Cohen, Torres should step down now so it's citizens can have a special election, says Northwest Bronx Democrats

By Founder Anthony Rivieccio

Do you think a city council district, during the time of this pandamic, should be unattended.

This is , just one of questions that Mayor Deblasio and Gov Cuomo will have to answer very soon. After Ritchie Torres and City Councilman Andrew Cohen's , soon to be judgeship, the 15th & 11th Council districts will be left without political representation. Even if they wait to resign their political office , by the end of the year, the risk will be, at minimum, a few months.

Yes, their are legitimate questions on the side of " not" having a special election. Legitimate questions come up like; Why have 2 elections, in a span of 6 months? Won't it cost more money? Of course it will.

Then there our " other factors" as well. Ranked choice voting takes effect on elections in 2021, but not 2020. Thus in theory, the earlier a special election, the earlier you can avoid ranked choice voting

Earlier voting, on the other hand, will give people that are ready the Inside track for victory. Who will this be if they are " open seats"!?. Obviously, the County based organization.

We can see this clearly happening, for example in the 11th Council District. With Andrew Cohen stepping down, and Eric Dinowitz, running for this ( in theory) open seat, father and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who just presided over the Bronx County Judicial convention, which nominated Cohen to a judgeship, said just days ago ( to a NY Daily News reporter) that he believes that " special elections" are better for everyone. That no one has an inside track. His son Eric, also concurred.

For all this confusing feelings of thought, the first question posed above, might give us the subtle answer. DURING A PANDAMIC, should a district be represented? Of course it should!. Therefore both current councilman, in our opinion, should step down immediately and just let the process happen. Will it cost more money? Yes!. Is it worth it to protect and save lives? Yes! Will it favor inside candidates more? Yes! Early enough, will be there Ranked choice voting attached? No!

Is it ultimately fair, no! Neither is COVID!

Anthony Rivieccio has been founder of The Northwest Bronx Democrats , a community & political organization since 2003. Their target areas are: Fordham, Kingsbridge , Kingsbridge Heights , Bedford Park, Norwood , Allerton. The current President is Shiela Sanchez .

You can find our Facebook Group page by just going to Facebook search and tying in: "Northwest Bronx Democrats". We feature daily: NYC & Bronx community & political news, activities & events. Our close to 2000 members include several distinguished : activists, NYC agency staff directors, elected and party officals-, including Councilpeople, State Assembly, State Senate & Congressional representatives, and numerous people of interest.