Sepulveda endorses Reshma Saujani for Public Advocate

  87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who broke ranks with the Bronx Democratic County organization to endorse Bill DeBlasio for mayor, may have done it again in endorsing Reshma Saujani to replace DeBlasio as Public Advocate. Sepulveda made the announcement to support Saujani at the same place that he endorsed DeBlasio for mayor.
  In what seems to be a lack luster race for Public Advocate in the Democratic primary as current Councilwoman Letitia James led in the latest poll with 16 percent, followed by newcomer Cathy Guerriero at 15 percent, State Senator Dan Squadron third, and current Deputy Public Advocate Reshma Saujani in last place with almost 50 percent undecided.

Unveiling Freedomland Plaque, Co-op City, August 17

Those of us who are Friends of Freedomland will unveil a plaque and commemorate the theme park in Co-op City on Saturday, August 17, 12 Noon. Please see the details below. I also attached a flyer that includes the same information. This event is held in cooperation with Co-op City management.

 

If you require a summary of the history of Freedomland for your use, just let me know and I will email it to you. And we hope you will join us on Facebook where we keep Freedomland memories alive!

Mike Virgintino
Cell: 516-885-3875
E-mail: mvirgintino@yahoo.com
Web: http://sites.google.com/site/michaelrvirgintino
Public Relations, Public Affairs, Social Responsibility

Freedomland U.S.A. Commemorative Plaque Unveiled

Co-op City, The Bronx – Saturday, August 17, 12 NOON

 

Slightly more than 53 years since it first opened its gates, Freedomland U.S.A. finally will be commemorated with a plaque unveiled close to the site where flagpoles once were located and that spelled out the name of the popular theme park. Freedomland was located on the land now occupied by Co-op City and the Bay Plaza Shopping Center.

 

Designed in the shape of a large map of the continental United States, Freedomland featured historical attractions in seven themed areas to entertain park guests. These themed areas were: Little Old New York 1850-1900, Chicago 1871, The Great Plains 1803-1900, San Francisco 1906, The Old Southwest 1890, New Orleans – Mardi Gras and Satellite City – The Future. Freedomland contained eight miles of navigable man-made waterways and lakes, 10,000 trees and 18 restaurants and snack bars.

 

When: Saturday, August 17, 2013, 12 NOON. Rain or shine.

 

Where: Along Bartow Avenue near the Bartow Mall in Co-op City, The Bronx.

 

What: A long overdue plaque dedicated to a beloved and unique theme park that focused on American history will be unveiled close to the original entrance of the park.

 

Who: Fans and historians of Freedomland: Bob Mangels, Richard Mangels, John Bulakowski and Mike Virgintino along with former Freedomland employee Frank Adamo. All will be available to talk about the history and excitement of the theme park that was the creation of C.V. Wood, the same man who built Disneyland.

 

For more information:

 

• Mike Virgintino: 516-885-3875 (NYC area) and Freedomlandusa@yahoo.com
• Bob Mangels: 585-593-6070 and Freedomlandpark@yahoo.com

 

Resources:

• Freedomland Website: http://freedomlandusa.net/
• Freedomland on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freedomland-USA-The-Worlds-Largest-Entertainment-Center/246939775358072

Bronx Breast Cancer Support Group at JACOBI MEDICAL CENTER

 

NEW Bronx Breast Cancer

Support Group

SHARE and Jacobi Medical Center are happy to announce a

new support group for women recently diagnosed with breast

cancer, those still undergoing treatment and those who have

completed treatment. Women may join at any time.

Fridays—1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25,

November 29, December 20

Call Jacobi Medical Center at (718) 918-4318

Or SHARE at (866) 891-2392

For more information

Breast/Oncology Service

1400 Pelham Parkway South

Bronx, NY 10461

Building 1, 6th Floor, 6S Conference Room

www.sharecancersupport.org

SHARE is a not-for-profit organization that offers peer-led support to women with breast or ovarian

cancer, and their families and friends. Share services include hotlines, support groups, educational

forums, and advocacy activities. All SHARE programs are free of charge.

