Liberty Democratic Association

We would like to apologize for not having our column last week, but with the community and political season in full swing, we have been involved in many activities and events:

The Liberty Democratic Association of the 80th Assembly District has been engaged in a process in developing alliances through the other Bronx Assembly districts. On Saturday, June 21, we sponsored a free barbecue in Fordham-Bedford in the 78th Assembly District. Our new banner waved high at the 4th Annual Committee of 100 Democrat Barbecue. Many members, including, Senator Jeffrey Klein and Senator Efrain Gonzalez, district leader Kenny Agosto and State Committeeman Joseph McManus were present helping the community enjoy a great community day. We started this alliance process a month ago with six of our members attending the 48th Annual Dinner of The Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club, in the 81st Assembly District in Riverdale.

At the Bronx Day Parade on the great lawns of Mosholu Parkway, in the heart of 80th Assembly District, the Liberty Democratic Association (LDA) participated in generating more membership for the club. More importantly, LDA also spent the day registering more people to vote. As the weather that day was raining on and off, the LDA table was packed with people wanting to learn more about the club and to get involved in the democratic electoral process. District leader Kenny Agosto, president Sally Caldwell, Vice President Cynthia O’Neill Reilly, Communications director Anthony Rivieccio and State Committeeman Joseph McManus also marched in the parade supporting our assemblywomen, Naomi Rivera.

The Liberty Democratic Association is on the final round of finishing their 2008 petition drive. This year, petitions have been carried for club members into elected office, including district leaders Kenny Agosto and Miriam Schwartz and committee members Diane Cerino and Joseph McManus. The headliner of our petition drive is Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera.

We have also started an alliance process with our local television station, Bronxnet TV. LDA members were recently on The Open Show introducing themselves and took part on the show Perspectives, discussing recent testimony given to The Rent Guidelines Board regarding Mitchell-Lama and senior housing. On that note, many LDA members are creating their first sub- committee, LDA Mitchell-Lama Committee to assist in preserving housing assistance for seniors.

Finally, all praise goes to The Allerton Tenants & Homeowners Association for their 4th Annual Community Picnic at Pelham Parkway and Stillwell Avenue. Board member Diana Auletta and the rest of the wonderful 34 year old organization held a party for 200 of their neighbors. Attendees included: representatives for Borough President Tom Lucania and Assemblyman Michael Benadetto, Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, Senator Jeffrey Klein, State Committeeman Joseph Mcmanus and Communications Director Anthony Rivieccio.

The Liberty Democratic Association is the political club in the 80th Assembly District in the Bronx. The 80th Assembly District covers the neighborhoods of: Allerton, Bedford Park, Bronxdale, Fort Independence, Indian Village, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Bay, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway, Van Courtlandt Village, Van Nest, and Westchester Square.

For more information on the activities of The Liberty Democratic Association call (347) 575-5045.