As expected, Judge W. Carter affirmed the referee’s report in Jones v Blake. Michael Blake is on the ballot along with four other candidates. The judge adopted the report in whole, except for the oral argument portion of the written decision.
Judge Carter wrote that he disagreed with the argument that the referee implied that “being born and raised in the Bronx grants a special presumption” nor found that it formed the basis of his recommendation.
Carter also found Blake’s testimony regarding his intentions, his physical presence in NY and his family involvement to be “credible and worthy of belief.” Judge Carter found the tax filings in question did not adequately meet the Petitioner’s weighty burden of proof. On that basis Judge Carter had no reason but dismiss the Petitioner’s challenge.
It’s game in the Bronx!
The candidates running in the 70th Assembly District each have their Individual qualities but the fact is only Blake, Marsha Michael (right) and George Alvarez (bottom right) are serious contenders. Lanita Jones, however, is clearly in over her head.
Michael Blake and Marsha Michael bring considerable talent and experience to the table. Mr. Blake will have to explain why he thinks amassing nearly a quarter million dollars is needed to win a district in his “hometown.” Ms. Michael will have to demonstrate that she is more than just a party functionary.
Blake, Rodriguez, Ricks
Voters in the 79AD will have to decide from among some sincere, talented and honest professionals who are vying for their vote. Over the next three weeks, all manner of campaign materials will be flooding local mailboxes. And those with landlines and listed cellphones will be getting robocalls on behalf of one candidate or another.
It will be a frenetic pace.
On September 4, the Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center will hold a candidate forum at the McKinley Houses Community Center located at 751 East 161st Street. The forum begins at 7:30 pm. Journalist Dominic Carter will moderate the forum.
The Democratic Primary is Tuesday, September 9. The polls open at 6AM and close at 9PM.
Michael Benjamin is a columnist and blogger as well as a former state legislator who represented the 79 AD, 2003-2010.
Follow him at http://CorruptionCrusher.com/; Twitter:@SquarePegDem; andwww.Facebook.com/SquarePegDem;www.YouTube.com/SquarePegDem; on Skype:SquarePegDem
Michael, you are such a dedicated journalist, who refuses to rest until you do all of your research with due diligence. It is impressive how honest and fearless you are in expressing your views, where many are less inclined to do so. The outcome of the Blake case is a surprise me, based on all the exclusive articles you have written and many others tried to report on after the fact. However you still nailed your prediction in the Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/obama-operative-blake-ballot-bronx-article-1.1904186
Thank you, for providing REAL NEWS that the community can really trust to be unbiased and factual. We’ll be sure to pay attention to these three contenders in the race! GAME ON!
Thank you, Susie. I have an interest and opinions to share. I am happy to enjoy your support.
Will the outcome of this race continue to adversely impact the Bronx’s political capital?
2009 Bx. Democratic Party endorses William Thompson for Mayor; Outcome: Lost!
2010 Bx. Democratic Party endorses Hector Ramirez in the 86th AD; Outcome: Lost!
2012 Bx. Democratic Party endorses Naomi Rivera in the 80th AD; Outcome: Lost!
2013 Bx. Democratic Party endorses William Thompson for Mayor; Outcome: Lost!
2014 Bx. Democratic Party endorses Dan Garodnick for City Council Speaker: Outcome: Lost!
2014 Bx. Democratic Party endorses Adriano Espaillat for Congress: Outcome: Lost!
2014 Bx. Democratic Party endorses Marsha Michael for the 79th AD: Outcome: Pending?
Hmmm?
Win some, lose some. That’s politics. Political capital has to be risked. Maybe, you should run for Bronx Democratic county leader, if you reorganize the party into a winning fighting force.
Oh by the way I forgot to mention: In 2008 the Bx. Democratic Party endorsed Hilary R. Clinton for the Democratic nomination for the President of the United States; Outcome: The party / candidate lost!
Yes in the world of politics you do win some and lose some. As you know, the problem is when you lose the major races: For example, President, Congress, Mayor, City Council Speaker, etc. It hurts the Bronx! With the exception of a few local elected officials who have a strong grassroots operation and who are able to retain their seats, the party doesn’t seem to have a strong grassroots operation. Please note that I use the word operation as opposed to base because as you know, base in a political context is about a block of voters most of which are not newly registered voters. Whereas an operation in a political context is about having boots on the ground getting out the vote. The party seems to operate from a position of endorsements, influence and money while depending on unions to do the grassroots work. Not developing its own grassroots operation is a strategic mistake especially when recent history shows that endorsements, influence and money haven’t yielded the desired result. .
Lastly, regarding your suggestion of “maybe… running for Bx. Democratic County Leader” it is easier said than done especially for an outsider looking in. In the interim having and moving this conversation forward will hopefully motivate someone to run a grassroots operation for county leader and the Bronx.
We all start off as “outsiders.” Grassroots begin with local Democratic clubs or neighborhood associations addressing local issues. These days, “online communities” can play a similar role. Thanks for your input. Hope you choose to take up your own grassroots organizing. Don’t forget to vote on September 9.