Patterson Dem Takover of State Senate Not High on His List of Priorities

  In a State of the Politics article new State Democratic Party leader David Patterson says that a takeover of the state senate by Democrats doesn't have to happen this year. Patterson is quoted as saying - “It’s possible, but I don’t want to raise expectations.” He noted that he lowered expectations when he took over the Democratic conference in 2002, ending the idea that the minority needed to win six seats all in one fell swoop. “I don’t necessarily think that has to happen,” the former governor continued. “…when you have less resources…you have to have a plan that’s sometimes more pragmatic than hopeful.”

  This plan of action however goes against current DSSC  Chairman Mike Gianaris who thinks that Democrats can win back the majority they lost. Patterson raises the need to unify senate Democrats, saying that he would like to see the Independent Democratic Conference members rejoin the Senate Democratic Conference, adding that they won on the Democratic Party line. Patterson adds that he has not met with Senator Klein, and a reunification looks unlikely in the short term since the State Democratic Conference has put up challengers to Klein and fellow IDC member Tony Avella. Patterson added that he wants to talk to the three statewide party candidates before he embarks on a plan of action.

David Patterson New State Democratic Party Chairman

  At the State Democratic Party convention in Melville Long Island Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that former Governor David Patterson would become the State Democratic Party Chairman. Patterson replaces Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright who became the sole state party leader when his co-chair Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner recently stepped down as co-chair after a battle with Governor Cuomo on certain state budget issues. 

  It is being reported that Assemblyman Wright could be under investigation for putting in for per diems when he was not in Albany. Nothing further has been reported as of now except that Assemblyman Wright said that he told the governor at the time of taking over that he would serve as state party chair for only a two year term.  

  New state democratic Party Chairman David Patterson said that he is honored to have been asked by the governor to head the state party as it prepares for victory in November. Patterson went on to say all the things that the Democratic Party in New York stands for, and that he is looking forward to working with Governor Andrew Cuomo to build on what the state party has already accomplished.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER MARK GJONAJ ENDORSE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT FOR CONGRESS

  New York State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein and New York State Assembly member Mark Gjonaj  announced their support for Adriano Espaillat in the NY-13 Congressional Primary, adding to a series of Bronx endorsements. This support comes in the wake of several major labor union endorsements including RWDSU, DC 9, UFT and HTC who announced their support earlier this month and joins a broad coalition of support for Espaillat from across the District.

“I am pleased to announce my support for my friend and longtime colleague Adriano Espaillat today,” Jeff Klein, 34^th District State Senator said. “Adriano has focused his campaign on creating opportunity for all, through smart economic development, new affordable housing initiatives and equal education options – all of which the residents of The Bronx could hugely benefit from. We need a Congress member who is focused on the next twenty years not just the next two – it is time for a new voice to represent this District and Adriano Espaillat is that voice.”

“Adriano Espaillat will bring opportunity to The Bronx and I am proud to endorse his candidacy for Congress today,” Mark Gjonaj, 80^th District State Assembly member said. “Adriano has been a fighter for affordable housing. If our communities are going to stay communities we need a voice like Adriano’s in Congress. He has a smart economic development plan that will keep our small businesses in business, our residents’ apartments affordable and our neighborhoods thriving. I look forward to working with him on his campaign and in Congress to do just that.”

“I am proud to receive the support of Senator Klein and Assembly member Gjonaj today,” Adriano Espaillat, 13^th District Congressional Candidate said. “The 13^th District spans a diverse community in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx and with their support I know I can unite the District in the fight for affordable housing, thoughtful economic development and education Opportunity for All.”

Liu to Primary State Senator Tony Avella

  Former City Comptroller and failed mayoral candidate John Liu has decided to primary State Senator Tony Avella according to a Daily New Story here. The News also says that the Queens Democratic County Organization is set to endorse the candidacy of John Liu for State Senate. This would be the second member of the Independent Democratic Conference to be challenged this year in a primary. State Senator Jeff Klein is also facing a primary challenge from former city councilman Oliver Koppell.

  It looks like all out war in the state senate between the Senate Democratic Conference and the Independent Democratic Conference members. It seems like a great time to be a Republican in the state senate since both factions of the Democratic Party are fighting. This Democratic infighting could led back to a Republican majority in the state senate.

Bronx Week Parade and Music & Food Festival 2014

  It was a beautiful sunny day for the annual Bronx Week finale. As usual the parade started a little late, but it seemed that everyone watching knew that as many came right before it started. Hundreds lined the Mosholu Parkway to get a view of the two hour event that was then capped off by the Music & Food Festival.

