Since 2009, I Have Been Trying to Prevent It

What You Should Know 
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32^nd Senatorial District 

You should know that in order to prevent corruption and the temptation of elected officials from earning money from outside of their legislative salaries, back in 2009, which was six years ago, I introduced a piece of legislation, S.3149, which prohibits a member of the legislature from engaging in any outside paid activity during his or her term of office.  In other words, the New York State Legislature should be a full-time Legislature. See the attached copy of the bill. 

You should also know that for six consecutive years, I have re-introduced this bill.  In 2015 the same bill is known as S.111.  The only member of the Assembly to ever sponsor this bill was former Assemblyman Greg Ball, who introduced in that house in 2009 and 2010.  Since then, no member of the Assembly has introduced the bill in that house, and no support has been given from the leadership of the Senate to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. 

If the Senate and the Assembly leadership would have taken a look at my piece of legislation and would have given it the green light, I could assure, you that many of my colleagues would not be regretting their extra-curricular activities. 

I am not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but in 2009, when I introduced my legislation, I wrote a justification paragraph explaining the legislation. Anyone that reads it would think that it was a prophecy: 

JUSTIFICATION:  How much transparency should be demanded by the people of their representatives? As long as we allow legislators to hold outside business interests, there is a potential that these outside business interests could one day cause a serious conflict of interest, 

or at least in the public's eye, the perception of one. This bill prohibits members of the legislature from engaging in any outside paid activity during their term of office. The public has a right to know that his or her Senator or Assemblyperson is not beholden to outside financial pressures. The best way to limit legislators' outside income is to eliminate it. 

I hope that after all the recent scandals, my fellow legislators will see fit to give the green light to my bill. 

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

Assemblyman Carl Heastie to Step Down as Bronx Democratic County Leader

  As much as it is a foregone conclusion that Bronx Assemblyman and Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie will become the next speaker of the assembly, word is that he will be stepping down as county leader. The two names mentioned as possible replacements for Heastie are Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Committee Chairman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and upcoming Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. It was Marcos Crespo who replaced Ruben Diaz Jr. in the 85th Assembly District when Diaz Jr. was elected Bronx Borough President.

 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Above

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo Below

  

  

  

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With these two possible replacement for Heastie, it is possible that because they are friendly and may draw from the same delegations that a third candidate could make it a race for new county leader, with enough votes to win. Names are still being thrown about, but no New York City elected official may serve as the county leader. 

Wave Hill Events Feb 13–Feb 20

  SAT, FEBRUARY 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT: I HEART POLLINATORS

Visit Wave Hill’s Tropical House—housed in one wing of the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory—and breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful blooms. Then, using a variety of charming styles—and adding a pollinator helper—make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 14    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 hour-long 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 indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, FEBRUARY 14    VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE-DECORATING WORKSHOP

Roses are red, violets are blue, cookies are colorful and sprinkles are, too! Bring your sweethearts to Wave Hill this Valentine’s Day for a special cookie-decorating event. Use sanding sugars, cookie icing and a variety of sprinkles to design your own cookies. Fill a box with your creations to show that certain someone how much you love them. Perfect for families and crafty visitors of all ages. $15 Materials fee per project. No registration required for this drop-in workshop.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11‒3PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 14    IN-STORE ARTIST: ERIKA ROSENBAUM 

Local jewelry artist Erika Rosenbaum will be on hand in The Shop at Wave Hill with a selection of her jewelry designs, including heart pendants evoking twisting garden vines and organic wave forms. Based in New York, Erica is strongly inspired by nature, interpreting shapes in a minimalist fashion and incorporating vibrant color. Her diverse collection of contemporary fine jewelry uses a mix of gold, sterling silver, bronze and gemstones, with an unusual stone often driving the design of a one-of-a-kind piece. 

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11‒4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: I HEART POLLINATORS

Visit Wave Hill’s Tropical House—housed in one wing of the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory—and breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful blooms. Then, using a variety of charming styles—and adding a pollinator helper—make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath and mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss Director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors, and last for an hour and a quarter. 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 in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: MEDITATION AS ARTISTIC PRACTICE

Winter Workspace artist Saya Woolfalk and meditation leader Biet Simkin introduce you to meditation as artistic practice. Experience a 50-minute mediation combining breathing, virtual travel and aural exercises. End with a discussion exploring your experience with the group. All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session.