See Flyer at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/jacobi/downloads/pdf/bronx_breastcancer_supportgroup.pdf

11th Council Debate at Lehman College a Sham

  It may be hard to decide just what was the reason that I call last night's 11th Council debate held by  Lehman College & The Bronx Journal Radio moderated by Michael Serrano a sham. Was it that candidate Cliff Stanton during the moderator question and answer period always was given the favorable position by moderator Serrano of answering last while his two opponents rotated as first and second? Was it that when called on it Mr. Serrano's answer was that as moderator he could? Was it that when the audience question and answer period began more than one person called on was wearing a Stanton for council t-shirt, and most of the other questions came from more Stanton supporters? Was it that of the 60 people in the audience no more than a dozen were actually impartial? Was it that the once highly respected Riverdale Press tried to assassinate the character of Mr. Andrew Cohen one of candidate Stanton's opponents? Or was it that the leader of the group of hired mercenaries who collected signatures for candidate Stanton, has been the only endorsement of candidate Stanton, listed as being on the Stanton payroll, and also wearing a Stanton for council t-shirt got to ask the last question? You decide. I will also say that the Cohen side did get to have one question get in, but that was because the person who asked the question was not sitting next to anyone and looked like an impartial member of the audience.

  The debate started with moderator Michael Serrano saying that politics is not at the top of every ones list then apologizing for the poor turnout. He added "Outside of Riverdale people do not know that there is an election", and went on for a few more minutes until he introduced the candidates. Each of the three candidates Andrew Cohen, Cheryl Keeling, and Cliff Stanton gave opening statements. Cohen highlighted his community and judicial experience adding his endorsements by almost every elected official and union. Keeling highlighted her business experience and her education background. Stanton highlighted his experience as a parent leader, as a chief of staff to a city councilman (however giving no name), successful businessman, and of organizing education and community options.

  Questions geared more to the area where the debate was held were asked of the candidates by the moderator. They included Stop and Frisk, Oval Park, public and charter schools, City Council lulu's, and state testing, As for the answers they generally were the same, but going last on every question gave candidate Stanton an advantage to hear his opponents answers then give his. On Stop and Frisk all agreed that something had to be done, but Stanton added that he was stopped by a police car on his way home and ticketed for talking on a cell phone that he said he was not. On Oval Park all agreed that more trash cans were needed, but Stanton plugged a local park group just set up (apparently for him). On public and charter schools candidate Cohen said that he was against co-location of charter schools in public school buildings, and that they must be responsible to the community. Keeling said that charter schools generally come into areas where the public schools are not doing well. Stanton said that charter schools are public schools, and touted the charter school he said he helped organize. On lulu's Keeling said that council members really work only 17 and 1/2 hours a week, and if she had to work more as a committee chair that she wanted the lulu that went with it. Cohen said that he would not have a lulu held over his head by the speaker, and that he would be a full time councilman. Stanton spoke of the corruption in the council and indictments of politicians, and that he can be trusted. On state testing issue there were three different answers. Cohen said that it was the mayors fault, Keeling spoke of the private school she worked in, and Stanton spoke of the charter school that he helped create giving options to parents. 

  A short intermission was then taken. This was where I asked the moderator why he always asked either candidate Cohen or Keeling to answer first while letting candidate Stanton answer last to every of his questions. Mr. Serrano the moderator told me that was the way he did it, and before the audience Q&A said that he was asked why candidate Stanton always went last stating "Because he can as the moderator".  

  I am not going into the question and answer period by the audience, because I believe other than one or possibly two questions, all the rest were asked by candidate Stanton supporters  with the exception of one by candidate Cohen supporters. No one wearing a candidates t-shirt should have been allowed to ask a question, and it was shameful of the so called Pulitzer prize winning Riverdale Press to try to assassinate the character of candidate Andrew Cohen because that newspaper claims three local elected officials (who support candidate Cohen) have shut them out due to their reporting. I then asked the moderator to let another newspaper question the candidates since he let the Stanton leaning paper ask a question. I asked all three candidates if they would send their child to a school that had no auditorium, lunchroom, gym, music or art rooms, and was going to teach children in an area that use to be a garage. Candidates Keeling and Cohen said no, while candidate Stanton said that the question was aimed at him because that was what the charter school he had helped set up had turned into. By the way candidate Stanton said that he had not sent his child to the charter school he helped setup to give parents other options. No Mr. Stanton if you knew your public schools I could be describing a few places in School District 10, and many more places city wide where children have to learn where those conditions have existed in the past and still do today or are even worse.

