LIU TO HOLD SERIES OF TOWN HALL MEETINGS ON STOP & FRISK, PUBLIC SAFETY

   Events Planned for New Yorkers to Air Civil Rights, Security Concerns

   City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that he would be holding three Town Hall Meetings on the NYPD’s stop & frisk policy and public safety issues, with more planned in the near future so that New Yorkers can voice their concerns on civil rights and security issues.

“Stop and frisk has driven a deep chasm between communities and police, which makes everyone less safe,” Comptroller Liu said. “Furthermore, it diverts police resources from strategies proven to reduce crime in other cities that do not resort to stop and frisk. As stop and frisk has increased, we have also seen a marked increase in lawsuits and claims against the NYPD, bills that taxpayers are on the hook for. These are among the issues we will discuss, with an eye toward promoting greater involvement of the community in policing.”

“When the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are stopped and frisked are people of color, it’s hard to avoid calling stop and frisk what it really is — racial profiling.  Being stopped and frisked is not a minor inconvenience; it is deeply humiliating and absolutely offensive when based on skin color.  There’s simply no place for racial profiling, by the police or anyone.  It’s not what New York City is about.”

The meetings are co-sponsored by local elected officials and civic groups, including the National Action Network, NAACP, Legal Aid Society, and the John Jay College Center on Race, Crime & Justice. Meetings will be held:

·         In Queens on Wednesday, March 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Springfield Community Church, 177-06 129^th Ave. in Jamaica.

·         In The Bronx on Monday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Latino Pastoral Center, 14 W. 170^th St.

·         In Brooklyn on Wednesday, March 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Concord Baptist Church of Christ, 833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd.

“The police are stopping hundreds of thousands of law-abiding New Yorkers every year, and the vast majority are Black and Latino. More than eight out of 10 stopped-and-frisked New Yorkers have been innocent, according to the NYPD’s own reports. The unusually high number of youths age 14 to 24 (51 percent of stops) that are stopped and frisked by the police will result in these kids having some sort of a record that will affect them in the future,  including obtaining gainful employment,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. of Queens.

“The practice of stop and frisk has had a disproportionately negative impact on the Latino and African-American communities, especially the youth within these communities.  It is my belief, and the belief of many others, that this has made our communities less safe by creating a wedge of mistrust between law enforcement, whose job it is to protect our streets, and the very people they should be protecting,” said State Senator Jose M. Serrano of The Bronx.

“Stop and frisk has been an unfair practice that has been used against minority communities. Let’s put a stop to it once and for all. Treat all communities with dignity and respect,” said Assemblyman Eric A. Stevenson of The Bronx.

“I am glad to join in efforts to make our City streets safer. From street harassment to gun violence, public safety remains a serious issue on Brooklyn streets and Citywide,” said City Council Member Letitia James of Brooklyn.

“The current stop and frisk procedure initiated by our NYPD undoubtedly is a masked form of racial profiling. This is a tactic that has proven to be unsuccessful and unproductive in producing a better community, in addition to creating more friction between citizens in minority neighborhoods and police officers. New York needs a police structure that understands the respect of the people comes from first giving respect to the people,” said the Rev. Phil Craig, President of the Queens Chapter of the National Action Network.

“Every day, in every borough, front-line Legal Aid Society lawyers and professional staff see New Yorkers who are improperly stopped, questioned, and frisked and who are then wrongfully arrested,” said Steven Banks, Attorney-in-Chief of The Legal Aid Society.

“Innocent New Yorkers have the right to walk the streets free of police interference,” said Delores Jones-Brown, Director of the John Jay College Center on Race, Crime & Justice.

“Communities of color want to live in a crime-free community but the price should not be the violation of one’s civil rights,” said the Rev. Dr. Raymond Rivera of the Latino Pastoral Action Center in The Bronx.

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events, and initiatives.

Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message, text “follow johncliu” to 40404. View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.

Our 2013-2014 New York State Budget Propsal

By Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.

