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.

        A.  MR. GIBBS:  I haven't talked to anybody in political affairs about that.

        Q. REPORTER:  So there's no preference in who wins that?  Do you want to see the Democrat -- there is a Democrat --

           
        A. MR. GIBBS:  Chuck, I said I hadn't talked to the political affairs office on that, so I'm not going to conjecture.

 

The President’s Press Secretary would not even “conjecture” that the Leader of the Democratic Party wants the Mayoral Nominee of his party to beat the Republican incumbent Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Marching Order For Ray Kelly And His Anti-Terrorist Cowboys...ROUNDUP GADDAFI!!

New York, NY, September 18, 2009

Date Line: September 2009, Huffington Post: “Fearful of a Madrid-style subway train bombing, authorities are poised to make more raids to seize bomb-making materials at locations in Queens, sources said Wednesday.

Date Line: October 2005, CNN: “New York City's subway system was put under heightened alert Thursday after officials received information from the FBI about a “specific threat.”

Does it all sound familiar?  Thank Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and his anti-terrorist cowboys, for the current Yogi Berra inspired “Déjà vu all over again” moment.

How interesting is it that both warnings of possible disaster in the NYC subway system occurred precisely at the height of Michael Bloomberg’s re-election campaigns?

Those pesky (but politically valuable) terrorist and their threats just happen to rear their ugly heads every four years!

But if the current account that Colorado resident Najibullah Zazi was in New York City to possibly pull off another terrorist
attack is to be believed, authorities have yet to find anything linking him to such a plot.

Instead, the real story is how Commissioner Kelly will seize any opportunity; including derailing what may very well have been a promising FBI investigation to gain political advantage for his boss Mayor Bloomberg.

No one can accuse Kelly of incompetence, so flashing Zazi’s picture all around the City causing him to flee back to Colorado thus leaving an FBI investigation – which had taken many months and in which they had expended untold resources – in tatters was no mistake.

The rift Kelly’s actions may have caused with the FBI and other federal agencies is secondary, the primary concern should be just what valuable information the FBI lost due to Kelly’s politicking.

Kelly, who prides himself at having created a “mini-CIA” at One Police Plaza, needs to concentrate on fighting urban crime.  Anti-Terrorism, and the related spy-games that go with it, are best left to the FBI and CIA.  Mayor Bloomberg needs to clip Kelly’s wings.  And while he’s at it, he needs to declare Kelly’s salary as an “in-kind” political contribution.

My Party Right or Wrong!

New York, NY, September 10, 2009

 

Below is a perfect example from today’s The New York Times on how party idolatry has shaped political discourse in our country.  It would appear that, for many, partisan politics has become the American version of the "fundamentalist extremism" found in parts of the Middle Eastern world.

 

Susan Collier is a breast cancer survivor who was denied payment by her insurance company.  One would think she would welcome any change to the current health care system.  Instead, she says about President Obama, "…..I don't trust him to do anything about it. I don't believe he has our best interest at heart."

 

So, even though she has been sick and was screwed by her insurance company, it seems that since she is such a "committed Republican" she would rather stick with things the way they are and can't find anything right in what Obama does.  Scary, sad, but reflective of how many, many, many Americans think. 

 

We can thank Bozos like Rep. Joe Wilson (Rep.-SC) (no offense to Bozo whom we happen to like) for helping to balkanize American politics.  Way to go Joe!

 

Distrustful | Susan Collier, 60, is an interior designer, committed Republican and breast cancer survivor who lives in Montezuma, Ga.

"I find it very hard to believe anything Obama says because I can't see improvements in any of the things he's tried to do," she said. "I agree that we should build on what we already have.

"It was wrong for insurance not to pay for my radiation. I agree that the insurance companies need to be held accountable. But I don't trust him to do anything about it. I don't believe he has our best interest at heart. He outlined his goals and they sound good but I saw no substance to back them up. He still has the public option in his plan. I believe that it is just a foot in the door for the government. I don't see how it can work.

"He said that he will pay for this with money from the savings that he finds in the existing system. That's crazy. Has the government ever saved us money? It only grows.

"I do believe in tort reform but want to see it implemented before I believe him. It was a token. I think the Republicans are smarter than that. My prayer is that the American people will see through this man. I see more and more people standing up to him."

For Some the Ends Justify Their Needs

New York, NY, September 4, 2009

“Chosen Guns,” so reads today’s NY Post front page.  The associated article goes on to describe how a group of rabbis calling themselves the International Security Coalition of Clergy and lead by one Gary Moscowitz, has been training to protect themselves in case they are “attacked by terrorists during prayer.” 

Apparently not “chosen,” at least by the New York City Police Department, is Moscowitz who, according to the article, was fired by the NYPD.  Notwithstanding, Moscowitz has a new career teaching other rabbis Rambo style anti-terrorist techniques.

Moscowitz, one would guess has been crying wolf on terrorist matters for a long time, since NY Post writers Reuven Fenton and Andy Geller say in the article, “few people took him seriously until May, when the FBI busted homegrown Muslim terrorists for allegedly plotting to blow up synagogues in The Bronx.”

Never mind that, by this time, almost everyone recognizes those so-called “homegrown Muslim terrorists,” charged with The Bronx/Riverdale alleged attempted bombings were, actually, four big time looser drug addicts who appear to have been patsies in a case mostly concocted by the FBI, NYPD, and an out of control informant, Shahed Hussain.  More details on Hussain and his antics can be found in this great article.  We guess that one man’s “crack-head” is another man’s “terrorist.”  