  

 When the second person wearing a Stanton t-shirt asked a question, candidate Andrew Cohen was right to say "Should someone on Mr. Stanton's payroll be asking me a question, but I will answer it anyway". Afterwards even candidate Cheryl Keeling commented on what went on during this so called debate, but asked that I not print what she had said. As you will see in the 2nd photo below the head of the hired mercenary group (who will be called Mr. Z) which candidate Stanton has on his payroll also attacked the credibility of Councilman Oliver Koppell (seated in the audience) whom Mr. Z has said he helped elect in 2005 & 2009.

Moderator Michael Serrano standing in front of candidates Andrew Cohen, Cheryl Keeling, and Cliff Stanton as he partially blocks candidate Andrew Cohen.

 

Left - The first of many Stanton supporters who were given the chance to question the candidates. notice the Stanton for council t-shirt.

Right - Mr. Z also in a Stanton t-shirt and on the Stanton payroll who asked candidate Cohen a question then went on to attack Councilman Koppell who seems to be ignoring the speaker. 

I expect several comments especially by Mr. Z, and warn that any improper comments or any comments that attack another candidate or myself will not be published.

 

LIU STATEMENT ON MAYOR’S E911 PROBE

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to news of the Department of Investigation’s (DOI’s) Emergency 911 probe:

“We welcome Mayor Bloomberg’s belated decision to probe the problems in his upgrade of the City’s emergency 911 call system. Our office began investigating those problems three years ago, and our 2012 audits uncovered $1 billion in mismanagement, waste, and possible fraud in that project. In response, the mayor called our efforts ‘stupid.’  

“Better late than never, Mike.” 

Background

The following chronology shows the actions Comptroller Liu has taken to investigate and ameliorate the mismanagement and cost overruns plaguing the upgrade of the E911 system, which is known inside City government as the Emergency Communications Transformation Program, or ECTP.

In March 2012, Comptroller Liu released an audit that found that from its inception ECTP had suffered severe management flaws that led to a cascade of delays and $1 billion in cost overruns. Auditors found an alarming lack of decision-making by City Hall, which led to major technical missteps, the abandonment of a critical objective, and poor vendor performance.  

 

Audit: Management of 911 Call Center Project Was Ineffective:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-03-026.shtm

In May 2012, Comptroller Liu released another audit that found that Hewlett Packard, the contractor selected to streamline the 911 call system, did not meet City qualifications for the job and had monitored the work so poorly that it had overbilled taxpayers by as much as $163 million.

Audit: Mismanagement of 911 Upgrade Picked Taxpayers’ Pockets:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-05-063.shtm

In January 2013, Comptroller Liu warned Mayor Bloomberg that his office may reject future contracts with Hewlett Packard if it fails to pay back the $163 million it owes the City.

Release: City Should Boycott Hewlett Packard:

http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-02-033.shtm

In May 2013, Comptroller Liu wrote to Mayor Bloomberg urging him to recoup the $59 million in cost overruns that the Administration estimated arose from Verizon’s failure to meet its contractual obligations, and offered to work with him to renegotiate the contract so that the City would not have to rely on Verizon technicians to operate this critical public-safety system.

 

Liu letter to Mayor Bloomberg on Verizon E911 contract:

http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/5-10-2013-bloomberg-Letter.pdf

In June 2013, in response to the recent crashes in the E911 system that have call-center workers relying on pen and paper to relay information to dispatchers, Comptroller Liu commenced a new audit of the system. That audit will examine whether the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications is successfully monitoring the integration and implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch System into the ECTP.

Audit letter to Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications:

http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/jun11-13_ectp.pdf

BronxTalk to present six political debates in consecutive weeks

 

Beginning on July 29, BronxTalk, the weekly BronxNet TV program that is widely regarded as the borough’s flagship talk show, will present an unprecedented six consecutive weeks of political debates.  The series will feature the Democratic primaries in the 8^th, 11^th, 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th, City Council Districts and the Assembly race in the 86^th district.

