DIANE RAVITCH TO OFFER KEYNOTE ADDRESS

AT FIRST-EVER BRONX EDUCATION SUMMIT

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that Dr. Diane Ravitch, widely considered to be the preeminent education expert in the United States, will offer the keynote address at the first-ever “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at Lehman College.

Dr. Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. In addition, she is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Her most recent book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010), is a critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller.

“The goal of our education summit is to bring together the best minds in education, from all sides of the issues, to put forward a clear vision for the future of education in the Bronx. With that in mind, we are extremely grateful that none other than Diane Ravitch, one of the most important voices in the national debate on education, is coming to the Bronx to participate in this historic event,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The topic of Dr. Ravitch’s address will be "Improving Education for the Children of the Bronx." Dr. Ravitch’s complete biography and curriculum vitae can be found at dianeravitch.com/vita.html.

All educational stakeholders are invited to attend the Summit, including parents, teachers, students, and policy makers. 

The day will begin with greetings from Borough President Diaz, Dr. Pedro Noguera of New York University, and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott of the New York City Department of Education, followed by Dr. Ravitch’s keynote address.  After the morning workshop, the summit will host eight breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, such as special education, English Language Learners, and parent involvement. 

The event concludes with a VIP Policy Panel composed of some of the city’s most influential educational figures, including Ernest Logan president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators; Monica Major, Bronx representative to the Panel for Educational Policy; James Merriman chief executive officer, New York City Charter School Center; Michael Mulgrew, president, United Federation of Teachers; Dr. Betty Rosa, New York Board of Regents, and Shael Suransky, deputy chancellor, New York City Department of Education.

 Throughout the day, participants can visit tables staffed by employees of dozens of educational and social service organizations to learn more about the resources available to parents, students, and teachers in the Bronx and citywide. 

The “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” is only the first step in creating a new education agenda for the Bronx.  A number of follow-up activities are being planned in conjunction with the summit to continue these important conversations about improving educational outcomes for all Bronx students. 

For more information about the Bronx Education Summit or to register, please visit www.bronxeducationsummit.org or call 718-590-6116. 

THE SHOW MUST GO ON. SENATOR JEFF KLEIN PRESENTS: TONY ORLANDO

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/Westchester), announced that singer Tony Orlando's free summer concert will still be going on as planned.

Klein said the concert, which is part of his Summertime Symphonies series, was especially important in the aftermath of Irene.

“This was a scary and stressful weekend for many in the greater Bronx and Westchester area,” Senator Klein said. “I'm proud to have Tony Orlando come to our community and I am looking forward to this free, family friendly, and lighthearted concert.”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2011

WHERE: Loreto Park (between Haight & Tomlinson Aves.)

                 Morris Park, Bronx, NY.

                 (Rain Location: P.S. 105 725 Brady Ave., Bronx)

The Bronx Council of the Arts and Arts Westchester are also co-sponsoring these Summertime Symphonies.

Tony Orlando, the winner of three American Music Awards and a People's Choice Award, is best known for his hits, “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose.”

Could Speaker Quinn Be Bloomberg's Choice to Replace Him in 2013

By SAM ROBERTS 

Published: August 28, 2011 

In The New York Times.

 

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, an independent, and the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, a Democrat, on an East River ferry in June. Their spokesmen say that she has not asked for an endorsement and that the mayor has not promised one.

 

It is the worst-kept secret in City Hall. Michael R. Bloomberg has told almost everyone who asks — but only privately, so far — that he hopes the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, will succeed him as mayor in 2013.

