Kathy Hochul Comes to the Bronx and it is a Deep, Dark Secret

What You Should Know 

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 

32nd Senatorial District 

  You should know that earlier in the week, Kathy Hochul, who was chosen by Governor Andrew Cuomo to serve as his candidate for Lieutenant Governor, responded to a request by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to come to the Bronx to meet with Hispanic elected officials. The urgency that was conveyed to me and to New York's Hispanic elected officials by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. convinced me that this meeting was not \to be missed.

There were five State Senators who attended the meeting: Senators Adriano Espaillat, Gustavo Rivera, José Marcos Serrano, José Peralta, and me. We were joined by seven Members of the State Assembly: Luis Sepulveda, Marcos Crespo, Carmen Arroyo, José Rivera, Francisco Moya, Robert Rodriguez, and Victor Pichardo. There were also three Members of the New York City Council who attended this meeting: Ritchie Torres, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, and Rafael L. Espinal, Jr. 

All of these elected officials came from different parts of the City to meet in the Bronx for a 5PM meeting with Kathy Hochul - who, by the way, was so late that at one point, Assemblyman José Rivera stated he would leave if she made us wait much longer. 

You should know that the meeting took place with no public announcement, no written invitations, no press releases, no media - even the venue remained completely confidential until the last minute. You should know that the meeting took place and it was a deep, dark secret. 

As you know, Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. to be the Co-Chair of the Cuomo 2014 Re-Election Campaign efforts. As such, and as a good Democrat, the Bronx Borough President's job is to go throughout New York State and New York City and try to gain support - especially among Hispanics - for Governor Andrew Cuomo and his running mate.  Among these responsibilities is to give Kathy Hochul a chance to cool off some of the flames of anger - and maybe even put out the fire - by holding a forum where she could explain and clarify her position on several serious issues.

I really don't know if Kathy Hochul achieved her goals. For example, when Senator Adriano Espaillat asked for her position on certain outstanding pieces of legislation, such as the Farm Workers Bill, that impacts mostly immigrants, she said she needed to first sit down with Governor Andrew Cuomo to discuss it.  She refused to offer her opinion on that bill, and on others. 

My dear reader, one more time, I was disappointed by the complacency of my Hispanic colleagues who did not demonstrate a united force to express our insistence about pending legislation to achieve our goals for our communities and our constituents.  This is exactly why Governor Andrew Cuomo is laughing in our faces and doing what he is doing to our communities and refusing to make the Dream Act a reality. 

You should know that this is exactly why I resigned from the Black and Hispanic Caucus, and from the Somos El Futuro: because what my colleagues in government say and do publicly is very different than what they say and do when push comes to shove in private meetings where real decisions are made. Their performance is very disappointing when it comes to making a difference in our community. 

You should know that I held all of my questions because I knew that I would not get a response - but I want to know what she thinks about Governor Cuomo's mandate to New Yorkers who are extreme conservatives that we have no place in the State of New York.  I wanted to know if Kathy Hochul thinks that I should leave New York because I am pro-life and because I support traditional marriage, and if she thinks the members of my faith community and other faith communities who share my values should all leave New York State. We all know how Governor Andrew Cuomo feels about this, so we really don't need to wait for her to sit down with him to ask about his position on these family matters. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. showed tremendous leadership skills by bringing all of these elected officials to the Bronx to meet at Hostos Community College and gave all of us the opportunity to question Ms. Hochul and gave her the opportunity to clarify her position on immigration, gun control and other matters that are important to our communities. Even though her visit to the Bronx was a deep, dark secret, I believe that the Bronx Borough President did a wonderful job. 

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

Klein, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Launch Bronx H.I.R.E. Program to Combat Borough Unemployment

With $200,000 grant secured by Klein, Bronx Chamber of Commerce to develop comprehensive jobs program aimed at developing the skills, certifications and careers of Bronx workers

  Senator Jeff Klein, along with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Assembly members Jeffrey Dinowitz and Mark Gjonaj, announced Bronx H.I.R.E., a new program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach. The Bronx H.I.R.E. (Help Identify Real Employment) program was announced at the Bronx Amalgamated Housing Cooperative, a housing development dedicated to the mission of building a strong community of shared responsibility and cooperative work environments.

