Bronx political candidates squared off in a vigorous public discussion board held Wednesday evening, Might 14, on the Villa Barone Manor in Throggs Neck, drawing dozens of residents keen to listen to from contenders in two of the borough’s most intently watched races.
The occasion, hosted by Bronx Occasions and Politics NY, was free and open to the general public, and streamed dwell by BronxNet. Sponsored by AARP, the two-part discussion board gave voters a firsthand take a look at the main candidates vying to form the Bronx’s future.
The primary half was dedicated to the Bronx Borough President Democratic major, the place incumbent Vanessa L. Gibson is competing towards Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. The second discussion board concerned the Democrat candidates vying for the Council District 13 seat, at present held by Republican Kristy Marmorato, who received the district in an upset in 2023.
Moderated by Bronx Occasions reporter Emily Swanson and Schneps Media Managing Editor Christian Murray, the evening opened with Gibson being interviewed in a 30-minute Q&A session, with Salamanca topic to the identical Q&A session after.
Gibson, looking for a second time period, emphasised her expertise and her achievements over the previous three years, together with decreasing unemployment within the borough and delivering $50 million in capital funds for public faculty upgrades.
“You are a coalition builder. You are a bridge builder. You are a public servant,” she stated, referring to the job of being borough president. “You represent a diverse borough like the Bronx and you have to assemble all of your staff, your community boards, your advisory boards… and reflect that diversity, which is our strength.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson discusses her accomplishments throughout a Might 14 discussion board at Villa Barone ManorRamy Mahmoud
Salamanca, who has represented the seventeenth Council District within the South Bronx since 2016, countered with a name for stronger boroughwide administration.
“Our borough is being mismanaged,” he stated, pointing to his eight-year document representing Council District 17 and the funding he has secured. “I’ve brought in over $400 million in capital investments [to my district]—$35 million to my schools and $30 million to parks.”
He added that he has introduced 10,000 models of totally reasonably priced housing to his district, however stated the Bronx nonetheless faces critical challenges. “Our streets are nonetheless soiled, and our households don’t really feel secure.
Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. outlines his imaginative and prescient for the Bronx throughout the Might 14 borough president discussion board at Villa Barone ManorRamy Mahmoud
Each candidates addressed crime and public security with nuance. Gibson highlighted investments in youth programming and violence interrupter organizations—whereas including that she has helped carry extra NYPD officers to the borough. She stated that residents wish to see extra cops, so long as they don’t seem to be abusive.
In the meantime, Salamanca referred to as for extra group packages and facilities (significantly for the youth), and stronger collaboration with the district lawyer’s workplace to deal with crime and get repeat offenders off the road.
Additionally they mentioned their method to the proposed Bally’s On line casino in Ferry Level. Gibson stated her workplace has not taken a public place however is listening to stakeholders and can be evaluating the mission’s $625 million in group advantages. Salamanca famous that the group stays divided, mentioned the tasks professionals and cons—however didn’t take a place on it.
The candidates shared widespread floor on many key points—reminiscent of the necessity for extra reasonably priced and senior housing, higher transit entry in underserved neighborhoods, and equitable distribution of homeless shelters. They each stated that the Bronx is being saturated with shelters and drug clinics and that they need to be distributed evenly throughout town.
Each, nevertheless, differed in tone and technique.
Gibson underscored her inclusive governance fashion and citywide relationships, whereas Salamanca pledged to restructure the borough president’s workplace with a number of deputies overseeing distinct portfolios.
“I feel our borough needs a manager,” Salamanca stated.
Shirley Aldebol speaks throughout the District 13 Democratic major discussion board at Villa Barone Manor on Might 14,Ramy Mahmoud
The second half of the night featured a spirited alternate between Metropolis Council District 13 hopefuls Shirley Aldebol, David A. Diaz and Joel Rivera.
Aldebol, a longtime labor chief, pitched herself as a seasoned negotiator who might carry assets to the district that Marmorato has missed. “We need someone who can sit at the table and negotiate,” she stated. “We are leaving money on the table.”
Diaz stated he was operating to guard the character of the East Bronx from unchecked improvement and displacement. “We like our community… and we don’t want it to change.”
Rivera, in the meantime, emphasised his skill to unify residents round widespread issues. “Whether you call me progressive or moderate doesn’t matter,” he stated. “We need safe streets, clean streets, affordable housing, and that comes from talking with people, not labeling them.”
District 13 Democratic candidate Joel Rivera speaks on the Might 14 discussion board at Villa Barone Manor,Ramy Mahmoud
The candidates differed on points such because the “City of Yes” zoning reform initiative. As an example, Aldebol supported adjustments that incentivize reasonably priced housing, whereas Rivera careworn transparency and robust group profit agreements earlier than approving any main developments.
When it comes to the Bally’s on line casino proposal, Rivera got here out strongly in opposition to it, saying that the group has spoken and doesn’t need it. Whereas he appreciated Bally’s for saving Preston Excessive College, he stays skeptical of builders reminiscent of Bally’s and the guarantees they typically make.
Diaz, who was considerably circumspect, stated he was against it proper now, though stated he might see the advantages by way of jobs.
In the meantime, Aldebol stated she remained open to it —saying “the community is divided”– however sought extra data, better accountability and robust ensures.
All three Metropolis Council candidates pledged to prioritize senior companies and youth alternatives if elected.
District 13 Democratic candidate David A. Diaz addresses the viewers on the Might 14 discussion board at Villa Barone Manor,Ramy Mahmoud
