What You Should Know

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

ROBERTO RAMIREZ AND LUIS MIRANDA COULD
“STAY WITH THE CARBINES TO THE SHOULDER”

  You should know that the term "they stayed with the carbines to the shoulder” is one of those sayings we Hispanics are accustomed to hearing in our countries.

   There are very few instances when we speak without making use of old sayings, for example, when we refer to an ungrateful person who forgets the favors that someone has done for them, we will say, "A dog never bites the hand of the master who feeds him," or "He’s worse than Judas" referring to the one who betrayed Jesus.  When we are in trouble and beg for help, we say, "People remember Saint Barbara only when there’s thunder."

You should know that even in the Word of God, in the Bible, you can find
several sayings, for example: "A living dog is better than a dead lion," “A threefold cord is not quickly broken," “An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth," etc. etc.  Our own Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ made use of expressions when he said: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword."

Let's return to the saying in the title of this column, Roberto Ramirez and Luis Miranda could “stay with the carbines to the shoulder.” This saying is used when a person expects, works, wishes or yearns for something, and gets the opposite.

You should know that Luis Miranda is a Political Consultant who has worked for many Governors, and through his connections, he has managed to position his sons, daughters and relatives in positions in government.

Roberto Ramirez was an Assemblyman in the Bronx County and the President of the Bronx Democratic Party  Both Roberto Ramirez and Luis Miranda formed the MirRam Group Political Consulting Firm. Through this firm they have personified themselves to the world as the ones who have the influence to bring the Hispanic vote to any candidate who hires them and pays for their service.

The business of selling the Hispanic vote has been very successful for Roberto and Luis through the MirRam Group, LLC.  We all know that most Hispanics vote Democrat, and getting them to vote Democrat is not magic - but the problem that Roberto Ramirez and Luis Miranda are now facing is the candidacy of Adriano Espaillat to the United States Congress.

Apparently and allegedly, when Luis Miranda and Roberto Ramirez realized the
enthusiasm and the desire that there was (note that I said was) in the Dominican community for choosing a Dominican to run for Congress, they took this opportunity to convince Espaillat to hire them to be responsible to get all of the Hispanic elected officials to support Espaillat.

You should know that apparently things have not gone as well as the MirRam Group expected, and what they are proving to the world, apparently, is that they don’t have enough influence to convince the Hispanic legislators to support Espaillat.

Every day that passes, more and more Hispanic lawmakers join the campaign of Congressman Charlie Rangel against Espaillat.  Apparently, Roberto Ramirez and Luis Miranda advised Espaillat to promise Mark Levine, a non-Hispanic, the Senate  seat  which  he currently occupies, without thinking that this seat was fought for by Hispanic leaders for a Dominican, and for this reason the Dominican community can’t afford to lose a seat to someone else’s whims.

This has angered many elected officials who believe that by giving away a Senate seat which was created for the Dominican community, they are selling out and committing treason against the Dominican Community. Even Assemblyman Guillermo Linares who is of Dominican descent is furious with Ramirez, Miranda and Espaillat for promising to give away this Senatorial seat to Mark Levine in exchange for his support to Espaillat.  As of today, Guillermo has refused to give his support to Espaillat and rumor has it that he might lend his support to Congressman Charlie Rangel.

If these rumors are true and Guillermo makes the leap, Roberto Ramirez and Luis Miranda could “stay with the carbines to the shoulder” and lose many clients, because if they can’t "deliver" Hispanic Legislators to another Hispanic, how can they deliver to other candidates of other races?

People will start to notice that they have practically lost every candidate they have supported in the past, starting with Adriano Espaillat for Manhattan Boro-President, David Yasskay for Comptroller, Maria Baez for City Council, to Fernando Ferrer and Billy Thompson for Mayor.
According to some experts, Espaillat’s race should be an easy one to win.  If they lose Espaillat for Congress against a person who is not only  ailing, frail, tired and recently convicted of eleven congressional ethics violations,  but who also has another African-American running that will probably divide the African-American vote.  If they lose this one it will be disastrous for their credibility.