  

I am happy to announce that my colleagues and I in the New York State Assembly have passed a 2013-14 state budget proposal that would:

• Increased education funding
• Spur job growth
• Provide economic relief for local governments
• Protect vital programs that assist New York's most vulnerable residents 

We accomplished this all while managing to close a $1.35 billion (yes, "billion" with a "b") budget gap. The Assembly budget proposal also establishes a considerable reserve to help protect against future budget deficits.

I am proud that I took part in crafting a fiscally sound budget that generally aligns with the governor’s proposal and makes crucial investments in the types of programs and services that hardworking Bronx families rely upon--as an advocate for Bronxites from all walks of life, it was my mission to ensure that our interests were accounted for. As a collective body, we are confident that our budget proposal, if adopted, would ensure that our great state remains economically competitive, while maintaining a sustainable balance between expenditures and revenue. 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

 

 

Mayor Bloomberg's Sugary Soda Ban Gets Halted by State Supreme Judge

  On the eve that a new sugary soda ban of sales of over 16 ounces in certain eating establishments, the ban was struck down by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Milton Tingling. Judge Tingling said that the ban was discriminatory because it only applied to businesses regulated by the city, and did not treat all sugary drinks equally. The ban would not have applied to all establishments only some, and the ban excluded other beverages that have higher concentrations of sugary sweeteners. The ban also had loopholes that defeated its purpose such as no limits on the number of refills.

  Mayor Bloomberg took to the airwaves during the 6 PM newscasts to say that the city will be going back to court to have this ruling overturned. Bloomberg also appeared on the Late Show to discuss his new sugary soda ban, but had to discuss the ruling against the ban further with host David Letterman. Letterman missed what could have been his best line in many years by not saying to Mayor Bloomberg "I guess your soda ban lost its fizz".  Instead Letterman said that he has to agree that people should guide their own destiny not government to which Bloomberg argued that government has a role in it. When Letterman brought up the Mayors infamous fondness for salt (that some want to ban), Mayor Bloomberg argued that the product "Cheese-Its" should not be banned because it is one of his favorite snacks.

  

  The duo went on with Bloomberg saying that 70,000 people nationwide will die from obesity with 5,000 coming from New York City. Bloomberg added that this is the first year that more people will die from overeating than from starvation. The subject then changed to gun control with Bloomberg saying that there are 50,000 gun dealers and only 14,000 McDonald's. The mayor added that 12,000 people will be killed by handguns, and 19,000 will commit suicide from handguns. Bloomberg concluded by saying that 14 states have tough gun laws, and those are the states with the lowest suicide rates.

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NEW YORK KNICKS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE "BASKETBALL IN THE BOROUGHS PRESENTED BY CHASE" VISITS THE BRONX

  The New York Knickerbockers community initiative Basketball in the Boroughs presented by Chase will visit and celebrate the Bronx in March. The month will tip-off with a free basketball clinic for 100 youth at St. Mary’s Recreation Center attended by Knicks great Larry Johnson, former St. John’s star Felipe Lopez and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. As part of the program, the Knicks and Chase will also fund the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Recreation Center, repairing bleachers, making improvements to the scoreboard and resurfacing the gym floor.

What:          Knicks “Basketball in the Boroughs Presented by Chase” Visits the Bronx

When/       

Where:        March 13 – Free Basketball Clinic

                 4pm-6pm: St. Mary’s Recreation Center 

                 Appearances by Knicks great Larry Johnson, former St. John’s star Felipe Lopez and

                 Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

                     March 19 – Chase Branch Visits

                 12pm-2pm: 2126 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462

                 Appearances by Knicks legend John Starks

                 4pm-6pm: 3775 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

                 Appearances by Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni and forward Chris Copeland

                     March 20 – Bronx Theme Night at Madison Square Garden: Knicks vs. Orlando Magic

         

In addition to the free basketball clinic, the Knicks and Chase will host Chase branch visits in the Bronx with appearances by current players, alumni, Knicks City Dancers, and a chance for fans to win exclusive Knicks prizes and tickets. The month-long celebration will culminate with a Bronx Theme Night at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks game on March 20 against the Orlando Magic. The New School for Leadership and Arts Chorus from MS244 will perform the national anthem, while Bronx native Pete Rock will serve as the guest DJ, performing pregame and halftime sets. The night will also feature video recaps dedicated to the borough and a halftime Jr. Knicks game with players from a local Bronx YMCA.

