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Rubén Díaz Jr.

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This article is about the Bronx borough president. For his father, a New York City Councilmember and former New York State Senator, see Rubén Díaz Sr.

Rubén Díaz Jr. (born April 26, 1973) is an American politician who served as the 13th borough president of The Bronx in New York City from 2009 to 2021. He was elected in April 2009 and reelected in 2013 and 2017. He previously served in the New York State Assembly.

Rubén Díaz
13th Borough President of The Bronx
In office
April 22, 2009 – December 31, 2021
Preceded byAdolfo Carrión Jr.
Succeeded byVanessa Gibson
Member of the New York State Assembly
In office
January 1, 1997 – April 22, 2009
Preceded byPedro Espada
Succeeded byMarcos Crespo
Constituency75th district (1997–2002)
85th district (2003–2009)
Personal details
Born (1973-04-26) April 26, 1973 (age 51)
New York City, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
RelativesRubén Díaz (father)
Residence(s)Southeast Bronx, New York, U.S.
EducationLaGuardia Community College
City University of New York, Lehman (BA)

Early life and education

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Díaz's parents moved from Puerto Rico to New York, where he was born and received his primary and secondary education in the Bronx. He graduated first from LaGuardia Community College, then Lehman College with a bachelor's degree in political theory.[1] Díaz's father, Rubén Díaz, is a former New York City Councilman[2][3][4] and a former member of the New York State Senate.[5]

Career

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New York State Assembly

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Díaz was elected to the New York State Assembly at the age of twenty-three, which made him the youngest person elected to the legislative body since Theodore Roosevelt.[6]

While in the Assembly, Díaz sponsored, co-sponsored and passed legislation addressing health care,[7] public records access,[8][9] minimum wage and overtime pay,[10] environmental protection,[11][12][13] equitable labor standards,[14] insurance fraud,[15] tenants rights,[16] transparency and disclosure in all environmental impact statements,[17] pedestrian safety,[15][18] school bus safety,[19][20][21] protection from tax preparers,[22][23][24] Senior Citizens rights,[25] wider access to the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program,[26] and the regulation and accountability of gas and electric companies.[27][28][29][30][31][32]

A member of the Assembly Education Committee, Díaz has been outspoken on educational issues. He has addressed the International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC)[33] and praised the Campaign for Fiscal Equity's (CFE) efforts to protect the constitutional right to a basic education.[7][34][35] In 2003, when Governor George Pataki sought to cut the State's higher education budget, Díaz was a vocal critic of this plan and, together with other state legislators, was able to restore funding for some of the Governor's proposed cuts.[36][37]

Díaz has legislated on behalf of Brownfield Cleanup and Green Roof Tax Abatement,[38][39] worked to restore the Bronx River which runs through the 85th Assembly District, and opposed environmental racism.[11][12][13][40]

In September 2007, he was named one of City Hall's "40 under 40" for being a young influential member of New York City politics.[41]

Amadou Diallo

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On February 4, 1999, Amadou Diallo, a young African immigrant, was killed by four New York City police officers who fired 41 unanswered rounds at him.[42] Since the shooting occurred in his South Bronx district, Díaz became an advocate and organizer for the Diallo family.[43] Through a series of public appearances, hearings, press conferences and massive public demonstrations,[44] Díaz led a citywide protest which drew national media attention.[45][46] Díaz marched together with Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, actress Susan Sarandon, dozens of rabbis and other clergy, and was arrested for his peaceful protest.[47][48] As a result, Díaz became known for his support of civil and human rights.[44][49][50][51][52]

The Rainbow Rebels

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In summer 2008, Díaz became a founding member of a progressive civic and political group known as the "Rainbow Rebels", who achieved sudden and widespread popularity throughout the Bronx County of New York.[53]

On August 22, 2008, the Rainbow Rebels made their first official announcement: Díaz joined with two of his Assembly colleagues Carl Heastie and Michael Benjamin, both Democratic African Americans, and with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz of Riverdale and his powerful Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, to promote the candidacy of Elizabeth Taylor for a Civil Court judgeship.[54] On September 9, 2008, Taylor won the Democratic primary for the judgeship, despite opposition from the Bronx County Leader, Jose Rivera, and the Bronx political machine known as "County".[55]

On September 28, 2008, at the Bronx County Committee meeting, the Rainbow Rebels won another significant victory by replacing the Bronx County Leader José Rivera with Assemblyman Carl Heastie.