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

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NYC & COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS PRIDE EVENTS IN THE BRONX AND ACROSS THE CITY

NEARLY A YEAR FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, NYC & COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS PRIDE CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OVER TWO MONTHS IN JUNE AND JULY—Heritage of Pride Events to Take Place in Manhattan June 16–24; Other Pride Events to Showcase NYC Pride in The Bronx

New York City (May 7, 2012)—Nearly a year after the passage of same-sex marriage in New York, NYC & Company is encouraging travel to the five boroughs over a two-month period beginning in June. The City is poised to welcome even more visitors from around the world who can experience firsthand the diversity, excitement and history that comes with New York City’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender heritage. From the annual flagship Heritage of Pride events taking place June 16–24 in Manhattan to other celebratory events in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island throughout June and July, the City is brimming with gay pride activity. A full listing of pride events throughout the City can be found at nycgo.com/pride.

“With last year’s passage of same-sex marriage, there’s never been a better time to experience the City’s unique energy and diversity through two months of LGBT celebrations across the entire City,” said George Fertitta, NYC & Company’s CEO. “We invite visitors from around the world to book their travel now to ensure their place in one of the City’s most anticipated events of the year.”

This year, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo, Phyllis Siegel and Connie Kopelov are on hand as the grand marshals for the Heritage of Pride March on Sunday, June 24. Heritage of Pride, which organizes the flagship LGBT events in New York City to commemorate and celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, will present a weeklong roster of activities in Manhattan to showcase the City as one of the most popular LGBT destinations in the world. In addition, each borough will also sponsor its own LGBT pride celebrations for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights of 2012 NYC Pride activities throughout the City follows:

Manhattan

Heritage of Pride events—with a theme of “Share the Love”—take place from June 16 to 24, including:

·         The Rally (Saturday, June 16, 3–6pm at the East River Bandshell at FDR and Houston) will feature well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community to kick off this year's Pride Week events. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.

·         Rapture on the River: A Women's Dance (Saturday, June 23, 4–11pm, Pier 57 at 15th Street and West Side Highway – Hudson River Park) has decided to supersize this year’s version with an extended edition, adding three hours to the event to create a day-to-night party that won’t disappoint. Tickets go on sale May 1. Event venue is enclosed.

·         The March (Sunday, June 24; step-off begins at noon, starts at 36th Street and Fifth Avenue, ends at Christopher and Greenwich Streets), which began as a civil rights demonstration the year after the Stonewall Riots, is now also a celebration of gay rights as well as recognition of causes, such as the fight against AIDS. For smaller crowds, visitors should watch anywhere from the teens to the 30s on Fifth Avenue, and for larger crowds and high energy, anywhere in the Village is ideal. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.

·         PrideFest (Sunday, June 24, 11am–7pm, Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street), the annual LGBT street fair, brings together local residents and families, community leaders, area business owners, and visitors for a day of fun and celebration. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.

·         Dance on the Pier: Dance 26 (Sunday, June 24, 8pm–2am), Pier 57 at 15th Street and West Side Highway), featuring the Perry Twins and Boris, will culminate in a fireworks display at 10:30pm. All proceeds from the Dance on the Pier will benefit NYC's LGBT Pride Week events and community organizations. Event venue is enclosed.

The BronxBronx Pride Festival is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 21, from noon to 6pm at Crotona Park (Claremont Parkway and Crotona Avenue). The event will also feature a festival that will include entertainment, a health fair, food and memorabilia. For more information, visit bronxpride.org.

For more information on the best of NYC’s LGBT history and offerings, as well as NYC & Company’s “NYC I DO” initiative to encourage more marriages in the City, visit nycgo.com/gay. To access the latest information on events, attractions, dining and theater, go to nycgo.com, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nycgo and follow us on Twitter at @nycgo

For more information on the annual Heritage of Pride events, visit nycpride.org or follow Heritage of Pride on Twitter (twitter.com/nycpride) or on Facebook (facebook.com/nycpride).

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Riverdale Festival of the Arts

  The 2012 edition of the Riverdale Festival of the Arts took place on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying the event. Ms. Lisa Cooper (owner, Elisa Contemporary Art), Ms. Linda Manning (Linda Manning Productions), and Ms. Tracy Shelton (Executive Director KRVDC) were the driving force behind putting this years event together on Johnson Avenue in the Riverdale Section of the Bronx. In all Ms. Shelton said that between the merchants of Johnson Avenue, local service providers, and others there were around 70 different tables set up on Johnson Avenue. We are going to let the photos that we took show you some of the action that occurred. Click on any photo to enlarge it.   