The Knicks, Chase and City of New York Parks & Recreation launched Basketball in the Boroughs presented by Chase in December. The community initiative, which began in Queens, followed by Staten Island and Brooklyn, will serve thousands of youth within the five boroughs.

What You Should Know

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

Hispanic Legislators: Put Up or Shut Up

  You should know that since the last presidential election, the Hispanic vote proved to be crucial throughout the nation, with the Democratic Party being its biggest beneficiary.

Here in New York State, especially in the City of New York, the Hispanic population is growing at such a dynamic pace that any candidates for any public office, let it be City Council, Borough President, Member of the Assembly, Senator, Member of Congress, Mayor, and Governor cannot ignore this fact. I am not afraid to say that without the Hispanic vote, it will almost be impossible for any Governor to win in this state.  However, with all that influence, we are always being taken for granted.  People use our pain and suffering just to promote their agendas and to get our sympathy – and then later play dumb with us.

You should know that in the next few weeks, the Budget for New York State will come before us in Albany for a vote of approval. You should also know there are all kinds of politicians, including many Hispanic leaders and elected officials promoting the Dream Act legislation. Many of them are sending press releases on a daily basis telling the whole world how much they love and care for our immigrant population.  In their press releases, they ask Governor Andrew Cuomo to help our immigrant students and to include the Dream Act legislation in this year’s Budget.

What you dear readers should know is that our “distinguished” elected officials know very well that the Governor will not, and I repeat, WILL NOT include the Dream Act in his Budget.  With their press releases and public posturing these “distinguished” elected officials are trying to show that they support the immigrants, and that they want the Dream Act now.  But, you should know that sometimes and somehow I get the impression that they are just putting on a show with no action to back it up.

You should know that there are six Hispanic Senators in the Senate, and close to fifteen Hispanic Members of the Assembly.  If they really want to fight for the Dream Act and if they honestly want it to be part of the Budget, then let all of the Hispanic legislators – let all of us in the Senate and in the Assembly – come together and take a vote that we will not vote for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget – none of it – not one single part of it – unless it includes the Dream Act. Let the Governor pass the Budget without the Hispanic vote, and let us show our repudiation of him and his Budget plan of ignoring the immigrants.

Now that we are preparing of the yearly event “Somos el Futuro,” let’s once and for all show our community that we really ARE the future.  Let’s show our community that Governor Andrew Cuomo or anybody else cannot continue playing the game of ignoring us – and then invite us to his mansion and with a breakfast or a dinner, think that he can buy our commitment and forsake our responsibility to our community.  Otherwise we will just continue to be not the “Future”, but instead “Somos the puppets.”

Here in Albany, our votes are the only things that we really have to protect, to fight and to defend our community.  Voting for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget without the Dream Act being included, will only be just another act of hypocrisy.

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

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Luncheon

   Over 100 people were on hand for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Luncheon held at the F & J Pines. BCC President Mr. Lenny Caro introduced his newly elected Board of Directors and the officers of the BCC, and then the program began. Tenor Chris Macchio belted out the national anthem (and later Danny Boy). Father Richard Gorman Chairman of Community Board 12 then gave the invocation. after a few speeches the award presentation began.

  Ms. Sandra Erickson (of Community Board # 7) presented the first honoree Ms. Virginia Gallagher her award. Former Councilwoman June Eisland presented Rear Admiral Wendi Carpenter with her award. BCC Chairman Joseph Kelleher presented the next three awards to Congressman Joseph Crowley, 80th A.D. State Committeeman Joseph McManus, and Mr. Larry Hickey Senior V.P. of Fresh Direct. NYC Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano presented Bronx Borough Commander Kevin Butler his award. BCC President Lenny Caro presented the last three awards to Kevin McCabe (News 12 anchor), Commissioner Robert Walsh (of the NYC SBA), and James E. McQuade (owner Schuyler Hill). 

