Heard Around Town: Bronx Dems likely to back Community Board leader in special election

During a holiday party last month, Bronx Democratic Party Chairman Marcos Crespo gave Rafael Salamanca Jr. his blessing in the race to fill the New York City Council seat vacated by former City Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo.

But Bronx Democratic County Committee Executive Director Anthony Perez described the chairman’s remarks as “informal” – for now.

Perez said the party interviewed 10 candidates interested in succeeding Arroyo, who announced in November she would step down at the end of 2015 because of “pressing family needs.” Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday scheduled a special election for Feb. 23, Perez said whoever the party picks must be able to promptly collect enough signatures to get on the ballot and lock in union and others’ support. Salamanca, the Community Board 2 district manager, appeals to party leaders because he’s familiar with the community and already set up a campaign account for the 2017 elections, according to Perez. But the executive director did not expect a final endorsement decision until the end of this week.

Salamanca declined to comment, but said he would be announcing his intention to run in a press release issued Tuesday.

Several others have expressed interest in pursuing the South Bronx seat, including: Helen Foreman-Hines, political project director at 1199 SEIU; Joann Otero, Arroyo’s chief of staff; Julio Pabón, a businessman; Amanda Septimo, who works for U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano; the Rev. J. Loren Russell; and Anthony Sanchez, director of business development for the Human Resources Administration.

Some critics griped about Crespo endorsing Salamanca during a holiday party, which was held by state Sen. Ruben Díaz Sr. However, Perez insisted the Democratic Party was conducting itself openly and transparently by calling in all potential candidates for interviews.