Salamanca Receives Key Endorsements from the Bronx County Democratic Committee

Crespo calls Salamancaa leader with a proven record of getting things done

 

THE BRONX – The Bronx County Democratic Committee, as well as State Senator Ruben Diaz, Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda and Councilwoman Annabel Palma announced their support for Democrat Rafael Salamanca for City Council, where he is running in the special election to replace former Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo in the 17th District.

“Our Council Member needs to be a strong leader who can fight passionately for residents to help create more jobs, a leader who will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his/her neighbors, a leader with a proven record of getting things done and with a vision for moving the district forward,” said Assemblyman and Bronx County Democratic Committee Chair Marcos A. Crespo. “I have no doubt that Rafael Salamanca Jr. is that leader that we need in the 17th City Council district.”

Councilwoman Annabel Palma noted that “Rafael Salamanca has consistently demonstrated his commitment, advocacy, and leadership for the South Bronx, through his work as District Manager of Community Board 2. I am pleased to join the growing list of my colleagues in the city and state, in supporting his candidacy for Council Member of district 17.”

“I am delighted to endorse Rafael Salamanca for the City Council. Rafael has proven himself to be a courageous and effective fighter — for public safety, for enhancing the overall quality of life in our Bronx neighborhoods, and for making government more responsive to community needs. He is exceedingly bright, passionately committed to making a difference, and I know he will be a terrific champion for his constituents,” said Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., whose district overlaps with over 80% of the 17th Council District said, “Rafael Salamanca has remained dedicated to the people who live and work on our community here in the South Bronx, and I am very proud to support his decision to step up to represent the 17th Council District.”

Salamanca stated that he was incredibly grateful to have the support of such trusted leaders of the community and the entire Bronx Democratic Committee.

“The Bronx is lucky to have such dedicated public servants working on their behalf,” said Salamanca. “I look forward to being able to work alongside all of them as a member of the City Council to improve our schools, create more affordable housing and make sure our streets are safe.”

Asked about the Bronx Party’s Salamanca endorsement, challenger Amanda Septimo said, “I am looking forward to an exciting race. A competitive, transparent process is good for voters, and their best interest is always my priority.”

Julio Pabon, an insurgent who ran against Arroyo in 2014, said, “County had the chance to prove their desire to be more inclusive, but once again demonstrated that it’s business as usual — a Bronx Game of Thrones.”

Another Council hopeful, Rev. J. Loren Russell took the endorsement in stride saying that Democratic Party chairman Assemblyman Crespo called him personally to make him aware of his decision. “We will simply go out and compete. And will continue to maintain a good relationship in the future,” said Rev. Russell.

Democrat Rafael Salamanca is running on the Community First party line for the seat vacated by Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo. The non-partisan special election for the seat will be held on Tuesday, February 23rd.

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