Who Is Erick Salgado–and Should He Be Mayor?

While the other six Democratic politiicians were going mano a mano at Wednesday’s mayoral debate on Hispanic issues at Hunter College, the only Latino candidate–who actually speaks Spanish without a grating Bloombito accent–nearly got lost in the shuffle. Erick Salgado, a minister of Puerto Rican descent, struggled to make his voice and views heard above the noisy confrontations over stop and frisk, the city budget and other issues.

But Salgado, 42, did make an impression for his humor. After several of the candidates thanked the moderator, NY1’s Juan Manuel Benitez, for teaching them Spanish–or asked for lessons–Salgado said in Spanish, “I am Hispanic, I speak Spanish and I don’t need Juan Manuel to teach me Spanish.”

Salgado, who received his doctorate in theology and has established churches in Red Hook and Bensonhurst Brooklyn, also distinguished himself from the other candidates. “I am going to be the first one to enter the room and the last one to leave it,” he said. “I’m going to be for the people, because I am the only candidate that is coming from the people.”

He also used humor to separate himself from Mayor Bloomberg. “Who is the mayor to tell me what I am going to drink?” he said about Bloomberg’s public health policies. “What is going to be next? The chicken wing? We love chicken wings.”

In 2003, Salgado, began a radio ministry known as Radio Cantico Nuevo, and grew it into one of the largest Spanish evangelical networks in the New York region. He lives in Staten Island with his wife and six children.

In the mayoral mashup, he is considered a long shot. Salgado entered the race in April, later than other candidates outside of Anthony Weiner, has low name recognition and has raised only $206,000–compared to $7 million for Christine Quinn.

Still, he gets his points across. Commenting on immigration at a another mayoral forum at Hostos Community College, he slammed his fist onto the table then into the air, shouting, “I am going to fight for the Latinos to at least have the dignity to be identified in the City of New York.”

As the other candidates applauded, he added, smiling, “I’m sorry, I’m a preacher.”

You can stream Wednesday’s debate on NY1 or NY1 Noticias. Click here to learn more about Erick Salgado.

What’s Going On? Wednesday 6-19-2013

It’s a beautiful day–sunny, high of 75 and no more #@!$% rain. So be sure to take a moment to spend some time outside!

H IS FOR HARLEM

Hollywood has its own iconic sign–does Harlem need one? Apparently so…but just the H.

The Daily News reports that beginning next month, a giant, illuminated “H” will hang from the viaduct at 12th Ave. at 125th St. Bentley Meeker, a lighting designer working with the West Harlem Art Fund, says he hopes “The ‘H’ in Harlem” project will become an entry point to the so-called Main Street of Black America.

The project has the backing of the Department of Transportation, which collaborates with cultural organizations to put art in public spaces.

 

HARLEM SHAKE…SHACK?

No, it’s won’t be a Shake Shack, but restauranteur Danny Meyer is in talks to lease space for a bistro at West 135th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., according to the blog Commercial Observer. Meyer, who has brought his high-end, golden touch to Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern and The Modern in Manhattan, also owns the wildly successful Shake Shack chain.

And Gorgui N’doye, owner of Patisserie des Ambassades announced today that he’s expanding his bakery, also on Frederick Douglass Blvd., as a full bistro. For the new menus, click here.

MAYOR CANDIDATES DISCUSS LATINO ISSUES

Yes, the mayoral candidates have participated in what feels like a million forums. But tonight, Latino issues will take center stage as all of the Democratic hopefuls meet at Hunter College.

Hosted by NY1, NY1 Noticias and the Latino Leadership Institute, the lively event begins at 7 PM. It’s only the second televised debate and first one including the infamous Anthony Weiner. Expect lots of talk about crime, the economy and immigration. Stream it on NY1.com or NY1 Noticias.com or watch it live to see which of the group will speak Spanish, Bloombito style.