Monique Johnson Announces City Council Bid at the Pelham Parkway Houses

Standing with Danny Barber the citywide representative for NYCHA residents Monique Johnson declared her candidacy for the 13th City Council seat outside the Sue Ginsberg Senior Center at the Pelham Parkway Houses. 

Candidate Johnson spoke of the problems of NYCHA, and resident of the 13th council district of which she is the TL of the Throggs Neck Houses. She pledged to fix problems at NYCHA Houses if elected.  

245 Days and Counting - Happy Birthday Empire State Building.

 

Yesterday I wished Happy Birthday to the Empire State Building. It was once the tallest building in New York City at 102 floors. Construction of the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930. Construction was completed in a record-breaking 1 year and 45 days. We can't build a school or fix up a park in that time frame today. The next mayor will have to take care of the city after I push the plunger to drop the New Year's Ball just before midnight December 31,2021 to welcome in 2022, which will be a much better year since I will no longer be mayor.

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio: This is the place to be in New York City, the Empire State Building. And listen, everyone, New York City is coming back. New York City is coming back strong. We are ready for our full reopening July 1st. We are ready for an extraordinary summer. This is going to be the summer of New York City. And if you are visiting New York City, you have to come to the Empire State Building. There is no such thing as a visit to New York City where you really get to experience this city without going to the Empire State Building. It is part of who we are and it is the best place to see all the greatness of New York City.  

Now, listen, my family – the older generation in my family used to talk about what the Empire State Building meant to them. Because when it was built, it was an absolute marvel. It was something that was so amazing to people, even in New York City, where people believe everything’s possible. The Empire State Building stood out as an extraordinary achievement. And, to this day, we all feel a deep connection to the Empire State Building. The fact that it is here for us and it safe, because they’ve done an extraordinary job – this is another example of New York City’s comeback. 

 

I have to tell you, the Empire State Building – everyone here, they do things right. And Tony Malkin and I have had many conversations. And, Tony, I want to express my admiration to you and your whole team, because you don’t skimp on anything, ever. I admire it. You came up with the best safety systems in the midst of COVID and you showed how it could be done, how we could all come back together. You came up with some of the best green building standards in the world and you applied them in the world’s most famous building. I want people to understand how important that was. The number-one challenge we face, going forward, is climate change. We all have to get ready to fight this challenge together. The Empire State Building lead the way and said to people all over the world, you could do this too. And yes, we have the strongest, boldest law in New York City to stop emissions from our buildings. And that law was inspired in large measure by the achievements of the Empire State Building. Tony, you have been front and center in that effort. Thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done to help move us forward. 

 

But everyone, look – why do people love this building so much? Because it expresses our hopes. Because it is a place to dream. Tony told you it’s a great place to work. Of course, it’s a great place to visit, but it’s especially a great place to dream. And also, it’s a really great place to take a selfie. So, everybody – there’s no better selfie location on earth than the observation deck of the Empire State Building.  

 

So, 90 years young. And what a perfect moment for this anniversary, because New Yorkers are ready to move forward. But sometimes, the best way to move forward is to remember the greatness of our past. This building saw us through many a challenge. This building was built in the middle of the Depression. This building saw us through wars and every other challenge, but it stood as a beacon. No matter what, the Empire State Building was here, and it will be here for a long time ahead. And this building will look out over the recovery of New York City, the comeback of New York City. I think you’ll see a smile on the face of this building. You’ll see those lights lit up to inspire us. This anniversary says so much to us.  

 

So, everyone, this is a joyous day for New York City. And congratulations and happy birthday, Empire State Building.  

 

Bailey, Fernandez, Dinowitz Hold Food Giveaway Thursday in Front of Lexi Bar on East 204th Street

 

The food giveaway was scheduled for Wednesday, but the pantry was not ready so it was postponed to the next day Thursday. Since the elected officials had other things planned for on Thursday their staff members filled in led by Assemblywoman Fernandez's Chief of Staff Dylan Tragni. 

