus far, Cuomo’s charges are contained in a civil suit.

So, this can’t just be about 20 thousand dollars worth of sushi – with or without wasabi – or cuchifritos that Espada has eaten or, for that matter, with whose money he purchased them.

In 1985 Sol Wachtler, as Chief Supreme Court Justice of NYS in part said that district attorneys now have so much influence on grand juries that “by and large” they could get them to, “indict a ham sandwich.”

Again, to be crystal clear, if Pedro Espada, Jr is indeed found to have done all this “looting” of public dollars as AG Cuomo accuses him, then let the Justice System nail him.

However, I want to know why Mr. Cuomo has never responded to the written request of August 13, 2009 made by State Senator Ruben Diaz. “I am respectfully calling for an investigation by the Office of the New York State Attorney General to determine the number of family members of state legislators, commissioners and department heads currently on the New York State Legislature’s payroll,” Diaz asked then. It’s posted in the archives of the Borrero Report.Com.

So, all I want is for others to be investigated as vigorously as AG Cuomo has investigated Espada.

It’s as simple as we say back in La Playa de Ponce: “O bailamos todos o rompemos la radiola.”

That’s the way I see it.

Cuomo Should Investigate Democrats Shake Down of Labor Using NYS Public Officers Law

New York, NY, March 24, 2010

Once again, as reported in a terrific exposé by NY Post columnist Fred Dicker, state senate Democrats have demonstrated why most of them should be answering questions before a Grand Jury versus continuing to perpetrate the fraud that they are doing anything of value for the public in Albany.

Dicker has brought to light a letter sent to the state’s labor unions by State Senator Jeffrey Klein, which announces the creation of a “Labor Advisory Council” and asks “donors” to ante-up between $25,000 to $50,000 for membership in the council. The elite members were guaranteed “face time” with Senate Democratic leaders and, presumably, would have been able to push their agenda at the very highest levels of the political food chain.

Dicker’s article points out that, "State law permits the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee to accept contributions of as much as $94,200…..” but, irrespective of whether the amounts “donated” are legal, the law, we believe, does not permit money changing hands for an obvious quid-pro-quo, namely, you give 50 thou and get to sit down with the Senate leadership.

Pay-for-Play at its very best.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, or any Federal prosecutor purporting to represent and protect the people's interest, should immediately look into Klein’s and the Senate Democratic Committee’s actions.

If AG Cuomo needs a starting point, we suggest the following:

New York State Public Officers Law

Article 4 - POWERS AND DUTIES OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

§ 74. Code of ethics

f. An officer or employee of a state agency, member of the legislature
or legislative employee should not by his conduct give reasonable basis
for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or
unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties, or
that he is affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any
party or person.

h. An officer or employee of a state agency, member of the legislature
or legislative employee should endeavor to pursue a course of conduct
which will not raise suspicion among the public that he is likely to be
engaged in acts that are in violation of his trust.

MONSERRATE vs. PERALTA DEBATE

New York, NY, Friday, March 12, 2010

Our friend and fellow blogger Roberto Perez has just posted audio of last night’s debate hosted by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group between ousted State Senator Hiram Monserrate and Assemblyman Jose Peralta.

Peralta, who hopes to win Tuesday’s Special Election for the New York State Senate’s 13^th District, has a commanding lead over Monserrate according to a Siena College poll released today.

What were Cuomo and Ravitch talking about?

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, March 7, 2010

As far as Council Member Charles Barron is concerned, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo must recuse himself from the Governor's probe.

"Cuomo has not even spoken to Governor Paterson or DJ and he's meeting in secret with Lieutenant Governor Ravitch. What's that all about?," Barron said to the Borrero Report in a phone conversation Saturday afternoon.

According to published reports, the meeting between Cuomo and Ravitch took place at the Water Club on Friday, March 5th.

The outspoken Brooklyn activist/politician believes that, "Cuomo has to step aside from the investigation."

On his way to a meeting with some of the Black activists and leaders, who today will call on the AG to recuse himself, Barron made it clear that, "we want to know what they were talking about."

