14 Facts About Fernando Ferrer

Fernando Ferrer served on the New York City Council in the 1980s and has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Fernando Ferrer grew up in the Longwood section of the South Bronx.

Fernando Ferrer graduated from Catholic schools in the Bronx: St Anselm Elementary School and Cardinal Spellman High School.

Fernando Ferrer represented the former 13 City Council district in the Bronx from 1982 to 1987.

Fernando Ferrer went on to chair the Health Committee, fight for anti-discrimination laws on behalf of gays and lesbians, and lead the fight for a Civilian Complaint Review Board for the NYPD.

Fernando Ferrer was appointed Bronx Borough President as the result of incumbent Stanley Simon's resignation in connection with the Wedtech scandal.

Fernando Ferrer began his 14-year tenure as Bronx borough president when the borough was a symbol of urban decay and neglect.

In 1997, Fernando Ferrer launched a campaign for Mayor of New York.

Fernando Ferrer, who is of Puerto Rican descent, received a high level of support from Hispanic voters but not from African-Americans.

Fernando Ferrer's campaign was hurt by remarks he made in March 2005 concerning the Amadou Diallo shooting.

Fernando Ferrer prevailed in the primary election held on September 13,2005.

Fernando Ferrer's campaign was hurt when the New York Times and other big newspapers endorsed Mike Bloomberg.

Also, Fernando Ferrer's campaign relied mainly on small contributions, compared to Bloomberg's $96 million from his personal billion dollar fortune.

Andrew Cuomo appointed Fernando Ferrer to run the MTA as interim Chairman on three separate occasions.