BOE Approves Tirado for Democratic Assembly Run

1966689_776640345681896_1347602220_nAfter weeks of anticipation and a prolonged petition challenge, the City’s Board of Elections on Wednesday gave the green light for challenger Fernando P Tirado to remain on the ballot for the Democratic Primary in September for Assemblyman in the 78th District (located in the Bedford Park, Fordham, Belmont neighborhoods). According to local sources, the challenges to Tirado’s petitions were thrown out by the BOE Commissioners for being ‘frivolous’ and objections were considered to be “too broad, non-specific, or generic”.

Tirado, who served as the District Manager for Community Board 7 in the Northwest Bronx for nearly five years, was relieved to hear the news. “I thank everyone who has helped in any way for getting our team this far. We have reached a major milestone by getting onto the ballot, but the real fight is just beginning. And with everyone’s continued support, we can achieve the victory our community deserves.”

Tirado states that his main focus is on promoting local economic development, including jobs and new businesses in the district. As the district manager, he fought to support local merchants, including those on Kingsbridge Road, and helped steer the course for the rezoning of Webster Avenue, which encourages the development of new housing and commercial spaces. He is also a proponent for tougher penalties against those involved in domestic violence, an advocate for repairing community relations between police and residents, improving our local schools, and addressing the district’s health challenges. Tirado, who served at the Department of Health for 13 years, is passionate about nutrition and food access. When he worked at the Bronx office, he developed several programs to tackle these issues, including creating the department’s first Health Bucks program in 2005.

Tirado is up against ex-party boss Assemblyman Jose Rivera, a thirty year veteran who has been plagued with a host of issues for over the last decade. Some of these issues include a back door deal with former Mayor Bloomberg for the Croton Filtration Plant project in 2003, which has been plagued by massive cost-overruns, broken promises of jobs and parks, and ties to organized crime. Additionally, he was forced out as the Democratic Party Boss by the Rainbow Rebellion in 2008 on charges of nepotism and dividing the Democratic Party, while also having one of the worst attendance and voting records in the Assembly since 2011.

Tirado states that he wants voters to know that he is running on his record of accomplishments and what he is able to bring to the community. “It would be an honor to be given the chance to do the right thing for my community, and I’m hoping that voters will see that come September. Currently, Tirado works at Lehman College, assisting small businesses in disaster recovery and preparation. He is married for 18 years to his wife Karen and has three children who have been or are currently in local public schools.

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