While Mr. Bloomberg brings unprecedented personal resources to his political agenda, few other New York City mayors have succeeded in anointing a successor.
Mr. Bloomberg, in fact, was the only mayoral candidate in recent memory for whom an endorsement by the incumbent proved instrumental, even if it was a begrudging, last-minute nudge from Rudolph W. Giuliani.
Mr. Bloomberg, an independent, has refrained from specifying an heir publicly, since he seems to prefer to keep Ms. Quinn, a Democrat, and other prospective candidates as compliant as possible in the two years remaining before the next mayoral election.
Jamie McShane, a spokesman for Ms. Quinn, said, “She has never asked for nor has he offered his support.”
A spokesman for Mr. Bloomberg said the same.
Still, the mayor has made it plain in private conversations with other politicians and civic leaders that he prefers the City Council speaker.
“There’s no question in my mind that of all the candidates, he sees Chris Quinn as far better for the city of New York,” said former Mayor Edward I. Koch, who has spoken to Mr. Bloomberg about the race to succeed him.
A mayor is typically well situated to place a potential successor in the spotlight. “He can arrange events, he can promote her for the next two and a half years, he can make her the ‘vice mayor’ so people will think she’s the No. 2 person in city government, which, to some extent, she is,” said Henry J. Stern, a Koch confidant and the director of New York Civic, a government watchdog.
On Saturday, he trotted out Ms. Quinn, who unlike his commissioners has no operational authority, during a Hurricane Irene update at the city’s emergency command center, introducing her as the “great” Council speaker.
How much clout would Mr. Bloomberg’s endorsement carry? According to a New York Times/CBS News poll released earlier this month, his approval rating has sunk to a six-year low, and nearly as many Democrats disapprove of his performance as approve.
And while self-financed candidates can spend whatever they want to on a mayoral campaign (Mr. Bloomberg spent a total of about $250 million in three elections), they can give no more than $4,950 to someone else in the 2013 campaign.
Mr. Bloomberg, however, could wield enormous influence as a fund-raiser (his approval ratings are highest among New Yorkers who make more than $100,000), although Ms. Quinn has already raised close to the public financing system’s spending limit for a Democratic mayoral primary.
“You cannot anoint; you can influence; you can impact,” Mr. Koch said. “It is not an overriding endorsement that assures you of success.”
Most of Mr. Bloomberg’s predecessors in the 20th century were ill situated to anoint a successor because their parties’ nominees were chosen by party leaders with their own agendas or were challenged in Democratic primaries.
In addition, many mayors were so unpopular by the end of their terms that they wielded little influence.
Legend has it that in 1945, during the era of ethnically balanced tickets, Democratic leaders supporting William O’Dwyer chose his running mate for City Council president by searching the index of the Green Book, the official city directory, for the longest Italian name they could find. Five years later, their designee, Vincent R. Impellitteri, became mayor when Mr. O’Dwyer resigned.
Nearly two decades earlier, Mayor James J. Walker succeeded in appointing his predecessor, John F. Hylan — not as mayor again, but to a judgeship, accompanied by a backhanded compliment. Naming Mr. Hylan a judge in Children’s Court, Mr. Walker declared, “The appointment of Judge Hylan means that the children can now be tried by their peer.”
In 2001, Mr. Giuliani’s belated endorsement of Mr. Bloomberg was generally considered crucial.
“When Rudy put his arm around Mike, literally, that was the campaign,” David Garth, a media consultant who brokered the deal, once recalled about their embrace on the steps of City Hall.
The television advertisement featuring the endorsement was taped in a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria that had been decorated to look like Mr. Giuliani’s old office in City Hall.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: Hurricane Irene & Its Aftermath

(Along with our comment at the end)

 

“Now that the worst of this crisis is behind us, I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, the City’s Office of Emergency Management and all City agencies for their hard work keeping my staff and all Bronxites informed about this storm, its effects and how to stay safe. This administration clearly learned from this past winter’s blizzard, and we are grateful to them for their strong response to Hurricane Irene. During the coming days my office will work with OEM and other agencies, as well as Con Edison, to help Bronxites clean up in the aftermath of this storm. I urge all Bronxites to stay safe, be mindful of their surroundings, and not to hesitate to report storm-related issues to my office or 311,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 NOTES & TIPS

·         The Office of the Bronx Borough President can be reached at (718) 590-3500.

·         911 should only be used for EMERGENCY calls. For all other issues, such as reporting fallen trees and branches, call 311

·         To report downed power lines, power outages and other electrical issues, call (800) 75-CONED. Con Edison’s power outage map can be found at http://apps.coned.com/weboutageinfo/stormcenter/default.aspx.

·         Updated, borough-specific information on the storm and its aftermath will be shared at facebook.com/bronxbp or on Twitter @rubendiazjr

·         Property damage can be reported through nyc.gov.

We however must add that we saw a huge downed tree sitting on power lines and a pole with a large transformer on it with wind gusts still going on, and called 311. We could not get through, but on our second attempt were transferred through the voice mail system to Con Ed whose voice mail after a few transfers and long wait then came on to say call back later.  We then called 911 thinking this was now an emergency, and were told to call 311. 

We can only say that you have some ******* system Mayor Bloomberg, and if anyone gets hurt we will bear witness to it.

Senator Klein Secures, Delivers, Supplies In Preparation for Hurricane Irene

 

 The supplies, which included sandbags to help hold back potential flood waters, as well as sleeping bags and water, were donated by Bronx and Westchester businesses. In preparation for Hurricane Irene, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), secured and today delivered much needed supplies to vulnerable communities and organizations throughout his district.

“These supplies will help our communities and our first responders weather this storm and protect our friends and neighbors,” Senator Klein said. “I thank the businesses who have generously donated these much-needed supplies that will help prepare us for Hurricane Irene.”

