LIU: TUTORING FIRM OWES CITY $850,000 FOR BAD BILLING

 Audit Raises Serious Concerns over Dubious Timesheets

 

  City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that an audit of Champion Learning Center, a tutoring company in contract with the Department of Education, uncovered questionable payments for dubious bills.

Many of the submitted attendance sheets that the DOE paid did not have the required documents that would prove a student was in fact tutored. An additional set of payments went to tutoring services supposedly performed between midnight and 5 a.m.

“Taxpayers can’t afford to write multi-million dollar blank checks for tutoring services that may not have taken place,” Comptroller Liu said.   “The DOE’s lack of oversight not only shows serious mismanagement, but may have also enabled fraudulent billings.  Every education dollar wasted robs students of the education they deserve. DOE should investigate these billings and recover all the money the City is owed. Doing so will send a clear message to companies that do business with the City that New Yorkers will not be taken for a ride.”

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, eligible students enrolled in schools in need of improvement are provided free tutoring to improve their education and performance on state academic standards and assessments.  Champion Learning Center was one of 52 state-approved tutoring providers during School Year 2009-2010.  Champion entered into a $40 million contract with DOE to offer tutoring services, primarily in students’ homes, from September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2012.

The audit found that Champion lacked adequate controls and failed to live up to key provisions of its contract.  Champion’s management weaknesses were compounded by DOE’s inadequate oversight. Ultimately, Champion billed and was paid by DOE for tutoring services for which there was inadequate or questionable documentation.

The findings raised questions about the accuracy of the overall billing for tutoring services that Champion submitted to the DOE.

Timesheets show tutoring at barred or impossible hours

During school years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, Champion billed the DOE and was paid $836,254 for services reportedly provided during hours in which it was not allowed to tutor or at odd times (midnight to 5 a.m.). The billing for these hours could signal fraud. 

The DOE agreed with the audit’s recommendation that it recoup the $836,254. The agency has since changed its billing portal for vendors to prevent them from submitting requests for payment for services during school hours or the middle of the night.

Billing documentation lacking or missing

DOE paid Champion for tutoring services without adequate evidence that the services were, in fact, provided.  Auditors examined a random sample of 164 attendance sheets cards paid by the DOE and determined that 10% (16 of 164) did not contain the tutor’s name or signature as required and 47% (77 of 164) were not signed by the supervisor as required. The audit also reviewed records for tutoring services for 76 students and found that of the total $151,435 the DOE spent, $22,525 (15%) covered 322 hours of work that did not have adequate attendance sheets.

DOE agreed with the recommendation that it investigate and, if warranted, recoup the total of $22,525 for payments that were not supported by attendance sheets.

Champion agreed with the audit’s recommendations that the company strengthen its internal controls to ensure that attendance sheets are properly reviewed and include the required signatures.

Liu credited Deputy Comptroller Tina Kim and the Bureau of Audit for their work on this report.  The full audit can be found at www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

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Espada Found Guilty on 4 of 8 Counts

  Former State Senator Pedro Espada has been found guilt of stealing up to half a million dollars from the now defunct Soundview Health Care Center that he started and ran. Espada now faces up to ten years in jail on each of the four counts of fraud that he was convicted of. The bad news does not stop there, as the judge declared a hung jury on the other four counts so that Espada could be retried on those other four counts of fraud.

  Espada's son Pedro G. Espada appears to have dodged a bullet for now as his jury seems to be deadlocked and unable to convict him, but there is always the possibility of a retrial for him also unless the U.S. Attorney is content to have Espada Senior going to jail.

.Pedro G. Espada and father Pedro Espada holding another future candidate Espada in happier times.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that he is happy that the job he started as New York States Attorney General has been completed. Cuomo added that there is no place in New York politics for any type of corruption.

 Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Had This on the Espada verdict.

The jurors finished the job that the voters started two years ago.  Just as the voters of the 33rd senatorial district punished Pedro Espada, Jr. at the polls for his role in the discredited 2009 coup that shut down the State Senate, the jurors rightly saw Espada for what he is: a crook.  His criminal acts give politics a bad name despite the fact that the vast majority of elected officials are decent, hardworking people.  He stole from the taxpayers and ultimately from the people he was supposed to help, in order to pay for his lavish lifestyle.  Disgusting!  I hope he receives the maximum punishment under the law.

