FAMILY FEUD
With the battle lines being drawn between Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera and challenger Mark Gjonaj, we hear there’s some grumbling among Liberty Democratic club members over state committeewoman Diane Cerino endorsing and working with Gjonaj.
“Many times, families agree to disagree,” Cerino told us, “but the Liberty Democratic Association will remain strong.”
There’s never been much love between the club and Snooki, who tried – and failed – to take it over with her own leadership slate a few years back. But the club is biting it’s collective tongue, smiling for the camera surrounding Snooki, and has her name on its nominating petitions, all in the name of supporting County’s incumbent.
LIAR! LIAR!
Councilman/minister Fernando Cabrera’s chanting “Liar, liar, pants suit on fire!” at Council Speaker Chris Quinn after she blocked a resolution calling on the state to allow houses of worship to meet on school property. Cabrera sez she promised him different.
COUNCIL LINES
Former east Bronx Councilwoman Madeline Provenzano named by Mayuh Mike as one of his seven appointees, while former Hunts Point/Longwood Board 2 district manager John Robert named by Council Speaker Christine Quinn to the 15-member Districting Commission, which will use the 2010 Census to adjust the 51 councilmanic district lines.
Big question is whether the panel is non-partisan or a copycat of the recent state gerrymandering operation.
“New Yorkers expect the redistricting process to promote democratic participation and competition – not to protect incumbents,” sayeth Mike.
Maddy served from 1997 through 2005, after learning the game as chief of staff to the ever humble and shy councilman Mike DeMarco. She was term-limited out, and suceeded by Jimmy Vacca.
CHEZ ENGEL
Rep. Eliot Engel took some heat in print recently over his financial disclosure statement showing a mortgage worth $100G-$250G financed by his longtime friend, donor and business partner Harry Bajraktari.
But Engel spokesman Joe O’Brien said the deal WAS cleared by the House Ethics Committee back in 2009, with the mortgage rate around “six-ish percent.”
BRAGGING RIGHTS
IF (just kidding) he wins the June 26 primary against Bronx attorney Aniello Grimaldi, Congressman Eliot Engel told us he’ll best former Dem Party Boss Charlie Buckley’s old record as the longest serving Bronx congressman.
Rep. Jose Serrano said he still holds the record as a local elected, having served 16 years in the assembly as well as 22 years in Congress.
Engel’s new 16th District, formerly labeled the 17th, eliminates Rockland County, and runs from Riverdale back to his old stomping grounds in Co-op City, as well as Yonkers and southern Westchester.
COURTING KLEIN?
Senate minority Dems making noises about “allowing” Jeff Klein and four-member breakaway crew back into their conference to seize back control from the GOP’s 33-29 vote margin, according to a recently published report.
But that’s only if Jeff and crew don’t pull a Four Amigos blackmail act like Pedro Espada, Ruben (The Rev) Diaz, Carl Kruger and Hiram Monserrate (Three of them now jailed or heading there.)
We can hear Jeff snickering from here.
And BTW, we were behind the Albany numbers last week when we talked about a 32-30 split. Forgot about Republican David Storobin beating Democratic City Councilman Lew Fidler in a special election to fill convicted Brooklyn senator Carl Kruger’s seat.
I HEART THE BRONX
Boro Prez Ruben Diaz Jr. has named marketing consultant Olga Luz Tirado to head the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp.’s Bronx Tourism Council.
COUNTY DINNER
It’s time once again to mend political fences and make some contracts. We’re talking ‘bout the annual Bronx Democratic Party dinner, at the Marina del Rey July 19.
The annual affair was pushed into July a few years ago after a lot of city and/or state legislators found themselves stuck at City Hall or in Albany hammering out late budgets for the fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Among this year’s honorees, Simon Bergson, President and C.E.O. of Manhattan Beer Distributors; businessman Fernando Brinn; Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. prexy Marlene Cintron, and Kathryn Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City.
For info, call (718) 704-7039, or email dinner2012@distinctivepa.com.
CONGRATS
To attorney Michael Marinaccio, taking over July 1 as prez of the Bronx Bar Association. A former assistant Bronx D.A., he repped one of the cops in the Amadou Diallo case.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
June 16 to J.C. Polanco, Bronx Republican member and head of the City Board of Elections, and to Riverdalian Jamie McShane, press secretary to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
PASSINGS
Bronx graffiti artist “Stay High,” born Wayne Roberts, on June 11 at age 61.
Got some hot gossip? E-mail Kappy at bkappstatter@cnglocal.com.