Bronx Borough President

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On February 18, 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama appointed Bronx Borough president Adolfo Carrión Jr. to the position of Director of the White House Office on Urban Affairs.[56] When Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared a special election to choose his successor,[56] Díaz was considered the leading candidate for the position.[56][57]

The special election was held on April 21, 2009. Díaz defeated the Republican Party candidate Anthony Ribustello with an overwhelming 87% of the vote, to become the 13th borough president of the Bronx.[58]

On July 1, 2009, Díaz appointed Delores Fernandez to the reconstituted New York City Board of Education. Fernandez is anticipated to be the sole member of the Board who will have a perspective independent of the mayor, Michael Bloomberg.[59][60] Díaz ended his first summer as borough president by recommending that the New York City Council reject Related Companies' proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a shopping mall. In an editorial in the New York Daily News, Díaz wrote that he is "fighting to make sure that this development includes 'living wage' jobs that offer health insurance". Related's proposal is still[when?] going through the city's review process.[61]

In 2017, Díaz won the Democratic primary for borough president with 86% of the vote.[62] On the same day, his father won the Democratic primary to return to the City Council from the Senate.[62]

In January 2020, Díaz announced that he would not seek re-election in 2021.[63]

New York City mayoral campaign

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Main article: 2021 New York City mayoral election

In 2018, Diaz was the first candidate to file to run in the 2021 New York City mayoral election.[64] Diaz dropped out in January 2020, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.[64]