There were one-hundred bags loaded with produce and a variety of canned and packaged goods weighing about twenty-five pounds each with enough food for several days. Without any elected officials to talk to the people the food giveaway seemed to be done much faster this time. 

Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Dylan Tragni filled in for his boss as he placed this heavy bag of food into the woman's wagon for her. 

Bronx Democratic Party - In Memory of of Sylvia Lask

 

 

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our Vice Chair, Sylvia Lask. She was a lifelong mental health advocate and community leader who fought tirelessly to improve the lives of others throughout the Bronx. Her commitment to serving her community was unmatched. She will be remembered for her life-saving work advancing mental health access and the love and compassion she shared throughout her life. Sylvia dedicated her life to being a powerful voice for change and fought for legislation that paved the way for monumental changes in mental health policy in New York. From her tireless advocacy on Timothy’s Law and the New York State Mental Health Education Law to her work organizing the annual September 11 memorial ceremony in the Bronx, she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers. Sylvia was a vital member of various boards throughout the Bronx, including the Jacobi and North Central Bronx Hospital Community Advisory Board, the Board of Visitors of the Bronx Psychiatric Center, the Co-op City Community Board, and the Bronx Democratic Party County Committee. Most recently, she served as the Government Affairs Chair for the Mental Health Association in New York State. Our hearts go out to Sylvia’s family and her loved ones during this difficult time. She will be missed by our entire Bronx Dems family and the Bronx as a whole.

Senator Rivera Announces Ranked Choice Endorsement in the 14th Bronx Council District

 

 On June 22, the City of New York will elect new City Council leadership in an historic ranked choice election. State Senator Gustavo Rivera is working to educate voters about ranked choice voting and the opportunity that the Bronx has to elect bold leaders. To that end, in the 14th City Council District, which includes Kingsbridge Heights, University Heights, and communities in the West Bronx, Senator Rivera announces his endorsement of Adolfo Abreu as his first choice and Pierina Sanchez as his second choice.

"Bold, transformative leadership is long overdue in the 14th City Council District. Since an early age, Adolfo has proven to be a dedicated grassroots organizer and a bonafide champion for the people of the Bronx. I am confident that he will bring thousands of his neighbors' voices with him to the City Council and will continue to be a steadfast partner in delivering for our borough," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Pierina's extensive experience in public service and progressive values make her a natural leader. Both of these candidates have deep ties to our community and would be transformative as leaders for this district."

With ranked choice voting, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. New Yorkers don’t only need to be aware of the new ranked choice system of voting, but informed and empowered to fully participate in the process. Ranked endorsements reflect the choice every voter will have to make and highlight those candidates who will work collaboratively to lead and serve in the Bronx.

“I’m so grateful to be State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s first choice for City Council in District 14. Senator Rivera has fought to make quality residential and public housing and universal healthcare a reality and to reign in the ills of the criminal justice system," said Adolfo Abreu. "I saw first hand his passion and commitment to Bronx residents when I served as his Field Director in 2016. Together, we overcame the real estate interests that tried to block his reelection. He has continued to model true partnership with tenant and community organizations in Senate District 33. I look forward to governing together to build a Bronx where every person can thrive.” 

Joint Statement from local Congress Member and Legislators abt Stringer's Mayoral Campaign

Joint statement from Congress Member Adriano Espaillat, NYS Senator José M. Serrano, NYS Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa, and NYC City Council Members Mark Levine and Diana Ayala:

“We rescind our endorsement of Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign.” 

Jeff, my world is coming apart all my so-called friends are abandoning me, you are still with me Jeff right? 

Scott I was never with you from the beginning of the race since you endorsed Biaggi.

246 Days and Counting, A Thought?

 

Is this what Mayor Bill de Blasio is thinking?

Poor Scott Stringer, he was once considered a top candidate to replace me as mayor next year. He had several State Senate candidates and other elected officials behind him. Scott even had the Working Families party helping him in the Democratic Primary. Now all candidate Stringer has left is the UFT behind him. Republian Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa should have a field day with that one. Scotty to Captain Mulgrew. 'I've lost the others, do you are still have me in your tractor beam, the life support system is running out on this campaign'?