WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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

Look Who's Talking

You should know that Senator Jeff Klein, the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference in the New York State Senate has made the following statement – and I quote:  “If you are a real Democrat, a real New York Democrat, then you must defend a woman's inherent right to choose."

Apparently, for Senator Jeff Klein, a “good” Democrat is only one who supports the killing of unborn babies – even through dismembering those creatures even up to 9 months when they are a full living being. (Never mind that there are Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Evangelicals and thousands of other Democrats in New York State who oppose the killing of babies.)

You should know that there is an old saying in Puerto Rico, and maybe here too: “Las palabras se cojen segun quien las dice”, or “Look who’s talking now.”

You should also know that a person like Senator Jeff Klein, who has gone against the will of the people of State of New York who elected 33 Democratic Senators, giving the Democrats the opportunity to be the leaders in the New York State Senate – cannot be talking about how to be a good Democrat!

You should know that a Democrat who has joined with the Republicans and who has taken away the command and mandate given to the Democrats by the voters of New York State to lead the New York State Senate, has no standing to dictate who is a real Democrat, who is a good Democrat, and who is not.

I never heard Senator Jeff Klein criticize or condemn Governor Andrew Cuomo, the leader of New York State Democratic Party, when the Governor publicly supported Republican Senator Steve Saland against Democratic candidate Terry Gipson for the New York State Senate.  I believe that what Governor Cuomo did is an indication of being much less of a Democrat than anyone who opposes the killing of babies.   By the way, the people did not listen to the Governor and Senator Saland was defeated by Gipson.

You should know that the message Senator Klein is sending to all those good, honorable and decent people who oppose abortion in New York State is that they are not good Democrats.

So to all those Catholics like Cardinal Dolan, to all those priests and parishioners, to all those Jews, to all those Muslims, to all those Evangelicals, to all those Pentecostal Ministers, and to every elected official and every Democrat in New York State, Senator Jeff Klein is sending all of us a message:  If you don't support the killing of babies, you are not a good Democrat.

I would like to give my advice to Senator Jeff Klein and to those who think like him: A real Democrat caucuses with Democrats – not with Republicans.

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

Quinn Visits S.I. Chuck This Groundhog Day

  

    It was mayoral candidate Christine Quinn not Mayor Bloomberg that came to see Staten Island Chuck this year. In the New York Post photo above you can see a bit of fright in Speaker Quinns face as she faces the varmint that one year took a bite out of Mayor Bloomberg's finger. The Post article says that Quinn was the first politician to skittishly embrace SI Chuck 

  The Post article has Quinn saying when asked where the mayor was "Who Cares I'm here". Quinn is also quoted as saying that Chuck will get to have a pretty good deal today being with her, and what more could he want than to be with a cute redhead early in the morning. The Post continues with the facts that  no other mayoral candidate was on hand, the Staten Island Zoo home to SI Chuck relies on City Council funding, and that other attendees were Manhattan Borough President and candidate for City Controller Scott Stringer, and Councilman Dominick Recchia Chair of the Council Finance Committee who is eying a run for congress according to the Post. Click here to view the entire Post article

Statements on the Passing of Ed Koch

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Passing of Former Mayor Ed Koch

   

   “Today the Bronx is mourning the death of a son and one of the city’s greatest and most charismatic public leaders. Mayor Ed Koch was a man of wit and wisdom, a leader who helped lift our city out of the brink of bankruptcy, raising our spirits along the way and securing New York’s place as the capital of the world.

“Mayor Koch was always proud of his Bronx roots. During his administration he helped rebuild the South Bronx, creating a task force that helped restore burned-out buildings while creating new, thriving communities—work that still resonates to this day. He was a man of deep devotion, who after leaving office continued to inspire New Yorkers through his activism and his commitment to a city he fiercely loved.

“While we mourn his loss we honor his legacy, commitment to civil rights and his civic leadership, which will forever live in our hearts and in the millions of lives he touched. On behalf of the 1.4 million residents of the Bronx, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera 33rd S.D.  released the following statement today in response to the passing of former New York City Mayor Ed Koch:

   "I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Ed Koch. Mayor Koch will be remembered as the quintessential New Yorker as well as for his sense of service to the city he loved. He had a passion that went beyond ensuring government worked efficiently for the people, but also a commitment to service that extended long after his term as Mayor. He was boisterous, outspoken and spirited. His legacy will remain in the hearts of New Yorkers for years to come, and he will be sorely missed."

Statement from Andrew Cohen 11th City Council District candidate on the Passing of former Mayor  Ed Koch:

  “I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Mayor Ed Koch. He was a New York City institution,  and I respect what he was able to accomplish during some very difficult times. He will be missed by all New Yorkers.”