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was joined by Bharati S. Kernrat of Bronxnet Television as his co host of the parade. The two gave an exciting description of just who was passing the reviewing area and what they were going to do if they were to perform. The many schools in the parade stopped by the reviewing area to show off their talents as you will see in some of the photos below. 

  The Bronx Week honorees were Grammy-award winning hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz, actor and star of Showtime’s “Dexter” David Zayas, film and TV star Rachel Ticotin, New York Jets offensive lineman William M. Colon III and Tony-award winner Priscilla Lopez. Unfortunately Swizz Beatz had business to attend to, but he attended several Bronx Week events including the Bronx Week Kick off on May 8th. 

  There were many elected officials also in attendance which there is not enough room to mention them all so let's go right to the photos of the Bronx Week Parade.

Left - BP Diaz and Bharati Kernrat are at the microphones describing who is coming as the honorees sit in the front row on stage.

Left - Former Jet Willie M. Colon says a few words. 

 

Left - Bronx Historian Lloyd Ultan is seated next to Honoree Willie M.Colon.

Right - The PS 170 Steppers.

 

 Left - The Soundview Academy for Culture and Scholarship.

Right - The MS 131 Cheerleaders.

 

Left - Councilman Andy King marches with a youth group from his district.

Right - That's Miss New York State marching with the Bronx Bridges.

Left - The De Witt Clinton High School Cheerleaders.

Right - Honoree Priscilla Lopez talks to children from IS 76 about not giving up. Ms. Lopez is a graduate of IS 76.

Left - The Garifuna Coalition USA.

Right - The Bronx LGBTQ Center.

 

Left - The MTA brought one of the buses that rolled down Bronx streets 50 years ago.

Right - After the parade BP Diaz, Honoree David Zayas, Councilman Andy King with his daughter on his shoulders, Honoree Willie M. Colon and co-host Bharati Kernrat.

Upcoming Events at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Upcoming activities and special events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center in late May and June 2014:

New Music & Memories class with flutist, Yael Acher, will continue on Wed. mornings at 11:00 AM.

New Ballroom Dance class with Arturo Perez will meet on Tues. June 10th and 24th at 1:00 PM.

Thurs. May 29th: The Meetles, a 6-member Rock Tribute Band will play 60’s and 70’s rock classics at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non- senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.
Please call in special event meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Join us on Sunday, June 8th for a delectable lunch of Tilapia Francaise and Quinoa and dynamic entertainment by Ricky Pen, international singer/keyboard player. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.
Please call in special event meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Goldman Sachs volunteers will be gardening and decorating JASA Van Cortlandt Sr. Center on Fri. June 13th. Chicken lunch will be sponsored by GS Community Team Works. After lunch entertainment by Bryan Lammers, lively R&B keyboard/vocal music. All ages are welcome. Please call the center at 718-549-4700 for advance meal reservations.

CANTANDO ASI: Lisa & Josue, Spanish Guitar Duo w/Angel Feliciano, Tenor will present romantic songs from Puerto Rico on Tues. June 17th at 1:00 PM. Honey Chicken meal will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

Please call in meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Bronx Opera Company Ensemble will present a varied program of classic and Broadway favorites on Wed. June 25th at 6:30 PM. Honey lemon chicken and yams will be served at 5:30 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

Please call in meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Rose and Meir Beer will present Yiddish and Hebrew songs at belated Shavuot Oneg Shabbat program on Fri. June 27th at 1:00 PM. (Roast chicken will be served at 12:15 PM.) Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $1.00 for event.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center offers Senior Fitness on Mon., Exercise, Tai Chi and Ballroom Dance on Tues., Gentle Exercise and Flowing Yoga on Wed. PM, Yoga on Thurs. and Tone & Stretch on Fri. All exercise instructors are certified. Call the center at 718-549-4700 for dates and times of these classes.

All meals at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center are catered by Mauzone (kosher) Meal Service. We offer a daily alternate choice of main dish. Refreshments are served at all cultural arts events.
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. (on the first floor). Take the Bronx #1, 2 or 10 bus to the intersection of Sedgwick Ave. and Van Cortlandt Ave. West. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

Senator Jeff Klein Receives Key Riverdale Endorsements

   Standing with State Senator Jeff Klein at the senators latest endorsement announcement are key Riverdale leaders Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Councilman Andy Cohen, former Riverdale Councilwoman June Eisland, both Riverdale Democratic District Leaders, and the Female Democratic State Committeewoman who announced their support of incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein for re-election.

  Each of the present and former Democratic Party Leaders and elected officials had only praise for the job being done by Senator Jeff Klein in their statements as to why they have chosen to support Senator Klein in what may be his possible primary challenge by former Riverdale Councilman Oliver Koppell.

