Yes, the event has been sold out! However, I have a few tickets left!

If you want one or more, please send me an email at: hailerivera@gmail.com.

Haile Rivera
www.hailerivera.com

I must apologize for not posting this sooner. I'll make sure that if and when we meet, lunch is on me!

Here's the content of an email I sent to my dear friends Azi (Observer), Ben (Politico), Liz (Daily politics) and other friends in the media.

As always, I welcome all your comments, suggestions, etc..... I consider myself a student of life. So bring them on!

Also, some are saying that I announced too early. I respectfully differ. I am sure of where I want to go and have nothing to think about. At the end of the day, it's the people in teh community who elect (or not) me.

I have decided to open my political committee and will see what my neighbors say in teh coming months.

Haile

"Running for office is a difficult decision. Just campaigning alone, takes you away from your family and stops you from living a normal life.

You may be aware of my strong desire to run for the City Council in the 14t District which is currently represented by Council Member Maria Baez. Unlike others who may want to jump in for this open seat, I am not keeping my intentions secret because "it's the right thing to do." I believe in always being honest with you, the community and finally, myself.

After meeting with Bronx Democratic Party Chair, Assemblyman Jose Rivera and much discussions with my family, my partner, close friends, community residents, neighbors, and small business owners, I have decided to open my fundraising committee: Friends of Haile Rivera.

I will begin fundraising immediately and will definitely extend an invitation to each of you to my first fundraising event.

I live in this community and I think it's time the community has a leader who is from here, courageous, independent, passionate and committed to helping this community. There are many issues that are impacting my community and I can not see how anyone could look the other way. To me, my neighbors' concerns are my concerns. A teenager selling drugs in the corner, that's my problem too. My neighbor's children failing in school is my problem too. 300 high school students dropping out every year is my problem too. Someone down the street getting kicked out of her apartment unfairly is my problem too. It is no longer "their problem" it's "OUR PROBLEM."

My campaign strategy is quite simple: what are the issues affecting us as a community AND how are we going to solve them.

As I embark on this journey, I will make sure to keep you as updated as possible. I look forward to meeting each one of you in the near future. In the meantime, keep doing great work!

For any questions, feel free to call me directly at 718-312-9063 or you can email me if you prefer. I look forward to meeting you in the near future."

Best,

Haile Rivera
www.hailerivera.com

We must also congratulate Mayor Bloomberg for displaying strong leadership and bold courage. AS you may have read, the parade President Nelson Peña and two other political groups were in odds with Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Guillermo Linares. They even had said that if the Commissioner showed up, parade security will remove him. The Mayor stood by his Commissioner and while they did not cut the ribbon, they did march together.

It is noteworthy to say how disrespectful it was on behalf of Mr. Peña to cut te ribbon when the Mayor was just 5 minutes away. However, since he had known that the Mayor was with Commissioner Linares, he proceeded to cut the ribbon and "begin" the parade.

Someone should REALLY look into the financials and other legal documents of the parade. Word is (from its original founder) that Mr. Peña was never legally elected President. He just showed up and somehow, took it over. If this is the case, AG Cuomo's office should investigate. I know there are some key and very respected members behind the parade but that should not matter.

Just speaking my thoughts.....

Haile Rivera
Bronx, NY
www.hailerivera.com

I must say that I was very surprised to have been selected. I must say that I donated to Obama's campaign because I believe that he would make for a great President and unlike others, I expressed this same sentiment back in October 2006 post right here in Room 8.

The dinner will take place in Washington, DC on July 10th. The restaurant is TBD.

As you can imagine, this is a very important accomplishment for me because I would have never thought or dreamed of meeting much less sitting down to have dinner with a Presidential Candidate. My family (in the US and back in the Dominican Republic) are very excited and proud of me as well.

So, what issues will I be discussing with Senator Obama?

#1 #2: Education & Employment opportunities, particularly for African-Americans and Latinos. I will also mention the fact that the federal government has decrease its support of the City's Summer Youth Employment Program. In 1999, the federal government provided $43 Million versus only $5 Million in 2006.

#3: Financial Assistance for College Students, with emphasis on increasing PELL awards for all college students. I am one of the many that has been unable to obtain my Bachelor due to the fact that I can not afford to take more then two (maybe 3) courses per semester. I think that PELL award should increase as tuition increases as well.

#4: Hunger in America (a real problem that most Americans and elected officials do not believe exist in the richest country).

And yes, I will also be extending him an invitation to come to the Bronx and speak to our residents regarding his priorities and agenda.

I have nothing against Senator Clinton and I will not do what many others will do or have done: support her because she's the Senator from New York. The Bronx Democratic Party has questioned Clinton for her lack of support for the Bronx-- and they're right. Clinton only visits the Bronx for the Puerto Rican and/or Dominican parade (maybe). Other then that, she's M.I.A.

My mother did a great job instilling values and principles that I will never leave behind.

I will provide a complete report of the dinner upon my return.

Best,

Haile Rivera
Note: I know have my own site: www.hailerivera.com

I think that Eric has proven to be a true leader and after meeting him (briefly) a few weeks ago, I truly believe that New Yorkers will be better off with him as our Public Advocate.

As I have expressed to him, I see a possible Mayoral candidate in 2013 or 2017.

So there you have it folks: I'm fully endorsing Eric Gioia for Public Advocate!

In Solidarity,

Haile Rivera
Bronx Resident
14th Council District
www.hailerivera.com
www.ericgioia.com

I ask: Is this a good idea or is PA Gotbaum just looking for her next office to run (she's also term-limited in 2009)? While some may argue that NYC's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) has some major problems in looking out after our children (including me), creating another office is just a waste of time, resources and money that could be used to a real overhaul of ACS, including better training and additional staff.

As stated in the press release, the proposed Office of Child Advocate will have "permanent oversight of the child welfare system, including ACS and contract agencies." ACS is an office of the Mayor and he/she is the one responsible for making sure that whoever he/she appoints as Commissioner of ACS can do the job of protecting the welfare of our children.

I would hate to think that PA Gotbaum is using the memory of Nixmary Brown for political gain. For God's sake, Nixmary was murdered by her parents back on January 11th, 2006 (17 months ago), can we let Nixmary REST IN PEACE?

Personally, I do not think we need another government office when we already have one in place. What I would urge the PA to do is to continue the call for Commissioner Mattingly's resignation (if she thinks that could solve anything) and/or pressure the Mayor to take action in ACS. Or maybe taking on a popular Mayor may not be politically beneficial for the PA. It may hurt her political future.

I say no to the Office of Child Advocate (although I think many politicians may jump on board because it seems like a great idea to the general public and they know it will sell if the memory of Nixmary Brown continues to be used. They know we are all very sensitive to her tragic death and will support anything to help protect our children ).

Pressure the Mayor for change!

Haile Rivera
14th Council District (Bronx, NY)

Here's the PA report: http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/ACSreport6407.html

Since we all know what were their actions, I will not go into detail.

As former elected officials, all these individuals (corrupt politicians), despite their guilty convictions (except Senator Efrain Gonzalez which has not been proven yet) remain receiving a City or State pension and benefits. This is what I understand and have been unable to confirm if this is true.

If it is, then shame on ALL those elected officials who take pride in being reformers and who advocate for transparency.

I can not see how someone who the public trusted, who betrayed the public's trust and was convicted of a crime, would continue to receive a very nice pension and benefit plan.

THIS NEEDS TO STOP (if it is this way)! Who do we go to? Please advise!

Thanks...

Haile Rivera