Independent Democratic Conference

  IDC Calls For MTA Forensic Audit

   Calling it the only sure way to get to the bottom of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's spending practices, the Independent Democratic Conference today unveiled legislation sponsored by Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/ Orange), that would commence a forensic audit of the public authority.

   Under the legislation, (S.4501), the audit, which would be the first true top-to-bottom review of the MTA, would be conducted by an independent outside auditing firm and be paid for by the authority.

“Through a series of questionable financial practices, the MTA has jeopardized the public trust,” Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/Orange), said “New Yorkers have to manage their hard earned dollars in a responsible and competent way, and so should the authorities that tax dollars fund.  A full top-to-bottom forensic audit of exactly how these tax dollars are expended by the MTA will illuminate any discrepancies, move it toward fiscal solvency and eliminate the need for the payroll tax.”

   Decades of increased debt service and rising costs and – as well as a history of questionable spending practices – have left the MTA with projected out-year deficits of $247 million in 2012, $37 million in 2013, and $482 million in 2014. This is despite recent fare hikes and a 2009 rescue package that gave new revenue streams to the MTA, including the unpopular payroll mobility tax.

  A forensic audit is a specialized review of an entity's finances that is conducted with the aim of finding evidence of inappropriate financial activity. Compared to other audits, they are more complex and labor intensive, and require special expertise.

   The IDC believes that a forensic audit for the MTA is warranted due to a history of questionable behavior and spending decisions by the agency.

   A 2003 report by the State Comptroller's Office showed that the MTA overstated the severity of its fiscal problems and hid a $512.5 surplus in order to justify a 33 percent fare increase. This scandal caused a serious erosion in the public's trust of the MTA.

  Since then, the agency has taken steps to make its finances more transparent. However, reports of questionable spending decisions by the MTA continue.

This includes:

• A 2010 report by the MTA Inspector General showing that the authority doled out millions of dollars to sub-par contractors. According to the report, the MTA attempted to hide this shoddy work in order to spare the authority embarrassment.

• A 2010 audit by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that found problematic policies regarding overtime at the MTA. The findings led to the comptroller ordering a forensic audit of just overtime at the authority. This forensic audit, the first of its kind by the Comptroller's office, is much narrower than what the IDC is proposing. The MTA has a $12 billion operating budget and is expected to spend $478 million on overtime this year.

• Another report by Comptroller DiNapoli documented that the MTA spent $5.76 million to maintain a nearly empty building, its former headquarters in Brooklyn, as it considered renovations. At the same time, the MTA spent $1.4 million a year to rent office space for the displaced workers.

• A report released last week by the Citizens Budget Commission that ranked the Long Island Rail Road and the MTA's bus systems among the most expensive mass transit networks in the country when compared by cost per-passenger mile.

“Each of these little smoking guns adds up to one big fire,” Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/Westchester), said. “If we are going to work together to fix our mass transit system, we are going to need to be on the same page and know all the facts. I truly believe that the only way to accomplish this is through a forensic audit of the MTA's finances.”

Senate bill 4501 is not the first attempt by the Legislature to have a forensic audit of the MTA conducted. The MTA rescue plan gave the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly the power to initiate an audit the MTA in 2009, and possibly every two years going forward. However, the language of the bill left the scope of the audit subject to an agreement of legislative leaders and it did not have a dedicated funding stream. The time frame to conduct such an audit lapsed with no action taken.

Under S.4501, the scope of the audit will be comprehensive and the MTA itself would be responsible for payment. The MTA estimates that a full forensic audit of itself would cost up to $10 million.

The IDC believes that the MTA would be able to cover the costs by lowering unnecessary overtime and aggressively collecting back rent from tenants of MTA buildings. As of mid 2009 they were owed $9 million alone in back rent.

“This is a one time expense that will pay dividends down the road,” Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), said. “By undertaking this forensic audit, the MTA can put itself on the road to recovery and reclaim its reputation with the public.”

This proposal does have support in the State Senate, which included a forensic audit in its 2011-2012 budget resolution.

“In these difficult economic times, where resources are scarce, it is extremely important that organizations funded by the state undertake all possible efforts to operate as efficiently as possible,” said Senator David J. Valesky. “This legislation is a first step toward getting the MTA back on the right track to ensure state resources are being used in the best way.”

  Photo-Senators David Valesky (D- Oneida), Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester), Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), David Carlucci (D- Rockland and Orange Counties.)

This went out to Democrats throughout the state today -

Dear Friend,

The State Budget is complete and now comes the hard work: cleaning up Albany.

Last November, a majority of legislators from both sides of the aisle and in both houses made a promise to change how business is done and raise the ethical bar for public officials in New York through ethics reform and independent redistricting.

Keeping Our Promise
Senate Democrats, Governor Cuomo and the Assembly are in agreement – meaningful, effective and lasting ethics reform must:

• Require the full disclosure of outside sources of income, including for legislators who are practicing lawyers (S.382/Rivera).

