Bronx Democratic County Committee Call For Candidates in Two Upcoming Special Elections

  It was an unusually warm night in February for Thursday's County Committee call to find Democratic candidates to run in the upcoming special elections to be held on April 24th. 

  First up was to find a Democratic candidate to run for the 80th Assembly District vacancy created when former Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj was elected to the City Council. Bronx Democratic County Committee Chair Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner called the meeting to order, and it was said that a quorum of County Committee members from the 80th A.D. were present. Nominations were then opened up with Ms. Jean Hill nominating Nathalia Fernandez. Ms. Fernandez as then seconded by Mr. Joe McManus, and a third person. The question of any more nominations was asked, and nominations were then closed when there was no other. A unanimous vote then was taken making Ms. Nathalia Fernandez the candidate of the Democratic Party in the special election for the 80th A.D.

Above - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner, Counsel Stanley Schlein, and Maricela Salazar presided over the meeting.

Below - A very joyous Nathalia Fernandez is congratulated by Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Councilman Mark Gonaj the former assemblyman from the 80th A.D.

  Things didn't go so smooth when it came to fielding a candidate for the vacant 32nd State Senate district however. The process began late as it was announced that a quorum was present, since the 32nd Senate District covers parts of the 79th, 80th, 82nd, 84th, 85th, ad 87th Assembly Districts. The meeting was called to order, and the process of selecting the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate district began. 

  Ms Julia Rodriguez nominated Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, This was seconded by Mohammed Mujumder, and Cynthia Cox. When the question of any more nominations Ms. Phillissia Amat rose to nominate Mr.Michael Beltzer. This was seconded by Ms. Alace Trane. There were no other nominations and the voting began. Chair Joyner called for those wishing to have Assemblyman Sepulveda as the Democratic candidate stand up. All but six county committee members stood up. Upon calling for those who wanted Mr. Beltzer as the candidate those six people stood up. It was then declared that by an overwhelmingly majority that Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda would be the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate in the April Special election. 

Above - NY State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Senator Michael Gianaris await the choice of Assemblyman Sepulveda as the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate seat in the April spacial election.

Below - After being selected the Democratic candidate for the 32nd S.D. a beaming Luis Sepulveda thanks those who helped him become the Democratic candidate for his mentor now Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr.'s vacant state senate seat. 

Democratic candidate for the 32nd S.D. is congratulated by Senators Stewart-Cousins and Gianaris, Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo, BDCC Vice-Chair Linda Kemp, and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson. 

  After the meeting Mr. Beltzer claimed that there was not a quorum to which the Reform Party candidate for the 32nd S.D. Ms. Pamela Stewart-Martinez who was in attendance also said. While in the Bronx it is a forgone conclusion that the Democratic candidate wins every election, 'One never knows what may happen next in politics'. There is always a first time for everything Ms. Stewart-Martinez also said.

This posting has been updated to reflect the correct date of the special elections Tuesday April 24th. 

A thank you goes to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz for pointing out the error.

BP DIAZ & COUNCIL MEMBERS TORRES & DEUTSCH INTRODUCE FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION PACKAGE

In the wake of December’s deadly Bronx fire, new legislative package would require safety devices on stove in apartments with small children and educational plan on fire safety

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Ritchie Torres and City Council Member Chaim Deutsch are introducing a package of new legislation designed to prevent catastrophic fires in the wake of December’s tragic fire in the Belmont section of The Bronx, which saw 13 lives lost.

Three bills that would improve fire safety and education, and potentially save lives:

1.   One intro would require owners of buildings with three or more units to provide and properly install approved stove safety devices on all stoves in units where a child or children 10 years or younger reside;

2.  One intro would require the Fire Department, in coordination with the Education Department, to implement a comprehensive plan for educating children and parents about fire safety and prevention;

3.   One intro would require landlords to post a notice indicating that those escaping a fire should close all doors behind them.

In December, a fire in a residential building on Prospect Avenue in The Bronx led to 13 deaths, making it the deadliest fire New York City had seen in the past 25 years. Investigators found that the fire was started by a three-year-old child playing with the stove in his apartment, and quickly grew out of control.

