Diaz Votes...Will Anyone Else?

Here is Assemblyman Ruben Diaz and his wife, Hilda, voting this morning at P.S. 93 in Soundview.

We already have some reports that voting is very, very light across the borough, so we'll be on the lookout to see who else shows up at the polls today. But Diaz can at least count on these two votes in his race to become the next borough president.

Badillo Makes It Official

This morning, former borough president Herman Badillo released an official statement (to coincide with a press conference) endorsing the likely winner of Tuesday's special election, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr.

"I have supported Ruben Diaz, Jr. since he first arrived in the State Assembly, and I am proud to endorse him now for Bronx Borough President. I know Ruben has the kind of character and work ethic we can count on to make the Bronx a better place for us and our children," Badillo said.

"I am pleased and grateful for the ongoing and steadfast support of former Congressman and Bronx Borough President Herman Badillo," Diaz. "Congressman Badillo has paved the way for so many of us and has dedicated his life to serving the people of this borough and the City of New York."

Badillo Goes In For Diaz

It's just breaking now, but former Bronx Borough President (the first Puerto Rican to hold that position, in fact) Herman Badillo will officially endorse Assemblyman Ruben Diaz in the special election tomorrow.

Badillo, a former congressman and current author, was elected to the beep's office in 1965, serving until 1970. More recently, Badillo was a "Democrat for Giuliani" and ran for mayor in the Republican primary against Mike Bloomberg in 2001.

More to come...

Greene Named As Likely Deputy Beep

Assemblyman Ruben Diaz has announced the first major hire of his presumptive Bronx borough presidency. South Bronx Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, who had been considered a front-runner to be the next county clerk, will serve as his deputy borough president, assuming he's victorious in the April 21 special election.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Aurelia Greene has been a champion for Bronxites and for all New Yorkers. She has been on the front lines fighting for tolerance and understanding among all peoples, and she has been a champion for women, children and families; tenants and homeowners; students and teachers; youth and seniors; and consumers, workers and job-creating businesses in the Bronx. She will bring to bear her distinguished record of accomplishment and leadership in our efforts to bring the Bronx to a new level,” said Assemblyman Diaz.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the next Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., who will bring dynamic new energy to Borough Hall,” said Assemblywoman Greene. “I look forward to working with him to implement his vision for a revitalized Bronx. As Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr. will balance the needs and desires of our local communities with sensible, job-creating policies that benefit us all. I am thrilled at the chance to help him implement that vision and to make the Bronx an even better place to live, work, or visit for all of us,” she said.

Greene has been in the assembly since 1982, and is the first African-American to hold that body's Deputy Majority Leader position.

Diaz Swings Through Riverdale

A little bit earlier today, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz dropped by the Riverdale Y with his colleague Jeffrey Dinowitz for a bit of an informal meet-and-greet. Here's some video. And excuse the lighting...that's a tough room to film in.

Diaz To CFB: No Thanks

With his only opponent in the upcoming special election for borough president a poorly funded Anthony Ribustello, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz has decided to reject the use of hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer matching funds from the City's Campaign Finance Board.

"While I support and believe in the City’s campaign finance system, New Yorkers’ best interests must come first. In these tough economic times, especially while confronted with a seemingly non-competitive race for Bronx Borough President, it is my hope that returning these funds to City taxpayers will assist in the retention of jobs and the continuation of vital services," said Diaz in a prepared statement.

He added, "My campaign for Bronx Borough President is a people-powered, grassroots effort that relies on voters and volunteers to get the message out about my candidacy. That’s why my campaign was able to gather over 18,000 signatures from registered voters in the Bronx, and that’s why I will be elected the next Bronx Borough President."

Ribustello Files, "People First"

I meant to put this up the other day, but Republican actor and activist Anthony J. Ribustello has filed over 5,000 signatures for ballot access in the special election for borough president.

As this is a non-partisan election, candidates must choose their own, unique party name. Ribustello has chosen "People First."

Ribustello said that he has gotten a great response from those he has approached over the last two weeks, and that moving forward he would bring his campaign across The Bronx, attending meetings with neighborhood groups and community associations.

“People are tired of the status quo,” said Ribustello.