According to sources, it was Barron and ex-Mayor David N. Dinkins who led the defense of the embattled Governor at Thursday evening's meeting in Harlem.

"Sharpton is playing some kind of game with Andrew so the Mayor [Dinkins] and Barron along with others stopped him in his tracks," said a source who was at the closed-door meeting at Harlem's famed restaurant, Sylvia's.

Barron would not address the questioning of Reverend Al Sharpton's motives as a self-described "convener" of the meeting.

"At this point, we are just going to deal with the obvious conflict of interest that Cuomo has and get him to step aside," Barron said as he got off the phone to make it to his planning meeting.

Barron's press conference is scheduled for today at 3 PM on the steps of City Hall.

HSBC Had Lobbied Rep. Rangel
Record Shows That HSBC Lobbyist Had Direct Contact With HWM Chairman

New York, NY, March 3, 2010

"He said he was headed back to his office to work on jobs legislation, and when a reporter asked if he would still be the committee chairman on Wednesday, Mr. Rangel said, 'Yes, and I don’t lie to the press.'”

But, he apparently does lie, under oath, to congressional investigators.

Contrary to his sworn testimony before the House Committee On Standards Of Official Conduct that he “did not know what HSBC Bank was”, records uncovered by the Borrero Report indicate that Representative Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means had, on at least five occasions prior to his testimony, been lobbied by individuals representing HSBC Bank and that, on at least one of those occasions, the lobbyist had a face-to-face meeting with Rangel.

Shortly after becoming House Ways & Means (HWM) chairman, Representative Rangel sponsored HR 1677 commonly known as the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007. A Lobbying Report dated February 14, 2008, uncovered by the BorreroReport, indicates that during 2007 the firm Heather Podesta + Partners LLC lobbied for HSBC stating that HSBC had an “indirect interest” in the issues surrounding HR 1677.

On October 25, 2007, Rep. Rangel sponsored HR 3970 known as the Tax Reduction Reform Act of 2007. The same Lobbing Report previously mentioned, indicates that between July 1^st and December 31^st of that year, Heather Podesta + Partners also represented HSBC relative to the pending bill.

In March of 2009 Rep. Rangel sponsored HR 1586 known as the Tax on TARP Recipients. A Lobbying Report dated January 20, 2010, indicates that The Washington Tax Group, LLC was retained by HSBC to represent them on “issues related to foreign account compliance” in regards to HR 1586.

Shortly before his November 4^th 2009 sworn testimony before the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Rangel sponsored HR 3933 known as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009. A Lobbying Report dated January 20, 2010, indicates that the Washington Council of Ernst & Young represented HSBC in regards to the issues surrounding HR 3933.

But particularly damaging to Rep. Rangel’s assertion that he, “did not know what HSBC Bank was” is the Lobbying Report filed by William Lynch, Jr. of Bill Lynch Associates dated August 13, 2007 in which Lynch lists his client as HSBC and describes his lobbying activity as “Categorization of Foreign Banks.” The person he lists as having lobbied? Congressman Charles Rangel.

Messages left by the Borrero Report, seeking comment, to two of the lobbyist involved went unanswered.

Bring on the next Accidental Governor

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, March 1, 2010

Now that the front page editorials of New York’s tabloids – along with some political reporters and columnists - have ordained that Governor David A. Paterson has to resign, his fate is sealed.

The daily media pummeling towards the legally blind Harlem politician, who never wanted to be Chief Executive of the Empire State in the first place, will not cease until he steps down. And while no one can reasonably argue that Eliot Spitzer’s 2006 running mate has been an innocent bystander of his own demise, he undoubtedly has garnered the wrath of the elite power brokers and wannabes from within his own political party.

As the luminary pontificators craft their "holier than thou" words and purport to speak on behalf of all New Yorkers, they seem to have missed something: the line of succession. Or could it be that Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch will never be referred to as an “accidental Governor” by the journalists who insisted on using the term as a prefix when referring to Paterson?

