Statement from Assemblyman Camara regarding Assemblyman Hikind's Blackface Costume

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jervonne Singletary
Office of New York State Assemblyman Karim Camara
1216 Union Street Brooklyn, NY
718-771-3105 (o)
718-344-2023 (c)
jervonnes@gmail.com

                             

Statement from Caucus Chair Regarding Assemblyman Hikind’s ‘Blackface’     Costume

                           

 I am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with tanned skin and an afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and not use the images of one as a tool for humor. In speaking with many African Americans both leaders and average citizens, the outrage is widespread. 

The history of the blackface minstrel show is something deeply painful in the African American community. It brings back the memories of African Americans being reduced to “buffoonery” just to gain access to the entertainment industry. The stereotypes embodied in blackface minstrels have played a significant role in cementing and proliferating racist images, attitudes and perceptions, which are still painful and offensive today.

I find the actions of the Assemblyman to be callous and repugnant. At the very least, an apology should be issued to those who found his portrayal objectionable. 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

This response is on Assemblyman Dov Hikind's blog.

 

It's Purim. People Dress Up.

Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up.

I am intrigued that anyone who understands Purim—or for that matter understands me—would have a problem with this. This is political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body. 

 

 

 

NYLCV To Mayoral Candidates: Don't Backtrack On Solid Waste Management Plan

   The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political priority in New York, today called on all mayoral candidates to support the New York City Solid Waste Management Plan in its entirety.

Several mayoral candidates discussed the Solid Waste Management Plan last Friday night at a forum in Manhattan, where it appeared that some candidates have changed their views.

Passed in 2006 with strong support from New Yorkers, city leaders and environmental organizations, the Solid Waste Management Plan revolutionized the way New York handles its garbage. Prior to the plan’s implementation, the overwhelming majority of the city’s garbage was trucked into low-income and minority neighborhoods outside of Manhattan. For decades, those communities faced disproportionate environmental burdens including noise, reduced air quality and odors.

The Solid Waste Management Plan addressed this environmental injustice by requiring each borough to handle its own share of waste. The plan also helped clean the air and reduce quality-of-life complaints by establishing a system of marine transfer stations to reduce truck traffic and transport waste more efficiently. The locations of the marine transfer stations were carefully selected after exhaustive studies and community input.

After many years of debate, the City Council approved the Solid Waste Management Plan in 2006 by a vote of 44 to five.

“It is understandable that no one wants a garbage facility in their neighborhood. But New York cannot go back to the old, inefficient and unfair ways of the past,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “The marine transfer stations can be made resilient to higher sea levels without abandoning the Solid Waste Management Plan. We strongly encourage all mayoral candidates to stand their ground and affirm their commitment to this smart, sustainable and equitable system.”

NYLCV was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.

 

Bronx Parks Speak Out - The Photos.

Here are many photos of the 19th annual Bronx Parks Speak Out held on Saturday at Lehman College.

Left - Margot Perron of Van Cortlandt Park. 

Right - The Con Edison table on green energy.

Left - The Friends of Ferry Point Park.

Right  - Transportation Alternatives.

Left - Mr. I.C. Levenberg at the BCEQ table.

Right - I.C. with some friends in the dinning room.

 

Left - Musicians King Ktakei & Shaka Shabazz. Enlarge the photo to see their sculpture on the table. 

Right - Mr. Dart Westphal speaking out about Bronx parks.

Brandy Cochrane speaking up about building understanding around cultural differences, and learning what parks mean to different cultures looking at the power point presentation.

Left - Mayoral candidates Democrat Sal Abanese (left), No Party candidate Adolfo Carrion Jr (center), Green Party candidate Dr,. Anthony Gronowicz (right).

Right - Current Councilman G. Oliver Koppell 11th district with his staffer Andrew Sandler.

 

The candidates running for the term limited seat of Councilman G. Oliver Koppell.

Left - Community Board 8 Aging Committee Chairman Andrew Cohen sitting with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

Right - KRVDC treasurer Cliff Stanton (middle) with two attendees. 