• Increase transparency and restrictions on the personal use of campaign funds to ensure contributions are used only for elections, not personal use (S.3053/Krueger).
• Strengthen oversight and enforcement for all public officials by giving the Public Integrity Commission the power to investigate the legislature and refer any findings to District Attorneys or the Legislative Ethics Commission for possible action

Senate Republicans have already reneged on their promise to give New Yorkers independent redistricting; now they appear to be stalling progress on ethics reform. It’s frustrating, but anyone who has watched Albany over the years isn’t surprised. I ran for the Senate last fall on the promise to clean up state government, and that promise will be kept.

Senate Republicans: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
In January of 2009, Senate Republicans killed the most significant ethics reforms in more than a generation. That package was not enough, but it was a good first step. After pressure mounted from the public and good government groups, they relented and joined Assembly and Senate Democrats to pass the plan, only to turn their back on it again two weeks later. They claimed their support changed because the proposal did not go far enough.

Well, now is their chance. Senator Dean Skelos is partner in a law firm with lobbying business before the state. This is his opportunity to keep his promise to voters and pass an ethics reform package which requires full disclosure, strips lawmakers from both sides of the aisle convicted of public corruption of their pensions, and ensures that the Legislature – after decades of working in the shadows – will finally be held accountable to the public.

Sincerely,
Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
RE: Rat infestations in Bronx Community Board Area's

  In response to new data from the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) concerning rat infestations in various Bronx community board areas,  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released the following statement:

“The rising incidents of rat infestation in our Bronx neighborhoods show just how significant the DOHMH’s recent decision to eliminate the jobs of 63 pest control workers, workers whose jobs were specifically to battle the City’s rat population. Rats are dirty and disgusting, and their presence in any neighborhood is a major blow to the quality of life of that community.

“It is time for the City to rethink their actions and rehire these pest control workers, so that we may begin in earnest our assault on the borough’s rat population and the associated problems that come with these vermin. A small amount of savings is just not worth destroying the quality of life in neighborhoods across the City,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

  Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has made a similar statement about the Manhattan community board areas. 

 

Democrats and the Lost Opportunity for Affordable Housing

   New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) released the following statement: 

   “As the June 15^th rent stabilization deadline approaches, I remain deeply concerned for the well-being of 2.5 million New Yorkers and their families who voted for Democrats to take control.  They elected us so that we would not let the opportunity to protect their right to affordable housing slip through their hands. 

   Democrats missed the chance to force a vote on rent control during Budget negotiations.  Democrats – especially Black and Hispanic legislators – should never have agreed on the Budget until the issue of rent control and stabilization was determined.  If affordable housing were addressed during that great race to beat the clock, New Yorkers would have won. 

   Unfortunately, the opportunity for Democrats to do something about rent control has passed. I have no delusions that the Senate Republicans will ever compromise on rent control or even bring this to the table for a vote this Session.  In their defense, I must wonder, why should they?  Since they are in the majority, why should they capitulate? 

   Governor Andrew Cuomo, (who actually served as HUD Secretary) met today to discuss rent control and stabilization laws with Senate Majority Leader John Sampson, Senator Adriano Espaillat (who serves as the Top Democrats on the Senate Housing Committee) and Senator Liz Krueger (who has championed this cause more than any other Senator prior to the Early Budget vote).  The issue of rent control has been cast aside until sometime – perhaps in May – after our Senate 2-week vacation from Albany.  We know that if these laws are not in place by June 15^th, they will sunset, expire, and be nearly impossible to resurrect.

 

DON’T CUT CASE MANAGEMENT TO HOME-BOUND SENIORS BY $6.6 MILLION 

  A coalition of aging service advocates lead by the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS), Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), United Neighborhood House (UNH), CityMeals on Wheels, the Human Services Council, and UJA-Federation will assemble on the Steps of City Hall to inform the public and to speak out against the proposed cuts to case management. 

    Mayor Bloomberg is proposing the $6.6 million cut, a 30 % cut to case management. The Mayor tried this cut mid-year, but the funds were restored by the city council. Now, the mayor is trying to cut case management again.