The continuous derogatory reference to Paterson has been used in spite of the fact that as 2006 candidate for Lieutenant Governor, he was indeed elected on the Democratic ticket headed by Eliot Spitzer. Clearly listed as one of the responsibilities of the second highest ranking official of NYS is, “to become governor in the event of the governor's death, impeachment or resignation.”

The soon to be 77-year old Mr. Ravitch has an impressive record in both the public and private sectors, but he has never been elected to any office. The closest the next “Accidental Governor” has ever come to being elected was in 1989 during the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Mr. Ravitch placed third in the four-way race in which the incumbent, Edward I. Koch, lost the nomination. In that race, the Daily News endorsed Mr. Ravitch.

So, within days or weeks, the Lieutenant Governor that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said could not be appointed by the “Accidental Governor” will become the 56th Governor of New York State.

Ironic that it was the now-vilified Governor, who for the first time in New York history selected a person to fill the LG vacancy without an election. Governor Paterson insisted in using a right which had been unknown to exist heretofore, but which was upheld by the New York Court of Appeals on September 22, 2009.

As I stated last year in an August 24^th posting, I was one of those guilty of using the term but when it was pointed out by the governor how offensive it was, unlike many of my colleagues, I stopped using it.

I can’t wait to read the references to a future Governor Ravitch with the disparaging moniker, as the New York Times did in the title of this Sunday piece, since that will prove that using it as a requisite when referring to Mr. Paterson has never been racial.

Gotcha Charlie!

New York, NY, February 26, 2010

“The House Ethics Committee approved both trips in question and Congressman Rangel participated in those trips in reliance on that approval. Today's Committee report found that the Chairman himself had no actual knowledge that the trip in fact violated house rules. Media reports saying otherwise are absolutely inaccurate reflections of the reports finding. The committee found that the Chairman did not have actual knowledge that the trip could be in violation of house rules. Having now learned that the trip reimbursement was made erroneously, Congressman Rangel will of course refund the funds in question.”

So reads the disingenuous and self-serving press release issued by Rep. Charles Rangel after an ethics committee issued him a public “admonishment” for accepting impermissible corporate gifts.

Rangel’s lame response to the Ethics Committee report is consistent with his now tired “I didn’t know, no one told me” routine.

But the response is not significant for what it says, instead, its importance lies in what Rangel either does not understand or purposely misrepresents.

Unlike what the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee would have us to believe, the report does not find that Rangel did not have actual knowledge of the improper gifts. The report is clear when it states:

“The Committee does not find sufficient evidence to conclude, nor does it believe that it would discover additional evidence to alter its conclusion, that Representative Rangel had actual knowledge of the memoranda written by his staff.” (our emphasis)

Not finding sufficient evidence is not the same as having found no evidence, Charlie. Let’s get it straight.

And while Rangel is correct in saying, “The committee found that the Chairman did not have actual knowledge that the trip could be in violation of house rules,” he seems to have overlooked the fact that the report clearly holds him accountable when it says, "Representative Rangel was responsible for the knowledge and actions of his staff in the performance of their official duties.”

Clearly, Rangel has no problem throwing his staff under the bus to save his own hide.

But it’s interesting that while the Ethics Report concludes that Rangel’s people “knew that corporations had contributed funds” and that they had provided “false and misleading” information to the Committee, not one of these staff members is referred to law enforcement authorities for further investigation or prosecution.

But the most troubling part of the Ethics Committee report for Rangel may lie in the fact that the Committee refers the issue of the owners of the Carib News (who sponsored the Rangel trips in question and were one of the corporations which provided the impermissible gifts) to the Justice Department for further investigation.

Charlie should start asking himself, What if the Carib News owners say that they were told to lie by Rangel's people so that the trip passed mustard with, and got approval from, from the Ethics Committee? And how many other trips has Rangel taken where the sponsors lied about its true purpose and financing - all so Rangel would not have to pay out of his pocket?

More reports on Rangel are due shortly from the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

It looks like the beginning of the end, Charlie.

FEDERAL JUDGE DENIES TRO FOR MONSERRATE...WILL SEE PRELIMINARY INJUCTION NEXT THURSDAY...