  “Jeff Klein has done a superb job representing our community as its State Senator, and we have worked closely together on all of the important issues in our community and on legislation in Albany. He works hard and he gets the job done,” were the words of Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. 

“Senator Klein has been an outstanding partner in government both here in the Bronx and up in Albany. Whether he is standing with our community against irresponsible development or working to maintain and improve quality of life, Jeff Klein always has the best interests of his constituents in mind.  Not only has Senator Klein been a terrific advocate for our community, his effective leadership in Albany has benefited all New Yorkers.” Were the statement of Riverdale Councilman Andrew Cohen who added “From enacting the toughest gun laws in the country and ensuring funding for universal pre-K to increasing the the minimum wage and successfully fighting for marriage equality, Jeff Klein has been a champion for all New Yorkers."

Former Riverdale Councilwomen June Eisland did not hold back anything by saying “I’ve known Jeff Klein and interacted with him as an elected official as far back as when he was a Democratic District Leader, an assemblyman and now as state senator. Politics is the art of the possible and Jeff Klein makes progressive politics possible. He has certainly proven himself as a leader in our community and richly deserves to be reelected to the 34th state senate district,” 

After more complements on the job he has done as state senator from the 34th district, and Co-Leader of the State Senate by the Riverdale Democratic District Leaders and State Committeewoman Senator Klein said the following. “I'm proud to partner with such dedicated elected officials and deliver results with them on everything from major Democratic issues to local concerns. Working as a team we have successfully slowed the unreasonable, proposed Montefiore development, thwarted an unwanted mixed use housing complex for seniors and the ‘severely mentally ill,’ and brought a legal fight against LG to protect the beauty of the Palisades from its proposed tower. I look forward to fighting for this community well into the future with my colleagues and I’m honored to have their support." 

It is hoped that this endorsement by the key members of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club will able to get Senator Jeff Klein the endorsement of the powerful Riverdale Democratic club.

Senator Jeff Klein has clinched endorsements from top Bronx Democrats in every corner his district and of the borough including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer; Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie; State Senator Ruben Diaz; Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Mark Gjonaj, Luis Sepulveda, Jose Rivera, and Michael Benedetto; and Council Members James Vacca, Ritchie Torres, Fernando Cabrera, and Annabel Palma. Senator Klein now adds Riverdale Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Committee Leader Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Riverdale Councilman and Bronx Democratic County Vice-Chair Andrew Cohen to the ever growing list which does not include all the union endorsements. 

 Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaks on why he is endorsing State Senator Jeff Klein for re-election

 State Senator Jeff Klein is all smiles after receiving these key Riverdale endorsements.

Senator Klein, the New York Knicks and Liberty hold Basketball Clinic for Soundview Students

 

  State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein held a basketball clinic with New York Knickerbockers alum John Wallace and Liberty legend Kym Hampton at Soundview Academy Thursday. The former professional athletes were on hand to show more than a 100 students the ropes in shooting hoops, running pro-style basketball drills and performing conditioning exercises. “Anytime such spectacular pro-athlete talent takes the time to meet with students it not only lifts up their school day but could very well be the seed to big dreams that may someday grow into their own professional sports career. John and Kym are such powerful role models and their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of basketball and the lessons learned both on and off the court are a great inspiration for the students at Soundview and throughout New York City.  Sports are always a great vehicle for keeping our children on the right track to leading healthy and happy lives,” said Senator Klein.

"Going out into the community with the Knicks and the Liberty has always been an honor and a privilege for me," said Wallace "It's an important responsibility to give back and I want to help positively influence these children's lives. The group today worked as hard and as diligently as any group we've ever had the privilege of helping," said Wallace.

"It's really important for the New York Liberty and Knicks to be out in the community," said Hampton. "These young kids are our fans and our future. We get a kick out of coming out and teaching them skills and letting them know that if they work hard, anything can be achieved."

"We are grateful to Senator Klein for securing major basketball legends to participate in a fun fitness day with our students. Days like this one are special, and having the experience of shooting hoops with basketball stars is a memory that our ​scholars will carry with them for years to come. ​Soundview Academy from its inception has stressed the holistic education of our scholars, including robust physical education and health education. We appreciate the recognition this event brings to our program and other similar middle schools making the education of the whole child their priority,"  said Soundview Academy Principal William Frackelton.

Wallace was a first round draft pick of the Knicks in 1996, selected 18th overall. Hampton was drafted by the New York Liberty in the first round of the WNBA elite draft of 1997 and went on to be named to the team’s Ring of Honor in 2011.