3 Put Names Into Assembly Speaker Race

  While his seat is still warm 3 assembly members have announced their intentions to be the next speaker. 

  1 -   Queens Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, (the assembly Education Committee chair) who would be the first woman to lead either legislative chamber in Albany, launched her campaign to replace Silver. Nolan's only possible shot at being the next speaker would have Queens Democratic County Leader Joe Crowley go to bat for her. There is good relations with the Bronx, but Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie has also thrown his name into the speakers race.

 2 -   Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie (the Bronx Democratic County Leader)  is the chair of the Labor Committee, and would be the first African-American speaker. Heastie wrought the Bronx Democratic County Leadership away from the previous Bronx county leader in the infamous 'Battle at the Paradise Theater' in 2008. There was a possibility of a coup at the 2014 Bronx Democratic County Convention, that was squashed before it could gain any momentum. Heastie  is saying that he would fight for all New Yorkers and increase accountability and transparency, but he could be another Sheldon Silver type of leader.

2 -   Assemblyman Joseph Lentol of Brooklyn the chair of the Assembly Codes Committee threw his hat into the ring as well, saying he would “liberalize the operations” of the Assembly as speaker. Right now it is unknown if Lentol has the backing of the Brooklyn Democratic organization.

  Also expected to throw his name into the mix is Manhattan Democratic County Leader Keith Wright. Wright chairs the Housing Committee. 

  The interim Speaker will be the Majority Leader of the Assembly Joseph Morelle who must also be considered for the permanent speaker position. The state assembly will choose a new permanent speaker on February 10th. 

Any Possibility of Reform in Albany - Now With the departure of Sheldon Silver

  In an interview with City and State  a diverse group of assembly members from New York City and upstate have held a series of meetings to discuss the best way to ensure that there is reform to Assembly operations going forward. C&S states that this group of 20 - 25 members had talked reform, even before 'SILVERGATE'. 

  “Our angle is to present a set of reforms that we’re going to formalize to all the candidates that put their names out there as potential speaker and see how they stand on these reforms,” said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda. “We want to open [the process] up and make it more democratic and not invest so much power in one person.”

  Members of the reform movement have not yet thrown their support behind a particular candidate for speaker, but Sepúlveda said that any contender who didn't express interest in discussing these reforms would be a “non-starter” for him.

  Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer stressed that the movement has not been formalized in any way—it is not yet a conference or a caucus—and that the list of reforms is still being drafted. “There’s a range of issues in which we have a difference of opinion, but I think in general our interest is in making sure these interests are fully vetted before the next speaker is elected and that there’s both some short-term changes and a long-term commitment,” Mayer said.

  Both Mayer and Sepúlveda said challenging the Assembly's seniority rules will be paramount. Traditionally, influence and leadership roles—such as chairmanships or speakership—are gained largely through seniority. Currently, about 40 percent of the Assembly is made up of members who have been newly elected in the past 6-8 years.

  “This is a once in a lifetime—at least for us new members, 42 percent of the body is relatively new—this is an opportunity for us to reflect change,” Sepúlveda said. “No one person should have this much power.”

The entire City and State article can be found at this link.

WILLIAMS TO CHAIR COUNCIL HEARING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE EXPIRATION OF THE 421-A TAX EXEMPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 10:00 AM CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL

Tomorrow, the New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, Chaired by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader, , will hold an oversight hearing entitled "A Review of the 421-a Tax Benefit Program." The 421-a program was designed to encourage residential development of underused land by significantly reducing the property taxes for time periods ranging from 10 to 25 years, and has has two main objectives - stimulate residential development and increase access to affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.  Housing advocates argue that the tax exemption is a give away for developers and costs the city more than $1 billion in tax revenue per year, while others argue that 421-a is a necessary tool to meet the Mayor's ambitions 10-year affordable housing goal. The Rent Act of 2011 extended the 421-a tax exemption to June 15, 2015, and unless the State Legislature extends the program, the tax exemption will expire on that date.  This hearing will focus on the benefits and drawbacks of the program, including a consideration whether or not the tax exemption should be allowed to sunset this June. WHO: Council Member Jumaane D. Williams; members of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee; those testifying, including members of the Administration,  elected officials, housing developers, housing advocates, members of the real estate industry, and other interested members of the public. WHAT: Council Oversight Hearing on 421-a Tax Exemptions for Residential Developments WHERE: Chambers of City Hall WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2015, 10:00 AM CONTACT: William Gerlich, wgerlich@council.nyc.gov or 917-608-8784

