What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District
718-991-3161


You should know that the name Ruben Diaz was once again pronounced by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo during the State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

Before more than 3,000 people, including many dignitaries, television cameras and reporters who attended the State of the State, the Governor, while announcing his transportation development plans for Bronx County stated: "We want to build 4 MTA stations in the Bronx, to open up that side of the Bronx." Immediately when I heard the Governor say this, I shouted out "Hoo-rah!" When the Governor heard me, he looked at me and pointed at me and said: "I have a name for one of the stations, Diaz Station we are going to call it, Ruben Diaz station."

Could you imagine, my dear reader, the Governor's expression has caused a lot of gossip in the political world where friends and adversaries have started to question which Ruben Diaz the Governor had referred to: Senator Ruben Diaz or Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

You should know that in an article by Duncan Osborne that appeared in the January 22, 2015 edition of the Gay City News, the author questioned the Governor's intention about Ruben Diaz train station. The article reports how after calling the Governor's office for clarification about which Ruben Diaz he was referring to: "The governor’s press office did not respond ..."

The problem the Governor has created and the arguments that have come to be are because the Governor did not specify which Ruben Diaz he meant, and his office has declined to comment on it.

All we know is that his expression came after my "Hoo-rah!" (And if you don't believe me, just ask Laura Nahmias from Capital New York, or Mona Salama from ANM News because they both tweeted about it.)

It is important for you to know that there are three Ruben Diazes in my family: Ruben Diaz, Sr.; Ruben Diaz, Jr.; and Ruben Diaz III.

I personally believe that the Governor was referring to Ruben Diaz, Jr., who happens to be the Bronx Borough President and who is working hand in hand with the Governor and supporting his agenda - while I, have been a critic of the Governor and his agenda.

The most important thing is that once again, the Honorable Governor Andrew Cuomo has spoken the name Ruben Diaz. If he meant Ruben Diaz, Sr.; Ruben Diaz, Jr.; or Ruben Diaz III, that is not so important. What is important is that he mentioned Ruben Diaz.

Ladies and gentlemen, for my family, for the Christian Community Neighborhood Church where I am Pastor, for the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization where I serve as President, and for myself - it is a privilege and an honor that the Governor has given the Diaz family.

Again, Mr. Governor: thank you very much.

This is State Senator Rev Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.