Left is Johnson Avenue at 10 AM one hour before the start of the Festival of the Arts 2012.  Right is the stage area at the corner of Johnson Avenue and West 236th Street.

Left is Ms. Lisa Cooper with some of her art displayed in front of the Capital One Bank on Johnson Avenue.   Right is Adam Auslander Street Performer who grew up a few blocks from Johnson Avenue.

 

Left is Chef Claude Solliard of the New Restaurant Oregano's located at 3522 Johnson Avenue handing out samples of the fine food available at Oregano's.  Right is food that was for sale at Nam Thai Restaurant across the street from Oregano's.

Left is a demonstration of a new solar panel skylight made by New York City Daylight.   Right are Congressman Eliot Engel and State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is speaking to the crowd as Congressman Eliot Engel, and State Senators Gustavo Rivera and Jeff Klein look on as the band takes a break while the elected officials talk.

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U.S. Census Bureau does more than conduct the once every 10-year Census 

Bronxites, Did you know...
The  U.S. Census Bureau does more than conduct the once every 10-year Census?  

(If you said NO you are not alone—Please spread the word!)

·        The Census conduct surveys every month involving thousands of households and businesses throughout the country.

·        One or several of these surveys are currently being conducted in your area:

o   American Community Survey Provides accurate and up-to-date demographic, economic, social, and housing profiles on communities.

o   Current Population Survey Provides monthly information on the labor force characteristics of America’s communities.

o   Current Population Survey Provides facts and figures that public health planners and organizations need to provide adequate health care in ycommunities.

o   Consumer Expenditure Survey Provides data for the Consumer Price Index and public and private investments and spending.

o   Survey of Income and Program Participation Provides current information about the financial situation of Americans on earnings, assets, spending, and income assistance programs.

o   National Crime & Victimization Survey Provides data on the extent and nature of crime in America and documents changes in the criminal justice system.

o   American Housing Survey Provides extensive data on the quality and characteristics of the housing stock in selected metropolitan areas around the nation.

·        These  “Current Surveys” collect data on conditions that affect our society such as labor force participation, income, and measures of health which impact funding and policy decisions for our borough.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THE BRONX TO BE COUNTED?

·        Complete a Current Survey: If you receive a survey, please complete and send back to the US Census.

·        Get Involved…Help the US Census to educate your neighbors on the importance of responding to “Current Surveys”—Share this email.

·        Educate Your Friends: Ask a Community/Civic Organization You are Involved with to REQUEST A PRESENTATION/WORKSHOP ABOUT:

o   The different surveys that the Census conducts in your community and the importance of participating.

o   How to navigate and use the Census website and data products.

o   How to retrieve, download, and print Census data for select topics and geographies.

o   How to create maps using Census data.

CONTACT:

U.S. Census Bureau—Rosemarie Fogarty

New York Regional Office

395 Hudson Street, Rm. 800

New York, NY 10014

Email: rosemarie.fogarty@census.gov

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 - 4 PM

Phone: (212) 584-3440

Fax: (212) 478-4801

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BRONX WEEK 2012--Health Day!

 

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LIU STATEMENT ON MAYOR’S OFFICE RELEASE OF 911 CALL SYSTEM CONSULTANT REPORT

  City Comptroller John C. Liu today issued the following statement on the decision by the Mayor’s Office to disclose, after delaying, the partial contents of a taxpayer funded consultant report on the City’s 911 call system upgrade:

“It’s sadly ironic that the City hired an expensive outside consultant to review the work of other expensive outside consultants. This report is not only a waste of more taxpayer dollars, but seems to be duplicative of what my auditors have already found.  My audit team is currently finalizing our second report on this project, which will delve further into issues regarding the financial management of this important initiative. We will review the details of what is being released today but it won’t change the fact that City Hall has consistently shirked its responsibility to properly manage IT projects during the past decade, which has resulted in fraud, cost overruns and massive completion delays.” 