GLYNDOR GALLERY AND ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–2:30PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, FEBRUARY 16

Closed to the public

TUE, FEBRUARY 17    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: STARGAZE

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, discover the constellations that light up the night sky in winter and throughout the year. Using an empty cereal box, paint and LED light strings, make your own light box to recreate your favorite constellation and gaze at the stars all day long. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

WED, FEBRUARY 18:    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: WINTER CLOUD MOSAICS

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, observe the different types of clouds with their distinct shapes and beautiful, soft colors and discover how to use your observations to make weather predictions. Create your own mosaic masterpiece of clouds and sky using a wood base, grout and glass tiles in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

WED, FEBRUARY 18    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #1—ULRICH LORIMER: LOCALLY SOURCED—MARRYING FIELD BOTANY AND HORTICULTURE

This ongoing series is hosted by Wave Hill’s Friends of Horticulture Committee and is devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. Ulrich Lorimer offers his vision for how to marry horticulture with field botany— the experience of plants in the context of their communities in the wild—as an approach that yields intimate clues for using native plants in a garden setting. At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where Lorimer has been Curator of the Native Flora Garden for nine years, the results have been rich and rewarding. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Lorimer spent three years as a Wave Hill Gardener. The last lecture in this series takes place March 18. Series: $60/48 Wave Hill Member, Student. Individual lectures:$25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x216. Sponsor and series tickets on sale starting November 12; individual tickets on sale starting December 10. 

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

THU, FEBRUARY 19:    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: EARTH MEETS SKY

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, create a textured landscape against the winter sky, inspired by the painting techniques of contemporary artist and sculptor Anselm Kiefer. Like Kiefer, bring your painting to life by applying thick layers of impasto on canvas and adding dried natural materials, such as flowers, straw, sticks and clay. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

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 and Tuesday mornings until noon. 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.

Here is a photo going around of the next assembly speaker Carl Heastie of his high school days. Credit below.

Conor Skelding‏@conorskelding

Carl Heastie, Harry S. Truman HS, c/o 1985

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ABRAZO

Please note --

This event is by invitation only, and not open to the general public.

NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES HOST COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS FOR 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

  City raises $20 million for $100 million convention, has $6.5 million cash on hand

   The de Blasio administration today announced its 10 host committee co-chairs, a diverse group of local leaders who will assume leadership roles and partner with the Mayor and the administration to execute the City’s convention strategy. Led by Mayor de Blasio, this group of business, civic, labor and tech leaders will be responsible for raising the remaining funds, organizing convention events, and will work hand-in-hand with the DNC to host a world-class convention in July 2016.

The City’s host committee co-chairs are: Lloyd Blankfein, Ursula Burns, Kenneth Chenault, George Gresham, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Sean Parker, Alan Patricof, Rob Speyer, Anna Wintour, and Robert Wolf.

“As we head into the final weeks of the selection process, it’s more critical than ever that we show the DNC that New Yorkers are enthusiastic and united in our desire to bring the convention back to New York City,” saidMayor Bill de Blasio. “We are so proud to have the support of this diverse group of leaders who represent everything New York City has to offer. We’ve significantly outraised the other cities competing to host the convention, and we are well on our way to reaching our goal of a $100 million convention. Add to that the support of these 10 co-chairs, New York City is in the strongest position to execute an unforgettable convention.”

The administration also today released updated fundraising totals in support of New York City’s bid. As of Thursday morning, the City has raised $20 million, with $6.5 million cash on hand, up from $15 million in commitments and $5 million cash on hand in December 2014. Today’s announcement showcases New York City’s unparalleled ability to commit substantial resources to hosting the 2016 convention in the five boroughs.

Once selected as the city to host the convention, the 119-member Host Committee will immediately convert all commitments into money in the bank to begin to organize the event, guided by the 10 co-chairs. Expedia, IAC,Jonathan Tisch, Mark Gallogly, Rubenstein, American Express, Goldman Sachs, 1199SEIU, Condé Nast, Blackstone, Tishman Speyer, and Citi are among the 25 individuals and organizations that have contributed to the $6.5 million already in the bank for the City’s convention bid.

New York City Host Committee Co-Chairs:

Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman Sachs and Co.

Ursula Burns, Xerox

Kenneth Chenault, American Express

George Gresham, 1199 SEIU

Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council

Sean Parker, Sean N. Parker Foundation

Alan Patricof, Greycroft Partners

Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer

Anna Wintour, Condé Nast, Vogue

Robert Wolf, 32 Advisors

New York City Host Committee 2016 Members (119):

Vincent Alvarez, NYC Central Labor Council

Stuart Appelbaum, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

Gina Argento, Broadway Stages

Ajay Banga, MasterCard

David J. Barger, JetBlue Airways

Paul Beirne, Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Frank A. Bennack Jr., Hearst Corporation

Barry H. Berke, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Peter Beshar, Marsh and McLennan

Lloyd C. Blankfein, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Jeff T. Blau, The Related Companies

Richard Born, BD Hotels

Jacques Brand, Deutsche Bank North America

Jill Bright, Condé Nast

Tonio Burgos, Tonio Burgos and Associates

Ursula M. Burns, Xerox Corporation Ltd.

Kenneth I. Chenault, American Express Company

Ric Clark, Brookfield Office Properties

Philippe P. Dauman, Viacom, Inc.

Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, NYC Landmarks 50 Alliance

Barry Diller, IAC and Expedia

Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Doug Dunham, Quinn Gillepsie

Douglas Durst, The Durst Organization

Helena Durst, The Durst Organization

Richard Edelman, Edelman PR

Blair W. Effron, Centerview Partners

Cheryl Cohen Effron 

Jay W. Eisenhofer, Grant & Eisenhofer P.A.