The program, made possible through a $200,000 grant Sen. Klein secured in this year's budget, will consist of two parts - one that will make sure that the new and existing Bronx businesses and institutions are employing Bronx residents and the other that will establish a hands on worker development program. The second part of this program, known as the “Opening Doors Initiative” will give Bronx workers an opportunity to receive support for additional certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications and assistance with follow-up for positions to which H.I.R.E. participants have applied. The program will be facilitated by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein said, “For too long, the Bronx has had the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the state. However, there are real signs that business is investing in the Bronx and with our new H.I.R.E. program, we are investing in the Bronx worker.Bronxites looking to take the next step in their career can enroll in our program and receive hands on, targeted assistance with everything from resume writing to skill certification. I am confident that with the business expertise of the Bronx Chamber, our program’s partnership with Bronx businesses and the funding I was able to secure, we can bring together local businesses with the skilled workforce already calling the Bronx home.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz said, "The Bronx H.I.R.E. program strives to connect Bronx workers with businesses setting up shop here. But it also goes the extra mile, by developing a hands on, one on one career development program for Bronxites looking not just for a job, but a career. Any program that helps Bronx residents find meaningful, long term jobs is critical to our borough's long term economic health and this program will do just that." 

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj said, "This is a program Bronx residents have been waiting for. The unemployment rate in this borough is alarming and our residents deserve to be informed of the many opportunities that lie right here in their backyard. I commend Senator Klein and the Bronx Chambers for putting such a program together."

Lenny Caro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce plays an active, significant role in the economic development of the borough.  With the Throggs Neck Shopping Center, Marriot Hotel, the Outlet Mall, a new Macys, and Trump Golf Course moving in to the Bronx, we will work with these companies to promote Bronx job fairs for placement in these new businesses. These developments will help increase employment for Bronxites and the HIRE program will help promote this job creation.”

Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff and H.I.R.E. administrator, “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce with the support of Senator Jeff Klein’s grant can now help Bronxites obtain long term employment in quality fields.  This initiative will help tap into the existing workforce and provide our future employees with the necessary skillsets and certifications.  We look forward to connecting employers looking to hire with these candidates.”

The Bronx H.I.R.E. program will partner with new businesses – both big and small - to identify new job openings and connect local residents with human resources managers and owners. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber will join businesses moving into new developments in the Bronx in spearheading local job fairs and “meet and greets,” for applicants and employers to meet in a more focused environment.

Those who enroll in the H.I.R.E. program will work one on one with a specialist to determine what potential industries, positions and skill sets fit their profile. Additional resources necessary to advancement will be assessed and potentially subsidized with the funding provided by Senator Klein. 

Participatory Budgeting Comes to Council District 11

 Through Participatory Budgeting, community members, instead of elected officials alone decide how public funds should be spent from start to finish. The second year of Participatory Budgeting in New York City expanded upon the success of Year 1 by bringing together almost 14,000 New Yorkers from eight City Council districts, 6,000 more participants than Year 1. Data collected from over 8,200 surveys, 30 observations, and 63 in-depth interviews show that many of these participants were from diverse backgrounds, and that Participatory Budgeting engaged community members who would not otherwise participate in politics or have contact with government.

  The eight participating Council Members allocated almost $10 million in capital discretionary funds to the 46 winning projects selected by community members in their districts. The research findings for each district are available here:

• Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-8)
• Dan Halloran (R-19)
• Mark Weprin (D-23)
• Erich Ulrich (R-32)
• Stephen Levin (D-33)
• Brad Lander (D-39)
• David Greenfield (D-44)
• Jumaane D. Williams (D-45)

PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING RESULTS 2014

Through Participatory Budgeting in New York City (PBNYC), New Yorkers are directly deciding how to spend millions of dollars of public funds every year. In the third annual cycle of PBNYC, residents across 10 NYC Council Districts came together to discuss ideas for improving their communities, and nearly 17,000 people voted on how to spend over $14 million. Here are the results:

District 5, Ben Kallos (Midtown East, Upper East Side, El Barrio, Roosevelt Island) RESULTS  |  Ballot District 8, Melissa Mark-Viverito  (East Harlem/El Barrio, Mott Haven, Highbridge, Concourse, Longwood) RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot  |  Videos District 23, Mark S. Weprin (Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village, Glen Oaks, Douglaston, Bayside, Hollis) RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot District 31, Donovan Richards (Arverne, Far Rockaway, Bayswater, Edgemere)RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot  |  Videos District 32, Eric Ulrich (Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Neponsit, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Woodhaven)RESULTS  |  Mainland Ballot  |  Rockaway Ballot

