CM Ruben Diaz announces retirement
Diaz Sr. currently trails in NY-15 congressional race in the south Bronx
BY ALEX MITCHELL
“Everything has its end”
was Hunts Point councilman
Ruben Diaz Sr.’s farewell message
today in an email to constituents
— one where Diaz formally
announced that he will
retire from city politics at the
end of this year.
This comes as the Reverend
Diaz is currently trailing an
insurmountable tally in a congressional
primary to fellow
Bronx council member, Ritchie
Torres for the state’s 15th District.
“After serious analysis, of
which I spent in prayer with
God, family, ministers and after
a political analysis, I have
made the decision to follow the
example of my two sons. My biological
son Ruben Diaz Jr., and
my political son Marcos Crespo,”
Diaz, Sr. wrote this morning.
His son, Bronx Borough
President Ruben Diaz, Jr. along
with his fi gurative offspring,
former Bronx Democratic Chair
and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo
had also each announced
intentions to shift into the private
sector once their current
terms are completed.
Diaz Sr.’s announcement
also comes as longtime congressman
Eliot Engel trails
heavily against progressive political
newcomer, Jamaal Bowman.
He was also accused by many
progressive groups for having
anti-gay views and faced calls
to step down from his seat in
2019 after he said that the city
council was “controlled by the
homosexual community.”
BRONX TIMES R 2 EPORTER, JULY 17-23, 2020 BTR
In Diaz’s parting message,
he said, “The last three years
I have served as a Member of
the City Council where I have
had to defend my principles,
values and faith, while being a
“punching bag” by friends and
foes alike.”
He later added,” I remained
steadfast and brought many
projects and programs. I did
so, with my head held high, defending
those in need regardless
of race, sexual orientation,
political orientation, nationality
or religion, regardless if
they resided in my district or
not, my offi ce welcomed and
served all.”
The retiring politician also
touted some of his more major
achievements for his south
Bronx district, noting three senior
centers built, immigrant
job creation through The Christian
Community Action Inc.,
along with multiple affordable
housing complexes built to areas
in need throughout the borough.
“When the Bronx was burning
and everything was in ruins,
abandoned, when hopelessness
seemed to be the norm,
and the Bronx was compared
to post Second World War Germany,
I remained and decided
to make a difference,” Diaz
wrote.
Elected to the city council
in 2017, Diaz had been a prior
member of the State Senate
since 2002.
The Bronx Times Reporter
contacted councilman Ruben
Diaz, Sr.’s offi ce but did not receive
comment prior to publication.
Councilman Ruben Diaz, Sr. (middle) announced today he will conclude his career with the City Council in December.
File photo