 

ED KOCH Passes Away This Morning

   Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch most famous for his "How Am I Doing" line during his 12 years as mayor passed away this morning at 2 AM. Koch was pronounced dead due to Congestive Heart Failure at Presbyterian Hospital after reentering the hospital only two days after being released from a previous stay there. Koch had a lone history of health problems that began during his third term in office when he suffered a stroke in 1987 shortly after several scandals which included some of his close friends and allies in politics. The FBI later released a statement about the Koch administration, saying that on FBI tape recordings it was only Mayor Ed Koch that the mob could not influence. Koch would then have several health problems that would increase in severity as time went on.

   Ed Koch was born on Dec. 12, 1924 in the Bronx, and started his political career by joining the Village Independent Democrats while attending NYU that he graduated from in 1948. Koch was elected to the City Council, and then was elected to congress where he served from 1969 - 1977 until he was elected to his first term as mayor of New York City in 1977. Koch beat incumbent Mayor Abe Beame and future Governor Mario Cuomo in the Democratic primary back when the winner of the Democratic primary ment you were elected mayor. Koch and Mario Cuomo would meet again in 1982 running for Governor of the state, but Koch would lose this time to Cuomo. After racial tensions flared up in New York City during his third term the now outspoken mayor was defeated in the 1989 Democratic primary by New York City's first Afro-American candidate who at the time was Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins. 

   After his defeat for a fourth term Koch started his career on T.V. as the first judge for the People's Court. He went on to do a host of other shows with his last gig as one of the three regular "Wise Guys" on NY1's City Hall show.  Koch was a deciding factor in which way the Jewish vote went with his endorsement that was strongly sought after by candidates from all parties such as former Mayor Rudy Guliani, and soon to be former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Koch continued a busy schedule and work ethic to his final days, and bought a burial plot in NYC five years ago saying that he did not want to leave NYC, even after his death.

ED KOCH PLACED IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

This afternoon former Mayor Ed Koch was placed in the intensive care unit at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Joseph Tenenbaum, Mayor Koch's cardiologist and lead doctor, said he wanted to monitor the former mayor more closely.

Bronx Informational Forum RE: School Bus Strike-February 5, 2013

The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In partnership with the

Citywide Council on Special Education,

District 75 Citywide Council on Special Education,

Resources for Children with Special Needs, and

The Bronx Borough President’s Disability Advisory Council

Invite Bronx Parents impacted by the NYC School Bus Strike

to attend an Informational Forum

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

@ 6:00 p.m.

Bronx Library Center

310 East Kingsbridge Road

Bronx, NY 10458

For Details Call: 718-590-6012

Wave Hill Events February 15–February 22

     Early snowdrops have suddenly sprung up on the hillside below my second-floor window in Glyndor House, making me yearn for spring. (Enjoy yesterday’s snapshot of a charming cluster of snowdrops in the Wild Garden, the first attachment here.) That primed me for Anne Raver’s lovely tribute Tovah Martin today in the Times, another “Home” section cover story. We’re longtime admirers of both of these writer/gardeners. And what better way to encourage us to focus on what’s growing indoors in winter? It also happens to make for a perfect invitation to join the “Behind-the-Greenhouse” tour that Wave Hill gardeners are providing this Saturday. And spending Sunday afternoon―or any Sunday afternoon—on an hour-long, free walk in the gardens and Conservatory with one of our Garden Guides will keep your enthusiasm simmering nicely till spring.

To families we offer an extra-special treat on Tuesday, President’s Week target Free Day, when we offer two free programs, indoors and out, for school-age children. We’d planned a whole week of family programs, by the way, and then Hurricane Sandy happened, and kids were sent back to school Wednesday through Friday. And if you live in the Bronx, take advantage of free admission to the grounds for more than a weeek, starting February 16!

SAT, FEBRUARY 16 THROUGH SUN, FEBRUARY 24    PRESIDENT’S VACATION WEEK

Spend an afternoon or a week at Wave Hill. On Tuesday, special programs are geared to families with children between the ages 5-10. Registration is recommended. Admission to the grounds is free for Bronx residents throughout this 10-day period. Please note that Wave Hill is closed Monday, February 18, as is customary.

SAT, FEBRUARY 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS

A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio

Take a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 17    FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS

A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio

Take a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 17    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, FEBRUARY 18

Closed to the public.

TUE, FEBRUARY 19    PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—FITNESS & MOVEMENT

Join Yoga for Bliss instructors for a one hour session of fun movement activity learning simple stretching, yoga, and breathing techniques indoors followed by active walking, jumping and playing outdoors. This program is geared to families with children between the ages of 5 and 10.

