SCAN0002As 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.

20140815_Judge John W Carter-decisionCarter 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!

Meet_Marsha_resizedThe 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.

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Blake, Rodriguez, Ricks

61f85-1460020_1396949367209906_1011834114_nVoters 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