District 33, Stephen Levin (Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Boerum Hill, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights) RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot  |  Videos District 38, Carlos Menchaca (Sunset Park, Red Hook, Greenwood & parts of South Slope, Borough Park, Gowanus)RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot  |  Videos District 39, Brad Lander (Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Gowanus, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, parts of Borough Park) RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot  |  Videos District 44, David Greenfield (Borough Park, Midwood, Bensonhurst) RESULTS  | Ballot District 45, Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, parts of Midwood) RESULTS  |  Interactive Map  |  Ballot

  Here the Chief of Staff to Councilman Andrew Cohen Mr. Daniel Johnson explains Participatory Budgeting at a meeting that was held in the office of Community Board 7 in the Norwood/Bedford Park area of the district.  More such meetings are to be held to explain this new process that allows district residents to vote on projects they would like to see in their council district. Councilman Cohen has put one million dollars of his allotted city funding into this process, and is the first full Bronx council district to do this. Speaker Mark-Viverito who district is partly in the Bronx has done this process since its inception in the council in 2011. 

This summer, the Council Member and his staff will be hosting information sessions throughout the district to let residents know more about participatory budgeting and how they can get involved. The confirmed information sessions are listed below and they will all begin at 7:00pm.  Additional information sessions will be confirmed shortly.

Thursday, July 10th at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East

Tuesday, July 15^th at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, 4275 Katonah Avenue

Thursday, July 17^th at the Riverdale Y-MWHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue

Join Borough President Diaz for free healthy food

Working Families Party Pulls Back Endorsements of Oliver Koppell and John Liu

  The Working Families Party has rescinded its initial endorsements of IDC opponents Oliver Koppell and John Liu today after voting in May to endorse both IDC challengers. In November there will be no name on the Working Families ballot line in the state senate races against IDC members Jeff Klein and Tony Avella.  There were no petitions filed in those two races so there is to be no candidate of the WFP in the two senate races. 

   It appears that since the deal between State Senate Co-Leader and IDC head Jeff Klein and Governor Andrew Cuomo to have the IDC members share the leadership of the state senate with the Senate Democrat Conference instead of the Senate Republican Conference, all seems to be well with the WFP. 

   Despite the move by the WFP to have no name on their November election ballot line in the two state senate races where IDC members have Democratic primaries the two challengers Oliver Koppell and John Liu are continuing with their campaigns in the Democratic primary. 

  Queens state senate candidate John Liu has picked up the endorsement of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and one has to wonder what Mr. Katz (AKA Curtis Swila) will have to say on the political rundown tomorrow night on Inside City Hall. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio endorses state Senators Jeff Klein and Tony Avella

In a major announcement on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed state Senators Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Tony Avella (D-Queens).

“Throughout this past session, Sen. Jeff Klein and Sen. Tony Avella worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of New York City and helped make progress on issues that had been stalled for far too long,” Mayor de Blasio said.

“With their leadership, we secured a record increase in funding for universal Pre-K, a fair budget for New York City, needed property tax relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, and the changes we need to save lives and improve street safety.

“As part of a united Democratic majority in the State Senate, I look forward to working with Sen. Klein and Sen. Avella as we work to implement a progressive agenda, including increasing the minimum wage, expanding affordable housing, ensuring women’s equality, passing the DREAM Act and much more. I am proud to endorse Sen. Klein and Sen. Avella for re-election,” Mayor de Blasio added.

Both Independent Democratic Conference members looked forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and advancing important progressive legislation next session.

“As Co-leader of the State Senate,  I partnered with Mayor de Blasio to deliver $300 million for full day Universal Pre-K, brought home 120 additional speed cameras for school zones and passed life-saving legislation to reduce the City's speed limit, a crucial piece of his Vision Zero plan.  We both agree that there's still more work to be done including, passing the DREAM Act,  protecting a woman's right to choose and enacting real, meaningful campaign finance reform.  I'm honored to receive his endorsement and look forward to achieving more Democratic victories for all New Yorkers," said state Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester).

FREE Children's Events this Sunday in Van Cortlandt Park

  FVCP’s City of Water Day Event 

Sunday July 13th from 11am to 1pm

The Firends of Van Cortlandt Park presents: Hands on activities for all ages: Collect and Identify Aquatic Invertebrates, Guided Hike Around the Lake and EcoCrafts.