New York, NY, February 11, 2010

Norman Siegel just told the Borrero Report, via telephone, that US District Court Judge William Pauley, while not granting the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that would reverse the New York State Senate’s expulsion of his client, Hiram Monserrat, did set next February 18, at 2:15 PM, as the date and time for seeing the Preliminary Injuction.

According to Siegel, Judge Pauley stated that, "the Senate is out of session until the 22nd, so there is no need to grant it."

Siegel expressed satisfaction that Judge Pauley has ordered that constituents of the 13 Senatorial District will continue to be serviced by the office held by Monserrate.

According to the famed civil rights attorney, the Judge described the litigation before him as a "fascinating case."

Is Monserrate Ready?

New York, NY, February 10, 2010

These pages have more than articulated our feelings on the now former State Senator Hiram Monserrate. We have even nicknamed him ‘El Puerco’ (The Pig) on NY1 and in El Diario, which has nothing to do with his previous job as a police officer, and everything to do with his unbecoming conduct as a human being.

In keeping with an old Spanish adage we heard from our parents and elders, “Del árbol caído todos hacen leña” (Everyone makes lumber from a fallen tree). We will refrain from adding anymore firewood to the burning timber of the disgraced politician.

But a few observations are in order:

Monserrate’s demise may be the first sign that the Albany political establishment just might be ready to self-administer the enema it so desperately needs - and that the citizenry clamors for. Nevertheless, given the reality of a state legislature that has proven to be dysfunctional, we won’t hold our breath-- or our noses.

While we are amazed and somewhat troubled that we would agree with Monserrate on anything, we must admit that his repeated assertion that the voters of his district should have decided his fate is right on target. We made this point before he latched on to it because we believe that in our current democracy, voters have become less and less significant in the affairs of their government.

That’s why we believe that a California style recall provision is the first thing New Yorkers in general, and good government and social activists groups in particular, should press Albany to enact. This whole drama, the waste of time and resources - like Sen. Eric Schneiderman’s politically motivated investigation and report - could have been avoided.

Monserrate is fond of relying on the power of the voters of his district to decide his fate. These voters should have been allowed to immediately decide whether they wanted a low-life to continue serving as their representative in Albany.

And for those who wonder why it took so long for the State Senate’s Democratic Leader John ‘Which Way Did He Go’ Sampson to move on Monserrate, you have to remember that roasting a whole 'Puerco' takes time! Once seasoned, the swine has to slowly turn. It must turn slowly while basting and browning and crisping and crackling. After a while, someone comes over, studies the 'Puerco,' pokes it with a huge fork, looks at the running juices and declares, “Esta hecho!” (he’s cooked).

Last night, Sampson walked over to Monserrate, looked at him, poked him with a rolled-up Senate Resolution and basically declared, “He’s ready!”

The inept Sampson who, it appears, may have a few political problems and legal concerns of his own, may have poked too soon.

There is still the appeal that will be presented on Monserrate’s behalf by civil rights attorneys Norman Siegel and Steven J. Hyman tomorrow morning in Federal Court in Manhattan. The legal duo will move to enjoin the Senate from enforcing the resolution and enjoin the Governor from calling a special election for March 16.

There will be a press conference tomorrow around noon at Siegel’s Manhattan office, during which the legal whiz – with his client present - will offer up additional details.

It may well be that Monserrate will turn out to be nothing more than a footnote in Albany political history but, for now, 'El Puerco' seems not yet to be fully cooked.

You can call it what you want

New York, NY, January 27, 2010

We used to call it megalomania.

However, like with most medical conditions today, its name has been “politically corrected” by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and, under code 301.81, they now call it, “Narcissistic Personality Disorder.”

The disorder came to mind as we tried, for the last few days, to make sense of State Senator’s Hiram Monserrate’s latest mumblings comparing himself to murdered civil rights workers, after not long ago having compared himself to Jesus Christ.

But somehow, Narcissistic Personality Disorder’s major signs, “pattern[s] of grandiosity, need for admiration, and sense of entitlement,” seem to fall short when describing the infamous state senator Monserrate.