·         Impact to seniors: Based on a CSCS survey done last November when the cut was first proposed –

Ø  Upwards of 8000 homebound elders, average age 85, will lose case management services

Ø  Almost 900 seniors were already on case management waiting lists

Ø  The average caseload, already 70, would increase to 85 and higher

Ø  112 social workers (called case managers) would lose their jobs

·         Social workers provide a valuable service to home bound seniors and can help to save lives

·         The coalition is working to “baseline” case management funds:  Baselining is a budget word which means that the Mayor allows the case management funds to remain in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) budget so there is not a cut and the funds flows into the budgets of case management agencies immediately.  This will ensure continuity of services to home bound elderly New Yorkers   

Thursday, April 14 from 10:00 – 11:00    --  Steps of City Hall  

for more information contact -- Matthew Hynes, mhynes@cscs-nyc.org, 212-398-6565 X237

 

Onion or Corn for State Vegetable

   The New York Farm Bureau, a non profit organization out of Albany is looking to name the vegetable of New York State on their facebook page here. The competition is down to either onion and corn, and since the state budget is done this has now come to the attention of some of our state legislatures. The Independent Democrat Conference here, at least three of the four members support "onion"as their choice for state veggie. It appears that one member is still on the fence not wanting to take sides on the issue. 

   We made some calls to local elected Bronx officials, but received "we will have to get back to you on the matter" from some staff members. We will update this posting as the responses come in from the elected officials as to their choice, but as it stands now the only Bronx state legislature who has weighed in on this is Senator Jeff Klein who favors onion as the state vegetable.

  Word came in from Senator Gustavo Rivera, that Senator Rivera is going with "TEAM ONION",

VOLUNTEERS TO GREEN BRONX PARKS DURING ‘HANDS ON NEW YORK DAY’ 

New Yorkers to spruce up 11 neighborhood sites in the Bronx after an especially hard winter  

More than 300 volunteers will clear leaves and debris, paint benches and picnic tables, and spread woodchips as part of New York Cares’ Hands on New York Day on Saturday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park (Enter at Broadway Ave and Van Cortlandt Park S) in the Bronx.  New Yorkers will also rejuvenate planting areas impacted by the hard winter.

 

17^th Annual Hands On New York Day, sponsored by HSBC Bank USA, NA., is a citywide day of spring cleaning where 5,000 volunteers will spruce up 70 parks, gardens, playgrounds, and other public spaces across the five boroughs. 

 

 

 

Senator Rivera presents Celia Cruz Winning Choir with Senate Resolution Honoring their Hard Work and Excellence

   Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) presented the Celia Cruz High School Choir with a Senate Resolution honoring them for being named the Best Choir in New York City as part of the Sing! for Wildlife competition. This was the first Senate Resolution Senator Rivera introduced and passed through the State Senate.

Senator Rivera spoke to the students congratulated the students on being an example of the great accomplishments, both artistic and educational, that can come from a commitment to arts education.

 That's Senator Gustavo Rivera (33rd S.D.) in the middle of the Celia Cruz Choir students who are holding the Senate resolution that honored the choir for their hard work and excellence. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Press Release from Assemblyman Crespo about Cathie Black

   This came in from Assemblyman Marcos Crespo 85th A.D. before the naming Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott as new chancellor.

 Today’s announcement of Cathie Black’s departure as chancellor of the New York City public school system is welcomed news for my community and all the school children, parents and educators. While, I commend Cathie Black for her interest in serving the public in this capacity and wish her well in future endeavors I am pleased that Mayor Bloomberg has finally acknowledged what other community leaders and I have stated from the first day she was nominated. We clearly stated that Ms. Black was unqualified and unprepared to serve in the role as chancellor and address the needs of over 1.1million school children.

Now, as we move forward I call on Mayor Bloomberg to seek input from education advocates and elected officials as he continues the search for a new chancellor. Furthermore, I hope this experience will remind Commissioner Steiner and the New York State Department of Education that the voices of elected officials and community advocates must not be ignored next time a waiver is requested of a candidate for the position as chancellor.

 Added from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

  Statement from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz on the termination of Cathie Black and the appointment of Dennis Walcott as New York City Schools Chancellor

  

  I am pleased that Mayor Bloomberg realized the terrible error he made in appointing Cathie Black as Schools Chancellor.  It seems her 17% poll rating did what her lack of qualifications couldn’t, expel her from this job.

  I am hopeful that Dennis Walcott will provide the leadership our schools need.  He has the qualifications and background to be a successful Chancellor.  He and his children are all products of New York City public schools, and he has extensive experience as a Deputy Mayor as well as a teacher and a member of the Board of Education.   I look forward to working with him to improve our schools.

Now it's "Your Fired Cathie Black".

  Celeste Katz has the full story here of the mutual agreement between the mayor and now former Chancellor Cathie Black. Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott will become the new Chancellor, but he to will also have to get a waiver from the State Education Department to become chancellor.

  Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who had criticized the mayor's choice of Black, praised the decision "to change course in such a big way when things are not working."

  "It's been clear for months now that, like the Titanic, this ship has been sinking with more than one million school children on board," he said in a statement.

  Our own Bronx Borough President had this to say about the change in chancellor ay the DOE. "During her time as chancellor, Cathie Black and I had a good working relationship, and I wish her well. I have known Dennis Walcott for years, and I welcome him as chancellor of the Department of Education. Mr. Walcott has always been attentive and accessible, and he understands the issues facing our public schools. I look forward to working with him to address these issues, which affect the 1.1 million children in our city who depend on our schools," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

  On another note it is rumored that State Education Commissioner David Steiner's days could be numbered in that post, as is believed that he is sizing up his options before before making any decision. 

