Rob Astorino Kicks off Campaign for Governor in the Bronx

  It was a bone chilling frigid morning yesterday by the Bronx Courthouse on the Grand Concourse, but this was the day and place that Republican candidate for governor Rob Astorino choose as his first stop on his campaign. You may ask why did the the Westchester County Executive come to the Bronx to kick off his Republican campaign for governor when there is not even one Republican elected official here. Astorino answered that question by telling of his Bronx roots and attending Fordham University, He then went into all the things that are wrong with New York State and the Bronx. Words such as "the most economically challenged in the state", and "unacceptable" referring  to an unemployment rate in the Bronx that is almost double that of Westchester County.

  As you will see in the photos below Astorino is surrounded by mostly minority people in what he called "New York's Only Minority Latino Borough". Astorino ended his comments by reading from a prepared speech in Spanish while one of his aides held a microphone of a Spanish speaking television station.He then took questions which were of many different subjects including how he can overcome current Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's lead in mostly every category.

  I was able to say 20 years ago at Mayor Giuliani's inauguration a man was standing behind me saying that he would be the next governor. His name was George, and he beat Governor Cuomo that year. I said with the exception of you running against a Governor named Cuomo times are different now. There is a Democratic Mayor in New York City, the New York City Republican Party is in shambles from the Malcolm Smith fiasco, and here in the Bronx there has not been even one Republican elected official in many years. I then asked are you really running to try to help the Republican state senators outside of New York City get re-elected or even pick up a seat or two? Astorino looked a little shocked at the question, and  then went into his campaign speech again. 

  There were two counter protests going on at the same time. One about Astorino's position on abortion, and one about Astorino's position on gun control. 

Here you see Astorino as he begins his speech as to why he should be elected Governor of New York State. Next to Astorino on the right in the photo is hes wife Shelia, while Bronx Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Mike Rendino is on the left in the photo.

You can see the Spanish speaking television Channel 41 microphone in front of Astorino as he ends his speech in Spanish. One of his aides is holding the microphone.

Here you see some of the protesters from one of the two protests that were going on as Astorino was speaking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. issued the following statement today in reaction to Rob Astorino's press event on the steps of the Bronx County Building:

"Before Rob Astorino came to the Bronx to launch a political campaign, he should have had the decency to apologize for having called our residents illegals who 'can't necessarily keep a house.' Such words are divisive, bordering on outright racism.  Despite what Mr. Astorino may think, the people of the Bronx are smart enough to tell when a politician is insulting them behind their back.  If Mr. Astorino has any sincere desire to represent all New Yorkers as he claimed today, he should drop the act and apologize," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

 

All for One and One for All! The Three Musketeers To The Rescue

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

  All for One and One for All! The Three Musketeers To The Rescue

You should know that on March 4, 2014, Albany experienced one of its best moments.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio traveled to Albany to stage what he had hoped to be a show of force to demand Governor Andrew Cuomo’s approval for tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers to fund Universal Pre-K – believing he could force the Governor into a “jaque mate” – checkmate. That same day, another education battle took place, where CEO and Success Academy Founder and President Eva Moskowitz also traveled to Albany to fight for the right for charter schools to co-exist in public school buildings – something Mayor de Blasio opposes.

You should know that with less than two weeks’ notice, Eva Moskowitz gave her marching orders and mobilized an army of 11,000 parents and students to travel to Albany to counter-attack Mayor de Blasio.  On the other side of the battleground, union members served as Mayor de Blasio’s troops, totaling about one thousand.

The spectacle was unimaginable.

You should know that Mayor de Blasio’s trusted advisors and wartime consigliore seriously underestimated the influence and the power of convocation of “General” Eva Moskowitz.  Her charter school battle caused a huge defeat to Mayor de Blasio, causing him to retreat back to New York City to plan his next strategy.

We all know that this war is not over, and we all know that Mayor de Blasio “will be back.”

My dear reader, it was incredible to witness the scene of 11,000 people dressed with yellow t-shirts (over their winter coats) taking over the streets of Albany, drawing great admiration and deep sympathy from almost everyone who saw them.  11,000 Black and Hispanic parents and children braved Albany’s cold weather in desperation and with determination to protect and fight for justice for the children’s education.  This was all the result of the announcement that Mayor de Blasio wanted to stop their progress in charter schools and basically thrown them into the streets.

It is important for you to know that charter schools are mainly located in minority communities and that these schools are mainly attended by Black and Hispanic children.  Charter schools and school vouchers were instituted to give parents of minority children help so they could give their children a good and decent education.

I remember back to those years when Reverend Floyd Flake from Queens, Reverend Wyatt Tee Walker from Manhattan, and I got together to fight with our minority legislators so they would establish and pass laws to create charter schools in New York State.  I was not even an elected official when we created the Canaan Charter School in Harlem.  Since that time, I have remained a staunch advocate and a defender of charter schools and school vouchers. I believe they are a godsend to our communities.

It is heartbreaking for me to see a Democratic Mayor, along with some Democratic elected officials, trying to stop progress and educational opportunities that charter schools give to Black and Hispanic parents so their children can get a good education.  Instead of stopping this progress, I believe we Democrats should be fighting to open more of them to be sure that every child gets that opportunity.

You and I know that for many years, we complained about how the system and culture only gave opportunities to others, while our children were left behind.  Now that opportunities have been given to our children, this progress should be expanded.  You don’t stop progress – especially when that progress has been given to our Black and Hispanic children!

As you all know, I have been a loud critic of Governor Andrew Cuomo, mainly because I did not agree with the way he treated our communities and I did not see him protecting the people in our communities.

However, after seeing Governor Andrew Cuomo step into the cold on March 4th to stand among the 11,000 parents and children from the City of New York, and to promise us all that he will be sure that none of them are thrown into the streets and none of them will stop getting a good education, I have to say loud and clear: Thank you, Governor Andrew Cuomo.  I also have to take my hat off to Senate Leaders Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, those three leaders came out like the Three Musketeers, with their swords and fists in the air, fighting for the honor and dignity of our minority students. They gave all those parents hope and let them know that the trip to Albany was not in vain.

Out of the Three Musketeers I, have yet to find out which one is Athos, Porthos and Aramis, but time will tell.

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

Wave Hill Events March 21–March 28

  Could there possibly be a bright side to the weather we’ve endured this winter?  In a word, yes—if you are a plant growing in a garden. Our Director of Horticulture describe for me yesterday how the snow acts like a blanket, protecting our much-loved plants from the wind and extended low temperatures of the season. Moreover, with no major storms to damage our trees, and no branch breakage from the snowfall, he would describe this as a winter that’s been “kinder” than what’s blown through over the last few years. His perspective was a comforting one, and reminded me how important it is to listen to Mother Nature. I invite you to come to listen, too. Wander the gardens as spring makes its stealthy approach, or join a guided walk or one of the workshop or wellness sessions planned. Bring friends or family for the brunch on Saturday, or to hear the “glorious sonorities” of the Enso String Quartet on Sunday, and enjoy a delightful boost to your winter-worn spirits.

SAT, MARCH 22    FAMILY ART PROJECT: PRIMITIVE PRINTS
Use simple shapes found in nature, like the outline of a flower or a leaf. With an easy printmaking method using tempera paint and a few simple gestures, make large-scale, bold mono-prints. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 22    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, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. March sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 22    WELCOME SPRING BRUNCH IN ARMOR HALL

Presented by Wave Hill's long-time partner and exclusive caterer Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company, this very special brunch in historic Wave Hill House’s Armor Hall features a beautiful spread of unique twists on classic brunch presentations and is perfect for welcoming the spring season. Seatings will be offered at 11:00 and 11:30AM.  Wave Hill’s Welcome Spring Brunch is $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity—and Wave Hill Members enjoy a 10% discount. Please note that payment will not be accepted day-of and must be received by noon on March 20.  Reservations may be made online or by calling 718.549.3200 x395. Guests will be provided with a secured credit card payment link to purchase tickets online at wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11 & 11:30AM

SUN, MARCH 23    FAMILY ART PROJECT: PRIMITIVE PRINTS
Use simple shapes found in nature, like the outline of a flower or a leaf. With an easy printmaking method using tempera paint and a few simple gestures, make large-scale, bold mono-prints. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 23    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors until May. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 23    MEDITATION

This spring, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MARCH 23    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: ALTERED BOOKS   WAIT‒LIST ONLY
Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Shanti Grumbine’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Responding to the grounds and greenhouses, participants will use disparate collage materials, paint and paper-cutting techniques to transform existing books into a series of personal and formal impressions. Without having to face a blank page or commit to one image, participants will learn how to alter existing content to explore and reflect their immediate experience. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 23    CONCERT: ENSO STRING QUARTET
Described by The Washington Post as playing with “glorious sonorities,” the Enso String Quartet shares a program that features Puccini’s elegiac Chrysanthemums and Verdi’s String Quartet in e minor, as originally scored for two violins, viola and cello. One hour, no intermission. General Admission Tickets $32, $28 Senior, $18 child (ages 7 to 18); Wave Hill Members $22; child $12. Order online, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 23    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

MON, MARCH 24

Closed to the public.