What You Should Know

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

I Am Glad I Voted Against It 

You should know that a Manhattan Supreme Court Justice blocked Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to harm New York City’s public schools poor students by cutting $260 Million in education aid.

The Governor’s decision came after the City of New York and the teacher’s union failed to meet a deadline on a deal for a new teacher evaluation system, prompting the Governor to take his vengeance upon the innocent students of those poor, in need and in really bad shape public schools in New York City.

According to the New York Post, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez issued the ruling stopping Governor Cuomo from denying New York City the $260 million in school aid by stating “Innocent students that have no influence over the legislative process or negotiations were potentially placed at risk academically.”  The judge also stated that “there are alternative means of achieving the goal while preserving federal grant funds without the long term affect of financial sanctions on the students.”

You should know that after this ruling, by a Hispanic Supreme Court Judge,  and the setback that it means to Governor Cuomo’s administration, I wonder if this is why Governor Cuomo wants his friends to be appointed to the court system, even if they are not qualified.

Immediately after the ruling, a spokesperson for Governor Cuomo stated that the Governor intends to appeal the ruling of Justice Mendez. Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, speaking on behalf of the City of New York, according to the Post, stated that: “We have said all along that students should not be penalized for the UFT’s failure to negotiate and our goal has been and continues to be a fair and effective evaluation system.”

You should know that this is a great victory for the New York City Department of Education and the children that it serves.  Mr. Michael Rebell who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city parents stated that “There’s no point to this penalty anymore. I hope the fact the Governor knows it is going to be solved….would get him and the legislature to reconsider and not impose this penalty.”

Finally, you should know that since the beginning, Governor Cuomo wanted to punish the children of the City of New York and the school system by imposing this penalty. He found a way to include this damage and ill-conceived idea by including it in the budget and forcing legislators to vote for it. I saw it coming, I spoke to my colleagues and asked them not to vote for it, I spoke against it on the Senate floor, nobody listened because it was the Governor’s idea and the Governor was pressuring them.

Praise the Lord because there is justice and someone like Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, who saw the damage that this cut of funds would have done to the poor and needy children of our communities.  Now, I can rejoice and say I am glad that I voted against it.

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

SEN. JEFF KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST

 

   State Senator Jeff Klein joined Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, African-American Community leaders and nearly 300 constituents in celebrating Black History Month at his annual breakfast at Villa Barone Manor today. At the breakfast, the program included a keynote address from former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, musical performances from the Reverend Nathaniel Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church and the presentation of awards to African-American community leaders for their work in the district and beyond.

Senator Klein stated that the event “recognizes the incredible contributions of African-Americans in our community. The contributions of those honored today help shape our communities for the better and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize them for their incredible efforts. Whether it is working hand in hand with community leaders to empower minority candidates running for office or working to ensure that African-Americans have access to quality health care, schools and employment, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with and work for African-Americans in the Bronx and across New York to uplift all of our communities. I look forward to meeting, working and honoring future leaders in the African-American community for years to come.”

 Event honorees included the Hon. Richard Thomas, Council Member, The City of Mount Vernon, Mr. Lamont Parker, Youth Committee Chair, Bronx Community Board No. 8, Ms. Herma Williams, President, Pelham Parkway Houses Residents Council and Ms. Monique Johnson, President, Throggs Neck Houses Residents Council.

 Senator Klein and keynote speaker, former NYC Comptroller, Bill Thompson with guests at the Black History Month Breakfast this morning.

 Senator Klein stands with honorees at the Black History Month Breakfast. (From L to R): Assemblyman Crespo, Ms. Herma Williams, Ms. Monique Johnson, Senator Klein, Honorable Richard Thomas and Mr. Lamont Parker. 

 Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo, and former Comptroller Thompson speak with Honoree Ms. Herma Williams.

 Senator Klein and former Comptroller Thompson give some tips to Candidate for comptroller and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

KOPPELL OPPOSES CO-LOCATION OF TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS IN DEWITT CLINTON BUILDING

A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose 

At a public meeting on February 26, 2013 on DeWitt Clinton’s Future, Council Member Oliver Koppell, a member of the Education Committee, strongly opposed the proposal of the Department of Education to downsize Clinton and co-locate two new high schools in the building.