 UPDATE:
  State Education Commissioner David Steiner has announced that he will retire from his current job as commissioner at the end of the year. 
  

Yet Another Deputy Chancellor is Leaving the DOE

  We told you at the beginning of this week about Deputy Chancellor Santiago Tavares leaving the DOE after a 22 year career, and now another Deputy Chancellor John White will be the fourth to depart since new Chancellor Cathie Black took over a few short months ago. Mr. White was the head of the Office of Portfolio and Development, which monitored the closing of failing schools, changes to school structure, and opening of new schools. This is leaving some to wonder what is happening at the DOE, and who will be next to leave. 

  Ms. Cathie Black the former head of Hearst Magazines was granted a waiver to become chancellor due to the strong support of the Deputy Chancellors at the DOE, and now that half of them have left since her appointment by Mayor Bloomberg, this leaves some to wonder if  her waiver should now be reviewed by the State Education Department?  

  In a statement Chancellor Black viewed this as a plus for the DOE that Mr. White was chosen for the innovative work that he did while Deputy Chancellor. 

LIU RELEASES REPORT ON ESCALATION OF PENSION COSTS

   Retirement Security NYC, New York City Comptroller John C. Liu’s initiative to provide research on public employee pension issues, today released its second report entitled “The $8 Billion Question: An Analysis of NYC Pension Costs Over the Past Decade.”
   Comptroller Liu requested the study to examine the steep rise in annual employer contributions to the Pension Funds over the past decade. Pension cost rose from $1.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2001 to $7.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2010. The study was validated by independent actuaries.

   “The data challenges widespread notions that overly generous benefits played the leading role in the escalation of City contributions,” Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Accountancy Simcha Felder said. “In
fact, the study found that the major factor in the rise in employer contributions to the City’s Pension Funds has been poor market performance. The lower than expected investment returns accounted for 48% of the cost increase.”
   The study found that escalation in the employer contributions to the City’s Pension Funds was driven by the following major factors:

  - The largest factor was poor market performance which accounted for 48% of the increased cost. It added $3.1 billion to costs in FY 2010, and accounted for $15.2 billion over the decade. The lower investment returns this decade stand in contrast to the consistent higher annual returns experienced in the 1980s and 1990s.

  - The second-largest factor was benefit increases, which accounted for 44% of the additional cost. It added $2.4 billion in FY 2010, and accounted for an estimated $13.7 billion over the course of the decade. It must be noted that almost all of the benefit improvements were enacted in 2000. The benefit improvements enacted after 2000 have been relatively nominal, accounting for about 4% of the increase in pension cost.
  - The next largest factor was actuarial losses and revisions in actuarial assumptions and methods, due to a variety of factors including increased longevity, salaries, overtime, disability, early retirement, and buy-backs of service. It added $790 million in FY 2010, and totaled nearly $1.7 billion, or 5%, over the 10-year period.
  - The last major factor was higher than expected investment and administrative fees, which added $313 million to expenses in FY 2010, and totaled $982 million, or 3%, during the decade.

   The report also provides information about the Pension Fund reset in 2000, which effectively absorbed $17 billion of excess investment returns experienced in the prior decade.  That reset immediately lowered pension costs by $1.1 billion annually. However, the reset eliminated the cushion that would have protected against adverse market conditions, which unfortunately materialized in the following years.
   “New York City has successfully managed its pension funds for more than a century. While pension reform is needed, radical changes to retirement benefits should not be made based solely on one of the worst decades in market performance,” Comptroller Liu said. “Residents of the City should be proud that in spite of tough economic times, the New York City Pension Funds continue to meet their obligations.”
   The current asset value of the New York City Pension Funds is $114.9 billion, which indicates a 17% percent rate of return fiscal year to date (July 1, 2010 – January 31, 2011).

   Download the report here: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/rsnyc/reports.asp?f=1
   About the Study

The research was conducted by the NYC Comptroller’s Office, using data from the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs), the actuarial valuations of each of the retirement systems, and fiscal
notes issued in relation to benefit enhancement legislation. The study was independently verified by actuaries from the Hay Group.

   About the New York City Pension Funds

The New York City Pension Funds include: the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, the Teachers’ Retirement System, the New York City Police Pension Fund, the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund, and the Board of Education Retirement System.  As of January 31, 2011 the asset value of the five funds is $114.9 billion.
   About Retirement Security NYC
Retirement Security NYC is a major initiative launched by Comptroller John C. Liu to protect the retirement security of public employees while ensuring the City’s financial health.