Background:

Comptroller Liu recently released a year-long audit which detailed massive mismanagement, seven years of delays, and one billion dollars in costs overruns in the upgrade of the 911 system. The report is available at www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2012/3-20-12_7A11-104.shtm

In addition, Liu’s office is currently finalizing a second report on the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) which delves further into the financial aspects associated with the project. The audit will be released in the coming weeks.

In December 2010, Comptroller Liu’s office rejected the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications’ (DoITT) request for a $286 million contract for ill-defined services based on hourly consulting fees for ECTP. That contract, which was with Northrop Grumman, was restructured to clearly defined deliverables, with a cost revised down to $95 million.

In a related report, Liu released an audit on the Fire Department’s reporting of response times in the Mayor’s Management Report, which found discrepancies in the calculation and reporting of emergency response times. Link to the report: www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/10-19-11_MH10-139A.shtm

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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ WELCOMES THE PRESIDENT OF IRELAND

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ WELCOMES THE PRESIDENT OF IRELAND DURING HIS VISIT TO THE BRONX

  On Wednesday, May 2, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined the staff of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center to welcome the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, during his visit to the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. Borough President Diaz presented President Higgins with a proclamation declaring it “ Ireland Day” in the Bronx, which reflects the close relationship the Bronx and Ireland have shared through the years, as well as the numerous contributions the Irish-Americans of the Bronx have made over the decades. 

(From left to right), Sabina Higgins, wife of President Higgins; Martin Galvin, volunteer, Emerald Isle Immigration Center; President Michael Higgins; Borough President Diaz; Brian O’Dwyer, chairman, Emerald Isle Immigration Center.

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Ben Franklin 52nd Annual Dinner

  On Wednesday May 2nd the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club held its 52nd Annual Dinner. Club President Ellen Feld welcomed everybody, and Ms. Delores Dixon sang "God Bless America". The elected officials then came up beginning with Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson. See the photos below for the  elected officials in attendance.

  The Honorees were Ms. Marcia Allina (former State Committeewoman) receiving the "Jonathan B. Bingham Award" presented by 81st A.D. District Leader Bruce Feld. Ms. Lillian Roberts (Executive Director of DC37) receiving the "Labor Leadership Award" presented by 81st A.D. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Mr. Dirk McCall (Director GMHC) receiving the "Timothy R. Sullivan Community Service Award" presented by Congressman Eliot Engel. Ms. Sarah Gund (Riverdale Neighborhood House) receiving the "Lee Heimlich Community Service Award" presented by Councilman G. Oliver Koppell.

  During the evening comments ranged from Congressman Charlie Rangel's "The way the state legislature drew the district lines it did not allow for input by the people", to Rangel's opponent Current State Senator Adriano Espaillat who thanked the Ben Franklin Club for helping elect him as a state senator, and hoping that they can help him be elected to congress. The best line of the night had to belong to Manhattan Borough President (and mayoral candidate in 2013) Scott Stringer, who said that he stayed for the entire press conference that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn walked out of last week. Below are photos of the dinner. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left- Ms. Marcia Allina receives the Jonathan B. Bingham Award from District Leader Bruce Feld.   Right- Ms. Lillian Roberts receives the Labor Leadership Award from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

 Left Mr. Dirk McCall receives the Timothy R. Sullivan Award from Congressman Eliot Engel.  Right Councilman G. Oliver Koppell between his wife Lorraine Coyle Koppell (left) and CB 8 member Rita Pochter Lowe (right).

Left- Congressman Eliot Engel speaking to Congressman Charlie Rangel before the dinner started.  Right- State Senator (and Congressman Rangel's opponent)  Adriano Espaillat sitting with fellow State Senator Gustavo Rivera and staff members.

Left- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.  Right- Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with CB 8 Traffic & Transportation Chair (and possible City Council candidate in 2013) Mr. Dan Padernacht.

Left Congressman Eliot Engel greets Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, as former District Leader Mr. Michael Heller looks on.   Right State Senator Jeff Klein poses for the photo with Manhattan Borough President Stringer, both are former colleagues in the State Assembly.

New York City Comptroller John Liu and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer (Both probable 2013 candidates for mayor) pose for photo.

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