Initially heartened by the DOE’s decision not to close the school, he soon learned that a rose by any other name is still a rose. “Placing two new high schools in the building is tantamount to ensuring Clinton’s demise,” he said.

“There is no doubt in my mind.” Koppell continued, “that the new high schools will drain Clinton of the more well prepared and motivated students. Clinton will become the “school of last resort” for English Language Learners, “Over the Counter” students and those who are underprepared. Without the resources necessary to help these students, the school’s academic record will plummet, leading to a renewed call for its closure.”

Koppell expressed the opinion that this need not happen. He indicated that funding, support and new leadership could reinvigorate the school. “Improvement can come about,” he stated, “by allocating more teaching and counseling resources, increasing staff development, revising the curricula and enlisting the help of the alumni and neighboring institutions of higher learning,”

Koppell defended the role of the large comprehensive high schools saying that that they offered students a wide choice of courses, extracurricular activities and sports teams.

“The success Clinton has had in the past in its 100 year-old tradition of educating students is predictive of the future success it can have if it is given the necessary support.  I urge the DOE not to give up on Clinton by reallocating its resources and space to other schools, but to bolster it by providing the necessary assistance it needs to become a school of excellence once again,” Koppell concluded.

 

 

LIU: CITY SHOULD BOYCOTT HP IF COMPANY FAILS TO PAY $163 MILLION IT OWES TAXPAYERS

 Cites Company’s ‘Possible Corruption’ in Letter Urging Mayor to Sue

In a letter Wednesday to Mayor Bloomberg, City Comptroller John C. Liu warned that his office may reject future contracts with Hewlett-Packard (“HP,” NYSE: HPQ) if the company fails to reimburse taxpayers for the up to $163 million it owes the City. That bite would hurt HP: City agencies have spent almost a quarter-billion dollars on HP’s products and services over the past three years.

 

“Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee,” Liu wrote. “Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City taxpayers will have serious consequences.”

 

HP owes the City the money for overbilling as a contractor on NYC’s 911 call center project, known as the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP), which is nearly eight years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget. A May 2012 audit by the Comptroller’s office found that HP’s work on the 911 call center was so poorly monitored and rife with billing and other errors that Liu referred the matter to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for further review. A new three-month analysis Comptroller Liu’s Audit team conducted of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

 

Liu urged Bloomberg to sue HP to recover the taxpayer funds lost because of HP’s overbilling, and stated that the Comptroller’s Office “will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of ‘possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.’”

Bloomberg’s office has repeatedly dismissed the audit’s findings as inaccurate, but its claims that the project came in under budget are false and misleading. The original scope of the call center contract always included a project known as PSAC 2, which later had to be contracted out separately, resulting in millions of dollars of added costs for the City.

“City Hall can’t turn back the clock and undo the gross mismanagement of this project, but it must pursue the consultant to refund our taxpayers for sham billings,” Liu said. “And both the Mayor’s office and the consultant must stop their duplicitous claims that the project came in under budget when in fact it was only half-completed.”

 

The City desperately needs the money to address next year’s budget challenges.

“Last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project,” Liu wrote. “The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.”

 

Background:

 

·         City agencies have spent an average of more than $80 million per year on HP products and services over the past three years.

 

Spending with Hewlett-Packard by City Agency Rank Agency Amount 1 Department of Information Tech & Telecom      --- $137,959,668 $137,959,668 2 Department of Education                                                ---   $54,127,203 $54,127,203 3 School Construction Authority                                  ---   $16,555,001 $16,555,001 4 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene       ---     $6,307,530 $6,307,530 5 Department of Social Services                                    ---     $5,724,500 $5,724,500 6 Department of Citywide Administrative Services - $4,890,044 $4,890,044 7 City University of New York                                      ---     $2,833,593 $2,833,593 8 Department of Environmental Protection          ---     $2,043,821 $2,043,821 9 Department of Homeless Services                        ---     $1,517,867 $1,517,867 10 Fire Department                                                               ---     $1,155,565 $1,155,565 All Other                                                                                                      ---     $7,448,741 $7,448,741 Total                                                                                                      ---  $240,563,534 $240,563,534 Data Source: CheckbookNYC.com spending data (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2012)