 

MLK’s Fight for Economic Justice Inspires Citywide Call for Living Wage  
On Anniversary of Dr. King’s Death, New Yorkers Rally for Living Wage

 On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed while fighting for living wage jobs. Hundreds gathered to honor his legacy as part of the growing citywide movement for a living wage. On this historic occasion, elected officials from the Bronx joined faith leaders, labor leaders, community leaders, and local residents in pushing for swift passage of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, popular legislation that will help create more living wage jobs.

Dr. King’s eldest living son, Martin Luther King III, took the occasion to endorse the campaign, calling for living wage jobs throughout New York City.

“New York City offers a national roadmap for continuing my father’s unfinished work of economic justice… We need the living wage movement to succeed and spread to other parts of the country. Countless stories of the working poor today are about people making impossible choices: food or rent, clothing or electricity. When we pause over those stories, and understand their painful significance, we grasp something fundamental about a country as wealthy as ours: no working person should have to settle for surviving over living. It’s that simple,” he said in a statement.

“In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s fight for equality and economic justice, we come together today to call on the City Council to make the passage of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act a reality.  It is time for New York City to join the growing list of communities that promote quality development through living wages.  When developers take heavy subsidies from taxpayer wallets, they must do better by those they employ. We can no long accept business as usual,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. at a rally in the Bronx Pentecostal Deliverance Center. 

“We must honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not in words, but in deeds: elected officials must ensure that government continues to protect and improve the lives of all working people. That means standing up for a living wage so that countless working New Yorkers no longer feel condemned to poverty, but instead can finally get closer to achieving the kind of economic security they need and deserve,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW, 

“We are going to make sure developers of mega projects in New York City who expect to receive mega-subsidies paid for by the taxpayers pay their fair share by paying a living wage.  There will be no more negotiations from project to project and the playing field will be level for all those who want to do business using our subsidies,” said City Council Member Oliver Koppell, chief sponsor of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act.

The Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act would require employers that receive major public tax subsidies to pay employees at least $10 per hour with benefits, or $11.50 without. The living wage legislation now has 29 City Council co-sponsors.

"I work 40 hours a week for minimum wage and no health benefits. I cannot afford to be self sufficient. I have a message tonight for Council member Vacca: 'Will you stand with the working poor like me to support the Fair Wages for New Yorker's Act?'” said Linda, a middle-aged worker in a fast food chain.

“Just as we teach our people they have a right to spiritual empowerment, they also have a right to be empowered economically.  We as faith-based leaders must be the voice for the voiceless and do everything in our power to make sure this bill is passed for them and the generation that follows,” said Rev. Que English, Senior Pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship. 

More than 45 cities have enacted such legislation and have found that these policies create quality jobs for local residents without slowing economic growth or preventing economic development. New York City is behind the times on this issue and, as a result, publicly subsidized developments are keeping people in poverty-wage jobs, rather than providing them with opportunities to get ahead. For more information on the Living Wage NYC campaign, visit http://www.livingwagenyc.org. 

 Bronx Borough President is at the podium speaking, while Councilman G. Oliver Koppell is in the left background of this photo.

IDC, Assemb. Ortiz, Join Young Heart Transplant Survivor to Push for Life-Saving Legislation

'Lauren's Law' to Increase Organ Donation Passed Important Committee Vote Today

  The Independent Democratic Conference and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, (D-Brooklyn) joined 10-year-old heart transplant survivor Lauren Shields and her family today in a push for life saving legislation.

  The measure, “Lauren's Law,” would prohibit a driver's license application from being processed unless the organ donation section is filled out. Applicants would have to check a box stating “yes,” or “not at this time.”   There currently is an organ donation section on the application, but it is not required to be filled out.

This change would increase organ donation in New York, which is ranked last in the country for the number of new donors.

  “It is critical that we increase donor enrollment numbers here in New York State,” said the Senate sponsor of Lauren's Law, Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/Orange), “Everyday people are losing their lives due to lack of organ donations. Lauren’s Law will save lives by significantly increasing the number of New Yorkers who chose to become life saving organ donors simply by increasing the number of people who have to make the choice.”

  The bill (S.3885/A.6148) cleared its first major hurdle today, passing the Senate Committee on Transportation today.

  “On March 18, 2009, just when it seemed that all hope was lost, the doctors came in and told mommy that  my donor was found,” Lauren Shields said.  “I had an angel that was willing to give me the gift of life.  I am so thankful for the gift that I received but I know that there are so many other children and adults that are waiting just like I was. As happy as I am that I am able to get back to my regular routine, I can’t help but think about the others that still wait.  I am so grateful that Senator Carlucci and Assemblyman Ortiz are taking a step to help increase donor enrollments.”

