Norwood News Campaign Dinner Coverage

Looking Ahead to 2009
by ALEX KRATZNORWOOD NEWS
Pastor Fernando Cabrera says he feels a little like President-elect Barack Obama these days — he wants to see a change in Bronx politics.
Cabrera, who heads New Life Outreach International Church in the North Fordham area, is throwing his hat into the already crowded ring of challengers hoping to unseat Maria Baez, who is now free to run for a third term, thanks to Mayor Bloomberg’s successful effort to extend term limits for city politicians from two terms to three.
Cabrera’s not worried about the crowded field of candidates.
He expects candidate Yudelka Tapia, who was counting on support from Baez’s former boss, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, to drop out of the race. He says he’s talked with candidate Hector Ramirez, the 86th Assembly District Leader, about alternatives to their running against each other. And former candidate Haile Rivera, fresh off his successful stint as a field organizer for the Obama campaign in Florida, has yet to announce whether he’s getting back into the race.
A couple of weeks ago, Baez ramped up her re-election bid with a fund-raiser. Now, Cabrera’s doing the same. Cabrera said he raised $10,000 at a fund-raising dinner Monday night for 100 supporters who contributed $100 a plate. Two more events before the end of the year are in the works, he said.
Plus, he has a loyal congregation and an activist group, Community Action Unlimited, at his disposal.
“We have the support, we have the troops and we have the money,” Cabrera said.