And the Next Speaker of the Assembly IS --

  With his future as the speaker of the assembly in great doubt ever since having been arrested by the U.S. Attorney's office on several counts of corruption, assembly Democrats are scrambling to find an interim speaker if and when Silver steps down as speaker. That move however would require a change in the assembly rules.  ODDS for a new speaker EVEN MONEY.and dropping every minute.

Current Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle who is now being touted as a caretaker speaker until mid February or even for 90 days, then a permanent replacement to Silver will be chosen. ODDS 8 - 1

 

Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie has gained some momentum, as it appears that Heastie may have the backing of Queens Democratic organization. However that will not be near enough votes to become the next speaker. ODDS 20 - 1

My money is on Manhattan Democratic County Leader Keith Wright. In the redrawing of the 15th congressional district one version had the district go through the Bronx and into Mount Vernon. This was the best case scenario for Assemblyman Heastie, but the district remained a majority Manhattan district to the advantage of Assemblyman and Manhattan county leader Keith Wright.  ODDS 3 - 5

Any other assembly Democrat ODDS are 10 - 1.to 99 - 1.

Any assembly Republican  the ODDS are off the board.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: NYS Assembly Leadership

  "As the members of the Democratic conference of the New York State Assembly consider the future of their leadership, one thing must be clear throughout the process: the next speaker of the Assembly must be elected from New York City.

“New York City has always been at the forefront of Democratic Party polices and principles, and the New York State Assembly has traditionally led the charge on issues this city holds dear, be it rent control and tenant protections, the minimum wage, public education and transportation funding, to name a few.

"Without an Assembly Speaker from the five boroughs, no leadership position in the legislature would be held by a legislator from New York City. Abandoning that tradition would be of grave concern to the 8.5 million residents of the city of New York," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assembly Leader Hopefuls Down to 2 Names

    Rumors are swirling around Albany that the proposed 5 person care taker assembly leadership team is now down to only 2 names. The original 5 included Denny Farrell (former Manhattan Democratic County Leader), Carl Heastie (Bronx Democratic County Leader), Kathleen Nolan (Queens), Joe Lentol (Brooklyn), and Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle (Rochester). 

   And the 2 finalist are - Denny Farrell and Joe Morelle. Farrell is from Manhattan, but turns 83 soon and Morelle is from upstate Rochester, unlike Sheldon Silver who was from Manhattan only. It has been said any new speaker would have to come from NYC. 

  Governor Andrew Cuomo has publicly rejected the idea of an assembly leadership by committee, as has Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Assembly and senate Republicans have only said that Sheldon Silver should step down, and have no name to replace him.

  Just like the snow falling outside, it could be a while until we see the end to both items.

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS UPDATE ON SEVERE WINTER STORM

City  issues Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting all non-emergency travel after 11 PM Monday

All public schools closed on Tuesday

   Mayor de Blasio today updated New Yorkers on the approaching winter storm, warning people to refrain from travel as the storm’s intensity worsens this afternoon and through Tuesday. The mayor will issue a local Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting travel in all cases except emergencies beginning at 11 PM Monday. The latest forecasts anticipate approximately two feet of snow and near-blizzard conditions across New York City.

“Our message to New Yorkers is to not underestimate this storm. Make preparations to get home this afternoon before the worst of the storm hits. The combination of heavy snow and wind will make travel dangerous. We need cars off the road so that our equipment can do its work and keep streets passable for emergency vehicles. This will be mandatory at 11 PM tonight,” said Mayor de Blasio.

