ELECTED OFFICIALS URGE CONGRESS TO RESTORE VOTING RIGHTS ACT THIS YEAR IN WAKE OF SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT GUTTED KEY PROVISION

  BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, U.S. SENATOR GILLIBRAND AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS  URGE CONGRESS TO RESTORE VOTING RIGHTS ACT THIS YEAR IN WAKE OF SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT GUTTED KEY PROVISION AT THE VERY HEART OF THE LAW

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand and other elected officials as well as the Puerto Rican Bar Association joined together to urge  Congressional leaders of both chambers to pass a bipartisan legislative solution this year to restore the Voting Rights Act in advance of the upcoming 2014 midterm elections to protect voters from discrimination and ensure that all Americans have full and equal access to the ballot box.

  This past June, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, a cornerstone provision that sets the preclearance formula used to determine which state and local jurisdictions must receive federal pre-approval before changing their voting laws. With the dismantling of the Section 4 formula, there is an increased likelihood of discrimination through redistricting, voting location changes, new voter ID laws, and reduced early voting periods in many areas of the country.

  The court ruling removes major federal legal protections for New York City voters – since 1968 The Bronx had been covered jurisdictions under the Voting Rights Act.

  It was said that the Bronx is one of 57 counties nationwide that is covered by the Voter Rights Act, and that the New York State legislature will be asked to put a New York State voters Rights Act into place. Senator Gillibrand also called for same day online voter registration. 

 

Left - U.S.Senator Kristen Gillibrand ia speaking as to why the voter Rights Act needs to be fixed.

Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. mentions that the Bronx is one of the 57 counties covered by the Voter rights Act.

Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera gets in a few words with U.S. Senator Gillibrand.

Right - Left to Right State Senator Gustave Rivera, Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie, Congressman Eliot Engel, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. State Senator Marcos Serrano, Congressman Jose Serrano.

 

Senator Klein Secures $250,000 In Funding For Gun Violence Prevention Program in the Bronx

  Senator Jeff Klein announced that he has secured $250,000 dollars in funding for Operation S.N.U.G. (guns spelled backwards), an initiative designed to reduce violence in communities in New York that experience disproportionately high rates of shootings and killings. Senator Klein made the announcement at the 49^th Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime and has committed to working with local officials and community leaders throughout the Bronx.

Senator Klein said, “Gang violence has devastated our neighborhoods in the Bronx, and has far too often resulted in the deaths of our young men and women.  We have to take a comprehensive, aggressive approach to combat this.  That’s why I’m proud to announce that I’ve secured $250,000 for the Bronx’s Operation S.N.U.G. program in order to drive the anti-gang violence movement in New York, providing a brighter for our families, and most importantly, our youth.”

Previous funding for Operation S.N.U.G. has been awarded to various communities with high cases of gang violence in New York such as Brooklyn, Queens, and Yonkers.  This year will mark the first year that S.N.U.G. funding has been granted to the Bronx thanks to the advocacy of Senator Klein.

S.N.U.G. is a comprehensive response to gun violence that works with community based organizations and experts who specialize in outreach to high risk individuals education and job opportunities. Experts will be hired to keep the pulse of each community for the purpose of intervening in violence before it escalates.

Operation S.N.U.G uses a data driven model to determine what messaging would be most effective for each community. S.N.U.G. will also operate during hours when violence is most likely to occur, such as late nights and early mornings. The initiative is based on the successful “CeaseFire Chicago” program, whose model produced a 67% reduction in shootings its first year, and helped between 85-99% of high risk clients find jobs, drug treatment, and education. The annual murder rate in Chicago as of 2010 became the lowest it had ever been in 45 years, spurring a series of other successful programs across the nation in cities such as Baltimore, Kansas City, and New Orleans. By securing funding for S.N.U.G., the Bronx will be on the path to significant reductions of violence in its’ most vulnerable areas, enhancing the future safety and quality for our communities, neighborhoods, families, and youth.

Bronxtalk 15th Council Debate

  This photo was taken before the 15th Council debate started. Bronxnet head Michael Knobbe is standing next to host Gary Axelbank thanking the 6 candidates for coming, while a Bronxnet stage hand appears behind the candidates making final preparations for the live show.

  Host Gary Axelbank went over the rules of Monday night's one hour Bronxtalk 15th Council debate, and said since he was off the ruled ballot by the Board of Elections that Kenny Agosto would not be appearing. The 6 candidates pictures above from left to right were, Raquel Batista, Rev. Joel Bauza, Cynthia Thompkins, Albert Alvarez, Joel R. Rivera, and Ritchie Torres. Note that Joel R. Rivera is not current term limited Councilman Joel Rivera.

