With Donald Trump in Bridgehampton… the First Gentleman Doug Emhoff on Fire Island… Long Island is hopping this August… And with others talking about Paris and the Olympics, I find myself wondering… Is there a Simone Biles (GOAT) in New York Politics? Let’s see who made their mark this week…
Assemblyman John McDonald III, a pharmacist by trade!, made reference to the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) gymnast this week, referencing her dedication to mental health in order to shine this year… Having my master’s in public health (MPH) I agree: social determinants of health such as housing, nutrition, and energy affordability have an impact on us all – and – whether we like it or not – comes down to local politics.
This week, Manhattan’s East Side political personalities gathered at The Townhouse, a piano bar in midtown, for Todd “TJ” Stein’s birthday party… spotted in the packed room beyond the pizza boxes and individual bottles of prosecco lining the bar was a brightly dressed (as usual) Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, daughter of former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Virginia Maloney, and NYC Council 2025 candidate (for Keith Powers’ seat, since he’s term-limited), Ben Wetzler – Council Member Keith Powers was there too – he dropped by on his way to another event later that evening, leaving behind his Met Gala date, Spotify’s Layla Amjadi who mingled with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and others at the party. Also there, NYC Council Member Lynn Schulman, overheard talking about organizing for ‘Jews for Harris’ and Council Member Erik Bottcher who gave remarks, complimenting the “hot” 59-year-old TJ before others took to the mic for classy karaoke… We hear TJ will be running for District Leader in Assembly District 75 in 2025, after he was booted from the ballot for failing to mention his gender, a highly contentious issue in the District Leader world, if I do say so myself as a former DL in the 73rd…
Around the boroughs: in Brooklyn, The Blue Card organized a Catskills retreat for Holocaust survivors this week – providing time away from home for those who survived and can identify with present-day hatred and antisemitism… on the retreat, NYC Councilmember Kalman Yeger and Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein, along with Joseph Wolkin who reps the org… Bronx Council Member Kevin Riley has authored a children’s book, Hopping Through Life: Stories of Family and Fatherhood, which is available for pre-order… Queens Assemblyman Clyde Vanel – who chairs the state subcommittee on Internet and New Technology – was on Roosevelt Island visiting Cornell Tech this week… New Secretary of State, Brooklyn’s own, Hon. Walter Mosely took a walk through a sprinkler park in Albany with toddlers from the Castle Island Montessori School on a hot day this week… suit and all!
On Long Island, Assemblyman John Mikulin attended an inaugural lawn mowing ceremony at the East Meadow Little League Fields, taking a break from his role as a new daddy (baby under 2 weeks!) to thank Las Vegas Sands’ Ron Reese and the Sands New York team for donating the field maintenance equipment to the local group… Fresh back from St. Tropez, AJ Catsimatidis spotted waiting for her BLADE helicopter ride to the Hamptons for a Bridgehampton Trump fundraiser, $25k a ticket – on-site was former Rep. Lee Zeldin… In East Moriches, Tom Allon hosted a 5boro Institute reception featuring executive director Grace Rauh, formerly from NY1, who addressed an intimate group including NYCHA’s Barbara Brancaccio, TD Bank’s Ralph Bumbaca and lawyer and lobbyist David Schwartz, about 5boro’s policy initiatives including a proposal regarding single room occupancy (SRO) housing – a dorm-style idea for commercial conversions to housing in NYC… Founder, The Next 50, Zak Melamed, hosted a ‘fun rager’ in East Hampton with headliner PA Governor Josh Shapiro who did not show for the event, as he is in contention for VP… Luckily Rep Dan Goldman subbed in at the last minute, so the event was a success
We hear Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Governor Kathy Hochul will be in the Hamptons next weekend for a few events… Stay tuned for the scoops!
Political Personality of the Week
Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT Commissioner
Ydanis was appointed Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation in December 2021 by Mayor Eric Adams and began serving on January 1, 2022. As the first Latino in this role, Ydanis oversees more than 5,500 employees, an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion, and a 10-year capital budget of $33 billion. His vision is to make New York City the most walkable and bikeable city in the nation, working collaboratively with government, local communities, the private sector, and academia to achieve this goal.
Before his tenure as Commissioner, Rodriguez served on the New York City Council, representing the 10th District, including Washington Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill. Elected in 2009, he chaired the Council’s Transportation Committee from 2014 to 2021, where he championed mass transit and sustainable transportation improvements, such as expanded bus and bike lanes. He co-led the fight to create Fair Fares, providing discounted transit for low-income New Yorkers, and was instrumental in initiatives like Car-Free Earth Day and the Riders Respond Tour.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez moved to NYC at 18, working to earn his degrees from City College of CUNY while supporting himself as a livery cab driver. Prior to public office, Ydanis was a public school teacher for more than fifteen years, co-founding two schools: Gregorio Luperon High School, which supports newly arrived immigrants from Latin America transitioning to the American educational system, as well as the Community Health Academy of the Heights, a school that has served 6th through 12th grades.
Married to Licelot and father to daughters Veronica and Elizabeth, Rodriguez is an avid cyclist, often seen riding through Manhattan, promoting sustainable transportation. His blend of passion, dedication, and a touch of quirkiness makes him a beloved figure in NYC, driving/cycling and scooting the city towards a brighter, more connected future.
Fast Facts:
- Dominican Immigrant
- Married father of 2 daughters
- Avid cyclist
- Modeling in Style Across the Aisle, terrified to walk the runway and wants to ride a scooter down it…
- Founded two schools: Gregorio Luperon High School and Community Health Academy of the Heights
- Don’t call him if your car gets booted, call NYC Dept of Finance…
