 While he resigned as Executive Director of the Council on winning the seat, he remained closely associated with it and used his political clout on its behalf.At the height of his political influence the Council "served as a de facto political machine for him and his allies ..."

According to the "Daily News," by 2010 as Assemblyman Lopez had steered $430,000 in state grants to Ridgewood Bushwick Citizens Council.At that time the Council had $100 million in state and city contracts to build affordable homes, provide meals to seniors and run after-school programs.