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

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

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

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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.

Council Member Andy King's State of the District Address

Bronx Waterfront Planning & Design Guidelines, Mar 19, Manhattan College

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality

 Annual Membership Meeting and Water Conference

Bronx Waterfront Planning & 

Community Environmental Design Guidelines

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

3 p.m. to 7 p.m

Manhattan College

Leo Engineering Building

3825 Corlear Avenue at 238^th Street, Bronx NY

 

The program invites the community to join the discussion in order to create a report at the end of the year; and includes a plenary session and three workshops.  Main speakers will be NY/NJ HUD Sustainability Coordinator, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, and the Bronx River Alliance.  Other groups (HEP, ALS) doing work to protect waterfront edges and water bodies will host one of three geographical workshops:  South Bronx Rivers, Bronx Harlem River, and the East Bronx Rivers.  Free and open to the public, we thank Con Edison for their support & refreshments for this conference.

COMPTROLLER SCOTT M. STRINGER TESTIFIES BEFORE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL ABOUT NEW YORK CITY'S PRELIMINARY FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer testified about his office’s analysis of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Preliminary FY 2015 Budget and Financial Plan for FY 2014-2018 before the New York City Council Finance Committee this afternoon. 

“My office expects tax revenues to be slightly higher than City Hall’s forecast in the coming years, driven primarily by additional property tax revenues,” Stringer said.  “But we identified additional risks as well, including higher than expected overtime spending and lower than projected Medicaid reimbursements. This is a prudent budget given our City’s economy, but, as I’ve said in the past, its Achilles heel remains the City’s expired labor contracts.”    

The February Financial Plan presents a City budget with a stronger economic outlook and relatively small out-year gaps.   According to the Comptroller’s office, these gaps are projected to be smaller than the City’s estimations in each of the fiscal years. For FY 2014 and 2015, Stringer’s office projects $860 million in additional tax revenues, about 1% higher than Mayor de Blasio’s outlook. For FY 2018, it is $1.823 billion higher, a difference of 3.3%.

Stringer’s analysis identified expired labor contracts as the major risk to the budget.  In addition, the Comptroller identified two additional risks to the City’s budget: Uniformed overtime spending will exceed the projected amount by $128 million in FY 2014, $122 million in FY 2015 and $100 million annually beginning in FY 2016. Also, lower than estimated Medicaid reimbursements in the Department of Education could mean a liability of $30 million in FY 2014, $110 million in FY 2015 and $140 million annually beginning in FY 2016.

Stringer suggested several potential sources of revenue and savings to be considered to meet our budgetary demands:

1.      Restore revenue sharing to New York City

2.      Collect education funds due to the City under the Campaign for Fiscal Equity

3.      Draw down Federal Medicaid Funds for Special Education Services

4.      Claim New York City’s share of the $8 billion federal Medicaid waiver

5.      Produce agency savings from efficiencies that don’t reduce services or hurt vulnerable populations

6.      Achieve savings through productivity and benefit reforms including health care costs

7.      Reform tax expenditures

8.      Generate additional savings in FY15 debt service through aggressive refinancing

9.      Recognize FY14 resources from prior year payables that are not needed

10. Realize savings from ending the budget dance and member item reform

Bronx Assemblymen José Rivera stars in raunchy Dominican Video

  A video from 2005 of Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera ogling women while on vacation in the Dominican Republic has surfaced. The Daily News reports that Assemblyman Jose Rivera posted and then deleted the 2 minute video of himself and former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. flirting with different women. Assemblyman Jose Rivera is seen asking women for their measurements, their name, and even asks one if she has a little sister. Rivera is then seen joking with a street vendor about a concoction made of rum and other things said to be an aphrodisiac. Rivera then joke with the street vendor about the strength of the brew, and the article quotes Rivera as saying "is strong enough to get laid with all those young ones".

  While this happened in 2005 there have been many scandals in Albany since then where young women (and in some cases young men) were taken advantage of by elected officials. Several officials have either been forced to resign or have retired over such charges. It is well known that Assemblyman Jose Rivera loves to have a good time, but did he cross over the lines of decency. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQE0kX3GZWA to see the video and decide if Assemblyman Jose Rivera went to far.

Immigration Forum, hosted by NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj