Community Support for Councilman Elect Richie Torres

This letter was originally posted on Facebook.
Dear editor,
We would like to express our full support
for City Council Member-elect Ritchie Torres’
decision to back one of the most progressive
and independent candidates for City Council
Speaker, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito.
Ritchie is the sole member of the Bronx
Delegation of City Council members that is
backing Melissa for this very important position.
Sometimes in life and in government there
are times when one has to stand on principle,
instead of standing with the crowd. Even if
you end up standing alone.
In the wake of a very contentious City Council
election, many people questioned the independence
of this legislative newcomer.
With this decision to support Melissa,
Ritchie stands alone. Not for process, nor for
profit: But for principle.
It is great to see that he is demonstrating
to his colleagues in government, and to the
people he represents, that he is progressive
and independent, and will support those that
are as well.
It is important to stand with other Bronx
elected officials when it is beneficial to the
borough. But when we have an opportunity to
support a well-qualified, independent progressive,
who is also a woman of Latina descent,
we must exercise independence and a political
spine.
When it’s all said and done, everyone will
move on and admire the person who stood up
for what they thought was right, and not what
was popular.
NYC needs a 180-degree reversal of course
after 12 years of Bloomberg policies. We may
have a new, more progressive Mayor, but we
MUST have a City Council Speaker who holds
Bill de Blasio’s feet to the fi re on such important
issues as Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning
and other changes that are needed to make
NYC livable and affordable for EVERYONE.
So, as lifelong residents of the Bronx, and
people who know how it feels to be the sole
rebel in the room, we would like to express
our FULL support of Council Member-elect
Ritchie Torres’ decision to stand up for progressive
values by supporting Melissa Mark-
Viverito for City Council Speaker.
You are not alone, Ritchie.
Thank you, Council Member-elect Ritchie
Torres!
Raphael Schweizer, Community Activist &
Kenny Agosto, Community Activist and
District Leader – The Bronx

 

 

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