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Croton Filter Plant - Agenda for Meeting on May 17

 

Agenda

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 17, 2012 – 7:00 PM

DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 - (718) 231-8470

I  Welcome                                                          Paul Foster, Chair


II Consider and Adopt the Meeting Agenda        CFMC Reps 

III Consider, Adopt 4/19/12 Meeting Minutes    CFMC Reps  

IV Update on JPR Jogging Path PDC Status      Hector Aponte, DPR

                                                                       Steve Des Noyer, DPR

V Update on Pedestrian Bridge Funding            CFMC Reps

VI NYC Water Rate Increase – Impact on         Mark Lanaghan, DEP
    Rates of Cost of Croton Filter Plant

VII Croton Construction Update, Schedule          Vincent Moorehead,
    And Costs                                                          P.E., DEP
                           

VIII Croton Jobs and Bronx Purchases            Mark Lanaghan, DEP

IX CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting        CFMC Representatives


X   Adjourn
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Sauti Yetu Center for Women Open House and Reception    

Sauti Yetu Brings Together Supporters for

Open House and Reception in the South Bronx

 

Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families will welcome policy makers, community leaders and service providers to their new office space in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx at an Open House and Reception on May 17^th from 4-6:30pm.   The event will highlight Sauti Yetu’s work as both a culturally-responsive service provider and an advocate for the growing African immigrant community in New York City.  It will also share how Sauti Yetu has expanded their services to meet the growing needs of community members, as well as their plans for the future. 

Sauti Yetu’s first Open House and Reception will showcase both their new office space and the culturally and linguistically responsive work they do in the Bronx and throughout the United States.  Speakers include (1) The Honorable Aurelia Greene, Deputy Borough President of the Bronx, (2) The Honorable Maria del Carmen Arroyo, New York City Council 17^th District, and (3) Zeinab Eyega, Executive Director and Founder of Sauti Yetu Center for African Women.  The event will feature music by a griot, Assetou Kouyate and a kora player, Diabate.  It will also feature African cuisine.   Sauti Yetu staff members will offer information about the work they do with African immigrant women, children and families in the Bronx—and beyond. 

Founded in 2004 with 1 staff member, Sauti Yetu has since expanded into a multi-service agency with a staff of over 20.  The organization meets the diverse needs of New York City’s African immigrant women, families and youth through its direct services, advocacy and public education campaigns.   They offer domestic violence services in over 25 languages, as well as academic and leadership support for newly arrived African adolescent girls.  The organization also helps newly arrived immigrant families build their collective strength and achieve self-sufficiency. Sauti Yetu additionally conducts trainings and performs advocacy at the city, state and federal level on the topic of Female Genital Cutting (FGC).  Their work on FGC has been most recently recognized by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Nationally, Sauti Yetu builds the leadership capacity of African immigrant and refugee women in over 11 cities throughout the U.S.

Please RSVP online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3351268735 or email msitz@sautiyetu.org.

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KOPPELL VOWS TO FIGHT CUTS TO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Responding to calls and petitions from his constituents about the proposed closing of after-school programs, Council Member Oliver Koppell vowed to fight to restore the funds.  The Mayor’s FY 2012-2013  Executive budget cut $22.1 million for 172 after-school programs citywide and reduced subsidized slots for child care centers.

“Families in my district would be heavily impacted by these cuts which would force the closure of after-school programs at PS 8 and PS 94 in Norwood, at Riverdale Neighborhood House and the Marble Hill Community Center and reduce the number of children who can be accommodated in after-school programs at PS 95 and PS 20”  Koppell said.

According to Don Bluestone, Executive Director of Mosholu- Montefiore Community Center, over 33% of the organization’s Out-of-School Time (OST) funds for after-school programs were cut, a loss of approximately $1,200,000.  Riverdale Neighborhood House lost $280,000 for its after-school programs and The Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, who run the Marble Hill Center, lost $380,000 for its after-school and summer camp programs.   Koppell said, “It is imperative that funds be restored to The Department of Youth and Community Development’s OST program. Without this restoration, thousands of children in my district and throughout the city,  will be deprived of the positive academic and recreational activities these programs offer, putting them at risk of engaging in negative behavior during these unsupervised hours.”