Registration recommended. Free, and admission to the grounds is free to all visitors today, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in the calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1‒2 PM

TUE, FEBRUARY 19    PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—ARTY AFTERNOON

Express yourself with an array of creative art projects led by Family Art Project Leader Ilse Murdock and staff and/or Wave Hill’s Guest Winter Workspace Artist. This program is geared to families with children between the ages of 5 and 10. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in the calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2–4 PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in February. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

 

WHO WANTS TO BE NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR? COMPTROLLER LIU RECOMMENDS REFORM OF MAYORAL CONTROL

Comptroller Liu Recommends Reform of Mayoral Control and Strengthened Standards for Top Education Job; Highlights Bloomberg’s Failures

A new report by the office of Comptroller John Liu recommends that all future New York City Schools Chancellors have substantial educational credentials. All three Schools Chancellors named by Mayor Bloomberg required state waivers because they failed to satisfy basic education requirements for the job.

“When people are asked if the Schools Chancellor should be an educator by background, they commonly answer, ‘Of course! In fact, it ought to be the law,’” Comptroller Liu said. “Well, it turns out it is State law. The Chancellor should be an educator, pure and simple. Waivers should not be routinely sought.”

The report, “No More Rubber Stamp,” makes recommendations for reforming the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), which was intended to provide a check and balance to the Mayor’s overall control, and sets out 15 common-sense educational, managerial, and personal criteria for the Chancellor position. The criteria build from the present City standards for school-district superintendents, envisioning the Chancellor as a “superintendent of superintendents.” Download the report here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/beyond-high-school.shtm

“A more substantive PEP can only strengthen school governance to improve the quality of education. A PEP that is not merely a rubber stamp will restore the accountability that was always the goal of mayoral control,” Comptroller Liu said.

The report points out that current Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and former Chancellors Cathleen Black and Joel Klein each lacked crucial educational credentials, such as prior experience in running a large city school district and at least 10 years of successful experience as an educator.

The report, part of Comptroller Liu’s “Beyond High School NYC” initiative, also looked at the Mayor’s interactions with the PEP and proposes changes in the way members of the PEP are selected so that the panel is less of a mayoral rubber stamp and more responsive to community and educational stakeholders. It proposes the creation of a PEP nominating committee, fixed and secure terms for PEP members, stipends and staff support for the PEP, a PEP veto on Chancellor nominations, and an end to the State waiver of unqualified Chancellor selections.

“It’s clear that the current form of centralized mayoral control under Michael Bloomberg has not worked.  There are many approaches we should consider to create more checks and balances, and this report puts forth some creative suggestions that could help make the system more democratic and more responsive to parents,” said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

“‘No More Rubber Stamp’ is another thoughtful education report from the Comptroller’s office, this one exploring much needed improvements to the PEP. It recommends possible steps that might add legitimacy and independence to a potentially important panel that currently has no muscle at all,” said Ernest A. Logan, President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.

“The New York City Parents Union has been at the forefront of the fight to reform the Panel for Educational Policy, including introducing legislation to change the PEP’s composition.  We thank Comptroller Liu for recognizing the undemocratic nature of the PEP and applaud his efforts to include parents and communities in his recommendations.  These PEP reforms will put the public back in public education,” said Mona Davids, President of the New York City Parents Union.

“There is the widespread concern about the functioning of the PEP, and this report starts the discussion with an interesting proposal. It is a very important discussion that needs to be had,” said Joseph P. Viteritti, Thomas Hunter Professor of Public Policy and Chair, Department of Urban Affairs & Planning at Hunter College, CUNY.

“It’s clear that John Liu believes and respects the value of parent and community voices when it comes to education in New York City. He has engaged in a thoughtful proposal that would offer a larger voice to those constituents, much different than what we are currently experiencing,” said Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director, Alliance for Quality Education.

“This study has essentially solved the dilemma of how to conduct mayoral control of education in a fair and democratic manner.  There is always more that can be done, but restructuring the PEP to be an independent, education-oriented body is essential, and that is what has been done here,” said Chris Owens, Brooklyn education advocate and former President of Community School Board 13.

Background:

The “Beyond High School NYC” initiative seeks to increase the proportion of New Yorkers with a college degree to 60 percent by the year 2025 through strategic investments in public education. It consists of “No More Rubber Stamp” and two earlier reports:

·         “The Power of Guidance,” which shows that a critical impediment for students seeking success in higher education is the lack of quality counseling, advising, and mentoring programs in New York City public high schools, and makes five recommendations to enhance student support systems to help overcome the obstacles to obtaining a college degree. Information and a link to the report can be found here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-10-108.shtm and here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/Power_of_Guidance_Oct_PDF.pdf

 

·         “Beyond High School: Higher Education as a Growth & Fiscal Strategy for New York City” found that New York City, which regards itself as the intellectual capital of the country, is actually only in the middle of the pack of major cities based on the percentage of the working-age population with an Associate’s Degree or higher, and shows how that hampers the City economically. Information and a link to the report can be found here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-09-105.shtm and here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/Higher-Education-Report-FINAL.pdf

 

 

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