If the definition included words such as “opportunist,” “phony,” and “dirt bag” then, we are sure, for illustrative purposes, Monserrate’s picture would be included right along with it.

We know Monserrate was “retired” by the NYPD in 2000 on a psychological disability pension. Could it be that Bernie Kerik, who was the NYPD Commissioner at the time, thought “Megalo Monserrate” was after his job?

Monserrate and Kerik. How appropriate are those two names in the same sentence?

The voters of Queens' 13th senatorial district, as well as his senate colleagues, may have known little of Mr. Monserrate's personality "issues." Now they know. They need to act accordingly.

Steve Levy will take them out of the ‘closet’

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, 1/6/10

Contrary to the opinion of many, Steve Levy's intention to seek the nomination for governor on New York's Democratic ticket would be the best present Latinos could receive this year.

The inclusion of the current Suffolk County Executive in what is likely to be a nasty political brawl, and in which the Latino community, until now, has had no role, would put Latinos smack in the middle of the storm.

Just in case it has escaped observers, Levy is a member of the political party in which the majority of the State’s Latino voters are registered. Levy is also a proven anti-immigrant basher of the worst kind who continuously validates his dislike for them.

Levy, the xenophobe, is not one of those Republicans we demonize when they attack our undocumented brothers and sisters. He is a bona fide Democrat who, with the votes he receives in the primaries, will demonstrate he is not the only one in the Democratic Party that immigrants in general and Latinos in particular have against them.

Identifying a Lou Dobbs is easy. The real challenge is to know which Democrats would support Levy. No one really knows who and how many in the state’s Democratic Party share Mr. Levy’s views.

That’s why it would not be in the best interest of Latinos to silence Levy. We must have the opportunity to listen as Governor Paterson, Attorney General Cuomo, and Levy debate immigration issues.

Levy's presence on the 2010 stage would force other Democrats, such as Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who rely on the same voters as Levy, to publicly support or reject his positions.

Levy's candidacy would force the discussion on immigration issues which has, thus far, evaded a full-scale public airing in New York.

Additionally, the support of Levy's candidacy by the editorial pages of any of our State's newspapers would shed light on those who currently hide their disdain for immigrants.

We should not be afraid of Levy. The executive is already a declared enemy. The important thing is to now become aware of who the hidden enemies are.

Let's see how many of the 62 New York State Democratic County Chairs will support Levy.

All of those who wish to block Steve 'the xenophobe' Levy's aspirations should stop. Or are you afraid to know who the enemy is within?

Let Levy take them all out of the 'closet' where they're hiding.

On Target!

New York, NY, December 30, 2009

Our colleague Michael Goodwin gets right to the point with his take on why New Yorkers should not keep the annointed Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate.

His article in today's NY Post is so good we have reprinted it below.

Gilly's good for nothing, so let's just get rid of her

Michael Goodwin

Not to sound like Henry II railing against Thomas Becket, but will nobody rid New York of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand? Hardly a day goes by without her proving she is in over her head.

Yet Gillibrand, who was appointed by Gov. Paterson, doesn't have a significant primary or general-election opponent next year. The prospect that she could get six more years without a fight is like a death sentence for the state.

Consider her dopey defense of the health-care overhaul she supported. Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg have told her and Sen. Chuck Schumer it will cost New Yorkers billions and force the closing of hundreds of clinics, but Gillibrand sloughs the facts off by saying it's not so bad.

How would she know? In an interview last April, I caught the former-centrist-turned-liberal rubber stamp making false claims on numerous subjects. She's just not that into facts.

For example, to justify switching sides on a gun-control bill after Paterson plucked her from the House and made her senator, Gillibrand said there were "literally 1 million gun deaths" from 2000 to 2002.

Actually, there were about 87,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To defend her sudden softening stance on illegal immigration, she told a fanciful story where "police officers, you know, in very combat-boots style, knocked down doors, pointed weapons at mothers, 5-year-old children standing there in the doorway, pulling the dad out, never to be heard of or seen again."