Koppell referred to research that has shown that after-school programs keep kids safe, have a positive impact on self-concept and decision making and promote positive social interaction among students.  Also, he referenced studies by the Department of Education that have shown crimes involving youth usually occur between the hours of 3-6 p.m. “The risk that our community will see an increase in violence,  vandalism, gang activity,  drug and alcohol abuse, as well  as an upsurge  in the number of latchkey children, is virtually inevitable with the closing of these after-school programs,” he said.

Koppell also said it was necessary to restore the cuts for early child care, which has proven to provide academic and social benefits to children stretching well beyond their early years.

“In the upcoming budget negotiations, my Council colleagues and I are determined to do all in our power to protect the child care and after-school programs on which our most vulnerable families depend. I am hopeful that these efforts will produce results and that there will be restoration of funds to keep these programs open.”  Koppell  concluded.

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What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York  
ESPADA WINS EVEN IF HE LOSES


You should know that when Andrew Cuomo was the New York State Attorney General he used his power, influence, title, and office of the Attorney General to go after Senator Pedro Espada accusing him of stealing $14 million dollars.

During the weeks that followed Andrew Cuomo’s announcement, newspapers (including Hispanic ones), television media (including Hispanic ones) and almost every reporter (including Hispanic ones) went after Pedro Espada.

They would stakeout his house, his office, and his business.  They even went where he was dining.  They had a field day with Pedro Espada.  They called him crooked. They called him a thief.  They tried their best to convince the community that Senator Pedro Espada stole $14 million dollars – because the Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said so.

You should know that Gustavo Rivera, who ran against Pedro Espada, used the $14 million dollar issue throughout his campaign calling Pedro Espada a crook.  He defeated Pedro Espada by campaigning about the $14 million dollars that our former Attorney General Andrew Cuomo accused him of stealing.

After weeks and weeks of persecution and mockery, Pedro Espada was accused of only stealing half a million dollars.  Not one single news reporter or media organization, not even Hispanic ones, had the courage or the decency to question Andrew Cuomo’s integrity and motive about what happened to the $14 million dollars.

“I am pretty sure that if it were another individual from another race, things would have been different.”

You should know that this gets even better.  After weeks and weeks of a jury trial, the New York media, especially the New York Post, have been trying to influence the jury by publicizing only what the prosecutor stressed, and never indicating any rebuke of the defense.  By doing this, they are trying to make sure that the jury will finally condemn Senator Espada.  But in spite of all this, even the jury can’t seem to get it together and make a final decision about Pedro Espada.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an indication that there is doubt in peoples’ minds.  The community is questioning Andrew Cuomo’s motive and integrity in accusing Pedro Espada of stealing $14 million dollars.

Please understand that members of the community know that Pedro Espada has been the victim of a political witch hunt and political vengeance for his participation in the 2009 Senate coup.
I believe that even if the jury now finds Pedro Espada guilty, he has already won in the eyes of his community.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.  
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Bankers Breakfast Bronx Week 2012

     On Friday May 11th The Business Initiative Corporation of New York in partnership with The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation held the 14th Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast at Villa Barone Manor. This was a gathering of over 400 leaders of the banking, business, real estate, and technical assistance industries to hear Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  discuss the accomplishments of both administrations along with future goals of both leaders in economic development. 

     BP Diaz spoke of the new development going on all over the Bronx from his helping to keep the Hunt's Point Market in the Bronx, getting "Fresh Direct" to expand and relocate to the Bronx, and the new development on two separate sites on the Broadway business area in Kingsbridge. Diaz also mentioned that this year "Bronx Week 2012" will feature over 120 different events all around the Bronx, ending on Sunday May 20th with the Bronx Day Parade, then the Music and Food festival both on Mosholu Parkway.

    BP Ruben Diaz Jr.Diaz then introduced Mayor Michael "Ruben" Bloomberg who said that he once was endorsed by Ruben Diaz in his three elections, but that was by Ruben Diaz senior and not the junior Diaz. Bloomberg went on to say how New York City and the Bronx were better of under his administration, and also spoke of the new development going on in the Bronx, such as the expansion of the Bay Plaza shopping center. Bloomberg praised Assemblyman (and Democratic County Leader) Carl Heastie for his help in passing the new "Taxi Bill" in Albany, and said that people in all five boroughs will now be able to hail a safe reliable cab. He added that he has little over one year left to his term in office, and still has a lot of work to do. I was able to ask the mayor about a City Planning initiative on global warming, and the mayor said that we must give very much concern to global warming and how it can effect the city..
  Here you can see a short video of BP Diaz and Mayor Bloomberg. from the breakfast

  Below are a few photos of the event, click on a photo to enlarge it. 

