NYDN Dissects Vito Lopez Machine

The New York Daily News has the rundown on how exactly embattled state Assemblyman and ex-Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Vito Lopez traded favors for loyalty and power. The story focuses on other pols, but Lopez also has delivered affordable housing, health care and other services to voters. Historically, this kind of machine style politics has not found favor with professionals moving into a neighborhood, according to Suleiman Osman in his book “The Invention of Brownstone Brooklyn.” Above, the Rheingold Gardens affordable housing complex has a large sign over the entrance thanking Lopez. Below, the home of the latest Bushwick-Ridgewood Senior Citizens Council service aimed at Bushwick voters. What’s your opinion of this style of politics? And what are the other options?
Lopez Amassed Power Through Appointments and Cheap Housing [NY Daily News]
If This Brooklyn Kingmaker Is Asking, Saying No Is Risky [NY Times]
What Does Lopez Censure Mean for Brooklyn Real Estate? [Brownstoner]
At Ailing Wyckoff Hospital, Insider Deals and Lavish Perks [NY Times]
Photo by Google Maps