Among the donated items:

• 75 sandbags from Van Nest Hardware and the Home Depot;
• 21 sleeping bags from Modell's Sporting Goods and Eastern Mountain Sports;
• 30 one-gallon jugs of water from the Home Depot.

Senator Klein and his staff delivered the supplies to:

• Providence Rest, a 200-bed senior care and rehabilitation facility in Country Club;
• Pilot Cove, a senior facility in City Island;
• The Pelham Manor Fire Dept. in Pelham, Westchester County;
• The Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Department;
• The Silver Beach Co-Operative in Throggs Neck;
• The Jeanne Jugan Residence in Throggs Neck;
• The Schuyler Hill Civic Association.
  
   Senator Jeff Klein is second from left with helpers and a sandbag to be placed behind them to secure the area before Hurricane Irene hits.

Klein Praises EPA Decision to Drop Costly & Unnecessary Reservoir Project

 

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx-Westchester), hailed the federal Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision to drop its mandate that a $1.6 billion cement dome be constructed over the Hillview Reservoir in Yonkers.

In dropping the mandate for the dome's, the EPA said the situation is now under review. Senator Klein is opposed this rate-payer funded project, which, in an Aug. 19 letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, he called costly and redundant.

“This is a victory for New York City ratepayers, Yonkers residents, and for common sense,” Senator Klein said. “This project cost too much and would have placed even more strain on residents who have already had to deal with skyrocketing water bills. I look forward to working with Senator Schumer and our other federal and local representatives to find a new solution that addresses everyone's concerns.”

The project would have increased water bills by an estimated 3 percent. Senator Klein also said that the justification for the project is questionable.

The EPA had sought to build the dome over the 90-acre reservoir in order to stop pathogens from entering the water system, which serves more than 9 million residents daily. The agency pointed to data showing some 3,500 cases of cryptosporidiosis, a microbe that generally causes mild stomach pain, but can be life threatening to people with compromised immune systems.

However, the city's Department of Environmental Conservation recently released a report finding an average of only 100 cases of cryptosporidiosis per year – most of which are not related to drinking water.

The city is also in the process of building the Catskill-Delaware Water Ultraviolet Distinction Facility in Westchester County. This facility will use ultraviolet light to purify water, killing pathogens that cause cryptosporidiosis and other illnesses. This project makes the concrete dome redundant. 

Espada Wins Court Decision to Keep Medicaid Eligibility

 

Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. won a major round this afternoon in his effort to maintain Medicaid eligibility for the Soundview Health Care network.

A judge in State Supreme Court sided with Espada's attorney's who argued that the denial of Medicaid coverage was unfair and unconstitutional. Espada had said that former Attorney General and now Governor Andrew Cuomo had a vendetta out for him, and the poor people that patronize Soundview would be hurt if it lost its medicaid eligibility.

Councilman Koppell Calls Handling of Disclosure of Toxic Chemical at Bronx New School Egregious 

Requests Expeditious Response to Parent Concerns 

Demands Inspection of Other DOE Leased Space In District

In a letter to Chancellor Dennis Walcott, Council Member Oliver Koppell called the way in which the Department of Education handled the disclosure of the dangerous levels of trichloroethylene at the Bronx New School (PS 51) egregious and totally unacceptable. “The sixth month delay in informing parents of the hazardous level of the toxic chemical in the school, has created anger and distrust among the parents about the integrity and transparency of the DOE, as well as concerns about their children’s health,” he said.  

 

 Koppell urged the Chancellor to respond expeditiously to the parents’ medical concerns and issues with respect to the school’s relocation, including reassurance about the new school’s environmental safety.  Koppell also said the DOE must take steps to help safeguard the health of those who may have been exposed to TCE.  He advocated instituting a number of steps including making a list of past and present students and providing them with up-to-date information on a regular basis about new developments concerning the health effects of exposure to trichloroethylene, as well as providing medical screening and surveillance for those exposed to the chemical, as deemed appropriate by environmental and occupational health professionals.

 

 Koppell stressed that parents must be given clear and specific information about bus schedules and routes, and a streamlined process for those who wish to transfer to another school.   

 

   Calls for Testing Other DOE Leased Space in District

 Koppell called for immediate testing for TCE prior to the opening of school at two other schools in his district, the Bronx Dance Academy and the High School of American Studies, which are located in leased space and have not undergone environmental  testing.  He requested that the test results be shared with the parents.

 

Koppell concluded by calling on the Chancellor to, “revise the DOE’s environmental testing policy for leased space in order to prevent students and teachers from being exposed to the same dangerous environmental conditions as were found at the Bronx New School.