Anyplace else, the International Security Coalition of Clergy would be considered a militia group but, in New York City, not even a question is raised as to whether the men in the front page photo are carrying real guns and, if so, do they have licenses to posses them?  If they are not real, do these rabbis have a stash of weapons they will access when and if Armageddon arrives?

These are questions it would seem police commissioner Raymond Kelly and his much touted NYPD anti-terrorism force - which some refer to as a mini-CIA (and which has cost New York City taxpayers multi-millions of dollars) should be interested in answering.

Still No Response from AG Cuomo To State Senator Diaz' Request To Probe Albany Nepotism

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 31, 2009

Eighteen days after receiving a written request from State Senator Rubén Díaz that he look into New York State legislators who have family members on the public payroll, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo still has not responded. (Read original posting by The Borrero Report near bottom of page).

“I have not heard anything form Cuomo since he called after I sent the letter,” Díaz said on Sunday afternoon after church services.

A disappointed Diaz told The Borrero Report, “We continue to read stories about investigations about Pedro Espada, but nothing from Cuomo about the investigation I requested.”

Díaz was referring to leaked reports published in the New York Post on Friday and Sunday that the AG is investigating the Senate’s Majority Leader. 

Cuomo’s office has repeatedly declined to respond to inquiries by The Borrero Report as to whether the AG is pursuing the request from Senator Díaz.

Mayor Mike Endorsed By Giuliani and McCain Supporter

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 26, 2009

Among the many insignificant endorsements touted in press releases by mayoral candidates, Team Bloomberg has landed what must be the most meaningless of this political season—that of Luis G. Fortuño.

Fortuño, Governor of Puerto Rico, is a full-fledged, card-carrying member of the GOP. In 2008, Fortuño endorsed Rudy Giuliani in the Republican primary. When the ex-Mayor’s bid for the nomination fizzled, Fortuño endorsed John McCain.

“New York needs an honest and independent leader who will make the tough, necessary decisions that will create jobs, keep the streets safe and continue the strides in education that have been made over the last few years -- That’s why I am proud to support Mike Bloomberg for Mayor,” said Governor Fortuño. “New York also needs a leader who understands the diverse nature of the city, appreciates how invaluable it is, and works to ensure this diversity. When it comes to Latinos, Mayor Bloomberg wants to make sure that all of us are heard,” Fortuño added.

Bloomberg’s high-priced political masterminds must have rationalized that Fortuño’s support would help the Mayor with Puerto Rican voters. What they did not imagine was that it could have the reverse effect.Their misreading and misunderstanding of New York City’s Puerto Rican community is truly astounding.  Perhaps they did not even know that, among Fortuño’s many problems, he is suffering major backlash back home with labor unions and dissenters within his own political party (Partido Nuevo Progresista).

Then there is Fortuño’s connection to Senator McCain. The Arizona Senator not only voted against the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor, along with another 30 Republicans, but he was also particularly harsh in speaking against the newest member of the Supreme Court.

If there is one thing Puerto Ricans in New York City were in almost unanimous agreement on it was the pride felt when Sonia Sotomayor was nominated and confirmed to the nation’s highest court.

Despite Giuliani’s rocky relationship with New York’s Puerto Rican community Fortuño, in 2008, endorsed the then-Republican presidential contender. That’s something many New York Puerto Ricans did not appreciate.

When news of Fortuño’s endorsement of Bloomberg was reported in Puerto Rico on island-wide radio station WKAQ, the initial reaction was one of disbelief. Given the enormous economic and social crises affecting the island of almost 4 million, people wondered how Fortuño had the time to get involved in a mayoral election taking place over 1,500 miles away.

Miguelito, your political geniuses are billing a ton of bucks for press like this? Next time, do your homework and while you’re at it, ask for your money back.

Paterson Update

Dominic Carter And NY1 Go To The Video Tape

Transcript Shows That Al Sharpton, Not Carter, Threw Gov. Paterson's Daughter Into the Fray

New York, NY, August 25, 2009

Apparently still hurt by what he considers unfair criticism from New York Governor David Paterson, NY1's Dominic Carter, and the news station, released a transcript of the much talked about Al Sharpton interview by Carter.

 

Paterson Not Backing Down
Calling him ‘The Accidental Governor’ may not be racist but feeds stereotype
Says Dominic Carter Owes Him Apology, “As a Father and as a Man”

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 24, 2009

David A. Paterson is not taking it anymore. The Governor of New York State has had it. He is fed up with the media and pundits who have been ridiculing him since he was sworn in on March 17, 2008 after Eliot Spitzer resigned because of a prostitution scandal.

“It was not an accident, it is a constitutional mandate. I became governor by a constitutional mandate,” Paterson told The Borrero Report during a mid-afternoon telephone interview on Saturday—almost thirty two hours after creating quite a stir during a radio interview with Errol Louis on WWRL (listen here). The Governor’s rants even had the White House requesting that Paterson not throw President Obama into his mess.

“I have been quiet for seventeen months on this issue,” said the first African-American to hold the title of Governor in New York State. “I played by the rules. It was a very difficult position to find myself in and I’ve given it my best. I’ve done the best I can under the very trying circumstances the state is facing,” Governor Paterson said.

Paterson feels that for some New Yorkers, nothing he does is enough. “It seems I have to work twice as hard as others,” the Governor said.