When I objected that the claims seemed wildly exaggerated, she said, without an ounce of shame, "I'm just repeating the story that was told to me."

So it is with the health overhaul. She bought the slippery line it was painless "reform."

But by adding more than a million people to the Medicaid rolls, the bill will force local tax hikes on every New Yorker because the city and state share in the added costs.

And higher Medicare taxes and excise taxes on some health plans the bill includes will siphon more New York money to Washington.

That Gillibrand is so dense and disregards his concerns gives Paterson reason to urge her to step aside. He sent her to Washington to represent middle-class New Yorkers, not to parrot the national Democratic Party's high-tax, liberal agenda.

No Dessert After All - Lunch Pow-Wow Cancelled!

New York, NY, December 28, 2009

A reliable source has told the Borrero Report that it was Brooklyn pol Carl Kruger who canceled the bread breaking session. "It was Kruger trying to be collegial. It was never intended to be public." Collegial? Strange word when used with the "Four Amigos!"

In the meantime, "open meeting" Diaz is not answering his mobile. Hmmm, must be prayer time.

And, ever the diplomat, Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. says "All is well with the Amigos. The meeting will be rescheduled." The Senator, who was to host the luncheon, then wrote us in Spanish: "Me parece que le callo mal un pastel a uno de los amigos." Loosely translated, “I guess one of the Amigos had indigestion.”

“Turbulent, Tumultuous and Triumphant” Senator Espada’s Description of 2009
Says he has worked hard to “mainstream”

New York, NY, December 28, 2009

By Gerson Borrero

Taking stock of the year that is about to end, Pedro Espada, Jr., the man who at the height of the senate chaos in Albany described himself as having “balls of steel,” said that 2009 has been for him, “turbulent, tumultuous and triumphant.”

Chastised by many as one of the leaders of the chaos that dominated this year’s NYS Senate, Espada, Jr. told The Borrero Report, in a recent conversation, that: “Mud slinging was one thing while it had to be done; it was not just theater or buffoonery.”

The always polemic Senator said, “I’ve worked hard to mainstream myself” and he has heard the voices of New Yorkers who have expressed their desire to rid themselves of the lot of state office holders, “the signals are not good for incumbents,” admitted Espada .

Espada, Jr., has invited his other three "Amigos," (Senators Carl Kruger, Hiram Monserrate and Ruben Diaz) for a holiday luncheon (1:30 PM) at the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck, NY, where the Senator owns a home. The home – Pedro has insisted for years - is not his primary residence.

The political menu for this afternoon will include the legislative priorities of each of the Four Amigos.

Senator Espada’s legislative interest includes a farm workers rights piece that he says will be presented, “in early January.” As Chair of the Housing Committee the Senator says, "I will have a bill and it will come out.”

And what will certainly capture Diaz’ interest, is this statement by his Amigo, “I will tackle anew this whole Armory thing. It’s in my District and I have business acumen.”

Let’s see how the sometimes wild man of the cloth, and constant enemy of a same gender marriage law, reacts to this. Diaz’ son and Bronx Borough President, “Rubencito,” has received both accolades and vilification for his star role in the defeat of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s and the Related Companies plan to develop the Kingsbridge Armory. Daddy Diaz would not want Pedro to steal his son’s platform.

Will they sit together long enough to order “café con leche” and dessert?

Thompson Said To Be “Not Ruling Out Anything”
Will Make Decision by Year End on a Senate, Comptroller, or another Mayoral Run In 2013

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, December 16, 2009

According to one source, the soon-to-be unemployed NYC Comptroller, William C. Thompson, Jr., has been pondering over the idea of running for the US Senate to unseat novice Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. His interest in the position has been peaked since the release of the results of a recent Quinnipiac University poll, where he leads Gillibrand 41-28 percent among Democrats.

“Right now, he is not ruling out anything,” a well informed insider told the Borrero Report. “He is looking at everything”, the source said.

When pressed to define “everything,” the source enumerated a primary challenge to Gillibrand for the Democratic nomination at the top of the list. The second would be running for State Comptroller against Thomas P. DiNapoli, and the third would be to give the NYC mayoralty another try in 2013.

