Former Diaz Staffer Challenges Bronx Political Machine

Former Diaz Staffer Challenges Bronx Political Machine

By David Greene

 

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- A former staffer of both Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., and Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., has split from the party and has set her sights on the office of the Bronx Borough President in 2017.

Camella Pickney-Price, 52, a resident of Soundview is the first candidate to announce a run for Borough President as Ruben Diaz, Jr. has not yet announced his plans at another run.

Price enjoyed an 18-year career that began as Deputy Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr., before joining Senator Diaz' camp. She would later re-join Diaz, Jr., as Special Assistant to the Borough President.

Price an African-American woman was busy making her pitch to a group of supporters in the neighborhood she grew up, Morris Park, a changing neighborhood, but still a predominantly white, Italian community.

On June 17, Price told the group at "Gowns By Louise" on Morris Park Avenue, "I'm running for Borough President because in this borough a lot of communities are left out. I don't see color, I don't think about color. I think about people, I see what's in their heart."

Price addressed issues felt passionately by Morris Park residents, failing schools and local businesses that can't survive due to soaring rents and tax bills. Price asks the group, "What can we do in this city to lower taxes?" How can we sit down and find a solution to these problems and then move forward."

Before that can happen the Committee For A Progressive Bronx would have to get Price elected and defeat the powerful Bronx Democratic County Committee, who has not yet announced a candidate.

Ed Watkins, the Treasurer for the Committee For A Progressive Bronx said of Price, "She has the ability to turn (things) around and get the job done." Watkins added, "There's a fresh breath of air coming through... we believe Camella is that fresh air."

Price says of her campaign, "It will be a long road, but you know I'm ready for it. If I can run a campaign for the father and the son... and win all those elections with all the people I know and what I do and I want to include everybody."