Despite over six inches of snow on Monday blanketing the Bronx, the Bronx Young
Democrats (BYD) drew nearly three dozen hardy souls to brave the weather and network with one another about work, politics, and current events in the borough. BYD, which seeks to empower Bronx residents through outreach, educational activities and advocacy, hosted this event at the Bronx Ale House in the Northwest Bronx, one of several favorite venues for this organization.
Local Councilman Andrew Cohen of the 11
th District, where the Ale House is located, was present and supportive of the event and the organization. “It’s always great to have the event nearby in the district,” he stated, but he also acknowledged the hard work of the organization in “…getting youn
g people to be engaged” in the political process and in what’s happening in their communities.
While Mr. Cohen was the only elected official at today’s event, the organization has drawn many other officials and candidates to their meetings in the past. In September, just before the democratic primary, a similar networking function attracted several mayoral candidates and a number of officials seeking reelection.
The event drew out more than just die-hard members.
Present were individuals employed by citywide, borough-wide, state, or local officials, young professionals, and local entrepreneurs. Daniel Johnson, secretary for the BYD, commented that the event was designed to create a setting where individuals working in the political realm can network and have a good time. While many gathered into small gro
ups and popped in and out of each other’s orbit, a good part of the conversations centered on the recent election of newly-minted (and snow-tested) Mayor DeBlasio and the rise of Councilwoman Mark-Viverito to Speaker of the Council. Others conversed about recent job changes, as their former employers have moved into new positions, while still others talked about local issues (after all, all politics is local).
BYD also presented two lucky winners with gift certificates to the Bronx Ale House, Charlie Samboy of the Urban Poets Society and member of Bronx Community Board 2, and Marcos “El Flanadero” Sierra, Norwood entrepreneur and soon-to-be candidate for district leader in the 80th Assembly District. As BYD’s success continues to climb, we look forward to the group expanding and doing more to engage young Bronxites in getting involved and making a difference.
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