Monday, December 23, 2013

A Great City Council Speaker for New York




This comes to us from Councilman Elect Mark Levine, and we wonder what committee Councilman Levine will be chairing for this letter of support.

Mark Levine

After the mayor, the most powerful position in New York City government is the speaker of the City Council.  A strong majority of the new Council has now made their selection for this critical leadership post: Melissa Mark-Viverito.  

I have come to know Councilmember Mark-Viverito well, and I am confident she will be an outstanding leader for the Council and the city.  She is a movement progressive who has long been a powerful voice for social and economic justice.  She is a smart, hard-working, and inclusive leader who will be able to skillfully marshal critical policies through the new Council--in support of affordable housing, public education, low-wage workers, and more.

Melissa arrived to New York City from her native Puerto Rico at the age of 18. Over the years she has risen from labor organizer to community board member to being elected the first Latino to represent East Harlem. In the Council she serves as chair of the Parks Committee and founding co-chair the Progressive Caucus. Throughout her career she has shown an exceptional ability to bring diverse people together towards a common purpose. (If you haven’t read it already, don’t miss this week’s profile of Melissa in the New York Times.)

And as speaker, Melissa will make history as the first person of color in that critical post, and the first Latino to hold any city-wide elected position.

I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the diverse coalition, with members from all five boroughs and across the political spectrum, which has come together to elect Melissa Mark-Viverito as the next Speaker.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Melissa into her critical new role.   

Sincerely,


Mark Levine
Mark Levine

Councilmember-elect, 7th District  

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo Just Did it Again to Get Even with Me and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo  

  You should know that on Monday, December 16, 2013, the leaders of the New York State Republican Party, Chairman Ed Cox, New York State Senate Republican Conference Leader Dean Skelos, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and others, at the request of myself and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, came to the South Bronx to distribute 2,000 toys to our needy and poor children for my annual event “Christmas In The Bronx.” You should have seen the excitement that radiated from the faces of all these children!

Two days later on December 18, 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed and vetoed over 60 bills. One of his vetoes, Veto #249 to be exact, was the Immigrant Service Enforcement Act (A.158A-S.786A). I am the Senate sponsor of this bill, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who is also the Assembly Chair of the Task Force on New Americans, is the sponsor in that house.

You should also know that on the very next day, December 19, 2013, not one, but two articles were published in the New York Times: Immigration Remakes and Sustains New York, Report Finds and Life Expectancy of New Yorkers Rises With Influx of Immigrants, Study Finds
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, when the venerable New York Times published not only one, but two articles on the positive impact immigrants bring to New York City, we have a Governor vetoed a bill that would strengthen protections against the rampant fraud to which immigrants are frequently subjected. How could the Governor veto a bill that requires immigrant service providers to register with the State? How could the Governor veto a bill that increases fines against immigrant service providers who seek to cheat the very people they are supposed to serve out of their hard earned money? How could the Governor veto a bill that is essentially a comprehensive consumer protection bill?
 
This bill is not only about protecting immigrants who speak Spanish. This bill is about protecting immigrants who speak Chinese, Russian, Creole, and even English speaking immigrants from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Consequently, the Governor’s veto is not only about his failure to protect immigrants who speak Spanish. His veto fails to protect the millions of immigrants who call New York City home.
 
Since Assemblyman Crespo and I represent communities in the Bronx, our concern is naturally for our constituents who are immigrants and who make their home here. According to the New York Times: “From 2000 to 2011, the Bronx’s foreign-born population increased by about 85,300, the largest growth of any borough.” This growth, however, is not only evident in the Bronx. Again, according to the New York Times, in Staten Island the “immigrant population grew 36 percent, the largest percentage increase of any borough.” 
 
Ladies and Gentleman, a bill of this magnitude and scope does not get introduced, negotiated, amended and passed, unanimously in the Assembly and one vote shy of unanimous in the Senate, overnight. For three long years, Assemblyman Crespo has been working tirelessly with the legislative leaders in both houses, with the Governor’s office and with New York City’s leading immigrant service providers and advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Queens Chapter for League of United Latin American Citizens, the New York Immigration Coalition, Casa Puebla and New Immigrant Community Empowerment, to craft a bill that everyone could support. Clearly, this bill had wide-spread community and legislative support.

Even as final negotiations were taking place with the Governor’s office prior to the Governor’s veto, Assemblyman Crespo was willing to amend the bill further to address the Governor’s concerns. Instead of a good faith effort on the part of the Governor, the immigrants who contribute so much to the vitality, health and well being of New York City were given a slap in the face.

