Monday, March 12, 2018

Op-Ed: And Then Came Marcos Crespo and the SOMOS Conference


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By New York City Councilman, Ruben  Diaz Sr.
District 18 Bronx County, New York

You should know that the Annual Hispanic “Somos” Conference took place the weekend of March 10 in Albany New York. This year’s banquet was dedicated to New York State’s Governor Andrew Cuomo in recognition of his contribution to the Island of Puerto Rico after the destruction left by Hurricane Maria.

It is important for you to know that Somos is an annual, weekend Conference conducted by the New York State Hispanic Assembly and Senate Members. The Conference is presided by Bronx Assemblyman the honorable Marcos Crespo, a Puerto Rican representing the 85th Assembly District in Bronx County.   Assemblyman Crespo is also the President of the Bronx Democratic Party.

Every year “Somos” Banquet is dedicated to a person selected by the “Somos” committee. The person selected is always a Democrat (Never a Republican). The person selected is the one who the committee feels is deserving of their support and recognition. Why is this important?  It’s important because the “Somos” recognition can be highly beneficial to that person especially during an election year.  For example Governor Cuomo might be facing a primary challenger by the actor and celebrity Ms. Cynthia Nixon, best known for her role as Miranda Hobbs in the popular t.v. show “Sex and the City.”

Rumor has it that it is New York City’s Mayor Bill DeBlasio who is behind Ms. Nixon’s candidacy and gubernatorial challenge in the upcoming Democratic Primaries in New York State.

Mayor DeBlasio and Gov. Cuomo have been at odds, and critical of each other for some time now.   This challenge to Governor Cuomo is an effort to show New York who is the biggest political “Colossus” without taking into consideration that it is the residents of the City of New York, especially the MTA riders, and the NYCHA residents that have been caught up, victimized in their cross-fire. 

And now Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and the New York State “Somos” Conference have entered into the ring practically sending a message to Mayor DeBlasio, Cynthia Nixon and Company that Governor Andrew Cuomo is their “Man of the Year”.  Because I am no longer a State Senator, I did not attend the conference or the banquet.  

Although, the Governor and I don’t exactly see eye to eye on many issues but as a Puerto Rican I agree on this specific issue with the members of “Somos”. I recognize that Gov. Cuomo has gone beyond his call of duty to aid the island of Puerto Rico on this matter.

Gov. Cuomo provided a gigantic and excellent service for my brothers and sister in Puerto Rico.    This is not an endorsement it is a fact that we the people of Puerto Rico recognize and appreciate.

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.   

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