All certified candidates will be invited and are strongly encouraged to participate.

“This might be the busiest most competitive political season since BronxTalk debuted almost nineteen years ago,” said host and senior producer Gary Axelbank, who will moderate the debates, “and so as we have done in the past, we will make sure that Bronxites have a chance to make educated choices when they go to vote.”

Over the course of more than 880 programs, BronxTalk has presented thirty-eight political debates, in some cases in three and four consecutive weeks.  This will be the first time the program will feature as many as six in a row.  Questions and subjects will include those submitted by the candidates themselves.

BronxTalk debate schedule:

July 29 - 11^th  City Council District

August 5 - 15th City Council District

August 12 - 16th City Council District

August 19 - 17th City Council District

August 26 - 86th Assembly District

September 2 - 8th City Council District

BronxTalk will attempt to reach out to each candidate, but they are each encouraged to send an email to bronxTalk@hotmail.com to confirm their participation and provide contact information as soon as possible.

Jane Folloro is the producer of BronxTalk.  The program is seen live at 9:00 PM on Monday nights on BronxNet’s channel 67 and Fios 33.  It is streamed live at www.Bronxnet.org.  The day after each debate, a web version will be posted on the BronxTalk archive page  BronxTalk on Facebook

Wave Hill Events July 25–August 1

  With the reopening of Wave Hill House this past weekend, we are all still dazzled by this grande dame’s star power. What a glorious weekend! Sunset Wednesdays continue, as do Tai Chi and Yoga—now with the addition of meditation—and curated tours of the gallery and the gardens. And the Café! The space and the menu have expanded: What a treat!

FRI, JULY 26    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, JULY 27    EARLY MORNING MEMBERS’ BIRDING

Just for members! Enjoy special access to the grounds on cool summer mornings before we open to the public. Naturalist Gabriel Willow leads this early-morning bird walk. Families welcome! Best for ages 10 and older. Severe weather cancels. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x232 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free, and admission to the grounds is free for Wave Hill Members.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 8AM

SAT, JULY 27   FAMILY ART PROJECT—PUT WAVE HILL IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

Put Wave Hill in the Palm of your Hand/Pon Wave Hill en la palma de la mano

Learn how different cultures and religions use hands to express peace and friendship. Sketch outdoors, then put your images in a hand collage to create an inspired hanging. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 27   TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JULY 27    NO GALLERY TOUR

Gallery tours resume Tuesday, July 30.

SUN, JULY 28   FAMILY ART PROJECT—PUT WAVE HILL IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

Put Wave Hill in the Palm of your Hand/Pon Wave Hill en la palma de la mano

Learn how different cultures and religions use hands to express peace and friendship. Sketch outdoors, then put your images in a hand collage to create an inspired hanging. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 28   HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JULY 28    MEDITATION

This summer, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple relaxation techniques followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET IN WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JULY 28    ARTIST TALKS

At this artist talk, gain insight into the creative practice of the artists exhibiting at Wave Hill as part of Bronx Calling: The Second AIM Biennial.  Eight of the artists will discuss the work that they have on view. Bronx Calling features work by New York area emerging artists who participated in The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program in the last two years. Organized by Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill Curator of Visual Arts; Elizabeth M. Grady, guest curator; and Lia Zaaloff, Bronx Museum Curator, the exhibition is presented concurrently at The Bronx Museum, Wave Hill, and 1285 Avenue of the Americas Art Gallery. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM

SUN, JULY 28    GARDEN 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

SUN, JULY 28    BIRDING AND TECHNOLOGY: AN INTRO TO CITIZEN SCIENCE

Even novice birders can participate in scientific research by observing and collecting data on local birds. Naturalist Gabriel Willow guides participants in recording bird sightings at Wave Hill and then submitting

their observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. iPhones or iPads not required but recommended. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2–4PM

MON, JULY 29

Closed to the public.

