TWU Bus Op Joins Community Board 9
June 15, 2012
By Ray Parker
Bronx Bus Operator Jesse Mendoza applied to become a member of Community Board 9 in the Bronx, and a letter of acceptance came in the mail on May 21, 2012 from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. The board has 52 members. Mendoza, who is also TWU Local 100’s softball commissioner – he oversees the intramural leagues between rival bus depots from all over the City – acted as Master of Ceremonies at the TWU’s softball tournament at the union’s Family Appreciation Day at MCU Park earlier this month.
In his interview with Borough President Diaz, Mendoza mentioned that he also serves as Recording Secretary of the Hispanic Transit Society, which is located in Soundview, within the precincts of the Community Board. He told Diaz that his focus as a Community Board member would be on transit issues, and at his first meeting, June 12, he reviewed plans for a major housing development for Soundview that would include a senior citizens center, affordable apartments, and condominiums. Mendoza pointed out that the site plans do not make sufficient allowances for adequate street access for City buses, access-a-ride vans, and emergency vehicles. His comments were noted by representatives from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York City Housing Authority.
Local community boards are often a springboard for higher office, and unions including TWU Local 100 are encouraging their members to assert their political influence in their local communities by applying. Mendoza’s term runs for two years.