If Thompson decides to challenge Gillibrand he would need about $3 million dollars to be taken seriously as a contender. Thompson would also have to be ready to take on the powerful Senator Charles E. Schumer, who has bullied all candidates out of even the thought of a challenge to the obedient junior senator that flies closely under his wings.

The calls for Thompson not to challenge Gillibrand that would, for certain, come from the White House on behalf of President Obama, would be powerful. The President seems to have been convinced by Senator Schumer that the seat could be lost to a Republican. Just reported this morning by Elizabeth Benjamin of the Daily News is a guarantee by Suffolk County Legislator, Jon Cooper that he would not challenge Gillibrand.

“He will decide by the end of the year,” the source said. Mr. Thompson’s decision has some supporters on a holding pattern.

Among them are one of his closest confidants and Campaign Manager of his failed mayoral bid, Eduardo Castell, who has returned to his duties as Executive Deputy Comptroller. Castell would only tell the Borrero Report that, “I am waiting for Bill to make a decision on his options.”

In the meantime, another source said that Castell is also “weighing different options.” Castell, who has 20 years government service, is having conversations with several private firms including The Mirram Group Roberto Ramirez' and Luis Miranda's political consulting firm.

Beyond 15 Minutes of Fame

New York, NY, December 14, 2009

For those tired of the constant flood of inane programming appearing daily on our idiot boxes, one of our favorite network anchors, Bob Schieffer, provided an excellent commentary on Sunday’s CBS Face the Nation.

How About Some Immigration "Peace," Now!

New York, NY, December 13, 2009

Daily News columnist Albor Ruiz has an interesting immigration angle on what many have opined was/is an undeserved and premature Nobel Peace Prize for President Barack Hussein Obama. Take a read (here).

Harold Ickes, Part of Team Paterson

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, December 10, 2009

There’s at least one heavyweight Democrat operative who is not running away from Governor David A. Paterson’s basement poll numbers. Harold M. Ickes is formally lending his expertise to the incumbent governor's effort at getting elected in 2010.

Ickes, who has more than four decades of experience in the rough and tumble politics of New York and Washington, and has worked for Bill Clinton and David N. Dinkins, among other well known Democrats, is a respected and tried strategist. Ickes was present at last Sunday’s meeting with Team Paterson at the Harlem office of Bill Lynch.

“This is not about Andrew Cuomo. We are staying away from the Cuomo spin,” said a key player in the “small group of advisors” when asked how much of their strategy is based on the Attorney General challenging the Governor in a primary.

A source told the Borrero Report that, in addition to Ickes, Paterson counts on the expertise of his father, Basil Paterson, Roberto Ramirez, and Lawrence S. ‘Larry’ Schwartz. All three, in addition to Lynch and Ickes, were present at the strategy session on Sunday.

Time to Face the Music

New York, NY, December 7, 2009

It looks like the movement to hold State Senators accountable for the demise of the gay marriage bill in Albany has begun.

Giovanni Vaughn, a self described homosexual Christian, has called, in this YouTube video, on anti gay marriage State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. to explain his position.

Vaughn says that Diaz, whose virulent opposition contributed to the defeat of the bill, has been avoiding his phone calls.

We find that strange for a politician who has never been known to back down from a good fight.

Come on Ruben, pick up the phone and answer this young man’s legitimate and appropriate questions.

You are a tough guy behind the microphones and when the cameras are rolling; now it’s time to face the music.

How NOT to Stop Domestic Violence

New York, NY, December 4, 2009

“He gets what anybody would get in the same situation.” With those words, Justice William Erlbaum, of Queens State Supreme Court, handed State Senator Hiram Monserrate the biggest Christmas gift he has ever received and has shown why we should not expect abusers to learn that the crime of domestic violence should be a one-way ticket to jail.

By now, the details we have learned surrounding this case, make it more than obvious that Erlbaum gave Monserrate the first part of his early Christmas present

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NOW Mayor Bloomberg And Council Speaker Quinn Disagree On Term Limits