“Just as we require window guards in apartments with young children, we should also require that stoves be made safer through the installation of approved safety devices,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.“This tragic fire could have been prevented, had this young child been unable to tamper with the knob of the stove in his apartment. I am proud to partner with Council Member Torres, amd Council Member Chaim Deutsch to introduce a new legislative package that will undoubtedly save lives.”

Above - The building at 2363 Prospect Avenue where the tragic fire occurred.

Below - BP Diaz Jr. holds a simple inexpensive child cover for a gas stove valve that he says can prevent children from playing with gas stove knobs.

Council Member Ritchie Torres said.  

“This comprehensive legislative package on fire safety, prevention and education will save lives and prevent household fires from happening. By installing safety knobs and proactively educating residents about fires, we are aiming to prevent another catastrophe. I thank Borough President Diaz Jr., for his partnership on these bills and advocacy on fire prevention, and look forward to their passage and enactment into law,”

Above - Councilman Torres speaks of the devastation which occurred in his district, and why these new proposals are so important.

Below - Councilman Chaim Deutsch came from Brooklyn to join with BP Diaz Jr., saying that this is not a one borough problem.

Council Member Chaim Deutsch said 

“Our City has suffered several unfortunate and tragic fires during recent months. With fire fatalities up 53% in 2017, this is an important time for us to raise awareness and make meaningful change. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Councilman Ritchie Torres and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. for their partnership on this very critical initiative for all New Yorkers,” 

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Passover 2018 Save The Date

Reminder

Save The Date

Project HOPE Passover Package Delivery 

Sunday, March 18, 2018 - 9 am-11:30 am

917- 693-3804

Whether or not you are able to come, you can always help by sponsoring a package for only $25.
     

For groups, questions or to deliver to a particular senior contact 

Niti Minkove, Director of Volunteers at 

nminkove@bjcconline.org or Cell: (917) 693-3084

Bronx Jewish Community Council,  2930 Wallace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

ENGEL STATEMENT ON TODAY’S INDICTMENTS  

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement:

“Given the Trump Administration’s failure to hold Russia accountable for its attack on American democracy, it’s no surprise that it fell to the Special Counsel investigating the Trump-Russia scandal to act at last. Today’s indictments shed new light on the extent of Russia’s destructive plot against the United States and underscore the importance of Mr. Mueller’s work and why it must continue.

“However, this announcement won’t prevent Russia from meddling with future elections, which even the Administration acknowledges is happening. Congressional Republicans must now work across the aisle to shore up our election system against the next wave of attacks, or else they signal that they’re perfectly willing to accept Russia’s help. American democracy is on the line.”

It Is Unacceptable That Republicans Continue to Tolerate These Mass Shootings 

“My heart continues to break for the families and victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkville, Florida. Wednesday’s shooting was the 18^th school shooting and the 30^th mass shooting to take place this year. We are forty-seven days into 2018.

“In the wake of this horrific tragedy, people will try to find an explanation for why this happened. Already, we are hearing the President blame mental health problems, stigmatizing millions of Americans. Mental health is a serious issue and funding mental health programs is important, but make no mistake: the GOP is using mental health as a red herring to distract from their unwillingness to even entertain the idea of strengthening our weak gun laws.

“The reason seventeen innocent people were viciously murdered yesterday is because a nineteen-year-old, who had been expelled from school, was able to walk into a gun store that didn’t require fingerprints, permits, or a waiting period, and buy a gun.

“It is unacceptable that Republicans in Congress continue to tolerate these mass shootings and murders. We have solutions to reduce the likelihood of events like this. Democrats have introduced legislation that would require stricter background checks, longer wait periods, ban assault weapons, and limit magazine capacity among many others. I call on Speaker Ryan to bring these solutions to the floor for a vote before any more Americans are killed.”

