Wave Hill Events Jul 25–Aug 1

Thu, July 24 STORIES IN THE GARDEN: SIX LEGS TOO MANY

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. Hairy, scary, crawly and wiggly–– bugs are on the agenda this week.  Enjoy tales that explore the world of insects, and then dance with all six of your legs. Our books this week are Bugs for Lunch by Margery Facklam, Spider Spin Webs by Yvonne Winer and The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2PM

SAT, JULY 26    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FANCY FIREFLIES

Explore the exhibition of photographs by Gregory Crewdson in the Glyndor Gallery. Make a tiny, sparkly firefly to hang on a found stick to light your way throughout the day and, using a special dyeing technique, create a dreamy, firefly-filled nightscape. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 26    BOOKBINDING WORKSHOP—CREATE YOUR OWN BOOK JOURNAL 

Inspired by the colors, textures, and natural forms found at Wave Hill, practice the art of bookbinding with artistJessica Lagunas. Create a simple pamphlet book using beautiful St. Armand handmade, recycled paper and learn how to bind pages with needle and thread. Finally, learn a few interesting techniques to personalize and decorate your book cover. Use your beautifully crafted book as a personal journal or bring it to the Botanical Illustration and Observation workshop on August 9. Space is limited. Drop-ins accommodated as space permits. $30/$20 Wave Hill Member, each session. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, JULY 26    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. Sessions are held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JULY 26    GARDEN POLLINATORS WALK

Flowers attract the attention of both human and animal visitors. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies are easily spotted in the garden but solitary bees, beetles and other native pollinators are often overlooked. Museum Educator Jay Holmes of the American Museum of Natural History leads this walk to observe our local pollinators at work. On the way we'll stop by our new "bee condo" in the Flower Garden to see who's taken up residence. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SAT, JULY 26    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Firefliesseries is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material.

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 27    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FANCY FIREFLIES

Explore the exhibition of photographs by Gregory Crewdson in the Glyndor Gallery. Make a tiny, sparkly firefly to hang on a found stick to light your way throughout the day and, using a special dyeing technique, create a dreamy, firefly-filled nightscape. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 27    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 outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, JULY 27    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. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, JULY 27    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, JULY 28

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 29    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Firefliesseries is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 30    MOMMY AND BABY YOGA

Designed for mothers, fathers or caregivers and babies eight weeks old to two-year-olds, this yoga class brings families together for a gentle exercise session in a beautiful garden setting. Stretch, breathe and bond with your child while meeting other parents Led by certified instructors from Yoga for Bliss. Mats provided, but please bring a soft blanket for your baby. Sessions take place outdoors, but move indoors in case of rain or extreme heat. $25/$15 Wave Hill member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins accommodated as space allows. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,, 10–11AM

WED, JULY 30    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances by local musicians, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Wave Hill House, Perkins Visitor Center, Glyndor Gallery, The Café and 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. Beginning at 4PM on Sunset Wednesdays, admission is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6‒18. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 30   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life with a blissful yoga class! Reduce your stress levels and increase energy by working with your body and breath. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 4PM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online atwww.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. A limited number of mats are available onsite, please bring your own mat. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–7:30PM

WED, JULY 30    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 30    SUNSET MUSIC: KORA MUSICIANS SALIEU SUSO & MALANG JOBARTEH

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes a live performance on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Tonight’s performers, master kora player Salieu Suso and his nephewMalang Jobarteh, perform together this evening. The kora is a 21-string African harp played by the traditional storytellers of West Africa, known as griots in French and jeli, jail, guewel or gawlo in African languages. Salieu Suso was born into a family of traditional Gambian musician/historians that extends back nearly 1,000 years. A descendant of JaliMasy Wulayn Suso, the inventor of the kora, Suso began his training at the age of eight and has performed throughout Africa and Europe. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

THU, JULY 31    STORIES IN THE GARDEN: CREEPY CRAWLIES AND WIGGLY WORMS

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. What can you find under a rock? Who wriggles and crawls through Wave Hill’s gardens? This week, listen to stories that give you a bug’s-eye-view of the world, and then join us as we wiggle, flutter and dance like some of the garden’s tiniest inhabitants. Our books this week are The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle, The Snail’s Spell by Joanne Ryder and Under One Rock by Anthony D. Fredericks. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2PM

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 July and August. 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 30 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.

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.