Surrounded by a sea of supporters chanting his name on the steps of Bronx Borough Hall, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr. officially announced his candidacy for the office of Bronx Borough President in the special election on Tuesday, April 21.
“I see a day when the Bronx is a leader in job creation. I see a day when the Bronx is an engine of sensible green development that leads the way in driving the city’s and state’s recovery. I see a day when we can ensure our children a brighter future by investing in the resources they needed to stay healthy and ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education. I see a day when we ca guarantee civil rights for all and when no communities or individuals are subject to discrimination, whether in the form of police harassment or environmental injustice in underserved neighborhoods,” said Diaz Jr.
As the only elected official seeking the borough presidency, on Thursday, March 5, Diaz, Jr. submitted over 16,500 signatures with the Board of Elections, 12,500 votes over the minimum signature requirement.
“Ruben Diaz, Jr. is the man the Bronx needs at this time of economic crisis and of high unemployment,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.
A coalition of elected officials commended Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s last 12 ½ years of his career, as well as his plans for the future.
“As I have gotten to know Ruben Diaz, Jr., I have become impressed with his energy, his enthusiasm, and his desire to work with all the communities of the Bronx,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.
Diaz, Jr. promised supporters, as they shouted ‘the Bronx united will never be defeated,’ that the Bronx will continue its progress and fight to receive its share of city, state and federal monies to help the Bronx move onward and upward.
“Ruben Diaz, Jr. has the energy and enthusiasm to be a strong advocate for our borough and all its neighborhoods,” said Councilman James Vacca. “I am confident that he’s up to the challenges that lie ahead in the borough and in our city.”
