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On Sunday July 29th, 150 residents &
merchants celebrated community success at The Committee of 100
Democrats “3rd Annual Community BBQ” off of Mosholu Parkway, in
Bedford Park Bronx.
This is the first time they have “co-partnered” with The North
Bronx Thinktank (NBT) as they held their “1st Community Service
Award”. The recipient was Councilman Oliver Koppell for his 30
years in public service.
There were over 8 varieties of food and refreshments, from
Mexican Tacos to Italian Pizza to Traditional Hamburger & Hot
Dogs. There was also various forms of entertainment, including,
Community Country Music Star Mae Robertson who has
performed all over The United States including the famed "Grand
Ole Opry". Along with Tropicana Atlantic City’s renowned
“Brazilian Dancers".
Many electoral districts were represented despite it being
billed by some as a Bedford Park event. Many were from Woodlawn,
Wakefield, Van Cortland Village and. Riverdale.
State Senators Jeffrey Klein & Efrain Gonzalez were in
attendance along with Tracey Towers Tenant Association President
Sam Gillian & Manager of The Bronx Zoo, Rosemary Del Luca.
District Leader Kenneth Augusto & State Committeeman Joseph
McManus (80th Assembly) were also in attendance along with
Community Board 7 Chairman Gregory Faulkner and Bronx Democratic
Party Chairman Jose’ Rivera
NBT Executive Director Anthony Rivieccio handed out the award
and thanked Mr. Koppell for 30 years of wonderful public
service. Anthony said, “More than anything, I can not think of
anyone-anyone, who has more integrity than Oliver Koppell”.
Chairman of 100 Democrats Martinez, joined Anthony at the podium
said “it was because Oliver more than anything, a very nice
person”. Both stated that Mr. Koppell would continue to hold
office in a public office capacity. The Plaque read “North Bronx
Thinktank & The Committee of 100 Democrats thank The Honorable G
Oliver Koppell for 30 years of public service to The Bedford
Park-Norwood Community”.
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G. Oliver Koppell started his career in public service as a New
York State Assemblyman in 1970. He held office until 1993. While
serving in the Assembly, he wrote and sponsored 280 laws
including the Utility Consumers Bill of Rights, the Returnable
Bottle Law and the Automobile "Lemon Law." Environmental
Advocates twice voted Koppell as the "Environmental Legislator
of the Year."
In 1994, he was elected by his peers
to serve as New York State Attorney General. As State Attorney
General, Koppell actively prosecuted consumer fraud,
discrimination on the basis of race, family status and
disability, environmental pollution and business crime
In 1999, he was elected as President of School Board District 10
in The Bronx. Koppell fought the Board of Education bureaucracy
for more resources, repairs and new equipment. The Chancellor
singled out District 10 as one of the three most improved
districts in the city.
Koppell was elected to the City Council in 2001 as a member of
the New York City Council from District 11; he covers the
neighborhoods of Riverdale, Norwood, and
Bedford Park. He defeated candidate Ari Hoffnung by a
3 to 1 margin in 2005. He is term limited in 2009.
Councilman Koppell graciously accepted his award and addressed
the crowd on its activism. “I have seen a lot of change in this
community in 30 years but today shows, that our community
diversity & economic development stands as a national symbol
which now says The Bronx is booming”.
Vice Chair of 100 Democrats came to the podium to say, “I have
been a Riverdalian for 22 years and Oliver has been perfect. I
can not say that about other elected officials in Riverdale”.
State Senator Klein stood and mentioned Oliver as “a tireless
leader”. Community Board 7 Chair Gregory Faulkner reminded the
crowd “that today, Oliver is more instrumental than ever in his
input on Community Board 7”. Bronx County Democratic Chair and
78th District Assemblyman Jose Rivera says, “It does not matter
if Oliver is term limited in 2009 or not. He will always have a
place at the Bronx table for his continued leadership in the
past and we surly need him in the future”.
After the ceremony many in attendance were enjoying The Great
Mosholu Parkway backdrop as they talked to their elected
officials. Many were dancing in the streets to the disco sounds
of DJ Willie Will.
Margaret Fogerty, a 78-year-old woman who attended the event
said, “This is wonderful. I have lived here all my life and this
community has always had its activism. Anthony & Ricky need to
be praised for putting this area back on the map”. Margaret then
joined the Brazilian Dancers with many youth dancing and
enjoying a terribly rainy day.
North Bronx Thinktank announced at the end of The BBQ that they
are gearing up for their “electoral listening tours”. Anthony
Rivieccio said they have “several people lined up to listen to
the community about their concerns”, including Chairmen of
Community Boards 7 & 8 Gregory Faulkner & Anthony Cassino (and
rumored City Council 2009 candidate), State Assembly Candidate
Brenda Francis & State Senator Candidate Crystal Wade The New
York Press Reported earlier this year that City Council Majority
Leader Joel Rivera was also joining the Bronx listening tour.
State Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. has recently requested a
meeting with NBT. Both are heavily rumored for Bronx Borough
President. |
