Embarrassed and inexperienced, he got there so quickly, losing to Congressman Herman Badillo in 1970. But a year later, he was the first priest in the city’s history to become an elected political boss. recognized, won the 77th Democratic leadership position. District Assembly. His busy headquarters, the Bruckner Democrat Club in front of the store, is a clear sign of progress.
“It was an advantage for me to be a priest as well as a school district leader,” he told The New York Times in 1972. “At first, there were people who felt that being a priest was a Politicians are wrong. But then when I did a few favors on them, it was these people who changed their mind. Patronage is where it is. “
Before club meetings, Father Gigante went to the back room to hear requests for favors. Someone’s son got into trouble with the law. Does he know a lawyer? One nod, and it was done. Someone needs a part time job, maybe a super building. He will call the next day. He gets paid for his work for his community group, but he said most of his salary goes to supporting his elderly mother.
In 1973, he won a seat on the City Council. In 1974, he had to run again for redistricting, and won again. His Council tenure was not particularly notable, but he said it helped him get to know the city’s political figures and laid the groundwork for his later housing successes. He did not run for re-election in 1977, focusing instead on applying for government benefits.
In 1981, he said, he led the construction and rehabilitation of 1,100 federally subsidized apartments in Hunts Point, the heart of the South Bronx. SEBCO says it made $1 million, but it poured most of the money back into the community for construction jobs and services.
The Times reported: “His achievement – a concrete and brick miracle in a neighborhood legendary for his steadfastness in the death march – has earned him the gratitude of government officials and the community alike. with great respect and praise.”
“What he’s done for that area is amazing,” Anthony Gliedman, the city’s housing commissioner, told reporters. “It’s almost like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
