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City Councilman Rev. Diaz Sr. resigns from politics

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NEW York city councilman Reverend Ruben Diaz has disclosed his intention to resign from politics after his tenure, which would expire in December 2021.

In a statement to Parkchester Times, Rev Diaz said he was grateful to God for having given him the privilige to have served with honor for three years as a representative of the 18th Council District and also as State Senator, for which he served 16 years. .

Councilman Rev Diaz's term as a member of the council comes to an end on December 31, 2021.

"You should know that 'Everything Has Its End' is a (Salsa) tune, made famous and sung by the late, great, Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez, better known as Héctor Lavoe. This song hints at the fact that all things, good or bad, do not last forever. Everything has its end! My beloved reader, I have taken this famous tune, not only because it’s fantastic lyrics, but because it is true to life, that everything has its finality. So, I chose it’s theme to inform you of my official decision," said Rev Diaz. 

Rev Diaz also took time to highlight some of his achievements during the years he has served in the council.

"After an in-depth analysis of my life as a public servant for many years, I perused through those years and my trajectory of accomplishments on behalf of serving my community and they are as follows: When the Bronx was burning and everything was in ruins, abandoned, when hopelessness seemed to be the norm, and the Bronx was compared to post 2nd world war Germany, I remained and decided to make a difference," Rev Diaz said.

According to Diaz, during his tenure as a public office holder, he accomplished the following missions: initiation of the Rev. Ruben Diaz Plaza Housing Complex located at the corner of 163rd Street and James Polite, construction of Rev. Ruben Diaz Apartments located on Westchester Avenue, between Intervale Ave. and Kelly street, provision of the first transportation program for the frail elderly and people with disabilities called the South Bronx Senior Transportation Network, located at 910 East 172nd Street.

Rev Diaz further named other projects as three Centers serving various vital programs for the elderly: Casa Boricua, located at 172nd Street, corner of Southern Boulevard, The Millbrook and Betances Senior Citizen Centers, both located on St. Ann’s Avenue, the creation of the Home Attendant program, The Christian Community In Action Inc, a program he said provided 1,300 jobs.

He said the program employed a large immigrant population from the Dominican and Honduran communities.

"This was at a time, when they were not well received in New York.  This program served more than 1,400 disabled and frail elderly people. This program also employed 28 people in administrative positions and the Christian Community Ambulette Transportation Program. Located at 910 East 172nd Street, Bronx.

This program served the sick and disabled transporting them to and from their medical appointments," said Rev Diaz.

Other achievements highlighted by Rev Diaz included the establishment of The Christian Community Neighborhood Church: Located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue between Jennings and Freeman Streets in the Bronx. Serving the spiritual and social needs of Bronx residents as their Pastor for 28 years, the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, which was founded to educate the Christian Evangelical Community in the political process, while also providing humanitarian
aid in the natural disasters like, hurricanes, earthquakes of the world, I have faithfully served Bronx residents as their State Senator for sixteen (16) years creating legislation that would defend and improve the quality of life for the district I was elected to  serve,"

"It goes without saying that all the while leaving my wife to fend for herself at home, while duty called me to session in Albany, N.Y, the last three years I have served as a Member of the City Council where I have had to defend my principles, values and faith, while being a "Punching bag" by friends and foes alike.  I dare say that I was used by some as the “Hen that laid the Golden Eggs” to help them raise funds for their campaigns. Nonetheless I remained focused and continued to work for the betterment of my district and on improving the quality of life of those I was elected to represent," said Rev Diaz.

Rev Diaz said throughout his public service, he remained steadfast and brought many projects and programs to the Bronx. 

"I did so, with my head held high, defending those in need regardless of race, sexual orientation, political orientation, nationality or religion, regardless if they resided in my district or not, my office welcomed and served all. I will forever be grateful to all those that have stood by me.  My children, Damaris, Samuel and Ruben Jr., my staff, all the wonderful volunteers, supporters, friends, ministers, taxi drivers, members and leaders of the Christian Community Neighborhood Church and especially to my wife Leslie who has been the most affected and who silently suffered through it all. And then in the words of the Apostle Paul I will say: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' ( 2 Timothy 4:7-8 )," concluded Rev Diaz.

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