Leecia Eve, Verizon

Hector J. Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU

Alan H. Fishman, Ladder Capital Corporation

Jay S. Fishman, The Travelers Companies, Inc

Gregory Floyd, Teamsters Local 237

Marian Fontana, 9-11 Families Association

Mark T. Gallogly, Centerbridge Partners

Christopher C. Giamo, Regional President, TD Bank

Faith Gay, Quinn Emanuel

MaryAnne Gilmartin, Forest City Ratner Companies

Steve Goldman, Kramer Levin

Barry M. Gosin, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Raj Goyle, Badhala

Nick Gravante, Boies Schiller

Jonathan Gray, Blackstone

George Gresham, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Robert Greifeld, Nasdaq OMX

Jeffrey R. Gural, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Gerald L. Hassell, The Bank of New York Mellon

Marc Holliday, SL Green Realty Group

Jay S. Jacobs, Nassau County Democratic Committee

Hamilton E. James, The Blackstone Group

Steven A. Kandarian, MetLife

Pat Kane, RN, New York State Nurses Association

Brad Karp, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Rob Kaplan, Harvard Business School

Michael W. Kempner, The MWW Group

Julie Kushner, United Automobile Workers

Pam Kwatra, Kripari Marketing

Gary LaBarbera, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

Jonathan Lavine, Sankaty Advisors

Kenneth Lerer, Lerer Ventures

Leonard Litwin, Glenwood Management

Jeffrey H. Lynford, Educational Housing Services

John McAvoy, Consolidated Edison, Inc

Raymond J. McGuire, Citigroup, Inc.

Keith R. Mestrich, Amalgamated Bank

George L. Miranda, Teamsters Joint Council 16

Leslie R. Moonves, CBS Corporation

Evan L. Morris, Roche Pharmaceuticals

Michael Mulgrew, United Federation of Teachers

Mike Muse, Muse Recordings

Charles A. Myers, Evercore Partners Inc.

Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group

Cynthia Nixon 

Michael E. Novogratz, Fortress Investment Group

Sean Parker, Sean N. Parker Foundation

Alan Patricof, Greycroft LLC

Susan Patricof

Ronald O. Perelman, MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

Douglas L. Peterson, McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

Charles E. Phillips, Infor

Richard R. Plepler, Home Box Office, Inc.

Kirk A. Radke, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Bruce C. Ratner, Forest City Ratner Companies

Scott H. Rechler, RXR Realty

Dennis Rivera 

Lillian Roberts, AFSCME DC 37

Jeff Rose, Attitude New York

James A. Rosenthal, Morgan Stanley

Joe Rospars, Blue State Digital

Steven Rubenstein, Rubenstein

Rosina Rubin, Attitude New York

William C. Rudin, Rudin Management Company, Inc.

Kevin P. Ryan, Gilt Groupe

Elizabeth Sackler, Brooklyn Museum

Bill Samuels, Effective NY

Marie Samuels 

John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union Local 100

Michael E. Schlein, Accion International

Richard D. Segal, Seavest Investment Group

Marissa Shorenstein, AT&T, Inc.

Adam Silver, National Basketball Association

Russell W. Simmons, RUSH Communications

Harendra Singh, Singh Hospitality Group

Jay Snyder, HBJ Investments

Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer Properties

Ambassador Carl Spielvogel, Carl Spielvogel Enterprises

Joseph Spinnato, Hotel Association of New York City

Steven Spinola, Real Estate Board of New York

Jonathan M. Tisch, Loews Hotels and Resorts 

Daniel R. Tishman, Tishman Construction Corporation

Diane von Furstenberg, DVF

Peter Ward, The New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council

David Weinreb, The Howard Hughes Corporation

Maureen White 

Steve Witkoff, The Witkoff Group

Robert Wolf, 32 Advisors

Kathy Wylde, Partnership for New York City

Donald Zucker, Donald Zucker Co.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and New York 

City Councilman Andrew Cohen 

invites you to:

KEY ESSENTIALS OF ONLINE 

MARKETING

 Create comprehensive internet and mobile marketing 

plans that fit your business needs, regardless of size 

 Gain exposure and brand awareness for your business

AND: 

MWBE Certification 

Learn how your company will benefit from being certified:

 MORE opportunities to bid on contracts and subcontracts 

 FREE advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Companies

 FREE assistance with bids and proposals

WHEN

February 2, 2015

6:00PM 

WHERE MICHELLE@BRONXCHAMBMER.ORG

Bronx Community 

Charter School 

3170 Webster Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10467

Bedford Mosholu Community Association Flea Market and Donations Needed

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED

FOR THE

BEDFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATION

FLEA MARKET

ON MARCH 7th, 2015

BRING NEW AND USED ITEMS (EXCEPT 

CLOTHING) TO THE B.M.C.A. OFFICE AT 

400 EAST MOSHOLU PARKWAY SOUTH 

(APARTMENT B1-LOBBY FLOOR) ON THE 

FOLLOWING DAYS:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

SATURDAY, February 28th, 1:30 - 4:00

WEDNESDAY, March 4th, 7:30 - 9:00 PM