“New Rochelle News and Views” radio celebrates one year

Written by Greg Maker

Thursday, 28 January 2010 18:50

In November of 2007, Bruce Negrin was defeated in a race for New Rochelle City Council. Though his first run at political office was unsuccessful, Negrin wanted to keep dialogue going between himself and the residents of New Rochelle. Negrin began his show “New Rochelle News and Views” last January and one year later he is still going strong.

“Just because I lost the election didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be around after the election,” Negrin said. “I stay involved watching City Council meetings and by being a part of the Westchester Republican Committee to stay as close as I could to the issues as a citizen can.”

Chairman of the Westchester County Republican Committee Doug Colety set up an interview for Negrin with WVOX Vice President of Operations Don Stevens, and Negrin hasn’t looked back since.

According to Negrin, the goal of “New Rochelle News and Views” is to get citizens of the community involved no matter what side of the political aisle they sit on. Though a registered Republican, Negrin does not tune out messages from the Democrats stating that he votes for the person, not the party. Negrin also uses the show as a platform to explain how ideas are either feasible or not feasible in government.

“New Rochelleans are loyal to their city,” Negrin said. “Many grew up here or have moved here permanently. This is not a transient city. People care about it and want to stay here. It’s heartwarming that we can fight with each other inside of our borders over how to go about the issues, but we unite as one when a group outside of the city like the state government does something that affects our community.”

Negrin was billed as a conservative on the first introduction recorded for his show, but he says that doesn’t tell the whole story. Friends he has from the south have told him that if he lived there, he would probably be a Democrat.

“I try not to make the show about me,” Negrin said. “There are no leading questions. The people I have on are real newsmakers and I am just the moderator.”

Negrin has provided a platform for the Republicans on the City Council, but stated he has an open invitation out to the Democrats including Mayor Noam Bramson that he will honor at any time. The show has also given candidates for the City School District Board of Education a platform to showcase their ideas as well.

Bob Marrone, host of “Good Morning Westchester” on WVOX, first met Negrin when he was running for City Council when Negrin appeared on his radio show.

“As a host he brings a much needed voice for the ‘loyal opposition’ if you will,” Marrone said. “He is compelling, often taking even firmer stands than he did when he was a candidate.”

Negrin is not new to radio. In the 1980’s as a student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. he appeared on WRVU. While a college student, Negrin could rely on five-minute music breaks, but with “New Rochelle News and Views” the biggest challenge he faces is being able to speak for the entire hour he is allotted. He admitted that his first show was scripted but since then, Negrin has felt more comfortable in front of the microphone.

“The biggest fear of doing radio is that when you get on the air you might run out of things to say,” Negrin said. “If there are no local issues to talk about, I will talk about the county and the state governments and their issues.”

Since the first broadcast, Negrin has added depth to the overall issues facing New Rochelle. When speaking to a guest or a caller he encourages people to voice their opinions on the issues they feel strongly about.

“We can start by talking about development then get into garbage fees,” Negrin said. “I have no points to hammer home. I’m not coming from the left or the right because I am trying to make a name for myself in politics. I take the average citizen’s ideas and explain how they can or cannot work in government.”

“New Rochelle News and Views” can be heard Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on WVOX, 1460 AM.

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