To further buttress his point, Paterson, who was elected on November 7, 2006 as Spitzer’s Lieutenant Governor/running mate, told The Borrero Report: “When Jim McGreevey resigned as Governor of New Jersey, his successor Dick Codey was not called the accidental governor. When John Roland of Connecticut resigned, the woman who took over [M. Jodi Rell] was not referred to as the accidental governor. I’ve had to endure this for seventeen months and quite frankly on Friday when I spoke to Errol Louis on his radio show, it all came to a head.”

The Governor does make a valid point. I am one of those journalists that have used the term “accidental governor” in describing his ascent to the governorship numerous times both in my commentaries as well as my columns.

When asked to clarify how his being Black has affected the media coverage he has gotten as Governor, Paterson responded, “I don’t think the media has acted in a racist way, but I have felt stereotyped at times.”

The Governor feels very strongly that, “The media is trying to control the politics. Not reporting it. They’re trying to control it. There are some folks in the media who think that it’s alright to racially stereotype.”

Paterson admitted that, “The ‘accidental governor’ reference bothered me then and it still does.”

The Governor did clarify that, “Whether I like the stories or not—the criticisms on the budget, the Senate chaos, appointments, or anything else that the governor is responsible for—they are legitimate criticisms. But when Dicker [Frederic Dicker, Albany Bureau Chief, New York Post] writes the same article every week…the same story week after week, then there’s something wrong here.”

Paterson did not call Dicker a racist, but did point out that, “If we had caricatures [referring to the February 18, 2009 caricature of a chimpanzee] as the President in the New York Post then we have a problem.”

The Governor also opined that, “Part of what I feel is that one very successful minority is permissible, but when you see too many success stories then some people get nervous.”

However, Dicker is not the only journalist the Governor has a problem with…

Why he believes he deserves an apology from NY1’s Dominic Carter

Sounding much angrier at NY1's Road To City Hall anchor and political reporter than he let on with Errol Louis, the Governor said: “It’s not that he’s Black; it’s that he lied about my daughter. As a father and as a man I deserve an apology from Dominic.”

According to Governor Paterson, “Dominic has asked Al Sharpton, Lillian Roberts, Charlie Rangel and almost every Black politician that has appeared on NY1 about the incident that he thinks is true. But the fact is my daughter is of age and it was not 1:30 AM. It was misreported by a blogger who wasn’t there; he was told a story.”

The Governor explained that when he spoke on WWRL on Friday morning, “I had just heard about this comment the night before.”  Paterson was referring to an interview that Carter had with Reverend Al Sharpton during which the subject of his daughter’s presence at the club with her father was mentioned.

“He had no proof and yet he said it as a fact,” the Governor said about Carter. “My daughter was born May 13, 1988. She is 21 years old. She is of age. I was at the club with her at 9:30 PM. She is not a minor.”

The Governor explained that, “What I’m saying is that the excessive coverage of an event that belongs on Page Six is still being reported as news. It’s irresponsible and I saw that as a personal matter.”

Asked why he thought someone would go out of their way to distort a matter as sensitive as that, the Governor replied, “Quite frankly, anybody that does that, I just see them as a son of a bitch.”

The Borrero Report spoke to Dominic Carter on Sunday as he left church services. He would only say that, “the Governor is entitled to his opinion.”

Sources who spoke to Carter on Friday told The Borrero Report that the veteran journalist is genuinely hurt by the Governor’s attack. “He is especially hurt at the governor labeling him a modern day Uncle Tom.”

The Governor denied having made any such reference about Dominic.

One source went on to suggest that Paterson has never forgiven Dominic for asking him the now infamous question about drug use. It was during a March 2008 interview with Carter that Paterson admitted he had snorted cocaine as a young adult.

A source close to the Governor confided that, “The Governor does have an issue with him. Dominic fucked him. He didn’t need to do that. David trusted him and he screwed him by asking him that question.”

If that were true, the point of whether Carter did persist on revisiting the topic with the Governor’s daughter may be secondary to Paterson. At issue may be Paterson’s perception that the media in general, and Dominic in particular, create a pile-on.

If I know my colleague Dominic—with whom over the past three years I have done the NY1’s Political Rundown segment —then the demand for an apology by the Governor will, more than likely, not be forth coming. Dominic probably feels he was doing his job and that it was not personal.

As for the Governor, who told us that, “I will probably not talk about this for another three or four years,” he will have to get back to tending to the State’s affairs until one of us in the media pisses him off again.

Bob's "Wascally Wabbit"

New York, NY, August 18, 2009

Our friend Bob Kappstatter of the NY Daily News has written a good piece today on Pedro Espada, Jr. and other things of interest. Read it here.

We especially like the last line of Bob's column, " Wonder who's offering 20 bucks and a pint of Night Train for a vote?"

Hey, that sounds like something WE would write!

State Senator Diaz Says If AG Cuomo Is Not Interested He Will Ask Others To Probe Albany Nepotism Scandal

By Gerson Borrero

 

New York, NY, August 17, 2009

 

State Senator Ruben Diaz told The Borrreo Report that, “if Andrew Cuomo doesn’t have jurisdiction in investigating the legislators that have family members who have jobs with the State, I will seek someone who does.”  

 

Diaz wrote a letter to the NYS Attorney General last week on the heels of reports that Cuomo was looking into possible violations of State law in the State Senate's hiring of Pedro Gautier Espada, the son of Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.

