Bronx political candidates squared off in a lively public forum held Wednesday night, May 14, at the Villa Barone Manor in Throgs Neck, drawing dozens of residents eager to hear from contenders in two of the borough’s most closely watched races.
The event, hosted by Bronx Times and Politics NY, was free and open to the public, and streamed live by BronxNet. Sponsored by AARP, the two-part forum gave voters a firsthand look at the leading candidates vying to shape the Bronx’s future.
The first half was devoted to the Bronx Borough President Democratic primary, where incumbent Vanessa L. Gibson is competing against Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. The second forum involved the Democrat candidates vying for the Council District 13 seat, currently held by Republican Kristy Marmorato, who won the district in an upset in 2023.
Moderated by Bronx Times reporter Emily Swanson and Schneps Media Managing Editor Christian Murray, the night opened with Gibson being interviewed in a 30-minute Q&A session, with Salamanca subject to the same Q&A session after.
Gibson, seeking a second term, emphasized her experience and her achievements over the past three years, including reducing unemployment in the borough and delivering $50 million in capital funds for public school upgrades.
“You are a coalition builder. You are a bridge builder. You are a public servant,” she said, referring to the job of being borough president. “You represent a diverse borough like the Bronx and you have to assemble all of your staff, your community boards, your advisory boards… and reflect that diversity, which is our strength.”
Salamanca, who has represented the 17th Council District in the South Bronx since 2016, countered with a call for stronger boroughwide management.
“Our borough is being mismanaged,” he said, pointing to his eight-year record representing Council District 17 and the funding he has secured. “I’ve brought in over $400 million in capital investments [to my district]—$35 million to my schools and $30 million to parks.”
He added that he has brought 10,000 units of fully affordable housing to his district, but said the Bronx still faces serious challenges. “Our streets are still dirty, and our families don’t feel safe.
Both candidates addressed crime and public safety with nuance. Gibson highlighted investments in youth programming and violence interrupter organizations—while adding that she has helped bring more NYPD officers to the borough. She said that residents want to see more cops, as long as they are not abusive.
Meanwhile, Salamanca called for more community programs and centers (particularly for the youth), and stronger collaboration with the district attorney’s office to tackle crime and get repeat offenders off the street.
They also discussed their approach to the proposed Bally’s Casino in Ferry Point. Gibson said her office has not taken a public position but is listening to stakeholders and is also evaluating the project’s $625 million in community benefits. Salamanca noted that the community remains divided, discussed the projects pros and cons—but didn’t take a position on it.
The candidates shared common ground on many key issues—such as the need for more affordable and senior housing, better transit access in underserved neighborhoods, and equitable distribution of homeless shelters. They both said that the Bronx is being saturated with shelters and drug clinics and that they should be distributed evenly across the city.
Both, however, differed in tone and strategy.
Gibson underscored her inclusive governance style and citywide relationships, while Salamanca pledged to restructure the borough president’s office with multiple deputies overseeing distinct portfolios.
“I feel our borough needs a manager,” Salamanca said.
The second half of the evening featured a spirited exchange between City Council District 13 hopefuls Shirley Aldebol, David A. Diaz and Joel Rivera.
Aldebol, a longtime labor leader, pitched herself as a seasoned negotiator who could bring resources to the district that Marmorato has missed. “We need someone who can sit at the table and negotiate,” she said. “We are leaving money on the table.”
Diaz said he was running to protect the character of the East Bronx from unchecked development and displacement. “We like our community… and we don’t want it to change.”
Rivera, meanwhile, emphasized his ability to unify residents around common concerns. “Whether you call me progressive or moderate doesn’t matter,” he said. “We need safe streets, clean streets, affordable housing, and that comes from talking with people, not labeling them.”
The candidates differed on issues such as the “City of Yes” zoning reform initiative. For instance, Aldebol supported changes that incentivize affordable housing, while Rivera stressed transparency and strong community benefit agreements before approving any major developments.
In terms of the Bally’s casino proposal, Rivera came out strongly in opposition to it, saying that the community has spoken and does not want it. While he appreciated Bally’s for saving Preston High School, he remains skeptical of developers such as Bally’s and the promises they often make.
Diaz, who was somewhat circumspect, said he was opposed to it right now, although said he could see the benefits in terms of jobs.
Meanwhile, Aldebol said she remained open to it —saying “the community is divided”– but sought more information, greater accountability and strong guarantees.
All three City Council candidates pledged to prioritize senior services and youth opportunities if elected.