Right - Mayor Bloomberg is seated between Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Chief of Staff Mr. Paul Del Duca. Ms. Marlene Cintron of BOEDC asks BP Diaz to address the audience.    Right - BP Diaz speaking during the breakfast.

Left - Deputy BP Greene and Assemblyman Carl Heastie are seated by the mayor as BP Diaz is speaking.      Right - Mayor Bloomberg addressing the audience.

Some Bronx elected officials on hand.Left - is Assemblyman Marcos Crespo with State Senator Gustavo Rivera.    Right is Assemblyman Crespo with Councilman Joel Rivera, and the owner of Metro Optics.

Left - is BP Diaz center with Assembly members Vanessa Gibson and Jeffrey Dinowitz to his left, and Councilman Rivera and State Senator Rivera on his right. Right - is the unity of Bronx elected officials as Assemblymen Crespo and Heastie join the group.

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Chippewa Democratic Club 
114th Annual Dinner Dance

  Thursday May 10th the Chippewa Democratic Club held their 114th Annual Dinner Dance at Villa Barone Manor. While some of the members have been around a long time, no one could remember the first few Dinner Dances. The Honorees were Mr. Bob Kappstater (with the Daily News for over 40 years, and now editor of the Bronx Times Reporter), Mr. Louis Mahoney (Owner of Jerome Florist in Throggs Neck), Ms. Rose Lobianco (a local resident and Department of Education supervisor), Mr. Patrick Welsh ( a union leader fro the CWA), and Mr. George Archambault (longtime Chippewa Democratic Club member and volunteer). 

  Over 250 people were in attendance including local elected officials Councilman Jimmy Vacca, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Bennedetto, as well as Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Many union leaders and members were also in attendance, including United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew who dropped by during the dinner.Also in attendance were Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro, Bronx Democratic County Executive Director Ms. Iashia Bravo (who stood in for the County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie), many other local party leaders, and even 80th Assembly District candidate Mr. Mark Gjonaj. 

  Below are a few photos of  event, and you can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Left - is the band "Just Nuts" led by Mr. Victor Sabatini that provided the music for the night.         Right - is Councilman Jimmy Vacca.

Left - is UFT President Michael Mulgrew with Councilman Vacca.    Right - is Councilman Vacca explaining his latest position with honoree (and new editor of the Bronx Times Reporter) Bob Kappstater.

Left - is BP Diaz with Steamfitter Union rep and 80th A.D. State Committeeman Joe McManus.    Right - is Ms. Iashia Bravo with honoree Bob Kappstater.


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Statement by State Senator Rubén Díaz

Re; President Obama's Statement on Gay Marriage

  “As a conservative Democrat, I am very disappointed with President Barack Obama regarding his announcement today in favor of gay marriage.  It is well known that in every state where the people have had the opportunity to vote, including in North Carolina this week, the people have rejected gay marriage.  Even though the polls indicate that the majority of Americans favor gay marriage, the reality is clearly very different when the people are given the right to vote on this issue."

 

  Thirty-one (31) states have already expressed that sentiment in the voting booth. I am afraid that with this pronouncement, the President has hurt the Democrats’ chances of regaining the Senate and will hurt many Democratic candidates throughout the nation.  I will not be surprised if in the next few days you  see in the polls that Mitt Romney has surpassed Barack Obama.

 

  “Gay marriage has been the Achilles Heel in New York State since it became law.  The Democratic party has lost every single election to Republicans, even in Democratic controlled areas.”

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COMPTROLLER LIU UNVEILS INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN TO CREATE 15,000 JOBS

City Can Spur Economic Growth and Realize Long-Term Savings by Accelerating Capital Projects Already in the Pipeline

  

Comptroller John C. Liu today unveiled details of an innovative plan to accelerate school construction and

other vital capital projects that have already been approved. The plan would create jobs now, improve infrastructure, and take advantage of today’s historically-low borrowing costs and relatively low construction costs. Comptroller Liu is advocating for adoption of this plan in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

“By accelerating projects already in the pipeline the City can jump-start 15,000 jobs – at a time when the construction industry is still struggling and unemployment is stubbornly high, especially among minorities.” Comptroller Liu said. “The plan addresses infrastructure challenges such as school overcrowding, deteriorating roads and bridges, and the need for new and better parks. It also offers an opportunity to save taxpayer money by taking advantage of today’s historically low interest rates and relatively low construction costs.”