Personal life

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Díaz lives in the southeast Bronx.[65] He and his wife Hilda have two adult sons.[66]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ York, The City University of New. "Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. – Trustees – CUNY". www.cuny.edu. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  2. ^ Goldiner, Dave (July 13, 2020). "'The End is Here': Diaz Sr. to retire from NYC Council after losing bid for Congress". nydailynews.com.
  3. ^ "Meet the new City Council". City & State NY. January 10, 2022.
  4. ^ "Biography". Amanda Farías.
  5. ^ Goldmacher, Shane (June 9, 2020). "It's America's Bluest House Seat. How Is This Man a Top Contender?". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  6. ^ "Ruben Diaz Jr., A Bronx Tale". Urban Latino. Archived from the original on November 14, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  7. ^ a b "Assemblyman/Asambleísta Rubén Díaz Jr. Reports to the People/Informa al pueblo - Summer/Verano 2006". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  8. ^ "New York State Assembly - Bill Search and Legislative Information". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  9. ^ "Needle in a Haystack: FOIL's Subject Matter List Requirement: Are Agencies Complying?". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  10. ^ "Assemblyman Diaz - SUMMER 2004 News". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Bill A01577. New York State Assembly.
  12. ^ a b Bill A01578. New York State Assembly.
  13. ^ a b Bill A01579. New York State Assembly.
  14. ^ Bill A01470. New York State Assembly.
  15. ^ a b "Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. – Winter 2005 Newsletter". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  16. ^ Bill A00859. New York State Assembly.
  17. ^ Bill A00688. New York State Assembly.
  18. ^ Lovett, Kenneth (October 4, 2005). "Bill Takes Bite Out of Dog Owners". New York Post.
  19. ^ Smith, Greg B. (March 28, 2007). "School bus disgrace spurs Assembly panel to OK cams". New York Daily News.
  20. ^ "Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo – Assembly District 85". Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  21. ^ Gearty, Robert (March 28, 2007). "Fix Bus Mess: Pols; Council, Assembly, and Senate Bills Address Student Horrors". New York Daily News.
  22. ^ Bill A01664. New York State Assembly.
  23. ^ "Kenny Burgos - Assembly District 85 | New York State Assembly". assembly.state.ny.us. Archived from the original on December 26, 2010.
  24. ^ "Assemblyman/Asambleísta Rubén Díaz Jr. Reports to the People/Informa al pueblo - Summer/Verano 2006". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  25. ^ "Protecting the Bronx's Elderly". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  26. ^ "News from Assemblyman Rubén Díaz Jr. – Summer 2003". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  27. ^ Bill A01554. New York State Assembly.
  28. ^ Bill A01556. New York State Assembly.
  29. ^ Bill A01557. New York State Assembly.
  30. ^ Bill A01595. New York State Assembly.
  31. ^ Bill A01597. New York State Assembly.
  32. ^ Bill A01672. New York State Assembly.
  33. ^ "Ruben Diaz Jr. Audio CD". Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  34. ^ "Keeping the Promise to New York City's School Children". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  35. ^ "Assemblyman/Asambleísta Rubén Díaz Jr. Reports to the People/Informa al pueblo - Summer/Verano 2007". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  36. ^ Arenson, Karen W. (February 12, 2003). "Democrats in Albany Vow to Fight Pataki's Cuts in Higher Education". New York Times.
  37. ^ "News from Assemblyman Rubén Díaz Jr. – Summer 2003". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  38. ^ "Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. Announces Passage Of Green Roof Tax Abatement Legislation - Room Eight". Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  39. ^ "Assemblyman/Asambleísta Rubén Díaz Jr. Reports to the People/Informa al pueblo - Summer/Verano 2008". assembly.state.ny.us. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  40. ^ "Kenny Burgos - Assembly District 85 | New York State Assembly". assembly.state.ny.us. Archived from the original on December 26, 2010.
  41. ^ Rising Stars 40 Under 40: Ruben Diaz Jr. Archived 2014-02-01 at the Wayback Machine, City & State, September 17, 2007.
  42. ^ Cooper, Michael (February 5, 1999). "Officers in Bronx Fire 41 Shots, And an Unarmed Man Is Killed". New York Times.
  43. ^ Feuer, Alan (February 26, 2002). "Signs of Hope in the Bronx Neighborhood Where Diallo Died". New York Times.
  44. ^ a b Hicks, Jonathan (February 6, 1999). "After Fatal Shooting, Bronx Assemblyman Emerges as a Critic of the Police". New York Times.
  45. ^ Flynn, Kevin (February 8, 1999). "Police Killing Draws National Notice". New York Times.
  46. ^ Mahoney, Joe (January 31, 2000). "Amadou Diallo Murder Trial Starts Today". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012.
  47. ^ Kappstatter, Bob (March 24, 1999). "Pols Vow to Defy Rudy Ferrer, Dems Rip Mayor". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012.
  48. ^ Thompson, Ginger (February 8, 1999). "1,000 Rally to Condemn Shooting of Unarmed Man by Police". New York Times.
  49. ^ Martinez, Jose (February 4, 2002). "Remembering Diallo Vigil to Mark 3rd anniversary of his Death". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012.
  50. ^ Egbert, Bill (February 4, 2003). "Street Where Diallo Died Being Named for him Today". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012.
  51. ^ Martinez, Jose (November 15, 2000). "Diallo Dad Presses Quest: Gets Three Months to Buy Home Where Cops Killed Son". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012.
  52. ^ Lombardi, Frank (August 1, 2002). "Diallo Dad Lauds Mike for New Street Name". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012.
  53. ^ Kappstatter, Bob (August 21, 2008). "Four more Bronx Democrats join battle to topple chairman Jose Rivera". New York Daily News.
  54. ^ Hicks, Jonathan (August 22, 2008). "Bronx Democrats Split on Judicial Race". New York Times.
  55. ^ Kappstatter, Bob (September 10, 2008). "Rebel Faction Trounces Dem Organization in Early Bronx Contests". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012.
  56. ^ a b c Kappstatter, Bob (February 18, 2009). "Bronx Beep Bound for D.C.". New York Daily News.
  57. ^ Kratz, Alex (March 19, 2009). "Ruben Diaz Jr. All But Locks Up Borough Presidency". Norwood News.
  58. ^ Lee, Trymaine (April 22, 2009). "Borough Voters Elect Díaz as New Borough President". New York Times.
  59. ^ Neidl, Phoebe (July 1, 2009). "Mayoral Control Expires: Brooklyn's Carlo Scissura Appointed to 'Temporary' Board of Education". Brooklyn Eagle.
  60. ^ Hernandez, Javier C. (July 2, 2009). "Senate Impasse Forces City to Revive Old School Board, in Name". The New York Times.
  61. ^ Ruiz, Albor (September 10, 2009). "Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to Related: Buck stops here". New York Daily News.
  62. ^ a b Max, Ben. "2017 New York City Primary Election Results". Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  63. ^ Barker, Cyril Josh (January 30, 2020). "Díaz drops out of mayoral race, and is leaving public office". New York Amsterdam News.
  64. ^ a b Paybarah, Azi (January 26, 2020). "Top Latino Mayoral Hopeful in New York City Drops Out". The New York Times.
  65. ^ McHugh, Pete (September 14, 2017). "Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to Speak at Latino Heritage Month Kickoff | Manhattan College | Riverdale, NY". Manhattan.edu. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
  66. ^ Mascali, Nikki M. (March 27, 2018). "Meet Rubén Díaz Jr, the Bronx BP who wants to be your next mayor". Metro US. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
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New York State Assembly
Preceded by
Pedro Espada
 Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 75th district
1997–2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 85th district
2003–2009 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Borough President of The Bronx
2009–2021 		Succeeded by
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