  "Organ donation is an issue that is close to my heart.  Like Lauren, my mother was in need of a transplant.  She was one of the lucky ones because she received her kidney from my sister.  Often times, however, that is not the case.  On average, eighteen people die each year while waiting for an organ.  There is a tremendous need for organ and tissue donors throughout our country. I am hopeful that Lauren's Law will be enacted in our state and that more people will choose to pass on the precious gift of life", said Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chair of the New York State Assembly Mental Health Committee and Sponsor of the bill in the Assembly.     

   In New York, more than 9,300 people are on the list for organ transplants. However, the state has ranked last in the number of organ donors signed up through their DMV program. In 2009, New York ranked last in the nation, signing up only 11 percent (or 427,562) of the 3.8 million people who received a driver's license or a non-driver's identification. By contrast, Colorado signed up 64 percent of new license holders.

Nationally, there are approximately 110,000 men, women and children waiting for organ transplants. Every 11 minutes, a new name is added to the national waiting list. However, 18 people die every day because of the lack of donated organs.

  “People's lives are literally on the line here,” Senator Jeff Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “I commend Senator Carlucci and Assemblyman Ortiz for leading the charge on this effort to expand the network of available organ donors and to help more people like Lauren.”

   “April is National Donate Life Month and I can't think of a better way to observe it than to get this critically important legislation passed, and signed into law,” said Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn).

   “Lauren’s story is truly inspiring, and I am glad that she, Senator Carlucci and Assemblyman Ortiz are taking the lead on drawing attention to the benefits of organ donation," said Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida).

 

Another Deputy Chancellor Leaved The DOE

   Immediately following ex-Chancellor Joel Klein's resignation in November,  Photeine Anagnostopoulos deputy chancellor for finance and technology, took off. Elizabeth Sciabarra, who founded the Office of Student Enrollment in 2003, also left at that time. Former Deputy Chancellor Eric Nadelstern left the department in January, and now Deputy Chancellor Santiago Tavares has left the DOE. 

  Celeste Katz goes in to detail here about the former Deputy Chancellors 22 year career, and where he plans to go. There were only three Deputy Chancellors when when Joel Klein took over as chancellor, and when he left a few short months ago he needed eight Deputy Chancellors. It was only a matter of time when those who felt slighted by the appointment of Cathie Black as new chancellor would leave, and we wonder what other key DOE people will also leave the sinking DOE now. 

 

Midtown merchants are giving an icy reception to the 34th Street Partnership's $120,000 gift to a proposed skating rink in The Bronx. 

  In an exclusive New York Post article that you can find here this past Sunday veteran reporter Candice Giove asks some 34th Street merchants about their feelings about giving $120,000 dollars to a proposed ice skating rink in the Bronx. 

  Ms. Giove also details the powerful president of the 34th Street Partnership Mr. Dan Biederman, and some of his other ventures.  Mr. Biederman the article reports, says that there is nothing slippery about steering money to the rink, but some merchants want to know why the money is going elsewhere than the 34th Street BID area.

Negro Baseball League Exhibit at the Bronx Museum
  

    In conjunction with opening day at Yankee Stadium the 161st Street BID held its own opening weekend list of events to showcase the 161st Street business area. Thursday morning before opening day at Yankee Stadium a concert was held in Ruth/Gehrig park. On Friday it was the opening day of "The Negro League Exhibit" at the Bronx Museum. Then on Saturday former Yankee great Roy White, along with Negro league player Jim Robinson signed free autographs for hundreds of Yankee fans in front and inside of a packed Stan's Sports Bar on River Avenue. Roy and Jim then went to Mullaly Park just north of Yankee Stadium to sign autographs for the many kids who play little league baseball sponsored by the Grand Slam foundation. 

    After he finished signing autographs Roy White walked over to the Bronx Museum to view the Negro League exhibit on display. He met Ricky Martinez (who loaned part of his private collection for the exhibit) and the two looked at every item while Mr. Martinez explained the history of each item on display. Ricky Martinez explained that the Negro Leagues were made up of black and what are now called Hispanic players, such as his grandfather Rudolpho "Rudy" Fernandez. Ricky added that it was his grandfather that got him started collecting Negro League memorabilia when he was seven years old. 

    There were autographed baseballs, hats, bats, photos, plaques, and even an original uniform, with names such as Willie Mays, Leroy "Satchel" Page, Roy Campanella, James "Cool Papa" Bell, Josh Gibson, Lionel Hampton, Buck Leonard, Jackie Robinson, and many others that were not so famous, but played and enjoyed the game. 

    The Negro Leagues were established in the 1920's as an alternative to Major League Baseball, for non-white baseball players that could not play in the major league due to the color barrier. Jackie Robinson broke that color barrier on April 15th, 1947, and as other Major League baseball teams removed the color barrier by 1960 the Negro Leagues were history. "All that remains is the stories and memories of those who played the game of Black Baseball". The Negro League Museum is located in Kansas City Missouri.     