You should know that when the Governor vetoes a bill, he is required by state law to issue what is referred to as a “veto message.” The Governor’s veto message in part states:“Unfortunately, this bill fails to achieve its stated purposes, because, among other things, some of its key provisions are preempted by federal law, so they are unenforceable as State law.”
Since when did the Governor of New York State become the lawyer for the Federal Government? Our Governor is not the United States Attorney General. Why is the Governor hiding behind Federal law as an excuse to veto this bill? There is no Federal gay marriage law, yet the Governor pushed that bill through, going so far as to force the Senate leaders to dispense with Senate Rules that govern floor debate. There is no Federal law that allows for the use of medical marijuana or is there a Federal law that decriminalizes marijuana, yet Governor Cuomo seems more determined than ever to make marijuana more readily available in our minority communities. There is no effort on the Federal level to expand abortion the way Governor Cuomo wants to expand abortion here in New York State.
 
You should also know that this is not the first time that the Democratic Governor who is the head of the State Democratic Party, the Party that is supposed to be the champion of the immigrant, has treated New York City and its residents with such disrespect. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s refusal to include funding for the Dream Act in the State budget and his effort a few years ago to slash funding for senior centers which serve many immigrants, are among two of the horrible examples of how our Governor has treated the immigrant community.
 
You should know my dear reader, that Governor Andrew Cuomo just did it again and I am afraid that he did it to get even with Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and me for allowing Ed Cox, Dean Skelos, and Rob Astorino to come to the South Bronx to give 2,000 toys to our needy and poor children.
I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Senator Ruben Diaz Christmas Party


  Last night the biggest and best Christmas party of the season in the Bronx was held at Maestros by State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. It was wall to wall happy party goers who most wanted their picture taken with Team Diaz. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo are the three members of Team Diaz 2014. Others on hand included Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senator Michael Gianaris (Chair of the Democratic State Senate Campaign Committee), newly elected Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, and many district leaders and state committee members. 

 













Left & Right - It was wall to wall people at Maestros for the Diaz Christmas party.















Left - Team Diaz member Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda with wife Elizabeth and son Enrique.
Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. wants to know if the Bronx is in the house.

Left - State Senator Michael Gianaris of Queens came to the Bronx to help Team Diaz 2014 celebrate.
Right - New Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson was also in attendance with Team Diaz 2014..





Pelham Parkway Tree Lighting


  Standing not to far from the famous Christmas House on Pelham Parkway Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj was joined by students from nearby New York Institute of Special Education, and about 100 people on the median of Pelham Parkway North at Westervelt Avenue to light a Christmas tree and greet Santa Claus. Students from the New York Institute led by music teacher Mr. Schulman sang out carols as they waited for Santa to arrive. When Santa did arrive he greeted everyone then went over to help light the tree.

 













Left - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj with some of the students from the New York Institute of Special Education.
Right - Assemblyman Michael Benedetto was on hand to greet Santa and join in the caroling.

 













Left - Santa showed up to help light the tree on the right.

 













Left & Right - Santa sits with Hennessy Cruz and Messiah Mercad just two of the many children.














Left - A group photo with Santa in front of the tree.
Right - The famous Christmas House on Pelham Parkway North.



Wave Hill Events January 3–January 10

 
   Will you find yourself making a New Year’s promise for your family to spend more time connecting with nature? Consider this an open invitation to come fulfill that resolution over and over again in 2014. With a free shuttle from the end of the #1 subway line, and from Metro-North’s Riverdale station, and free parking, not to speak of one of the most affordable admissions policies in New York City, this has to be one of the easiest and most rewarding resolutions you’ve ever made. This week: Enjoy a special focus on some of Mother’s Nature’s wisest creatures. What a hoot!


SAT, JANUARY 4    FAMILY ART PROJECT—OWL TAKE FLIGHT
Sit down for cozy Native American stories about why owls have big eyes and what makes them wise. Then create your own wingspan by making feathers you can wear. Take your feathers and some simple instruments, and join in an indoor, owl pow-wow. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 4    TAI CHI CHUAN
Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SUN, JANUARY 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT—OWL TAKE FLIGHT
Sit down for cozy Native American stories about why owls have big eyes and what makes them wise. Then create your own wingspan by making feathers you can wear. Take your feathers and some simple instruments, and join in an indoor, owl pow-wow.  Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 5    HATHA YOGA
Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JANUARY 5    MEDITATION
This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JANUARY 5    OWL PRESENTATION: RAPTORS OF THE NIGHT
Discover how owls adapt to life in the forest and the city with Carl Heitmuller, an environmental educator from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Meet a live owl from the museum’s collection and find out whoo’s whoo in your neighborhood. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30PM

SUN, JANUARY 5    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JANUARY 6
Closed to the public.