TUE, JULY 30    STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Join us for a delightful reading adventure as we explore a different, nature-related theme each week with beautifully illustrated storybooks, beloved classics and exciting new selections. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent.  Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companion. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, JULY 30   GALLERY TOUR

Bronx Calling: The Second AIM Biennial features cutting-edge work by 73 New York-area emerging artists who participated in The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program in the last two years. Organized by Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill Curator of Visual Arts; Elizabeth M. Grady, guest curator; and Lia Zaaloff, Bronx Museum Curator, the exhibition is presented concurrently at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Wave Hill and 1285 Avenue of the Americas Art Gallery. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 31    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances of Bronx Beat Music, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings

of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. The Café at Wave Hill open until 8PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at Wave Hill open until 7:30PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 31   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–7:15PM

WED, JULY 31    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a mini tour of one of Wave Hill’s magnificent gardens. Tours vary by week―come back on another evening for a glimpse of a different garden area! Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 31    SUNSET MUSIC: RAY MARTINEZ

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes live music performed by Bronx musicians on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Tonight’s performer, jazz musician and composer Ray Martinez, performs original, modern jazz and jazz fusion, mixing styles, rhythms and instrumentals. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

FRI, AUGUST 2    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens on-site at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in July and August. 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.

 

 

4000+ PETITION SIGNATURES FOR CANDIDATES

The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club has filed a huge number of signatures of enrolled Democrats on their designating petitions to qualify their endorsed candidates for the September 10th Democratic Primary ballot.  The Club collected in excess of 4100 signatures.

Endorsed candidate        Office                      Amount needed

Andrew Cohen                 City Council                      450

Ruben Diaz, Jr.                Borough President          2000

Scott Stringer                   NYC Comptroller             3750

Daniel Squadron             Public Advocate              3750

Larry Schachner              Civil Court Judge             4000

Julia Rodriguez               Civil Court Judge             1500

Jeffrey Dinowitz, et. al    Judicial Delegate slate     500

   Said City Council candidate Andrew Cohen: “I want to thank everyone who spent their time in the sweltering heat knocking on doors to place me on the primary ballot. Well over 100 community members volunteered their time in support of my candidacy and I am incredibly grateful. We had volunteers in every neighborhood of the 11th council district. This is grassroots politics at its best, and the work of these extraordinary volunteers showed that my candidacy has tremendous support.

  “It is clear that every community in the district faces similar issues. Everyone is concerned about improving our schools, keeping our streets safe, cleaning up the environment, providing good health care and  having the best possible mass transit system. My campaign is geared towards bringing people together and building coalitions that can work on each of these issues.

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. stated, “The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club has long had a reputation as one of the strongest political clubs in New York City, and their performance gathering nominating petitions this cycle has done nothing to change that.  I thank the club and its members for their continued support, especially those members who undertook the often thankless task of collecting nominating petitions.”

  Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said, “I am proud of my record of results as Borough President, and will bring that same activism and innovation to the Comptroller’s office. I am grateful for the support of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club in my campaign for Comptroller. The Ben Franklin Club is an amazing grassroots political organization with deep roots and strong support in the community. The support of the activists of the Ben Franklin Club and so many other supporters throughout the city will be key to my election as City Comptroller.”

  Daniel Squadron, Democratic candidate for Public Advocate, said, “As someone raised in the Bronx, in Riverdale, I know how important the Ben Franklin Club is in the community.  The club’s support is incredibly meaningful, and the thousands of signatures its effective activists have collected underscore their strength.  It’s exactly that grassroots energy that’s made our campaign so successful so far – and that will propel us forward.”

  “I am so proud and thankful that so many volunteers gave us their time and energy to knock on doors to qualify our candidates for the election ballot.  We were successful in collecting enough signatures to ensure a place on the ballot for all of our candidates – from Andrew Cohen for City Council to Bronxwide and citywide candidates.  And we did it in the most grassroots way possible:  by volunteers knocking on doors.  As we enter the next phase of the campaign I look forward to further grassroots action.  We will reach out to voters by knocking on doors, canvassing by telephone and greeting them at supermarkets, transportation stops and at local events,” stated Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.  

  “Our endorsed candidates represent a strong team of progressive Democrats who can win both in the primary and general elections, and go on to serve the city well.” said Ellen Feld, President of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club. “The club is proud that so many in the community have responded positively by signing their petitions.”

  The Club will soon be meeting to discuss the endorsement of a candidate for Mayor.  For further information on the Democratic Primary campaign, please call the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club at (718) 796-6177.