 

According to Senator Diaz, “Andrew told me he would look into whether he could do it.”

 

When asked what he would do if Cuomo determines that he cannot or will not investigate the ever growing scandal of political nepotism in the State capital, Diaz responded, “I will discuss this with my Amigos Carl Kruger, Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada, Jr.”

 

If Diaz is serious about his request for a probe, and his letter to the AG Cuomo is not just a publicity stunt, he could ask Albany DA, David Soares to investigate the matter. Some argue that, given Soares' success with the investigations of Alan Hevesi and Antonia Coello Novello, the Bronx Senator may want to go ahead and make the request and not wait for Cuomo.

 

Others say an option Diaz could explore is asking NYS State Inspector General, Joseph Fisch, to conduct the nepotism probe.

 

And then there is always US Attorney General, Eric Holder. A Federal probe may just be what is needed to straighten out the Empire State's corrupt legislature.

A Combative Espada Says: “I am not going to forget…this is personal”

Tells Attorney General Cuomo to, "get real"

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 14, 2009

Claiming that other officeholders have their relatives on the New York State payroll, State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. told The Borrero Report that, "I am not going to forget what has happened, because it is personal. And I have the memory of an elephant.”

Espada Jr., who has a reputation of getting even with his political enemies, without offering names, argued that "this was a selective accusation."

"There are colleagues who have their children on the State payroll and there seemed to be no problem until it was Gautier,” referring to his son by his middle name.

Sounding more like a protective father than the Senate villain or thug that most New Yorkers accuse him of being, Espada, Jr. told The Borrero Report that, “The kid was up there [Albany] during the 31 days to help his father and his is the only help I accepted and trusted.”

According to a source, Senator Espada, Jr, “Did not want his son to be going through what he has to endure with the reporters, cameras and photographers that follow him around.”

“He did not want his son to have this in his life,” the source close to Espada, Jr. said.

The embattled politician would only say that, “I had a father and son conversation with Gautier. I don’t want my son to become an official piñata. No father wants this for a son."

When asked about the investigation by Attorney General Cuomo on the matter of the deal that got his son hired, Espada, Jr. responded with a touch of sarcasm, “Andrew Cuomo is investigating me? Come on, get real.”

After chuckling about what he believes is an absurdity, the controversial state senator went on to speak of how the now Attorney General was running then-Governor Mario M. Cuomo's political operation from the second floor of the State Capitol Building for years.

Espada, Jr., argued that his son was more than qualified for the job. "John Sampson is re-organizing and Gautier would be doing that form the intergovernmental side." Insofar as the 120,000 dollar salary that his son would have received, the defensive Papa said, “He makes about 135,000 now. So, he would actually be taking a pay reduction.”

Resigned to the fact that his son was a casualty, Espada, Jr. understands that, “This is the business we are in”.

However, Espada, Jr., made it clear that he is not backing down from the political fight nor is he losing any sleep over the negative coverage of his maneuvers in Albany.

According to the Senator, he walked up to a group of reporters camped out in front of his Soundview Health Center in The Bronx yesterday and told them: “Do you truly understand that I don’t give a shit about what you write?”

Well, our readers, and most New Yorkers do Senator. And we shall continue to report.

Give  it up, Billy

New York, NY, August 14, 2009

Howard  Wolfson is absolutely on target with his request for Bill Thompson to disclose the questionnaire he submitted to DC37 while vying for the union's endorsement.

The Democratic mayoral contender should just follow the lead from Wolfson's own boss on the  subject of disclosures. Bloomberg will, we are sure, release all information related to his endorsements.  It’s just that after 1, 239,453 unions and organizations have endorsed you it takes a little time to compile records!

Thompson has to be as forthright as the Mayor was in disclosing what DC37 obtained from him in 2005,  when he received the powerful union's backing.

Wait a second, what? We are still waiting for that report? Well, come on, give the guy a break.  With all those union endorsements it takes time to compile records!

So, come on Bill, just do as the Mayor has done.

We think that's all that Wolfson wants you to do. Right, Howie?

Mediaite  Meets Dynamite

New York, NY, August 13, 2009

The current issue of Mediaite.com describes Gersons Borrero’s journalistic style as “insult-ridden.”

To paraphrase Captain Louis Renault, we are "schocked, schocked we tell you!" that anyone would describe our Gerson's fine prose that way.  What? You don't know who Capt. Renault is??!! You need to get out more often!

But seriously, we think you'll enjoy this article by José Simián.

Who’s In The Loop...Or, In The “Fruit Loop!”

New York, NY, August 13, 2009

For those who love to keep track of such things (not that we would be among them), it appears that yesterday’s “diss” of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has, at least, cleared up one thing. 

As The Borrero Report had reported, Mayor Michael Bloomberg decided not attend a White House reception held in honor of Judge Sotomayor.

Caught off guard by our inquiries on the matter, City Hall issued a one line response stating that New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Board Member, Margarita López, would represent the Mayor in Washington.  The statement did not elaborate on what more pressing matters kept Bloomberg from attending the historic White House event.

The one thing this incident does appear to clear up is that, Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman and newly minted NYCHA Chairperson, John “JR” Rhea, are both out of the City Hall loop.

Although NYCHA’s spokesperson, Howard Marder, refused to release them, The Borrero Report has learned that internal NYCHA memos indicated that Rhea had no idea his subordinate, López, would be representing Mayor Bloomberg at the nation’s capital.

Even more telling is that Deputy Mayor Roman-Robles, who attended the event, and who as the highest ranking Latina in the Bloomberg administration should have filled in after Bloomberg’s unexplained absence, was not asked to do so.

So, for those who keep score on who is in the, what we will call, “fruit loop” score one for Margarita López.

Was It Something I Said Mike?......

New York, NY, August 12, 2009

Is what Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor may be asking today as one of her, ostensibly, most ardent supporters decided not to show up at a White House reception held to celebrate her confirmation as the first Puerto Rican/Latina to occupy a seat on the nation’s highest court.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg who, with all the fanfare befitting an election year, testified on behalf of Sotomayor before the US Senate’s Judiciary Committee, decided to skip the historic reception.

Apparently caught off guard this morning, City Hall answered inquiries from The Borrero Report into Bloomberg’s absence with the following terse statement, “NYCHA [New York City Housing Authority] Board Member Margarita López represented the Mayor at the White House Reception for Justice Sotomayor. Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman was also at the ceremony.”

All fine, except for one thing, The Borrero Report has learned that, in a memo distributed throughout the Housing Authority, its recently appointed Chairperson, John Rhea (“JR” to those in the know) described López’ appearance thus, “She will attend the celebration as a representative of the nation's largest public housing authority.”  

Nothing about representing the Mayor.  And, if anyone were to represent Bloomberg, wouldn’t it make sense that it should be Deputy Mayor Carlos Robles-Roman?

So it appears that Bloomberg, who was among those hand-picked to testify on Sotomayor’s behalf either was not invited or, if he was, decided not to go.  Either way, Bloomberg’s appearance at the reception would have been symbolic of his professed support for Sotomayor.

Or, maybe, the political advantage from endorsing Sotomayor had already been gained by Bloomberg and, after all, who wants to hang out with those people anyway.  Especially when there are so many East Side cocktail parties to attend!

Then again, maybe Bloomberg’s own dismal record on appointing Latino judges, in his own bailiwick, made him persona non-grata at the White House.

UPDATE:  Hours after The Borrero Report’s inquiries, the New York City Housing Authority issued the following press release.  

The press release begs the question, an agency’s Commissioner (and not even a Mayoral agency at that) outranks a Deputy Mayor?

The Senator And The Professor

New York, NY, August 11, 2009

New York State Senator Eric Adams is quoted in The Brooklyn Paper today as saying, "I would have handcuffed Gates
as soon as I entered the household."  He was, of course, referring to the now famous July 16th incident in which Henry Louis Gates Jr., a black Harvard professor, was arrested by the Cambridge Police Department - reigniting the long standing issue of "racial profiling."

In an excellent article, The Brooklyn Paper reporter Mike McLaughlin quotes Adams (who is black) as saying that, for safety reasons, he would have handcuffed Gates until he was able to sort out the situation and find out what he was “dealing with.” 

Senator Adams may have better served the debate by making his comments contemporaneous with the incident.  But, then again, had he done so, some (probably us included) would have labeled him an opportunist!  The life of a politician is never easy folks.

But agree with him or not, his comments should, at least, get all sides to pause and realize that, sometimes, there may be even more than two sides to every story.

And Speaking Of Opportunists……

It seems very curious that another New York State Senator, Hiram Monserrate (you remember him: Senate turncoat, woman slasher, campaign finance law violator, and general public pariah), put out a press release lamenting the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. 

The very first line of the press release reads, “As the father of a special needs son…”  Calls us cynical, or perhaps we are as tired of Monserrate’s antics as everyone else is, but using a son’s disability to gain sympathy is disgusting and a new low for a politician whom many believed had already hit rock bottom.  Generally, a person should get the benefit of the doubt on a question like this, but not Senator Monserrate.  His conduct has demonstrated he does not deserve it.

In Case You Missed It

New York, NY August 10, 2009

Yesterday, in the New York Post, Gerson wrote a piece on reaction to the swearing in of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.  You can read it here.

Humm, We Wonder……..

New York, NY August 9, 2009

The 31 Senators who voted against confirming Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor were, we are sure, trying to protect American jurisprudence from a no good “liberal activist” jurist. 

While we doubt Sotomayor will turn out to be an “activist” on the bench (we’ll write more on that in the future), we have no doubts that American jurisprudence may well learn a few things from how things are done in other parts of the world.

Case in point is this article from The New York Times describing a recent bribery conviction of a high ranking Chinese government official.  While in America we are forever looking for ways to combat corruption, (unless, of course, it’s corruption having to do with the likes of Halliburton and Bechtel) the Chinese seem to have found a way to, at least, cut down on prison costs when an official is found guilty of violating his public trust.

The Times describes how it took exactly 180 days (yes, 180 days!!!!!) from the time Li Peiying, Chairman and CEO of Capital Airports Holding Company, was found guilty of bribery and embezzlement then executed.  No Habeas corpus, no Writ of Certiorari, no request for pardon, nothing.  180 days!

Imagine if in the US corrupt politicians knew they would barely have enough time to enjoy their last meal before they were marched off to meet their Creator!

The possibilities, in just our neck of the woods, are endless.  Let’s see, names like, Miguel Martinez, Clarence Norman Jr., Brian McLaughlin, Bernard Kerik, Diane Gordon, Anthony Seminerio, and Gloria Davis, are just a few which immediately come to mind.

The 31 senators would, we think, have no problem confirming any of the Chinese judges, who condemned Peiying, to the US Supreme Court.  “After all,” they would say, “a little judicial activism is not a bad thing when it keeps those people, err, we mean, all people in their place!”

What Else Do You Forget, Mike?

New York, NY, August 6, 2009

Defending himself today in the latest slush fund case Mayor Michael Bloomberg is quoted by Michael Barbaro, of the NY Times, as saying, "When you get to be my age, I’m telling you get to forget some things, too."

Which begs the question, what else have you forgotten Mr. Mayor?

 

- That pregnant women are, systematically, discriminated against at the company you founded?

- That you and Nicholas Scoppetta are guilty of gross incompetence in running the NYFD?

- That you have spent millions of dollars obtaining nonsense endorsements to make it seem like you have broad political support as you run for re-election?

- That you should debate Thompson if you really believe the voters should be well informed as to their choices (not just what you want them to think of you from your campaign commercials)?

- That the Board of Education is not your personal fiefdom and that those who criticize your education policies are not against good education for our children?

- That YOU are an EMPLOYEE of the people of New York City and, as such, they have a right to see your complete, unredacted, tax returns to determine conflicts of interest or whether you have enriched yourself through your position?

 

Feel free to add any of your own.

Serrano Claims “Birthright” Gives Him Membership in the Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus

Diaz Says “He is not a member” and Chastises Serrano for Not Signing a Letter of Support for Sotomayor sent to Obama

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, August 6, 2009

As the New York State Senate convenes today to take up the unresolved issue of school governance for New York City, a war of words is surfacing between State Senators Ruben Diaz and Jose Marco Serrano over membership in the New York State Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus of the body.

“By birthright I am a part of it,” was Serrano’s response to The Borrero Report's inquiry as to his membership status in the Caucus during a telephone interview about the late Senator Olga A. Mendez.

The Caucus was created as part of the booty obtained by the Four Amigos from then Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith during the battle for control in January. “He is not a member of the Caucus,” said Diaz who is the Chairman of what he described as a four-member entity as he chuckled at Serrano’s claim of “birthright” membership.

“He did not want to be a member. He wanted to be left alone,” Diaz said as his tone became more serious when read some of the other quotes. “Some of the politics in their work I’m not in agreement with,” Serrano had told The Borrero Report, without citing an example other than the trip to Puerto Rico. That’s when Diaz, along with Senators Pedro Espada, Jr., Hiram Monserrate, and Martin Malave Dilan traveled as the four members of the Caucus to Puerto Rico and Serrano did not travel with  them.

Diaz went on to admonish Serrano’s selective rules about membership in the Caucus and said that, “He doesn’t want to ruffle feathers." As the conversation continued, Diaz asked if Serrano had told The Borrero Report about the letter of support for Sonia Sotomayor.

“He refused to sign the letters sent to the President, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand. I bet you he didn’t tell you about that,” said Diaz as he spoke at a more rapid pace than usual.

The letter to President Barack Hussein Obama was sent on May 11, 2009 and, indeed, was signed by Diaz, Espada, Jr, Monserrate, and Malave Dilan. “I had to re-do the letter after Marco refused to sign the letter that included his name,” said Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of the Caucus, who had been asked by Diaz to come to the phone and speak to The Borrero Report.

Diaz went on to describe how bad he felt that Serrano would not sign a letter in support of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. “I felt so defrauded that if I had not been a Minister I would have cursed at him and smacked him,” Diaz said.

“He would more readily support Liz Krueger and Eric Scheneiderman than one of us,” Diaz said as he continued the barrage against Serrano.

Without a trace of the humor present when the interview began, Diaz charged in Spanish that, “Jose Marco Serrano es la porqueria mas grande que tenemos” (Jose Marco Serrano is the biggest piece of junk that we have).

OLGA, WE WILL MISS YOU

New York, NY, August 3, 2009

Hundreds gathered at a tiny church in El Barrio today to pay their last respects to a true community and political legend. 

The pews of the Church of the Holy Agony in East Harlem teemed with politicians and community residents as they said a final goodbye to former New York State Senator Olga Aran Méndez.  Méndez, who passed away last Wednesday, was remembered as a consensus builder and fierce advocate for the community she represented.  The presence of everyone form "little old ladies," to burly construction workers was testament to the love Olga had for El Barrio, and it's residents for her.

Richard Lipsky in his blog, and David Gonzalez in the NY Times have provided great coverage of today's memorial mass.  Tom Robbins of the Village Voice gives his "uncensored" recollection of our beloved Olga

Our own Gerson Borrero delivered the eulogy which we share with you below.

Before there was Sonia…There was Olga!

Eulogy for Olga Aran Mendez

Delivered on Monday, August 3, 2009

10:00 am

Church of the Holy Agony, 101 Third Avenue NYC, NY
 
 By Gerson Borrero 

Buenos Dias. 

And it is a good morning as we gather at this blessed house of the Lord as, amigos, constituents, familia and……maybe even some detractors…since, let’s face it, Olga Aran Mendez was not perfect and certainly not shy about putting anyone in their place. 

We come together, to celebrate the fruitful life of a pioneer and to pay our respects to Olga for her devoted service and to let Olga’s family know that she was, indeed, a treasure. 

This week, most New Yorkers—and certainly los Puertorriqueños and Latinos in general—anxiously anticipate the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, by the United States Senate, to the Supreme Court.  

I can assure you that the Olga I wrote about in my columns, interviewed on the radio, spoke with about hard-fought battles to open doors of exclusion to our community, talked to about the “machismo” she experienced along with the sexism that punishes women in the body politic of our nation, is, I’m certain, one of those women on whose shoulders Sonia Sotomayor stands. 

It is convenient for some—especially those that tried to prevent her from participating in that historical election 31 years ago—to forget that a daughter of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico became the first Puertorriqueña to be elected to a legislative body in this country. 

Today, 39 women serve the state of New York in the legislature. They have been elected from across the state, serving rural, suburban and urban counties. Since 1983, these women have worked through the bipartisan legislative women’s caucus to improve the participation of women in all areas of government.

However, let it be clear that Olga was not a feminist who worked against men. From her first day in office, Olga represented all of her district. Olga also understood that partisan politics while at times rough and dirty, was above all service to the community. For Olga it was a vocation.   

Olga no era una roba camara y no andaba como si fuera un pavo real buscando titulares. She worked hard and smart behind the scenes while others pranced around like peacocks.

Olga never called me to curry favor for herself. It was always about one of her legislative battles or a community struggle or one or another injustice, que le hacía temblar sus labios.

Never called to attack a fellow legislator.

Olga sabía defenderse sin armar escandalos…How we can all learn from her, especially in these times! 

But she certainly was not shy once I started asking questions. Olga did not hesitate to respond with exactly what she thought about anyone, especially those in her own party. And, of course, Olga would always speak of her constituents’ needs and her legislative agenda. 

Olga never let it be forgotten that she was Puertorriqueña. And if you made the mistake of calling her Hispanic or Latina, man…you were in for una pela de lengua.

She was a proud Puertorriqueña and encouraged others to be proud of their native lands.  This would be wise to remember by those that at present have stripped the Puerto Rican identity from the name of institutions that they inherited from pioneers like Olga. They have to be told that their callous action in pursuit of illusive funding negates our people’s struggle and is offensive to Olga. Todos sabemos quienes son. 

This is yet another reason, that as an observer of the political scene, I truly felt that when Olga lost her Senate seat in 2004, the real losers were the people of her district. 

It also, deprived New Yorkers of her extraordinary ability to work with all sides and forge a consensus when the occasion required it. 

For all that has been spoken and written, and for all that will be remembered about Olga Aran Mendez, let it be known that, in the enlightened opinion of this most humble person, Olga was, indeed, among the wisest of our numerous wise Puertorriqueñas. Never to be equaled or duplicated—she was an original.  

Gracias Olga, for your dedication, inspiration, sense of humor, passion, and devoted service… 

We will miss you guerrera. 

Decansa en paz, patriota. 

Another Missed Opportunity to Go Beyond the Black/White Construct 

New York, NY, July 25, 2009         

The racial profiling arrest of Harvard professor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., as he attempted to enter his home on the Harvard campus is now the subject of a national discussion. President Obama's remark that the actions of law enforcement, in this narrow instance, were unjustifiable in every respect has shed national attention to an issue that for too long has been ignored.
 
President Obama remarked that the episode confronting Prof. Gates was symptomatic of how both blacks and Latinos are stereotyped in this country.  Actually, the President should have gone further: racial profiling in law enforcement goes beyond the black/white construct to ensnare all who are deemed “other” be they black, Latino, Asian or native peoples.  It is especially pernicious when applied to our youth who are defenseless against racial profiling by police. In the Latino community we have had high profile cases that have been ignored by the media and agencies that could and should rectify the practice of racial profiling of our community. This is not a black and white issue. It is an issue that impacts the lives of Latinos, Blacks, Asians, Native Americans and immigrants throughout the nation.
 
The undersigned are individuals who have committed the bulk of their professional careers to eliminate these stereotypes – especially the profiling of our Latino community. We ask only that our national leaders recognize that the solutions to unacceptable racial profiling in law enforcement cannot be realized unless Latino/a voices are incorporated into this national dialogue. We stand ready to constructively add to the discourse.

New York, New York,  Saturday July 25, 2009         

Juan Cartagena
Civil Rights Attorney

Dr. Marta Moreno Vega
President
Caribbean Cultural Center
New York City

Vicente Alba
Spokesperson
National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights

Miguel Melendez
Activist and Author

Gerson Borrero
Columnist, Political Analyst and Commentator
The Borrero Report

Zoilo Torres
Organizer and former NCPRR president

Alex Nogales
President/CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition

Kimi Wei
thewei.com 

Reynolds D. Mulero

Rogelio Reyes, Ph.D.
Professof of Linguistics
San Diego State University

Mimi Lozano
www.SomosPrimos.com

Kathryn F. Galan
Executive Director
NALIP
www.nalip.org

Wilfredo "Wil" Rojas, M.Ed.
President
Delaware Valley Voter Registration Education Project - Latino Vote

Emilio Zamora, Professor
Department of History
University of Texas at Austin

Jesus Papoleto Melendez

Angel L. Ortiz

Reverend Miguel Rivera
National Coalition Of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC)

Wanda Ramos

Alberto Cruz
Activist

Dylcia Pagan
Filmaker, Activist, Writer, Former Puerto Rican Poltical Prisoner
DylciaPagan.Com

NYS SENATOR HIRAM MONSERRATE IN COURT TODAY
FACING FELONY ASSAULT CHARGES

New York, NY, July 30, 2009

All of State Senator Hiram Monserrate's legal motions were denied today by Queens Supreme Court Judge William M. Erlbaum.  Erlbaum set a trial date of September 14th. 