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Ben Franklin Holiday Party


   Last night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club held its annual Holiday Party. This years holiday party's theme was to remember the troops who have served, but are homeless. The club collected Health and Beauty aids such as razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other grooming items to make a person more presentable for a job interview.

  On hand were Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senators Jeff Klein and Adriano Espalliat, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Oliver Koppell, incoming Councilman Andrew Cohen, and up to 100 others.

 










Left - The room was packed for the Ben Franklin Holiday Party.
Right - Congressman Eliot Engel gives a rousing speech standing in front of the President Obama cut out in the clubhouse.





 













Left - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaking to the crowd.
Right - Councilman elect Andrew Cohen thanks the many in attendance who helped him be victorious.


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

North Riverdale Merchants Association Holiday Party


  Monday night the North Riverdale Merchants Association came together with some guests to honor three people that have made this year a success for the North Riverdale Merchants. Ms. Tracy Shelton of the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation, Adam Sandler of Councilman Oliver Koppells office, and NRMA member Christopher Rizzo. In attendance were Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Oliver Koppell, and Councilman Elect Andrew Cohen. 














Left - Assemblyman Dinowitz, Ms. Tracy Shelton, Andrew Sandler, and Councilman Elect Andrew Cohen .
Right - NRMA Chairman Gary Wartels (owner of Skyview Liquors), former co-chair Anthony Fella, stand with the NRMA secretary (middle).

 











Left - Ms. Tracy Shelton receives her award for helping get the NRMA off the ground.
Right - Anthony Fella is about to present Andrew Sandler of Councilman Koppel's office his award for all the help given in many different areas.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW


By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

Is Governor Cuomo Taking New York City For Granted?

You should know that on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Governor Andrew Cuomo awarded $715.9 million in Economic Development Funding through the third round of his Regional Economic Development Council initiative. A grand event to announce this multi-million dollar jackpot was held in Albany in the Hart Theatre at the Empire State Plaza. The Master of Ceremonies for this event was none other than Maria Bartiromo, the former television host of “CNBC’s Closing Bell.”

We all know that $715.9 million is a huge sum of money and you might ask: where did all this money go? Let me tell you. The largest prizes were awarded to areas outside of New York City including Long Island that received $83 million, the Capital Region which includes Albany, Warren and Washington Counties, received $82.8 million, the Mohawk Valley, which includes the City of Utica, received $82.4 million, the Southern Tier which includes Elmira, the Town of Margaretville and Delaware County, received slightly under $82 million, and the North Country, which is near the Canadian border and includes Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Watertown, received slightly over $81 million.

Surprise, surprise, by now you must be asking, of that $715.9 million, how much did a Democratic city like New York City receive from a Democratic Governor? Sit down and hold on to your chair, I don’t want you to fall off your chair when you find out how much the City of New York, which includes the Boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island received. We just received only $57.4 million for the five boroughs. And as you and I know, any one of the five boroughs has a larger population than those counties that received more money.

Ladies and Gentleman, our Democratic Governor should know that he is the Governor because of the Democratic voters in New York City. As a matter of fact, the State Comptroller, the Honorable Thomas DiNapoli, the State Attorney General, the Honorable Eric Schneiderman, and the Assembly Speaker, the Honorable Sheldon Silver are all from New York City and hold elected office because of New York City voters.

One could only imagine why a Democratic Governor, who is the head of the New York State Democratic Party, would discriminate against the voters who are the very reason he is the Governor.

What is Governor Cuomo’s message to the voters of the City of New York? Is it “later for you?” Or is it “I don’t need you now; I only need you at election time, when I will come back to you and tell you I am a Democrat like you?” How is it that the largest city in New York State with the largest Police Department and the city that has more children attending its elementary, middle and high schools than the population of many upstate counties combined, was awarded less money than anybody else?

My dear reader, I think that New York City has been taken for granted for too long. I want to make myself clear. I am not pitting Upstate against Downstate. I am aware that Upstate needs as much support and as many services as anybody else. But for the City of New York to receive only $57.4 million out of $715.9 million is too much for me to swallow. I believe that New York City has been discriminated against and taken for granted because I also believe that resources should be awarded based on population and not based on future political plans.

I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.