Tirado on Perez Notes

Here is a radio clip of state senate candidate Fernando Tirado on the Perez Notes.



Thanks to Bronx New Network for reminding us about this.

Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By New Roosevelt Initiative and Other 33rd Tidbits

Sorry it has taken so long to post something today. A newborn and a 2.5 year old complicate blogging sometimes (let's be honest, they're kicking our asses today).

Kind of big news just breaking in the 33rd state senate race. The New Roosevelt Initiative has endorsed Gustavo Rivera. The Initiative, formed by Bill Samuels, is dedicated to remaking and reforming Albany. A press release and previous media stories make mention of $250K dedicated to ousting scandal-ridden and ethics-averse incumbent, Pedro Espada, Jr. That's a lot of cash. Mr. Samuels and the Initiative are even asking the other three challengers to step down:

"[...]I respectfully ask Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter, Mr. Padernacht and Mr. Tirado to make this sacrifice for the benefit of the residents of the Bronx and all of New York State. Together, unified, we can right this wrong and remove Pedro Espada from power.”

In other 33rd news:

Fernando Tirado is holding a fundraiser tonight (it actually just started at 7pm) at the Identity Bar and Lounge in Manhattan. We'll reach out to the campaign to let you know how it went.

And Westchester Pete was spotted in the Bronx. No linkage, just an eye witness sighting from the Missus, who saw Pedro rocking a dapper power suit in the lobby of our building (the same building in which he pretends to live). Just thought it was interesting to note because of the infrequency of Espada sightings in his primary residence.

~ErLu

Tirado To Take Forced Leave of Absence

We just wanted to post a commentary/follow up to the story broken by BxNN about state Senate candidate Fernando Tirado taking a forced leave of absence from CB7. While we understand the board's decision (district manager is a different species of job than, say, working at the Gap), it just makes us feel a bit despondent over the current state of politics; it seems like CB7 is feeding into the current political culture. The odds continue to be stacked against any working middle class person running for office. Does a candidate have to be independently wealthy, work for a political activism outlet, or have a health clinic from which to bilk funds to afford running for office?

Thankfully, Mr. Tirado is moving forward with his campaign and slowly but surely gathering the requisite petitions to secure a ballot slot. If you are interested in supporting his campaign, please visit his website or his ActBlue account.

~ErLu

Tirado Supporters (and Some Espada Spies) Gather on Mosholu Parkway for Announcement

Tell Pedro the folks at Bainbridge House say hi!

Yesterday at around 5:30pm, many supporters of Fernando P. Tirado gathered at the World War I Monument on Mosholu Parkway at Hull/Marion Avenues to hear Mr. Tirado's official announcement of his candidacy for NYS Senate in the 33rd District.

A few residents from Bainbridge House came out to hear Mr. Tirado's announcement, but one notable absence at the gathering was Pedro Espada Jr. Our 'neighbor' must have been busy with a previous engagement, but he was kind enough to send two spies (one of whom is pictured above) who lurked across the street watching the event. The two suited men, who many identified as Espada staffers, never came over to the group but chose to watch the announcement from afar. Shady!

Please find below some photos from the event, along with a video of Mr. Tirado's speech in which he promised to run his campaign on a platform of "community, integrity, and dedication." Around the 2:20 mark a Q&A begins in which Mr. Tirado shares his thoughts regarding the increasingly crowded primary race, as well as the issue of Espada's abundance of campaign funds.

Fernando P. Tirado Announces His Candidacy for NYS Senate from Erin Cicalese on Vimeo.

~ErLu

Another Espada Challenger Set to Declare Candidacy This Evening

Fernando P. Tirado volunteering at Saturday's It's My Park! Day
at Mosholu Parkway in Bedford Park
(BoogieDowner file photo)

The ole BD has learned that Fernando P. Tirado, the current District Manager of Bronx Community Board 7, will be formally announcing his candidacy for New York State Senate in the 33rd District this evening (5/17) at 5:30pm at the World War I Monument on Mosholu Parkway at Hull/Marion Avenues.

Mr. Tirado, a proud Bedford Park resident, has 15 years of work experience in the public sector behind him and looks forward to a vibrant campaign based on the idea of moving forward from the current political culture of inaction in Albany.

Mr. Tirado invites all Bronx residents who are eager to see a change for the better regarding how they and their communities are represented in Albany to come on out to see his official announcement this evening.

Worth noting: The WWI monument where Mr. Tirado will be announcing his candidacy for NYS Senate in the 33rd district is within spitting distance of Bainbridge House, the supposed primary residence of the scandal-ridden, embattled Senator Pedro Espada Jr. If only Pedro were home on 201st Street more often...this would be the perfect opportunity for him to take a stroll over to the Mosh to check out his possible primary competition!

~ErLu