Bronx Dems Turn To New, Younger Leadership
By Anthony Rivieccio
NYS Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, 85th AD.
(Bronx, NY) On Thursday night, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo took the reins as the new and youngest chairman of the Bronx Democratic party.
Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz nominated Mr. Crespo and one of his best political friends, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, seconded the nomination. After a short discussion, the party’s Executive Committee voted unanimously to make Mr. Crespo chairperson, aka the county leader. Assemblyman Dinowitz retained his current post as executive committee vice chairman and chairman of the Bronx Democratic County Committee.
The county leader post was vacated since the election of Assemblyman Carl Heastie as Assembly Speaker, in the wake of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s arrest.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Crespo said, ” I will be fair. I will be inclusive and we will create a strong group that stays united.” The new Chairman paraphrased the words of his mentor, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., ” as long as our politics is strong, our policies will reflect every person in our borough.”
The Bronx Democratic Committee:
“Tonight, the Bronx continued its steady progress by electing Assemblyman Marcos Crespo as its Democratic Party Chairman. A young, energetic and intelligent statesman, Crespo will lead us to greater heights, fighting for a better quality of life for all Bronx residents.”
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who withdrew from consideration, said:
“I am pleased that my friend and colleague, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, is the new chair of the Bronx Democratic Party. He is hard working and is committed to a strong, unified and inclusive Democratic Party in the Bronx. He understands that bringing people from all ethnic groups and from all corners of the Bronx together is the only way for the party to be effective and successful. I look forward to working with him.”
Assemblyman and Former Bronx Chairman Jose Rivera stated:
“I predict a bright future in politics for Assemblyman Crespo. I’ve known Marcos when he was a student and an intern in Albany and I encouraged him to run for office then. Assemblyman Crespo is a decent, honest young man and a strong voice in Albany. We are in good hands. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
BBF Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson said:
“Marcos and I began this journey of public service together in 2009 as new Assembly members and I’m truly proud to call him a friend. He’s been committed, consistent and has been an effective leader in his district.
As Chairman, he will be inclusive, fair, honest and he will be the coalition builder necessary to further elevate the Bronx in a dynamic and significant way.”
New Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner:
“Congratulations Marcos Crespo, I am looking forward to your strong and effective leadership as we continue to promote the progress of the Bronx”.
John Zaccaro, President of The Bronx Young Democrats:
“I want to congratulate Assemblyman Marcos Crespo on his election for Chairman of the Bronx Democratic Party. A hard working young democrat who will continue to take the Bronx to new heights.”
Patrick Jenkins, Bronx Democratic Party Adviser:
“When Marcos was elected to the Assembly, I knew the 85th District had sent a really good person to represent them in Albany. He has been more than that.
He is sensible, caring, and a fighter. I am proud of him and I am proud to call him a friend. He will be a great County Leader.”
Mr Crespo is 35 years old Assemblyman representing the 85th Assembly District, which includes the Soundview, Clason Point, Longwood, and Hunts Point sections of the Bronx as well as Rikers Island. Crespo was first elected to the State Assembly in a June 2009 special election to replace Rubén Díaz Jr., who left the Assembly to become Bronx Borough President in April 2009.
In 2003, he participated in the State Assembly’s internship program, where he was assigned to work with Assemblyman Rubén Díaz, Jr. After earning his B.A. degree from John Jay College in 2004, he went to work as an aide State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr.
He was born in Puerto Rico and his family moved to New York City when he was a young child.
Bronxites can see Assemblyman Crespo’s acceptance speech, courtesy of Assemblyman Jose Rivera:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
Anthony Rivieccio is a five-decade Bronx resident and has 30 years as a Bronx Small Business Owner. He was past president of Bronxites for Parks, The 204th St/Bainbridge Ave Merchants Association & The Committee of 100 Democrats. He is currently a member of The Bedford Mosholu Community Association, Friends of Mosholu Parkland, Friends of Williamsbridge Oval, a former member of Community Board 7 and founder of Northwest Bronx Democrats.
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