Latest Forecast

A blizzard warning will be in effect from 1 PM today (January 26) through Tuesday night (January 27). Snow accumulations between 20 and 30 inches are anticipated, with the heaviest snowfall occurring late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Heavy winds, with gusts reach up to 65 miles per hour, will severely reduce visibility.

A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for parts of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx during overnight hours. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for parts of Manhattan and Staten Island overnight as well.

Travel

Streets and highways will be closed to all but emergency vehicle travel at 11 PM Monday night until further notice. Only vehicles related to emergency services, vital City services and delivery of vital supplies will be permitted on streets until the order is lifted. New Yorkers are also urged not to walk or venture outside once the worst of the storm hits this evening.

Schools

Schools are open today but will be closed on Tuesday (January 27). Regents exams scheduled for Tuesday will be rescheduled for Thursday. After-school programs, adult education programs and PSAL activities are canceled today and tomorrow.

Snow Removal

The Department of Sanitation has 12-hour shifts of 2,400 workers each on duty, with 1,800 collection trucks outfitted with plows (up from usual 1,500) and another 500 salt spreaders, also outfitted with plows. City agencies have dedicated a further 250 pieces of equipment, for a total of 2,550 vehicles now dedicated to the effort. Plowing progress can be followed via the PlowNYC feature at nyc.gov/plownyc.

Parking and Trash Collection

Alternate side parking and garbage/recycling collection are suspended Monday (January 26), Tuesday (January 27) and Wednesday (January 28) to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters remain in effect.

Emergency Response

911 should only be used in case of emergencies. All other snow related inquiries and reports should be made to 311. FDNY has added 110 additional ambulances to its operations this afternoon—bringing its total to 380 on duty. The agency is also adding a fifth firefighter to each engine company. More than 500 additional personnel will support operations over the next 24 hours.

Parks

City parks will close at 6 PM Monday and remain closed until further notice, to avert danger from falling tree branches weighed down

with snow.

Ferry Service

Staten Island and East River Ferry service are operating on a normal schedule until further notice, but modified service is possible as conditions worsen.

Heat and Hot Water

Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.

Homeless Services

Code Blue protocols are in effect. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them.

Further Notifications

For information and updates related to weather and travel conditions, visit NYC.gov/severeweather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

STATE SENATE PASSES KLEIN BILL BANNING SEX OFFENDERS FROM FAMILY HOMELESS SHELTERS

Legislation Prevents Level Two & Three Sex Offenders From Residing in Shelters With Families and Children 

  Independent Democratic Conference Leader Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester)today announced that the State Senate overwhelmingly passed (52-0) legislation he sponsors that prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from living in temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children.

“Allowing high-level sex offenders to stay in family shelters where vulnerable women and children are trying to get back on their feet is not only troublesome but dangerous. With more than 60,000 homeless New Yorkers sleeping in New York City shelters and thousands more out on the street, we need to take every measure to protect those in our care,” said Senator Klein. “Just days after finding two such predators residing at a Bronx-shelter in my district, I am proud this legislation has passed the Senate. This marks a critical step in protecting the thousands of women and children seeking shelter and I look forward to seeing this important bill pass both houses in the coming weeks.” 

Senator Klein’s legislation (S.851-2015) prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from being housed in family shelters and requires by law that they be placed in adult-only shelters or shelters without children.  This legislation amends current Social Services Law and brings the shelter system up to speed with current law concerning public housing, where sex offenders are already prohibited from residing.

“The issue of high-level sex offenders taking up residence in emergency shelters intended for homeless families remains a concern since first coming to our attention in 2007. Federal law prohibits public housing admission to level 2 and 3 sex offenders – and we are seeking to extend that protection to our most vulnerable children and families.” said Assembly Matthew Titone (D-North Shore), co-sponsor of the 2015 bill. “Today 80% of New York’s homeless are women and children; every day that the current law remains in place, each of New York’s 25,000 homeless children remains in avoidable risk.”

Last week, two male sex offenders were found to be residing at the Crystal Family Residence, a 95-room family shelter and former location of the controversial Capri Whitestone Motel in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx.