More Espada Shenanigans?

We received the following email from a BD Reader last night:

I just heard from a friend of mine that lives in Tracey Towers that she or he (I don't want anyone to trace it back to them) got a strange call. This phone call announced that they could vote by phone. Obviously, this isn't true. There is no such thing as voting by phone. When my friend checked her caller ID, the number was listed under Pedro Espada. Is this legal? I'm wondering if they are just tricking Rivera supporters an that once these supporters have ben identified and tricked into calling in their vote, someone will try to vote as that person. Do you understand. First they identify John Smith as a supporter (probably done by knocking or phonebanking or something). Then they call to let this person know they can call in their vote. Once this person calls in their vote at the number provided, someone will go to the polls as John Smith (since they know the actual John Smith doesn't plan to arrive since he thinks he already voted) and votes for Espada. Even if they later part of my speculation doesn't happen, isn't misinforming people about how, when and where to vote illegal? Please let me know. I don't know if I should advise my friend to go to the authorities.

Although this sounds a bit far-fetched, I wouldn't put it past Espada and his henchmen. Beware of shenanigans such as these when attempting to cast your vote tomorrow!

~ErLu

Senator Espada Feeling "Very, Very Good" About Tuesday

We were just coming back from a walk to New York Botanical Garden to see the newly renovated Snuff Mill (or Stone Mill, as they are now calling it), and we bumped into Senator Espada by the mailboxes of our building.

He was looking especially smurfish in his favorite khaki "Kim Jong Il" leisure wear (as one BxNN commenter recently referred to it), and seemed a bit sheepish/distant/aloof - maybe actually being in the Bronx so much lately to campaign is beginning to stress him out. I think bucolic Mamaroneck is probably a lot quieter and peaceful than the good ol' BoogieDown.

We asked Senator Espada how he was feeling about Tuesday, and he mumbled quietly, "Very, very good." Although Pedro's words seem confident, his demeanor did not. He avoided eye contact by looking down at his keys and seemed much more intent on just getting his mail and getting the hell out of here than glad-handing or in any way working for our vote.

We didn't stick around to see if he received the Gustavo Rivera mailer that we received today which featured out favorite photo of him (below), which was taken by John DeSio, Village Voice reporter cum Ruben Diaz Jr. flack.
Anyway, can't wait for this primary to be over and done with with hopefully favorable results for Rivera. We're really, really sick of all the flyers, mailers, and volunteer door knockers associated with this heated race. A Rivera volunteer just buzzed our door and woke Pearl up from a much-needed nap - DISLIKE.

~ErLu

Rivera/Padernacht Debate (Updated)

BxNN has posted a link to the Gustavo Rivera/Dan Padernacht debate which aired on BronxTalk this past Monday. Here's the clip in case you missed it:


There were a bunch of interesting comments left on the post suggesting that although Padernacht hasn't received the political endorsements or generated as much of a buzz in the media as Rivera, he's actually the stronger candidate of the two. Commenters opine that Rivera is receiving the support of the Bronx political establishment simply because he is Hispanic and Padernacht doesn't stand a chance because he's white and his family is involved in real estate. What do you all think?

I personally felt like Rivera actually wasted my valuable time during the debate. I only get a small window of opportunity where Sesame Street will capture Pearl's attention, and I can't believe I just spent it listening to someone name drop and rattle off endorsements that I already knew he had. Booooo!

While I'm at it, I have another bone to pick with Rivera. I was taking the kiddos out for a walk yesterday and my lovely super, Sam, was working hard outside in the 95 degree heat tending to the plants around our building. Another one of his tasks for the day? Cleaning up Gustavo Rivera campaign flyers left behind by New Roosevelt Initiative's volunteers' little rally outside our building Saturday.
I'm all for coming to Espada's supposed place of residence to organize and do community outreach, but really - where do the volunteers think the campaign literature they hand out ends up? I'm sick of politicians littering the streets with their campaign crap. That means you too, Senator Espada! BD reader Jo sent in the below photo of Espada's flyers on a pole on the Grand Concourse. Talk about overkill. I can't wait for those to be torn down and end up as litter in my neighborhood.
An update from BD Reader Jo regarding the campaign posters:

So as follow-up to the picture I sent you yesterday of Pedro's awful posters: I have since called 3-1-1 and reported his posters that are ILLEGALLY posted on city property. Dept of Sanitation will take the complaint, and within 3 days go out to remove the posts and issue a fine to the individual or company owning the poster. So I encourage everyone to call 3-1-1 to report any of his posters illegally hung and hope that you spread the word to do so as well!

I am also happy to report that the pole on Bedford Park Blvd and Grand Concourse that yesterday had ten front and back posters of Espada’s face (20 in total) now have been decreased to 7 front and back (14 awful faces)—and I can’t take credit for the removal of any of those. So it makes me feel good that there are others in this neighborhood that dislike him as much as I do and are willing to take action. But I am now advocating the report of the posters to 3-1-1 instead of just ripping them down and creating litter.

Thanks Jo!!

~ErLu

Espada Steals Fancy Suits

Tom Robbins at the Village Voice has an interesting piece that leads with a story about Westchester Pete stiffing a high end tailor for $7,200 in suits, claiming to have returned the suits, and then wearing the duds in public.

The piece also reveals that Espada's $56K/year professional liar public relations man, Steve Mangione, also made $270K creating radio ads for a landlord lobby called the Rent Stabilization Association. (Just a reminder that Mangione's boss is the chair of the Housing Committee).

~ErLu

Espada's Staff (now with extra Haile Rivera!)

Just received an email listing the public information about Pedro Espada's bloated staff (39 staffers at about $36K/week).

In any case, the full list is below. The most surprising name on this to us is Haile Rivera, a former potential Espada challenger and Obama volunteer (and dining partner) whose tears on election night were chronicled by the Norwood News. I guess he needs to pay his bills too...hold your nose and cash the check, Haile.

Here's the full list sent to us (Rivera is #30):

1. ACEVEDO, JONATHAN SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST $769.24SA

2. BEARDSLEE-RUIZ, PATRICIA M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY ASSISTANT $7.25TE

3. CALHOUN, SANDRA C SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY OFFICE MANAGER $1,807.70RA

4. CALLAHAN, WILLIAM J SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BUFFALO SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE UPSTATE DIR $442.31SA

5. CARELA, AIDA J SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX OUTREACH SPECIALIST $19.00TE

6. DE PENA, JOSHUA SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST $1,346.16SA

7. DEJESUS, JUAN G SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST $1,346.16RA

8. DENNIS, DENISHA S SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX RECEPTIONIST $1,153.85SA

9. DIAZ, ALEX SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX CHIEF OF STAFF $3,653.85RA

10. DRAZAN, EMILY C SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR FISCAL POLICY $1,846.16RA

11. ELLIOTT, ELISON J SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX SPECIAL ADVISOR $4,538.47RA

12. FRIDAY, LEONARD M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX CONSTITUENT LIAISON $11.00TE

13. GARY, MICHAEL V SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COMMUNITY ORGANIZER $346.16SA

14. GONZALEZ, SIGFREDO SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER $1,153.85SA

15. HARRIS, MARZETTA L SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH $2,500.00RA

16. HARRIS-COLEMAN, MONICA A SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX EDUCATION LIAISON $1,923.08RA

17. JOHNSON, LUIS M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX OUTREACH COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIAL $1,153.85RA

18. LABOY, FRANCK SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS $1,730.77RA

19. LANDAUER, JANET A SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY ASSISTANT $7.25TE

20. Lawrence, Mortimer A, Majority Staff, Albany, Special Counsel to the Majority Leader, $6798

21. LEDER, DARLENE A SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO CHIEF OF STAFF $1,923.08RA

22. MANGIONE, STEPHEN J SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR $2,153.85SA

23. MANSFIELD, THOMAS C SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY CHIEF STAFF FOR LEG & STRATEGIC AFF $3,846.16RA

24. MARTIN, NATHANIEL M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX DIR OF ADV OPERATIONS & OUTREACH SP $1,730.77RA

25. ORTIZ, YADIRA SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT $1,769.24RA

26. Pegano, Daniel L, Maj Counsel/Program/Committee Staff, Bronx, General Counsel $1923.08

27. PFAFF, DAVID B SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BUFFALO DIR UPSTATE RELATIONS FOR MAJ LDR $2,692.31RA

28. PIGEON, G STEVEN SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY COUNSEL TO THE MAJORITY LEADER $5,769.24RA

29. REYES, NORREIDA I SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR ALBANY DIRECTOR OF MULTI MEDIA $3,076.93RA

30. RIVERA, HAILE M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX SP AST ECONO DR. FOR THE VP URB PLA $1,615.39SA

31. RODRIGUEZ, MARIA A SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH $1,923.08RA

32. ROSEBURGH, SHAWN W SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX SEN OUTREACH COMMU REL SPECIALIST $1,730.77SA

33. SANTANA, RIQUEVIL SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX OUTREACH COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIAL $1,653.85RA

34. ST PAUL, RICHARD E SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX COUNSEL $3,288.47SA

35. TORRES, JEANETTE SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX OFC RESCE MGR CHARITY OUTRCH COORD $3,269.24RA

36. TUCKER, CURTIS J SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR NEW YORK DIR. OF LEGIS POLICY MAJ. LEADER $5,000.00RA

37. WALSH, CHRISTOPHER P SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BUFFALO SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE UPSTATE DIR $1,000.00SA

38. WANGLIEN, DANIELLE M SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR NEW YORK COUNSEL TO THE MAJORITY LEADER $3,653.85RA

39. WILLIAMS, JOEY SENATOR PEDRO ESPADA, JR BRONX ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT $1,923.08RA

~ErLu

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

Dems Might Boot Poverty Pimp Espada

A little Independence Day gift from the New York State Democratic Party for the Bronx and the 33rd state senate district.

I guess Westchester Pete was one scandal over the line. The NY Post is reporting that a letter written with the the approval of Charlie King, the executive director of the state party, has been sent to Jeff Dinowitz, the Bronx Democratic chairman, asking that the legal proceedings for political ouster begin.

No need to recount all the scandals here, but we all know why the state party wouldn't want this lout in its fold. (Although we're still not clear on why it took so long for the state Dems to grow a pair).

"Dems Ready to Give Pedro the Heave-Ho" [Fredric U. Dicker, NY Post]

~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

Diaz to Espada: Step Down

Pablo Guzman from CBS-2 News has this little chestnut in a recent report:

Ruben Diaz Jr. is the Bronx borough president. He's Democrat, like Espada. Except now he thinks the time has come for Espada to get off the stage.

"I think that when you have such a cloud over your head, I think that he should seriously think, and consider taking care of these problems right now, and maybe stepping aside," he told CBS 2.

We're sure Rubencito's suggestion that Espada step down has nothing to with the latter's suggesting that the former's job should be eliminated to help close the state's massive budget hole. Here's an idea for closing the budget: don't steal $14,000,0000.

~ErLu

BREAKING NEWS: Feds, IRS Raid Soundview (Espada's Week From Hell Continues)

The Washington Post (from the AP) is reporting that FBI and IRS agents have raided Pedro Espada's Soundview HealthCare Network a day after AG Cuomo released a damaging complaint against Espada's shady financial dealing with Soundview. Is this another investigation to add to the ever growing list?

Agents were seen removing boxes, files, and campaign materials from Soundview.

Let's see what the big boys find!

Just resign already, Petey. Just resign.

~ErLu

Espada the Poverty Pimp; Soundview HealthCare the Whore

So I am sure you've all heard about the complaint filed by AG Cuomo against Pedro Espada and his use of the "non-profit" (yes, they are sarcastic quotation marks) Soundview Health Center.

If you haven't seen the nitty-gritty yet, here a few articles and blog posts with all the sordid details from the NY Times, BxNN, and the Liz Benjamin-less Daily Politics.

Long story short: Espada is accused of stealing roughly $14,000,000 (fourteen MILLION! dollars) in state and federal funds intended to be used at Soundview for poor Bronx residents to pad his lifestyle and that of his family and friends and to help fund his political campaigns. [$20,000 on sushi, $50,000 for a Bronx apartment in which he doesn't live, a $9,000,000 severance package that would bankrupt his own "non-profit," trips to Vegas, Miami, and Puerto Rico, and a whole host of other outlandish personal expenses paid for with tax-payer money given to Sondview in the form of grants.]

The ole BD isn't surprised at all, and we hope that this civil complaint becomes the much deserved criminal charges Westchester Pete has been dodging for years.

Pedro learned his poverty pimp methods from the best.

Here's a little poem forwarded to BoogieDowner from a tenants' lawyers listserv that sums up his scumbaggery rather well:

I am Pedro Espada and I speak for the poor.

I speak for them so they don't ask for more.

More housing, more jobs, more schools they might ask.

My poverty act is a difficult task.

I'm for these things, each one, or at least so I say,

I say it enough to keep reporters at bay

I made millions from Soundview by looting the store,

I'm a tough talking millionaire who speaks for the poor.

Here's hoping that the Bronx won't stand for this nonsense in the September primaries: vote for either of the challengers - anyone but Pedro.

*Our fave photo of Pedro above is thanks to John DeSio*

~ErLu

Espada Up in Smoke? Connecting the Dots.

Phony addresses on either side of the state, sleazy political veterans, and large sums of money might, just might (pretty please!), be the investigation that breaks the camel's back for Pedro Espada.

WCSBTV-2 and Marcia Kramer broke the story that the feds are investigating Westchester Pete's connections to a company called A-1 Multiservices, LLC, reportedly run by Espada's son and said to be located at a cigar shop (pictured below, courtesy of ErLu) on 2384 Hughes Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx.
The only problem is that the landlord has no clue about this company:

"I don't know who this guy is," landlord Salvatore Dimaggio said. "Nobody ever told me that name."

DiMaggio is the landlord at the Hughes Avenue building. He says letters occasionally arrive for A-1, but he returns them because there's no A-1 at that address. [wcbstv.com]

It turns out that the company paying A-1 is a similarly shadowy entity on the other side of the state with ties to Espada's post-coup $150K/year counsel, Steve Pigeon. The clandestine company funneling money to A-1 is a GDP Consulting, whose address state records indicate as 7305 Porter Road in Niagra Falls, NY (pictured below, courtesy of Charles Lewis/Buffalo News). The only problem? The Buffalo News is reporting that said address is actually the home to Parenti Accounting Group.
The Buffalo News is also reporting that there is absolutely no physical or material indication of GDP sharing the space on Porter Road with Parenti. Although, there does seem to be some connection to Steve Pigeon.

Jerry Parenti, chairman of the accounting business, is the father of Gary D. Parenti, a longtime political associate of Pigeon. [...]

But what ties, if any, Gary Parenti might have to GDP remains unclear.

“Talk to Gary about that,” Jerry Parenti said Saturday. A telephone number he provided for his son was not working, and Gary Parenti did not return a message left with his father. [buffalonews.com]

I don't know about you, but this whole situation sounds awfully fishy to me. I think I smell Tom Golisano involved in this. There always needs to be a money man, right? Golisano and Pigeon's relationship centered around political spending and maneuvering is long. It kind of makes sense when you learn that GDP was formed July 23, 2009 - a mere two weeks after the Golisano-backed (funded?) coup propelled Espada to Majority leader ended. Maybe we should add any payments from GDP to A-1 to the list of ways people profited from the coup.

~ErLu

Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter to Officially Kick-Off Senate Campaign This Saturday

Well, it's official - Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter will be challenging Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. in the September primary. The Albany Project reports that Pilgrim-Hunter will kick-off her campaign this Saturday, 4/17, outside of the Bronx Library Center at 11am. Click here to read the Albany Project's piece for more info.

~ErLu

House Party to Oust Espada

While Pedro Espada Jr. is busy planning an exclusive fundraiser for himself up in Albany next week (entry to the shindig starts at a mere $1,000), we've learned that a group of Bronxites are planning their own little soiree which has been subtly entitled, "House Party to Oust Espada."

Longtime community advocates Miriam Ford, Jack Marth, and Margaret Groarke will be hosting said house party in Van Cortlandt Village next Monday, 3/22, in support of Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter's campaign for NYS Senate. While a major goal of the gathering is to raise funds to boost Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter's campaign to the next level, the event will also offer Bronxites the opportunity to meet the potential Espada opponent and learn more about her vision.

The suggested donation to attend the party is $50, although we hear a contribution of any size will get you in. No $1,000 per ticket Pedro-style snobbery here! Click here to view the full invitation and learn more about the goal of the evening. Those who cannot attend but would still like to support the effort can also do that through the link provided.

You better watch your back, Pedro...

~ErLu

Pedro Wants You to Contact Him...But Not Really.

This came in over the weekend from a feisty BD Reader who tried to visit State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr.'s district office over the weekend...

State Senate Majority Leader Espada wants you to contact him... but not really.

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/pedro-espada-jr/contact

He has not one, but TWO, offices within walking distance of his district.

Just don't try visiting the offices. When are they open? The website doesn't give you the hours. I tried visiting the Bainbridge office at 2:30pm on Saturday, but it was all locked up. You might expect to find a sign with the hours posted at the office, but apparently there wasn't enough room left on the giant banner after they included the photo of our State Senate Majority Leader.

Why would I expect his office to be open on Saturday, since it's not a business day? Precisely because it's not a business day! When, exactly, does our elected representative expect his constituents who work Monday through Friday to visit his office?

There are regular community meetings where residents voice their concerns. You might expect the State Senate Majority Leader to care enough to send someone from his staff. Nobody has seen them in months! How do you represent your community if people can't visit your office and your staff isn't going out to listen to them?

As taxpayers, we are footing the bill for the renovations, rent, and staffing for two local offices. Perhaps it's all that extra overhead that's making him cut back on the hours.

Thanks BD Reader! Just a quick BD Note on this: A few of Pedro's staffers did actually show up at the Bedford Mosholu Community Association meeting earlier this month. However, I did not find them to be of much use to the community. They basically just read from a copy of Pedro's calendar and spoke of dates of future celebrations which will include the community. There was no real talk of community issues or legislative agendas. I would find it much more useful if Pedro himself would make an appearance at a community meeting at some point. I could walk over with him from Bainbridge House!

~ErLu

What a Mug

A BD reader passed by Pedro Espada Jr.'s new district office at 3328 Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood and snapped the above photo.

Firstly, here's hoping that is just a temporary sign and he'll upgrade to a less ghetto version sometime soon.

Secondly, why does this guy feel the need to plaster his face on everything he does?

We think it's safe to say he's the king of unabashed self-promotion.

~ErLu

The Beginning of the End for Westchester Pete?

New York State Attorney General has filed some incendiary documents in Manhattan Supreme Court today.

Among other things, Espada is accused of funneling public monies intended for the impoverished patients and clients of Soundview Heath Care Network to his own political and personal uses.

I don't think anyone is at all surprised, but at least the pink ethics elephant in the room is being pursued legally.

Hopefully these accusations (and future charges?) will finally bring down this carpetbagging, coup leading, nepotistic, fire-hydrant blocking lout and free the 33rd senatorial district from the tyranny of his unbridled arrogance, thugishness, and blatant disrespect for his constituents' intelligence and needs.

If nothing sticks, or if any future charges do not surface before the primary this year, we must have someone run against this clown. Any suggestions, rumors, volunteers?

~ErLu

Officer Espada Reports for Duty at Bainbridge House

Last night we were walking back from the New York Botanical Garden when we saw a Benz parked right smack in front of the fire hydrant in front of our building. As many of you know, one of our favorite Senate Majority Leaders drives a Benz and "lives" in Bainbridge House. Sure enough, the license plate on the car matched up with the one that was revealed as being Pedro Espada Jr's. when Mr. Espada tried to escape CBS2's Marcia Kramer by using a baby as a human shield in Mamaroneck back in April.

Isn't Espada (or one of his friends/family members with access to his ride) afraid of getting one of those $115 tickets for blocking the fire hydrant? Well, no, because it appears that Pedro has some good friends in the New York State Police Department. He had one of those sweet little Police Vehicle Identification placards that allowed him to endanger Bedford Park residents' lives by blocking the hydrant without even so much as the threat of a ticket landing on his car.
Parking (meaning, lack of it) is a huge issue in Bedford Park. There have been countless times that we've trudged from a few blocks away while lugging our baby just because we were lucky enough to find a legal spot somewhere. So seeing Pedro roll up and park illegally right in front of our building (while at the same time throwing any concerns for his constituents' safety and well being right out the window) makes me quite angry. Not surprised at all, but angry nonetheless.Looks like our State Senate Majority Leader is starting out the New Year with the same entitled attitude that enabled him to cripple the State legislature for about a month in the early summer of 2009. By the way, it doesn't seem that Espada deigned to stay the night in the BoogieDown because the vehicle was not parked overnight.

~ErLu

Espada Sighting

This came in today from a BD reader:

This morning I was at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center when Pedro
Espada and his entourage showed up. They did a photo op of handing an oversized check for $10,000 for the center, to one of the members. They interrupted the Wednesday morning Tai Chi class to have a group of seniors in the background. I left the room. Did he stop by his apartment?

The answer, dear readers, is NO, we have not seen him here in Bainbridge House.

~ErLu