Initial information received by The Borrero Report revealed that Monserrate was attempting to broker a deal with the Queens District Attorney's office.  However, late in the day, a source with intimate knowledge of the proceedings told The Borrero Report, "it is absolutely not true that a deal is being worked out."

Today's ruling by Judge Erlbaum allows into evidence a damaging video tape of Monserrate allegedly dragging his then girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, by the hair in the building where he is alleged to have viciously assaulted her. The judge, however, left the door open for Monserrate's lawyers to again raise an objection to the use of the video tape once the trial begins.

Former NYS Senator Olga Méndez' Death Confirmed

New York, NY, July 29, 2009

Sadly, The Borrero Report has confirmed the death of former State Senator Olga Méndez.

According to her nephew, and primary caretaker for the past months, Erick Vazquez, “Titi [Auntie] died this morning at 1:10 AM in her East Harlem apartment.” There was a priest present, Padre Candido from East Harlem, who administered the last rites. Olga was a devout Roman Catholic.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan. The Senator had requested that she be cremated and, on Monday morning, there will be a funeral mass, with her ashes present, at her church the Church of the Holy Agony. The time has not been determined, according to Vazquez, who was still making arrangements when The Borrero Report reached him at his aunt’s apartment on Fifth Avenue. When asked about Olga’s last days, her nephew said, “She was ready. She had been under a lot of pain for the last five months. She did it on her terms, and died very peacefully.”

Olga Méndez was born Olga Aran in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico on February 5th, 1925. Her burial will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery in the Bronx.

In lieu of flowers, the Senator had requested donations be made, in her name, to the Boriken Health Center at Taino Towers in East Harlem.
 
As she had also requested, there will be no viewing or wake.

Former State Senator Olga Méndez Dies
East Harlem Political Pioneer Losses Fight With Cancer

New York, NY, July 29, 2009 1:05PM

Credible sources tell The Borrero Report that former State Senator Olga Méndez has lost her battle with cancer.  Mendez, who the sources say died at a local hospital, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer a year ago. 

Méndez, 84, represented East Harlem and the South Bronx for over 25 years and was considered a political powerhouse in East Harlem.

In 1978 she became the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the state Senate.

She was the wife of the late Tony Méndez who was the first Puerto Rican district leader in New York City and an East Harlem political legend in his own right.

The Borrero Report is working to confirm the report and will provide details of a recent interview we had with the vivacious and ever colorful Méndez.

Questions Still Linger For Bloomberg And Scoppetta

New York, NY, July 28, 2009

Last Tuesday we posted a link to Wayne Barrett’s article in the Village Voice entitled, “Bloomberg's Biggest Scandal—The Deutsche Bank Fire—Should Be His Downfall. Why Isn't It?”

This week, Voice reporters Johanna Barr and Tom Feeney Jr., give us a reaction by firefighters, and their family members, to Wayne’s excellent piece (read it here).

As we told you for the last article, be prepared to have your blood pressure boil over.

Mike Bloomberg does a Joe Jackson 

By Gerson Borrero

New York, NY, July 27, 2009

If you have not seen the CNN interview with the late Michael Jackson’s father, Joe, in which the elder Jackson turns the interview - which should have been an expression of sorrow - into a cheap and cheesy infomercial, then you probably have read or heard about the publicity-seeking peddler's repulsive opportunism.

When asked by CNN correspondent Don Lemon how his family and daughters were doing after Michael’s death, Joe Jackson virtually ignores the question and launches into a self-serving monologue describing his newest money-making scheme-- a company he refers to as “Ranch Records” (view the entire CNN interview here.)

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, stealing a page from Joe "The Peddler" Jackson's book of conduct, launched into his own self-serving and disgraceful monologue during a Sunday press briefing about the shooting of Police Officer Rodney Lewis.

The staging was complete with a full ensemble of police brass behind him. This begs the question, why does the Mayor need anyone aside from the Police Commissioner at a briefing involving the shooting of one of New York's Finest?

Bloomberg used all of 124 words to talk about the shooting of Officer Lewis and then went on to make, in his words, “a couple of points.”  The “couple of points” consisted of 695 words spoken by the Mayor. He extolled on the virtues of his administration with regards to crime-fighting (read the press release here.) This, at a press briefing he called to supposedly speak about Officer Lewis’ condition!

It is nothing new for mayors to tout their accomplishments during election years. However, Bloomberg’s electioneering bombastic propaganda - while an officer lay shot in a hospital bed - seems, to an outspoken critic of police brutality, racial profiling and law enforcement excesses, as repulsive. As repulsive an act as Joe Jackson’s antics were to the King of Pop's millions of fans.

A retired high-ranking NYPD official, who was also a cop and who preferred to remain anonymous, may have summed it up best when he told The Borrero Report, “I think it's disgusting and, in my experience, unprecedented, that a mayor use a press conference announcing the shooting of a cop to, so blatantly, tout his accomplishments and try to boost the image of his police commissioner.”

One would have expected a statement of denunciation from the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association on Mayor Bloomberg’s Joe Jackson moment. Guess Patrick J. Lynch, president of the PBA, is on vacation.

Bill Challenges