The City plans to commit $28.8 billion in capital projects for Fiscal Years 2014-2021 to build schools and upgrade other infrastructure. The Comptroller's plan challenges the City to evaluate its long-term pipeline to identify projects that can start in the upcoming fiscal year. Accelerating $2 billion of capital spending over the next two fiscal years would not represent an increase to the City's long term capital plan, but rather an acceleration of scheduled capital budget commitments. The plan expands on the concept Comptroller Liu proposed in his State of the City address earlier this year which outlined ways to spur economic development.

The Comptroller’s office estimates that borrowing $2 billion now could save taxpayers up to $468 million in long-term borrowing costs. The short-term cost of debt service on the incremental borrowing could be mitigated by targeting savings from refinancing existing high coupon debt at current low rates – resulting in no new costs for taxpayers. Since taking office, Comptroller Liu, together with the Office of Management and Budget, has executed refinancings that have produced more than $700 million in total budget savings.

Accelerating capital projects has the potential to spur more than 15,000 jobs in FY 2013 and 2014. Conservative estimates by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce indicate that 7.7 new jobs are created for every $1 million invested in infrastructure; thus, a $2 billion investment over a two-year time span would create over 15,000 jobs. Further, construction costs, while rising, are still low compared to four years ago – presenting an additional cost-saving opportunity.

The City’s infrastructure needs are well-documented. New York City is currently No. 1 in competitiveness among 120 of the world’s major cities, according to a ranking earlier this year by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Yet, that same study ranked New York City 24th in terms of physical capital, raising questions about the City’s ability to maintain its competitive edge.

“When the construction industry is strong, New York City thrives,” said Richard T. Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress. “More government leaders need to focus on the city's capital budget – in fact, we would like to see the budget not just accelerated but also increased. The Comptroller is paying attention to the capital plan in a very important way, and this innovative plan would help ensure New York City maintains its competitive edge. The Building Congress supports this Capital Acceleration Plan. It would generate much-needed jobs, help kick-start our sluggish economy, and expedite important infrastructure improvements.”

“We are fully supportive of the Comptroller's initiative, which would assist in creating much- needed jobs today while also stimulating economic growth and new development,” said New York City Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez. “New York City’s unacceptably high unemployment rate – higher than the national rate – illustrates just how badly jobs are needed here, especially in the hard-hit construction industry.”

“This would save the City money and speed up much-needed school construction. It's a common-sense plan and a good idea for the City of New York,” said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

“Creating good jobs in New York City is priority number one for the unionized Building and Construction Trades,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “To the extent there are public works projects that can be accelerated to put people to work while at the same time cutting long-term borrowing costs to taxpayers by taking advantage of currently low interest rates, we ought to fully explore doing so.”

“This plan represents much-needed thinking about how to seriously address the City’s high unemployment and unused capacity in the critical construction sector,” said James Parrott, Deputy Director and Chief Economist at the Fiscal Policy Institute.

“School construction must be accelerated, or else another generation of children will lose out on their right to an adequate education,” said Leonie Haimson, Executive Director of Class Size Matters. “This is a far-thinking proposal and we hope that the Mayor, DOE and the City Council take heed.”

“The New York City Parents Union supports Comptroller John C. Liu's capital acceleration plan because it will create much needed jobs for New Yorkers and the construction of new school buildings will alleviate overcrowding in our schools,” said Mona Davids, President of the New York City Parents Union.

“This proposal is a no-brainer. It creates 15,000 much-needed jobs, costs very little in the short-term, and actually saves money in the long-term,” said John Petro, policy analyst at the Drum Major Institute. 

For more information, download “New York City Capital Acceleration Plan: Creating Jobs Today by Improving Tomorrow’s Infrastructure,” at: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports.shtm

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Croton FMC Meeting on May 17

 

The Croton Facility Monitoring Committee will next meet on May 17th at the DEP office located on Jerome Avenue by the Croton Water Filtration Plant at 7pm.

