East Harlem.Com

Former Assemblyman, Francisco Diaz, Jr. has been active in the East Harlem community since his teens.  His ability to think things through have served him and our community well.December 1996 - Francisco Diaz, Jr. was recently defeated seeking reelection to the state assembly in the September 1996 Democratic Primary and the November 1996 general election. Francisco currently lives on East 102nd street between Lexington and Park Avenues. With the birth of his daughter last year and a recent illness to his wife, Idi, Francisco has been busy caring for his family.

Mr. Diaz is featured on these pages for his willingness to try, for his overcoming an initial life of poverty and for having served the East Harlem community with integrity and honesty during his short tenure in the New York State Assembly.

Political Life
Francisco Diaz, Jr. was elected Assemblyman of the 68th Assembly District during a special election held on March 14, 1995, to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Assemblyman Angelo Del Toro. Mr. Diaz won by beating William Del Toro, Assemblyman Del Toro’s brother. In an almost unheard fashion, Mr. Diaz, an independent, beat Mr. Del Toro, the Democratic Party nominee. This is unusual for such a totally Democratic district like East Harlem/El Barrio. None the less, the voters who loved to return Angelo Del Toro to office every two years, did not quite trust his brother William to the same fate.

Francisco Diaz Info
Francisco Diaz Was born on March 13, 1959 and attended school in East Harlem. He majored in Economics and minored in Business at LaGuardia Community College, where he received his B.A. But even before finishing college, Francisco Diaz had already “done time” in his community. Volunteering in his Church’s (St. Edward the Martyr) youth group, and being one of the directors of the board of another youth program (Youth Action Program - Y.A.P.)

He was appointed to then Community Planning Board # 11 in the late 80’s and went on to become its Vice Chairman in 1989. In December of 1990 Francisco resigned from the board to become its District Manager, a post he held until January 1995, just two months before his election to the Assembly.

Assemblyman Diaz was immediately put to work by the Assembly Democrats, his first daunting task was to quickly familiarize himself with the budget process.

Committees Assigned while in the Assembly
The Standing Committees to which he was assigned were as follows:
Children and Families
Correction
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Cities

Organizations involved in while in the Assembly
He was a member of the following organizations:
Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force - Member
New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus - Member
New York Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators - Vice Chair

As mentioned above, Mr. Diaz was defeated in his reelection bid after having served almost two years in office. He was defeated by Nelson Antonio Denis, who is the current Assemblyman for the 68th Assembly District - East Harlem. Although he is out of office for the moment, many expected him to return to public life shortly. East Harlem Online wishes Mr. Diaz success in his future endeavors, and our prayers go out to him and his family.

Editor’s Update: (April 19, 1998): Mr. Diaz has been busy taking care of his two young children while his wife recuperates from illness.  Mr. Diaz is now working as the Chief of Staff for Councilman Philip Reed.

Editor’s Update: (June 5, 1999): Mr. Diaz has left the employ of Councilman Reed and now works in the private sector.