Bruce Feld: A Leader Among Leaders

L- R Dr. Steven Benardo, Jodie Colon, Former NYC Councilman Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Congressman Eliot Engel.  Behind Schneiderman District Leader Bruce Feld. 2003 Press Conference

L- R Dr. Steven Benardo, Jodie Colon, Former NYC Councilman Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Congressman Eliot Engel. Behind Schneiderman District Leader Bruce Feld. 2003 Press Conference

On Sunday October 26, 2014 Bruce Feld, former District Leader for the 81st Assembly District, was honored at a brunch sponsored by The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club and hosted by Councilman Andrew Cohen at his home. Bruce’s progressive activism also included being a member of the New York State Democratic Committee and as Commissioner of the Community Assistance Unit during the administration of Mayor Edward I Koch. He has served the community of Riverdale, The Bronx and the City of New York with dedication and professionalism for many years. Bruce served for twelve years at City Hall. During that time he set up 59 Community Boards and 135 town hall meetings. After his tenure at City Hall Bruce stayed in public service unlike many others who used their former positions and sought lucrative high paying jobs in the public sector. In all of his years as a community activist his desire was to serve the people and not himself. It was an honor for me to serve on the Democratic State Committee with Bruce from 1994-2004. Bruce also served as Deputy Administrative Director to the Democratic National Committee under John Bailey who was Chair of the DNC. His successor as District Leader, Eric Dinowitz, has the same desire to serve the people of the 81st Assembly District and the Bronx. Eric, an educator, is dedicated to the children of our city and to all who reside in the 81st AD and beyond.

In his remarks Bruce referred to his years of working with the Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club and with its leaders who are now all close friends. He referred to Senator Jeff Klein’s remark about the torch being passed. Bruce said it is more like the flashlight app on the smart phones being passed to a new District Leader. He knows that Eric Dinowitz will do a great job as District Leader. He also referred to the fact that there were disagreements between him and the other leaders at times and how he was always right of course. He referred to salacious rumors and innuendos about a sexual and sensual relationship between him and the President of the Ben Franklin Club. He said that they were all true. The president of the Ben Franklin Club, whose secondary role is Bruce’s wife, concurred with Bruce.

“It is always so nice to get together with my friends in the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club for our annual brunch,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “The Ben Franklin Club has been an incredible force for Democratic politics in the northwest Bronx for decades, due in no small part to the dedication of club leaders like this year’s brunch honoree, former District Leader Bruce Feld. I’ve known Bruce for many years and I can tell you there is no better ally to have as an elected official. His sage advice and steady demeanor have made him an invaluable asset to us all, and although he has stepped aside and passed the torch to a great new District Leader. I know that Bruce will continue to play a huge role in the Ben Franklin Club moving forward.”

“Outgoing male District Leader Bruce Feld served the 81st Assembly District with distinction. Bruce’s selfless commitment to his neighborhood and local politics must be applauded. His sharp insights, institutional knowledge and countless stories made him an asset to our team and a great leader. I’m proud to honor his work and to call him a friend,” said NYS Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said “Bruce Feld was a district leader par excellence. He served for twenty years as a Democratic Party leader. He is an incredible strategist and an amazing organizer. I appreciate all he has done for the Ben Franklin Democratic Club, The Democratic Party and for me. He now serves as a Vice Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party. I know I will continue to enjoy his friendship and good advice for many years to come.”

District Leader Eric Dinowitz said: “There is no better mentor than Bruce. His advice and counsel always focus on the community and the democratic values that we all share. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him directly and look forward to learning even more from him as I continue on as his successor.”

Councilman Andy Cohen had words of praise for Bruce and for his successor Eric Dinowitz. He again thanked the club for its support and is dedicated to those residing in his Councilmanic District and beyond. Also at the event were Female District Leader for the 81st AD Randi Martos, NYS Democratic State Committee members, 81st AD, Bill Weitz and Helen Morik, Joe McManus, Democratic State Committee member, 80th AD and Sylvia Lask, Vice Chair of the Bronx Democratic County Committee.

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