Cabrera: It's hard to be rich

Councilman Fernando Cabrera can’t seem to get away from one video that some of his opponents believe endorse the death penalty for homosexuals in some countries. But now there’s a new video one of Cabrera’s primary opponents is circulating, which he claims show’s Cabrera’s insensitivity to the poor. 

“Do you know it’s harder being rich than being poor?” Cabrera said to a church congregation in a video obtained by Paste magazine. “Millionaire people, they have a lot of stuff to worry about, more stuff to manage. It’s really they got there because of their ability to handle more pressure. Every CEO and every president got in there and stay there because of their ability to handle pressure. They had increased their capacity.

“You know why your boss pays you what he pays you? Because of your capacity.”

The comments, according to primary candidate Randy Abreu, was at the New Life Outreach International Religious Center where he serves as a senior pastor.

“Cabrera’s statements reflect his lack of understanding of the hardworking people in District 14,” Abreu said in a statement. “I grew up on the corner of Fordham Road and Sedgwick Avenue watching my parents and the other families work hard and provide opportunities for their children.”

In a statement of his own made to The Riverdale Press, Cabrera said the 45-second clip was taken out of context. He cited the drop in unemployment from near 19 percent to 6.2 percent during his time in office, as well as a “dramatic reduction in crime” when it comes to gun violence.

“My opponent wants you to believe that I am somehow insensitive or unaware of the problems and struggles faced by the poor,” Cabrera said. “My opponent refers to himself as the progressive candidate, yet on every issue important to the progressive community, my opponent was not to be found. When I stood up to fight Donald Trump’s immigration policies, my opponent was not to be found. In the fight for fair wages, my opponent was not to be found.”

The primary election is set for Sept. 12, with Cabrera, Abreu, Felix Perdomo and Justin Sanchez all fighting for votes.