·         May, 30, 2012, audit report on HP 911 call center project expenditures: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2012/06-30-12_FM11-107A.shtm

_________________________

Text of the letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg:

February 20, 2013

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg 

Mayor               

The City of New York

City Hall

New York, N.Y. 10007

Re:   Hewlett-Packard’s Emergency Communications Transformation Program Overbilling

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I write regarding our May 30, 2012 audit of Hewlett Packard’s wrongful overbilling of the City and deficient work on its System Integration Contract for the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP). As we found in our audit, HP used unscrupulous billing and other practices to inflate its charges to the City by up to $163 million. At the time, your spokesman dismissed those findings.

My audit staff recently uncovered new information about HP’s unscrupulous practices that could strengthen the City’s efforts to obtain the maximum recovery from HP. Our new three-month analysis of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

Our office met with the Law Department and apprised it of these findings, which underscore the fact that HP’s wrongful business practices pervaded its contract and reflect not merely gross error, but possibly willful misconduct.

I therefore strongly urge your office and the Corporation Counsel to intensify and accelerate the City’s efforts, through litigation and otherwise, to recover taxpayer funds lost as a result. The Law Department should immediately reflect the results of our post-audit review in its claims and potential litigation against HP, as well as the issues raised in the 2012 audit report. Prompt and aggressive action by the City is needed to recover all of the money HP owes the City and its taxpayers.

The City should immediately review all other agreements it may have or is considering with HP, because the facts call into serious question whether HP qualifies as a responsible vendor with the requisite integrity to receive taxpayer dollars. 

In this regard, please be advised that my office will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of “possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.” Moreover, in light of our audit findings, this office intends to freeze future ECTP-related payments to HP.

We must not permit HP to exploit New York City’s taxpayers. Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee. Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City’s taxpayers will have serious consequences.

My audit staff remains available to provide the Law Department with support in our common efforts to substantiate the strongest possible case against HP in order to enable the maximum recovery for the City.  

As you well know, last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project. The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.

While we appreciate the actions your office has taken since to look into HP’s egregious conduct, the clock is ticking. Let’s join forces and work together to recoup these funds.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson Announces for 16th Council Seat

  In what may have been the worse kept secret this past month 77th A.D. Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson officially announced her intention to run for the soon to be term limited seat of Helen Diane Foster in the 16th City Council District. The announcement came with many Bronx elected officials (as you will see in the photos below), and even Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who may be eyeing the position of city council speaker next year. 

  Deputy Borough President Aurelie Greene was the host of the Gibson for Council event, and it was then Assemblywoman Greene who gave Vanessa Gibson a job in her assembly office over ten years ago. Gibson later won election to the 77th A.D. in a special election when New Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took Ms. Greene to be his Deputy Borough President. Diaz Jr. had only words of praise for the job of Assemblywoman Gibson, and said that she is good for the district, the Bronx , and will be for the city when she becomes a city council member. 

   Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Foster said to Assemblywoman Gibson that it is your time now, and that she (Foster) was passing the baton to Gibson. Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Heastie, Congressman Jose Serrano, and other Bronx Assembly members said that they were sad to see Assemblywoman Gibson leave Albany, but that they knew she can do the job needed down at City Hall. It was a little strange to see Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who had announced last year that he was going to run for City Comptroller only to pull out of the race when Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer announced that he was going to run for comptroller instead of mayor. It could be that Garodnick may attempt to become the next speaker of the council as the current speaker is term limited out next year.

 

Left - Assemblywoman Gibson poses with Congressman Jose Serrano before the event.

Right - A group photo of the elected officials.

Left - Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster at the mike.

Right - Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Hestie has words of praise for council candidate Gibson.

Lefy - Bronx Borought President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks highly of Assemblywoman Gibson.

Right - It was Congressman Jose Serrano's turn.

 

Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera had his turn.

Right - A shot from the back of the packed room as Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick winds up the list of elected officials. Assemblymen Dinowitz, Crespo, & Castro, and State Senator Serrano also spoke.