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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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF BRONX WEEK 2012

Monday May 7, 2012,

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. officially kicked off Bronx Week 2012, a celebration which pays tribute to the continuing revitalization of the borough’s businesses, educational institutions, cultural sites and civic groups. 

Bronx Week 2012 will take place from Thursday, May 10^th through Sunday, May 20^th. This year’s kickoff event was held at the Bronx County Building’s Rotunda and featured an appearance by 2012 Bronx Walk of Fame honoree Valerie Capers, an award-winning jazz musician and longtime Bronx resident. In addition, the event offered a taste of the great food the Bronx has to offer, featuring samples from Mike’s Deli of Arthur Avenue, Delicioso Coco Helado and the Bronx Brewery.

“We invite Bronxites, New Yorkers, and visitors from all over the world to join us in the Bronx for our annual celebration of what makes the Bronx a great place to live. Bronx Week gets bigger and better every year and has something exciting for everyone. I look forward to seeing you all here,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

During the kickoff, Borough President Diaz also announced the names of the other celebrity and notable Bronxites who will also be included into the 2012 Bronx Walk of Fame: Hollywood cinematographer Sol Negrin, Hip-Hop legend Fat Joe, and supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford.

Bronx Week 2012 is made possible thanks to the support of Montefiore Medical Center, the main sponsor of all the events.  “Montefiore will continue its tradition of giving free health screenings, expert exercise advice, nutritional counseling and other practical guidance to support Bronx residents in their efforts to keep healthy and look forward to a terrific Bronx Week 2012.” 

This year’s Bronx week 2012 highlights include the first annual solar conference, 2^nd annual Agricultural Tour, a centenarian celebration, as well as some of the favorite events from years past, which include the Bronx Trolley, the Business Breakfast, the Health Fair and the annual Bronx Food, Arts and Music Festival and Bronx Week Parade. All the events are organized by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week will close with the annual Bronx Parade and Food & Arts Festival on Mosholu Parkway on Sunday, May 20, 2012. In addition to dozens of food and arts vendors, as well as the borough’s biggest parade showcasing “Bronx Pride,” the annual concert will feature performances by hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh, salsa stars Los Hermanos Morenos and many more.

This week of amazing Bronx events is organized jointly by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council. For more information on Bronx Week 2012, visit ilovethebronx.com.

Congressman Charlie Rangel was on hand for the Bronx Week 2012 Kick off.  Left- Congressman Rangel poses with Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene.   Right Rangel praising BP Diaz, and the Bronx.

One of the Bronx Week 2012 Honorees Dr. Valerie Capers speaks to those gathered for the Bronx Week 2012 kick off.

Left- is Mr. Damian Brown (Head Brewer) of the Bronx Brewery with special container of Bronx Beer.  Right- is BP Diaz sampling some of the brew.

After his career in politics BP Diaz can always get an ices cart, as he puts the finishing touch on a flavor of  Coco Helado being sampled at the Bronx Week 2012 Kick Off as Deputy BP Greene looks on..

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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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