   Traditional corned beef and cabbage was served for lunch with a few F & J Pines specialties added.

Left - Tenor Chris Macchio sings the national anthem.

Right - He belts out "Danny Boy".

Left - The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Eagle given to each honoree.

Right - The Fire Department was well represented as seen in this photo.

Left - Father Gorman (far right) is giving the invocation.

Right - The honorees as they sit with their BCC eagle awards in front of them.

The honorees (holding their awards) along with BCC President Lenny Caro pose for this photo.

What You Should Know

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

Midnight Bus Vigil to Washington, DC

  You should know that on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:00 midnight, the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will hold an all-night vigil on buses bound to Washington, D.C., to join the National Organization for Marriage who is organizing a demonstration on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 9:00 AM in front of the United States Supreme Court.

It is important for you to know that the United States Supreme Court will convene that day (Tuesday, March 26, 2013) to address and discuss the future of marriage in our nation. The Supreme Court of the Nation can decide whether marriage should be between a man and a woman or whether to re-define it to include men with men and women with women.

This is a topic of great importance for the entire nation - and for every single Christian, Jew, Muslim, Catholic and people of faith. It is for this reason that I am inviting you to join and participate in this vigil to Washington D.C.  Once we arrive in Washington D.C., we will join people traveling from all over this nation - including Puerto Rico - to bear witness in favor of traditional marriage to remain between a man and a woman.

You should know that the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has always been in the forefront, throughout the nation, in the struggle to stop same sex marriage. It is also a fact that for many years, NOM has been raising funds, and coordinating every march and demonstration in the state of New York and everywhere else.

You should remember that when Governor Andrew Cuomo used his office and staff to raise money and to orchestrate the passing of gay marriage in the State, it was the National Organization for Marriage among others, who took the fight on their shoulders. With their help, we organized different rallies and demonstrations where thousands of people came together, in front of Governor Cuomo’s office in Manhattan, On the steps of the Supreme court of Bronx County and in many other places.

Now, One more time, NOM is giving us the opportunity to join people from all over the nation, in what could be our last opportunity to deal with same sex marriage once and for all. Due to the fact, and you should know, that with the ruling of the United States Supreme Court, same sex marriage will be legal or illegal in every state in the nation, including Puerto Rico and any other colony of the United States.

That is why, we should all be in front of the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 9:00AM.

If you want and can fill a bus of 50 passengers, You should call The National Organization for Marriage at (888) 894-3604, who will provide it in front of your church, organization, civic or community group.
Here is our schedule of activities for Tuesday, March 26 in Washington, DC:

8:30AM: Gather at National Mall location between 10th Street and 12th Street NW and between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW
9:30AM: March to the Supreme Court and then return to the National Mall location
11:00AM: Rally begins at National Mall location (live music, speakers and more)
1:00PM: March for Marriage concludes, return to buses to travel back to New York

I am Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

BP Diaz, Bronx Chamber, MTA to host Metro-North Info Session Today 5:30 PM

“Informational Session on Proposed Metro-North Service to Penn Station”

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with The Bronx Borough President's Office and MTA Metro-North Railroad will hold an information session regarding a proposal to introduce railroad service in the east Bronx along Amtrak's right-of-way.  On Monday, March 11^th at 5:30pm, a seminar will provide Bronx residents with an update on Metro-North's ongoing Penn Station Access environmental assessment, including concepts for four proposed stations that would serve Morris Park, Co-op City, Hunts Point and Parkchester and provide connections to Penn Station, Westchester & Connecticut. We encourage you to attend to hear about reduced travel time and the new rail stations.

   Who:  Bronx Chamber of Commerce

   When: Monday March 11, 5:30 PM

   Where: The Hutchinson Metro Center, Conference Room 

                 1200 Waters Place, 1st Floor Bronx N.Y.10461

  What: Informational Session on Proposed Metro-North Service to Penn Station