DEP to CFM "We are not going to say anything more tonight"

    We were glad to see Father Richard Gorman back after a brief health issue that sidelined the now 40 pounds lighter Community Board # 12 Chairman, but that may have been the only good news at the March Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee meeting.

    The DEP went over the updated costs of the Croton water filtration plant being built in Van Cortlandt Park, which showed that consultants Metcalf & Eddy/Hazen and Sawyer, JV current contract amount to be at $257,957,640 million dollars, an increase of 463% over the original contract price of $44, 226,000 million dollars. This as the completed costs to finish building the water filtration plant approach the 3 billion dollar level for completion in 2013, almost 20 years after first being proposed at an estimated cost of 600 million dollars by the Giuliani administration. There were also continued questions of the way the water is to be filtered as newer cheaper methods have come about in the past 20 years. 

    As for the report on the percentage of Bronx workers at the plant, DEP said that it is now at 16%. (a 2 1/2 year low), and Councilman G. Oliver Koppell upon hearing such a low percentage said that was not good enough, and wanted to know why the number was so low. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (who was in the audience) then said that our community was lied to by DEP Commissioner Ward and that DEP has lied throughout the entire process. There was also a question of how many workers were taking mass transit to the site, as that was a selling point for this site being at the end of the # 4 subway, and along several bus routes including some from Westchester Count. 

    When it came to the update of siting an alternate route for the force main for waste water to flow to the treatment plant in the South Bronx, it was said that the report was not ready as there was not enough information yet to make that determination.

    The "Dumb Deaf and Silent" act by Mark Lanaghan of DEP came when the subject of public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir then came up. Mr. Lanaghan stated that there was a report sent to the Bronx Borough President about the subject, and that he nor any one else from DEP was not going to take part in, listen, or even speak any more. As Mr. Lanaghan sat in his chair he then pulled out his Blacberry phone (as most city agency heads do in meetings), trying to ignore what was going on. For the rest of the meeting no one from DEP uttered a word, and it seemed as though Mr. Lanaghan turned into a figure that one would see in a wax museum. 

    After lengthy a discussion about the access to the reservoir (without DEP input)  Father Gorman asked for a meeting to be run by the Bronx Borough President along with all the stakeholders in the community on the issue of access, since DEP had answered his query on the subject. A question arose from the audience on the subject of playing golf on top of the completed plant (as proposed that the previous golf course would be replaced above the plant) when there was such a great deal of importance for security reasons to keep people away from the Jerome Park Reservoir, which did not get answered.   

    The next meeting of the Croton Water Filtration Committee was the n scheduled for Wednesday April 27th.

Town Hall Meetings

  On Sunday April 10th at 11AM at the Van Courtlandt Jewish Center (located at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue) there will be a town hall meeting with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (81 A.D.), Congressman Eliot Engel, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera (33 S.D.). The elected officials want your input on federal, state, and city issues, such as housing, city rent laws, senior citizen concerns, MTA issues, education matters, and others. 

  For more information on this town hall meeting in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center you can call Assemblyman Dinowitz's office at 718-796-5345. 

  On Saturday April 16th at 2PM at the Bedford Park Senior Center (located at 243 East 204th Street, one block from the Grand Concourse) there will will be a town hall meeting with Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jose Rivera (78 A.D.), and State Senator Gustavo Rivera (33 S.D.). The elected officials will address issues and participate in an dialogue on matters of importance to the Bedford Park-Norwood area, such as senior citizen concerns, housing, rent laws (set to expire June 30th), MTA,  and education matters to name some.

  For more information on this town hall meeting in the Bedford Park-Norwood area you can call 78th Male State Committeeman Ricky Martinez at 646-509-7166.

  This came in from Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. which talks about "Conference of Somos Uno" , the annual function for Hispanic legislators to meet, and discuss ways in which they can use their power to defend political abuses and resolve the disadvantages they have as Hispanics. This ends by saying that the black and hispanic elected officials whom voted yes on the budget turned their backs on their communities, to win favor with Governor Cuomo.

     Are We One or Are We the Shame?

This weekend, the Legislative Conference known as Somos Uno or “We are One”, which is comprised of all the Hispanic Legislators of the State Legislature, will gather in Albany, the State Capital to find ways in which Hispanic elected officials can protect, defend and stand up for the Hispanic community all across New York State.

This Conference of Somos Uno began its’ annual functions more than 30 years ago under the name Somos el Futuro or “We are the Future,”  under the guidance of the late Assemblyman Angelo del Toro.

This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, all will gather in Albany where there will be workshops and conferences to discuss ways in which we can use our power to defend political abuses and resolve the disadvantages we have as Hispanics.

The problem  is that these same elected officials were the first ones to give up and trade our community, sometimes for a pittance.

Last night, those same legislators, almost all, voted in favor of the budget which will practically devastate our people.