   Axelbank went right into questions with no opening statements. The first going to candidate Batista on her role with Vantage Housing on tenant landlord problems and asked which side she was on? Batista replied that her role at Vantage was to represent tenants, and that she would like the council to have more control over housing. Thompkins rebutted that Housing Court is one way, and that tenants need more help. Candidate Rivera said that it takes up to 5 years to get into a housing program, an intentional dig at candidate Torres. Candidate Alvarez said that more senior housing is needed in the district. Batista ended by agreeing more resources were needed. Candidate Torres then spoke of the needs of public housing& lack of funds for NYCHA. Batista then ended again by questioning the management of NYCHA.

  Candidate Bauza was then asked about his religious background, and how it might affect him as a councilman. Candidate Bauza said that he had been a pastor for 25 years, he has advocated for people finding jobs, food, and with clothing drives to help the community. He then went on to say that his words are misunderstood, that he does not hate the LGBT community, and he does not hate them and will take care of the LGBT community. Thompkins rebutted saying "As a gay woman the LGBT community does not think Bauza is hateful, but his message is taken the wrong way which leads to violence to the LGBT community. Alvarez said that the LGBT community needs a center in the Bronx to help themselves that would be better than government help. Rivera said that as a Christian he has always helped everyone. Batista said that it is the problem of who Bauza has aligned himself with stopping short of any names. Bauza ended by inviting all to his church to see that he does not preach words of hate, and he is against what is said by some other churches on the LGBT issue. Torres then agreed with what Thompkins about Bauza's message. 

  Candidate Thompkins was asked about her law background and if she was a one issue candidate. Thompkins replied that she is a multiple issue candidate such as violence, youth programs, better education, housing issues, and health issues. Alvarez rebutted that he has lived in the district his whole life, that he wants to bring the police and community together through the precinct councils, and likes the parent coordinator position in schools. Thompkins answered by saying that she is the President of the 46th Precinct Council and wants more money if Alvarez is elected. Bauza said that he belongs to the 42nd Precinct Council that he is trying to reestablish communications between people who do not trust the police and the local police department. Rivera said that for 6 weeks in the 44th precinct officers spoke with the community and played sports together. Torres agreed and said he wants more PAL programs. Rivera then attacked Torres on what Rivera said was his answer on Stop N Frisk at an endorsement meeting being different then and what Torres says now. Torres came back with that was not true, and he has the Working Families endorsement. Batista mentioned the recent legislation passed by the city council about the police department that was vetoed by the mayor. Thompkins ended by saying that in Stop N Frisk police need the tools to police, but that a balance is needed with more training.

   Candidate Alvarez was asked about the record of Councilman Joel Rivera who he has been Chief of staff to.. Alovarez said that pilot programs were started in the district giving two examples one more mobil health units and the other a program with the Department of Education that improved reading and attendance at one school. Rivera rebutted that the West Farms community has been neglected, but that Councilman Joel Rivera did a decent job. Alvarez countered by saying that the district hours are the same for any other council member, and that he attends community meetings where complaints are heard. Thompkins said that she would have more community outreach with Town Hall type meetings. Bauza said that he is in the community every day, and that people ask him who is the councilman. Alvarez ended that he has been out in the community and at meetings.

   Candidate Rivera was asked about the similarity of his name to the current councilman and that only the middle initial was different that the candidate is not using. Rivera said that he is using the middle initial R now that he has not in the past. That he has been endorsed by neighboring Councilman Cabrera, been at the rallies, he was the only one at a day care closing, at town hall meetings, and that he has put up his own posters not paying anyone to. Thompkins rebutted that she was not sure of when these town hall meeting were, and that she had not gotten any notice of any. Alvarez and Rivera went back and forth a couple of times as to just who sponsored these town hall meetings, where there were, and for what reasons. Bauza said he did a rally for immigration where 10,000 people, and Rivera's father was there not him. Thompkins said that when violence happened that she walked the area with the people not the elected officials. Rivera ended by saying that he did not do anything with Senator Diaz as Bauza had. 

  Candidate Torres was asked about the supportive housing he now lives in, and if his boss Councilman Jimmy Vacca pulled any strings to get him in there. Torres replied that he only earns 20,000 dollars a year which qualifies him for the housing program, and that ho strings were pulled to get him in the program. Torres added that he has lived in poverty, and it is wrong to say that someone like himself does not qualify to run for council because of it. Rivera rebutted by saying that it was ironic that Torres tries to put himself as a person of poverty and from the community when he is supported by the richest people in Throggs Neck and Riverdale. That Torres has raised the most money, where as the two got into a heated back and forth about Torres fundraising at Villa Barone Manor, Torres was a puppet of Jimmy Vacca and others. Torres challenged Rivera to have both reveal their previous tax forms, said that Rivera had his campaign office out of the district, and accused Rivera of fraud by running in the 15th district where he had the same name as the term limited councilman while living in the 16th council district. Thompkins said that she has raised the least amount of money $10.00 contributions from people who want to see her elected.    

   To a question on Stop N Frisk Batista said that it is unfair and spoke of meeting at the 46th Precinct Council. Torres said that this year there was still less crime. Rivera said that less than 5 percent of the community causes the crime. Bauza said that the person being stopped has no control over what happens. Batista added that illegal immigrants are put into Rikers and are being deported. Thompkins has the last words by saying that less Stop N Frisk is from better police training. 

  To a question on obesity, lack of fresh food, and education Bauza said to stimulate the economy of the local bodega for more fresh fruits other than bananas and mangos. Alvarez said to continue to educate the public on eating better foods. Thompkins said to work with the markets, give tax credits for good health. Rivera said education is great, but money is the problem. Good food is expensive, and the community can only afford cheap fast food. Batista said that fresh food must be kept in the bodagas. Bauza agreed when you have only $2.00 to spend for food it is not going to be healthy. When asked who they were supporting for mayor all but Bauzer who said Erick Salgado said no one right now. closing statements were next.

   Torres said that he is running to improve the living conditions, better education, find more jobs for a community with 40 percent below the poverty rate in a city with a 70 billion dollar budget.

   Rivera said that he has heard the speeches and broken promises. That like candidate Torres at his age he wanted to run for office, but told to wait and get experience saying that it is 16 years later.

  Alvarez said that he is the only candidate who lived and was educated in the district,and that he has worked in the district his whole life.

  Thompkins said that children are not playing in the streets any more, because it is unsafe. She wants more people to get out of poverty, and that she was the best qualified candidate.

   Bauza said that he has been in the community doing the work, he does not work 9 - 5 but 24 hours a day, and that he does not have the endorsement of the rich, but of the poor people of the district.

  Batista said that she is running because it is time for a real leader, a woman who has worked for the community, and for woman's rights.

   After the debate the candidates posed for the photo below with current 15th Councilman Joel Rivera standing center between host Gary Axelbank and candidate Ritchie Torres who has his hand on the councilman's shoulder. From left to right Joel R. Rivera, Joel Bauza, Raquel Batista, Ritchie Torres, Councilman Joel Rivera, Gary Azelbank, Cynthia Thompkins, and Albert Alvarez.

 

National Night Out

   National Night out events were held tonight throughout the Bronx . In Parkchester Mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio showed up to help bring the Parkchester community together. This was his third visit to Parkchester, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has put his neck out to be the only South Bronx state legislator to support De Blasio.

  In the 50th Precinct State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein was in attendance in what several people told me was a smaller scaled down version of last years event. Only one inflatable ride for the kids this tear as opposed to two last year, and less tables of information were on hand.

  In the 52 Precinct event held in Oval Park this year the attractions included a pony ride for the kids. More people were in attendance this year also. State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, 11th City Council candidates Andrew Cohen and Cliff Stanton, as well as mayoral candidate and former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion were on hand. 

 Left - Mayoral candidate Adolfo Carrion coming to the 52 Precinct National Night Out event.

Right - Is the NWB head employed by city council candidate Cliff Stanton trying to get an endorsement out of mayoral candidate Carrion, or is he looking for a new job?

MAYORAL ENDORSEMENT MEETING - WEDNES AUGUST 14

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club

 

ENDORSEMENT MEETING

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14, 2013, 7 pm

At Tibbett Towers community room

3130 Irwin Avenue,

between West 231^st and West 232^nd Streets

AGENDA

1.  President’s Report

2.  Petition and Campaign Report

3. Proposal to Endorse a Candidate for Mayor

Shall the Club consider an endorsement for Democratic candidate for the position of Mayor? If voted Yes, a secret, written ballot will be voted. Members in good standing 60 days prior (June 15) to this meeting date are eligible to vote. 

4. New Business

******************************************************************************************

Thursday, August 8th at 7 pm.

The Ben Franklin Club

 

INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR CANDIDATES

FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

and City Council candidate Andrew Cohen

Hosted by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

and Club President Ellen Feld

Where:  The Ben Franklin Club (304 West 231st Street)

When:   Thursday, August 8th at 7 pm.

 

Snacks and Refreshments will be served.

 

 

Items From Comptroller John Liu

COMPTROLLER LIU SEEKS EMERGENCY MEETING OF FRANCHISE BOARD ON TIME WARNER CABLE BLACKOUT OF CBS
   
In response to the ongoing blackout of CBS (NYSE: CBS) and Showtime by Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC), City Comptroller John C. Liu has asked Mayor Bloomberg to convene an emergency meeting of the Franchise Concession and Review Committee (FCRC) in the next 24 hours to discuss actions to bring an end to the blackout. Comptroller Liu has repeatedly called on Time Warner Cable and CBS to resolve their contract differences without resorting to a blackout that unfairly punishes cable viewers. His letter to the mayor is reproduced below.

August 5, 2013

Hon. Michael Bloomberg

Mayor

The City of New York

City Hall

New York, N.Y. 10007

Re: Emergency FCRC Meeting

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

As members of the Franchise Concession and Review Committee (FCRC) established by §373 of the New York City Charter, the Mayor and the Comptroller share an obligation to review and enforce cable franchise agreements with the City of New York.  On Friday at 5 pm, because of the dispute between New York City Time Warner Cable (TWC) and CBS, more than a million customers lost the ability to watch the programming of CBS and Showtime, services for which they continue to pay. 

In order to end the dispute, I ask that you convene an emergency FCRC meeting in the next 24 hours to review TWC’s franchise agreement with New York City.  At the meeting, my representative will urge that the City aggressively pursue any and all possible penalties and enforcement actions that can be levied against TWC, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)   A penalty for each day a cable channel is dark;

(2)   Possible termination of TWC’s franchise agreement, which is set to expire in 2020; and

(3)   A fair credit for TWC customers.

New York City customers are suffering because of a standoff between two corporate giants. We need to send a strong message to all cable providers that receiving a New York City franchise is a privilege they must not abuse.

                                                                                                           

Sincerely,

John C. Liu 

STATEMENT ON PREVAILING WAGE DECISION

 

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the State Supreme Court's decision invalidating the prevailing wage law for building-service workers.

"The decision striking down the City Council's prevailing wage law is a loss for working men and women. Workers employed in structures that receive major City subsidies or where the City occupies significant space should be entitled to a prevailing wage. We must continue to fight to ensure all New Yorkers receive fair compensation for their work.”

STATEMENT ON NEW STATE TEST SCORES

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to early reports on City schools’ results on the new state “Common Core” test scores:

“New York City public schools’ reportedly dismal results on the new state tests send a clear message: Mayor Bloomberg and his Tweed cronies have been cooking the books on student test scores for 12 years. Pointing to rising high-school graduation rates, the Mayor claimed that high-stakes testing was leading to greater student achievement and teacher accountability. He excoriated teachers and others who pointed out the flaws in his analysis. In fact, the regime of teaching to the tests pushed kids out the schoolhouse door, even if their diplomas were worthless and their skills did not permit them to succeed in college or jobs. Mayor Bloomberg had 12 years to advance his so-called reforms and pad his educational legacy. He failed. He cannot spin these results to mean something they don’t. New York City’s children deserve better.”

 

 

  

KHNIA Health & Wellness Fair-- September 21, 2013

 

The Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association is sponsoring a Community Health Fair on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 10 AM to 6 PM on Reservoir Avenue between 197th Street and University Avenue.

The purpose of the fair is to help the attendees to learn to take better care of themselves and their families.  At the fair they will have a chance to speak with medical professionals, get blood pressure screening and learn the benefits of massage and body work.  This is a free event with no charge to attendees.

 Volunteers are needed to help make the health fair a success.  There are a limited number of spaces available for health related vendors.

For more information or to reserve a space please contact us at the number below. 

Thank you, we hope to see you on September 21.

Al Chapman

Chair, KHNIA

RSVP:  718-618-7550

The Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association

2805 University Avenue Suite B    Bronx, NY 10468-2608

718-618-7550       FAX: 718-618-7549

KHNIA@AOL.COM      HTTP://WWW.KHNIA.BLOGSPOT.COM

 

15th Council Debate on Bronxtalk

  Monday night on Bronxtalk hosted by Gary Axelbank starting at 9 PM the candidates for the 15th council district square off for a live televised debate. See which candidate knows what the issues of the 15th council district are, has the best record of achievement, and real goals that can be met for the 15th district. 

  

  The candidates are Kenny Agosto, Albert Alvarez, Raquel Batista, Joel Bauza, Joel R. Rivera, Cynthia Thompkins, and Ritchie Torres. There have been challenges to all the candidates petitions, and the Board of Elections has ruled at least one candidate off the ballot, but there are still some court cases pending.

  Bronxtalk airs on Monday nights beginning at 9 PM can be found on Cablevision channel 67 or Fios channel 34

  There will be a full recap of the debate on this blog the next day.