Van Cortlandt Lake near the VC Golf House, enter the Park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Ave. Bronx, NY 10463

For more info call (718) 601-1553 or email info@vancortlandt.org

 

Babar the Little Elephant

Sunday July 13th at 1 and 2:30pm

The Friends of Van Cortlandt are hosting a children’s performance with Bronx Arts Ensemble.  Master mime/storyteller W.T. McRae tells the popular story of Babar, growing up from a baby to the king of the jungle. With our old friends Queen Celeste, Cornelius and Arthur. Special thanks to Partnerships for Parks for helping to support this event.

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn, enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246th St. Bronx, NY 10471

For more info call (718) 601-1553 or email info@vancortlandt.org

New York City Could Become the Next O.K. Corral

What You Should Know 

Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 

32^nd Senatorial District 

New York City Could Become the Next O.K. Corral

You should know that since New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton eliminated the Stop and Frisk policy, the number of shootings and loss of life by innocent bystanders has increased to the point that if this does not stop soon, New York City might become the next O.K. Corral.

You should know that the O.K. Corral involved the shooting between the Earp brothers, Wyatt, Virgul and Morgan – and the Clanton brothers – in Tombstone, Arizona on October 26, 1881. It is still regarded as the biggest gunfight in the American Old West.

Under the Administration of New York City’s former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, the Stop and Frisk policy was established, stopping a lot of crime and getting guns off the street.  While there are those who will argue against Stop and Frisk, statistics show that crime was better controlled and the loss of life was decreased.

Most complaints against Stop and Frisk include the fact that more Black and Hispanic people were stopped than Whites.  That created a lot of bad feeling and a public outcry, forcing Bill de Blasio – when he was a Mayoral Candidate – to promise that when he would be elected Mayor, that he would not comply with Stop and Frisk and that he would end Stop and Frisk.

But my dear reader, the waters are running deep for Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, because these past few weeks have been the most violent in the city. Last weekend, there were more than a dozen shootings, four dead, many injuries including a 10-year old and a 12-year old bystander. Between June 20 and 22, there were 21 people who were shot, and two of them died.

The spike in crime in New York City is soaring, preventing senior citizens from going out for a walk, and parents from feeling safe to take their children outside.

You should already know that the Stop and Frisk policy has its critics and its supporters. We all know that critics complain that the policy had a racially motivated theme, citing to the fact that the people who were stopped were almost exclusively Blacks and Hispanics, and were stopped because they were Black and Hispanic.  That was insulting.

On the other hand, supporters of Stop and Frisk say that the violent gun crimes are committed almost exclusively in Black and Hispanic communities by Blacks and Hispanics.  Therefore, the police do not go to White communities to stop people because violent gun crimes are not prevalent by White people in White communities.

Let’s look at the facts. We all know that taxi drivers have been assaulted and killed by Blacks and Hispanics.  Bodegueros have been assaulted and killed by Blacks and Hispanics.  Senior citizens and young children have been assaulted by Blacks and Hispanics.  And so, you can see, ladies and gentlemen, that there were strong pro and con arguments on both sides of the Stop and Frisk policy.

The problem now is that since Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner Bill Bratton have removed the Stop and Frisk policy, crime is going up and people are losing their lives. Bullets are flying, and children are dying.

If the new initiative by Commissioner Bratton to put more police officers on the street does not work as  expected, then we need to take another look and think about the pro’s of Stop and Frisk.

We all know how Stop and Frisk took many guns off the street.  Criminals also knew it, and knew they could be stopped at any time. Now they know that no one will stop them, and they can feel the freedom to carry weapons throughout the City.

If the Stop and Frisk policy does resurface, it needs to be done in a way that all Black and Hispanic people are afforded the same courtesies that our White neighbors receive from New York City Police officers.  We all know that some of New York’s most prominent Black and Hispanic residents have been exposed to Stop and Frisk, and many have complained about rude and abusive treatment by police officers until their official identities were revealed.  If Black and Hispanic New Yorkers are treated with dignity and respect, there may be less criticism and the Stop and Frisk policy could work.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have to believe that Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton will have to decide what’s more important: reinstating Stop and Frisk, or just keep losing lives?  How long can we keep telling parents of young victims: “I’m sorry for your loss?” How long before New York City becomes the next O.K. Corral?  

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