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NAR:
In this part of Manhattan, 74 percent of the population is Hispanic-mostly Dominican and Puerto Rican. Most of the people we spoke to in our informal poll, said that they had voted for Ferrer. Some voters said they supported Ferrer because they identified with his roots. At the exit of the 191st Street subway station, Norvaleen Pichardo was handing out flyers in support of Ferrer .
PICHARDO:
"Because he came from the hard working, his ancestors, his grandmother his mother worked as well as my mother worked and other people's parents. The hard struggle that they had to do here in New York City, his family and he went through it. So he understands our issues and our believes and what we need, so I am sure that he'll make a change in our lives."
NAR:
Other Washington Heights residents, such as Yoseline Garcia, said they voted for Ferrer because of his positions on the issues.
GARCIA:
"Well things he stand for, not because he is Hispanic...well better housing, better schooling...."
NAR:
Rosa Lacina said she voted for Ferrer because she is satisfied with the work Ferrer did as Bronx borough president.
LACINA:
"He was helpful for the rent...more education for the school...more benefits."
NAR:
But not everyone in Washington Heights said they supported Ferrer. Lio Fernandez, said the general perception is that Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg is doing a good job and that is what people care about.
FERNANDEZ:
"If you have Bloomberg doing a good job, you know, why change?"
NAR:
Fernandez says that even though he is a Democrat there are certain things he likes about Bloomberg
FERNANDEZ:
"The Bloomberg tends to be more sensitive to community issues when it comes to police brutality, you know what I am saying? The fact that he wants to control of the educational system that could be a good thing. Cause now you can say to the mayor, you know, you are responsible."
NAR:
Hispanic voters are not a block according to Ramona Hernandez, director of the Dominican Studies Center at the City University of New York.
HERNANDEZ:
"You have Dominicans, you have Puerto Rican, you also have Colombian, you also have Ecuadorian, you have Mexican. I think that each group here thinks very different and they are going to vote depending on their needs and the way they perceive their candidates."
NAR:
Hernandez says Hispanic voters will cast their ballots based on their political needs not necessarily on their ethnic identity. Elena Beaumont...Columbia Radio News