The agenda will follow soon.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

 

  You should know that some Members of the New York State Legislature are pushing hard to prevent McDonald’s and certain restaurants from giving out toys to children when they receive their meals unless those meals meet certain standards.

  Senate Bill 6386, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Assembly Bill 7662, sponsored by Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, both Hispanic and Puerto Rican, are calling for a law to dictate which restaurants may or may not distribute toys or as they call them, “incentives,” to children, especially poor children in our communities, when their parents take them to McDonald’s or any other restaurant to purchase a meal.

  It does not make sense! It is disturbing to see these same elected officials fight tooth and nail to give a woman the right to kill an unborn baby, because according to them, it is a woman’s choice to do what they want with their bodies. Gustavo and Felix have no problem in being part of the “American Holocaust” and by being pro-choice by giving a woman a right to murder an unborn baby, but they have problems and are willing to take away the right of the mother and father or child to eat whatever they want.

  Don’t get me wrong, I believe that obesity is a problem and that people should be more careful with what they eat, but if people want to be fat and eat hamburgers or anything they want, it is their right to allow them to eat whatever they want. I think that it is a lot better to be fat than to terminate the life of an unborn, innocent baby. Does anyone believe that people are elected into office to regulate what food and drinks moms and dads can serve their children?

  Do these same elected officials who fight for any woman to have a supposed right to choose to kill her unborn baby realize that they are way out of line to try to assume authority over moms by taking away their right to choose what to give their children to eat or drink?

  When pro-lifers like me state the obvious that abortion affects two lives and that the fetus is a life, and that to crush their skulls with forceps or to use saline water to be disintegrated, the proc-choice, pro-abortion politicians argue back with that old cliché “my body, my choice”. I’m pretty sure that Assembly Member Ortiz and Senator Rivera would stand by their side.  

  How can these same two officials think they have the right to tell moms how they should feed their children or what to what restaurant they should take them?

  Parents struggle to do what’s best for their children, and at least so far, in this country parents are not dictated to by local elected officials about how to feed their children.  If they want to cook at home, they can. If they want to go out and eat, they can.

  You should know that there are important issues before us in the Legislature, and we sure don’t need Senator Rivera and Assembly Member Ortiz to divert our attention by creating a Nanny State in New York and much less deny McDonald’s or any other restaurant to give a free toy as an incentive. It is their right! It is their choice! And it is their money!

  I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
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Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Senator Klein’s Bill to Increase Penalties for Religious Vandals

Following a rash of break-ins and burglaries targeting houses of worship in the Northern Bronx earlier this year, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today announced the passage of legislation to stiffen criminal penalties for those who steal or damage property in churches, synagogues or any other religious institution. The measure passed by a vote of 60-1. Corresponding legislation is being carried by Assemblyman Rory Lancman in the New York State Assembly.   

“An assault on a house of worship is an assault on our entire community,” Senator Klein said. “It’s time that these assailants learn that we mean business. I believe that this legislation will send that message and will better protect our communities’ sacred houses of worship. I'm pleased that an overwhelming number of my senate colleagues agree.”

Senator Klein’s legislation would:

·         Increase the penalty for theft, or the intentional damage to a scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship in any building of worship to a Class D Felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. These crimes would be classified as third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal mischief. Currently, these charges would only apply in cases where items worth more than $3,000 have been stolen, or where items have sustained more than $1,500 in damages.

·         Expand the definition of second-degree grand larceny to include the theft of any scroll, religious vestment, vessel, any other item used in connection with religious worship in any building of worship that are worth more than $250. This would be a Class C felony punishable by up to five to 15 years in prison.   

·         Strengthen the penalty for any intentional damage to house of worship-owned property a Class E felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Currently, this applies to damage worth more than $250. 

In recent months there has been a disturbing pattern in the area, which includes:

·         In the Waterbury-LaSalle Community, Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church parishioners noticed a laptop and approximately $400 were stolen from their school. Additionally, a door leading to the chapel was broken.

·         In Pelham Bay, Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church was victim to about $50 being taken from donation box and the destruction of an intricate wood carving in the Church.  Additionally, two months prior at St. Theresa Catholic Church their gift shop was broken into and cash was stolen from the register.

·         On City Island, Police found windows and doors smashed and broken at Temple Beth El Synagogue and silver Torah crowns and Kiddush cups missing. They estimate $5,000 to $10,000 worth of items were stolen.