If all the elected officials, both Hispanic and African-American, would have come together in favor of the poor, the elderly, the children and the needy, we would have defeated the budget and forced the Governor to include the Millionaires Tax and/or extend Rent Control.

Yes my dear friends, we have the power to morally send a message, with our “No” vote,  Governor Cuomo will not be able to continue cutting services to the people that we are supposed to defend.

Instead, one by one, our own legislators and those who will meet this weekend to try to form new methods to defend our people, were the first to fail and lost the opportunity to tell Governor Cuomo “enough is enough.”

Some of them may tell you that they had no other alternative, that if they did not it would cripple the government, or they would have offered some other type of political spin to defend their actions.

I say that there is always an alternative. The alternative to vote with courage and determination. The alternative to defend our community and not say one thing publicly and do another privately with the Governor.

I am afraid that this is not the first nor the last time our elected officials will turn their backs on our community to win the favor of the Governor.

I am afraid that this is not the first time that We are One or We are the Future has become “We are the Shame.”

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

Lawmakers Spar over Taxing the Rich

  Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera (78th A.D.) said "stop talking sh*t" about the fight over state aid between NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo. Rivera added that certain people should stop whining. 

  Over in the state senate meanwhile, Senator Gustavo Rivera (no relation) questioned the Republican Senate Finance chairman on the millionaire's tax, trying to get Senator De Francisco to say that it was a tax break for the rich by letting it expire. 

  And then there was Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who accused Governor Cuomo of eyeing the White House, instead of doing what's right for New Yorkers. See the entire article "Lawmakers Spar Over Taxing the Rich" here , including the 5 1/2 minute video of Senator Diaz announcing the Cuomo for President campaign.

Pedro Espada Jr. and Son, Hit With New Federal Charges

  We said months ago that we thought that Pedro Espada would be hit with charges of tax evasion, and that is just what the U.S. Attorney has done. You can read the entire 30 page indictment here where tax evasion charges have been added to other charges against Pedro Espada Jr. and his son Pedro Gautier Espada.

  Both Espadas are currently out on $750,000 Bail, and their was no comments on the new charges.

Assemblyman Dinowitz declares victory in fight to save senior centers

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Aging, has applauded the restoration of Title XX funding in the budget, part of which is used to fund senior centers in New York City.  Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget cut Title XX funding, causing Mayor Bloomberg to threaten to close 105 senior centers in New York City.  There is now a three-way agreement among the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate to restore this funding.

“Restoration of Title XX funding was my number one budget priority as Aging Committee Chair.  New York City colleagues joined with me in insisting that this crucial funding be restored.  Speaker Silver strongly supported this restoration, and the Assembly budget resolution included a full restoration of Title XX funding,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

“I am pleased that Governor Cuomo, the Assembly, and the Senate are now all on the same page in supporting continued funding of our senior centers.  This huge victory means that thousands of New York City seniors will not be closed out of their senior centers.  I call upon Mayor Bloomberg to rescind his hit list of senior centers to be closed as soon as the budget is passed and signed.  Now that there will be no state funding cut to New York City senior centers, I call upon Mayor Bloomberg to pledge not to close even a single center,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association Dinner Dance APRIL 30th

 

JOIN US FOR

A

TRIBUTE TO LEADERSHIP

DINNER DANCE

This Year Honoring

SR. Mary Cleary

Principal

Our Lady of Angels School

SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2011

7 PM – 11 PM

Lehman College-  East Dining Room

Make your reservations early as seating is limited for this very special occasion.

TICKETS: $25.00      Info/718-618-7550

The Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association, Inc.

2805 University Avenue, Suite B

Bronx, N.Y. 10468

Tel- 718-618-7550       Fax: 718-618-7549

Khnia@aol.com            www.khniainc.blogspot.com

Plight of Working Poor Inspires Citywide Call for Living Wage

On Anniversary of Dr. King’s Death, New Yorkers Rally in Two Boroughs

Brooklyn and Bronx City Council Members, Faith Leaders, and Many Others to Demand Living Wage Jobs

 

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed while fighting for living wage jobs. This April 4th, Brooklyn and Bronx rallies will honor his legacy as part of the growing citywide movement for a living wage at a time when far too many working people continue to struggle to survive, despite working full-time hours. Through story, song, and sermon, they will convey a sense of crisis and rally for action.

On this historic occasion, elected officials from Brooklyn and the Bronx will join faith leaders, labor leaders, community leaders, and local residents in pushing for swift passage of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, popular legislation that will help create more living wage jobs.

Bronx - The event is co-hosted by the following Bronx elected officials: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; Bronx City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell; and other elected officials, faith leaders, labor leaders, community leaders, and local Bronx residents will participate.

Monday, April 4, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Bronx Pentecostal Deliverance Center 1755 Watson Ave. Bronx, NY (6 Train to Lawrence)