Everybody on the ballot

The first ballot is in for the attorney general race at the N.Y. State Democratic Convention.

With about 36 percent of the vote, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice is the frontrunner, and will be on the primary ballot.

Riverdale’s state Sen. Eric Schneiderman is in second place, though his 27.5 percent of the vote has earned him a place on the ballot as well. The third place candidate, Westchester Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, garnered 26..9 percent and will also be guaranteed a spot on the primary ballot.

In an ordinary year, that would be the end. But this year the state’s Dems have decided to make room on the ballot for all five candidates, including Sean Coffey and Eric DiNallo, to be on the ballot.

That means that when New York’s registered Democrats go to the polls this primary season, they will have five choices instead of just two. And it means that a candidate who did not earn a lot of votes from delegates here at the convention could still be elected, if enough voters rally around him.

Delegates are now going through round two of voting, so that all five delegates will have a chance to earn 25 percent of the vote and thus rightfully gain a place on the ballot.

Though the process is an arduous one for the delegates, it is the best for New Yorkers. It ensures that the people will have the chance to choose their candidates, instead of having a candidate selected for them at a convention.

— Aliza Appelbaum

Sen. Schneiderman not alone on AG ballot at convention

Bronx politicians traveled up to Westchester Wednesday for the State Democratic Convention in Rye Brook.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. found themselves on opposing sides when they each offered their support for different candidates in the crowded attorney general field.

Usually the only candidates who would be on the nominating ballot at the convention would be the ones with 25 percent of the vote – in this case, presumed to be Kathleen Rice, the Nassau County district attorney, and Riverdale’s state Sen. Eric Schneiderman.

But this year, the committee decided to consider all the candidates, which means Mr. Diaz was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of his friend, Westchester Assemblyman Richard Brodsky.

“He is the people’s champion, would be the people’s lawyer,” Mr. Diaz told the convention when nominating Mr. Brodsky.

“I know him as an individual and as someone who will fight for the people of New York and the Bronx,” Mr. Diaz told The Press earlier in the day.

Mr. Dinowitz, on the other hand, was proudly sporting a Schneiderman 2010 sticker. Mr. Schneiderman’s state Senate district overlaps with Mr. Dinowitz’s Assembly coverage, and he said he was sure his Senate counterpart had the right record to excel as attorney general.

“Based on his record and his passion for the issues, he is the best,” Mr. Dinowitz said.

Though allowing all candidates on the ballot may have hurt Mr. Scheneiderman, who was otherwise a frontrunner, Mr. Dinowitz said it would not stop his colleague from earning the nomination.

“I think they should let everyone on the ballot,” Mr. Dinowitz said. “Eric will stand out on his own.”

The delegates will select their nominee for attorney general late Wednesday afternoon or early evening.

-By Aliza Appelbaum

How do you define your neighborhood?

Through our reporting for The Riverdale Press, we have had the privilege to meet and write about a wonderful variety of people that compose the fabric of our coverage area. We have had the chance to talk to people just moving to the area, and to the people who have been here for as long as the paper has covered their neighborhoods.

Occasionally in the middle of one of these conversations- be it with a community activist, a local politician, or a bar fly- the subject will veer back to how we define a community.

So in order to attempt to provide an answer to this question we decided to write a series that will explore the physical, psychological and social divides in the different neighborhoods that comprise our coverage area.

What does up the hill and down the hill really mean? Is it just a topographical divide between Kingsbridge and Riverdale, or does it also infer a social and racial split as well?

What happens in Marble Hill when some of the homes are still considered part of Manhattan and others are considered part of the Bronx. What happens when crime happens near the Target- which is 52nd Precinct territory- and veers into the Marble Hill Houses- 50th Precinct Territory? Who do residents call?

How does Kingsbridge define itself- considering it has experienced a huge demographic change in the 60 years this paper has been covering it- and is itself split into three neighborhoods?

What's the difference between North and South Riverdale- aside from separate schools, little leagues and hang out spots? How does each area characterize itself?

There is no one answer to any of these questions. However, we are very very interested in hearing what you think. We invite you to the conversation and to comment on this blog post. Let us know how you perceive your neighborhood and the changes that go on within it.

Also, if you would like to be interviewed for this series you can email us at newsroom@riverdalepress.com.