If enacted into law, this legislation would build upon Senator Klein’s past legislative accomplishment of increased criminal penalties for those who desecrate and vandalize church property.  That bill was signed into law by Governor Paterson in 2010 and was strongly championed by a wide range of religious leaders including Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan.

 “A crime against a religious institution is a crime against a community at large” said Monsignor. Anthony Marchitelli of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.

“It is urgent that all people of good will stand together against violence that target our houses of worship. We thank Senator Klein and his colleagues for their leadership in helping lift us up so that all of our brothers and sisters of faith can congregate and worship in safety and piece.” said Rabbi Shohama Wiener of Temple Beth El Synagogue.“ said Rabbi Shohama Wiener of Temple Beth El Synagogue.

Those who have any information on these recent burglaries against religious institutions are urged to contact the 45^th Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 822-5414 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8447.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 4^TH ANNUAL “FAIR @ THE SQUARE”- May 12, 2012, 11 AM – 6 PM

 

The Association of the Merchants & Business Professionals of Westchester Square, Inc., the new Westchester Square BID, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and the Bronx Council on the Arts announce the 4^th Annual “Fair @ The Square” taking place on Saturday, May 12^th from 11 AM to 6 PM along the streets of Westchester Square between St. Raymond Avenue and Westchester Avenue.             

                                         

“The Westchester Square merchants have made great strides over the past few years, with commercial revitalization efforts, to improve our area’s commerce and quality of life.  Now, with newly formed Westchester Square Business Improvement District (BID) in place, we can bring even more to the re-emergence of Westchester Square and we invite all the residents of New York City to come see what the buzz is all about. This annual fair allows us to showcase the diversity of our commerce, our culture, and our community, and the progress we have made in our neighborhood.” says Mr. Joe Regina, of AMBPWS, “We welcome this opportunity to have thousands of people, who we expect throughout the day, to come and join us as we celebrate the rebuilding of a great area for a great future.”

This multi-cultural event will feature an all day concert series showcasing New York City’s most popular groups performing every genre of music from oldies through today’s great music.  The show will be hosted by TV personality Molly Rokasy (Anchor, News12 the Bronx) and radio personality Dennis “Dion” Nardone (WVOX 1460 AM Radio).  From Doo-Wop to Hip-Hop, and everything in between, you will catch it all on the main stage at St. Raymond Avenue.  The artist line-up includes such performers as the tri-state area’s favorites SugaRush, the Just Nuts Dance Band, Italian Hip-Hop Movement artists SALESE, G-Fella and the Shark, Latin sensation Anayka, the Bronx Underground’s popular rock band A Moments Worth, the Truman High School TruSoul Ensemble, plus many other performers and dancers.

Kids will enjoy the day in the Kid’s Activity Area featuring all sorts of games, exhibits, and other fun activities including the FDNY Smoke House Exhibit & antique engine, the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Exhibit, while fair-goers enjoy the scores of merchants and vendors displaying their wares, and services, as well as great restaurants offering up great food. Other highlights include the Bronx Council on the Arts artists & artisans displaying their works throughout the Square.

 

Date:                     Saturday, May 12, 2012

Time:                    11am-6pm

Location:              Westchester Square from St. Raymond Avenue to Westchester Avenue 

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Assemblyman Dinowitz Slams Bloomberg for Insensitive iPhone Remarks

 

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz blasted Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his insensitive remarks regarding iPhone thefts at his budget announcement on Thursday.

  Asked about the 44 percent increase in iPhone thefts this year, Bloomberg replied, “If the worst problem we have is iPhone stealing...”  He then turned to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and sarcastically said, “Ray, you’d better get on this iPhone right away.  This is serious!”  He continued to suggest that victims should not treat their iPhones “cavalierly.”

  “Mayor Bloomberg’s remarks are insensitive, hurtful, and wrongheaded.  A member of our community was shot and killed for his iPhone last month.  I don’t think the Mayor appreciates how serious this problem is.  Instead of blaming the victims, we must do more to improve law enforcement’s ability to fight and deter this type of crime.  That’s why I support Senator Chuck Schumer’s push to permanently disable stolen phones.  I call on Mayor Bloomberg to apologize for his insensitive remarks, particularly to the family of Hwang Yang, who are constituents of mine,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

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