Wave Hill Events Mar 1‒Mar 9

Sat, March 3    Family Art Project: Give a Feathery Friend a Home or a Feeder

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 4    Family Art Project: Give a Feathery Friend a Home or a Feeder

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 4    Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. This year’s Session 2 artists are Michele Brody, Tamara Kostianovsky, Athena LaTocha, Maika’i Tubbs and two New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellows, Ashton Agbomenou and Yelaine Rodriguez. For more about who is in residence on Sundays, visit wavehill.org. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM

Sun, March 4    Art Workshop: Sewn Plant Sculptures Workshop

Take a tour of Tamara Kostianovsky’s Winter Workspace studio and explore ideas of personal identity, immigration and home. Working with fabric swatches, textiles, ropes, threads and twine, upcycle discarded items to give them new life as plant sculptures. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55; 10% discount to Wave Hill Members. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 4    Garden & Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, March 5

Closed to the public.

Fri, March 9    The Garden and Beyond: An Afternoon of History at Wave Hill

This elegant and intimate afternoon celebrates Wave Hill’s rich historical legacy and extraordinary gardens. Relish a light-fare buffet—inspired by a traditional afternoon tea—as you enjoy a historical lecture and behind-the-scenes tour of the early spring gardens. The presentation takes place in the Mark Twain room, the former library of the estate, and continues outside with a walking tour of working areas of the garden. The afternoon concludes in The Shop at Wave Hill with a complimentary gift and a 10% discount on all purchases. Space is limited. $50/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1‒3:30PM 

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, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

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 W. 242nd 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.

News From Councilman Mark Gjonaj - We've Moved!

Please note that our District Office has relocated. District Office 1478 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, New York 10461 P: 718-931-1721 F: 718-931-1605 Legislative Office 250 Broadway, Suite 1847 New York, NY 10007 212-788-7375 phone 212-442-2724 fax

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honors Six Distinguished Individuals at our Black Heritage Celebration Luncheon

Phil Cardone

Events, Communications & Grants Director

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900

BP DIAZ & ADVOCATES DEMAND ‘FAIR FARES’ IN NYC BUDGET

BP Diaz, transit and community activists blast de Blasio administration for failing to include $200 million in FY 2019 budget to provide transit relief for the working poor

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and advocates from across the city have come together to rebuke Mayor Bill de Blasio for failing to include funding for “fair fares” in his $88.67 billion Preliminary Budget for City Fiscal Year 2019.

“For a relatively small amount of funding the administration could provide the working poor with real financial relief by making ‘fair fares’ a reality,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “For $200 million we could make a significant impact on the everyday lives of nearly 800,000 New Yorkers – people from every corner of this city who desperately need a helping hand. The de Blasio administration must add the funding for ‘fair fares’ to its budget.”

The “fair fares” proposal is anti-poverty effort aimed at addressing transit affordability, and would fund half-price transit fares for the economically disadvantaged. Recent data from Community Service Society’s 2017 Unheard Third found that one in four poor, working-age New Yorkers are often unable to afford subway and bus fares.

The survey also found that 20 percent of working-age New York City residents living below the poverty line have been unable to run important errands due to subway fares, and that 31 percent could not look for or take a job further away from where they live because of the high cost of transit. 

“As we debate the future of our transit system and how it will be funded, we cannot lose sight of the needs of the working poor. We should consider developing a more nuanced system of collecting fares—a system that takes into account a commuter’s means, and provides a discount to those New Yorkers who need it the most. A ‘fair fares’ program will do just that, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the City Council and advocates all over the five boroughs to make real relief for the working poor a reality,” said Borough President Diaz.

“Whether it’s a millionaires’ tax or a congestion pricing plan, we need a recurring source of revenue to fix our subway system and in the process make transit fares affordable for our lowest income residents,” said David. R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society and MTA Board Member. “These are both sound progressive ideas, but neither will provide the immediate relief that struggling New Yorkers need today to get to work and get ahead. The mayor should move forward and launch a half-priced “Fair Fares” program and fund it in the City budget. By not doing so, the mayor would’ve missed an opportunity to prove that his pronouncements about creating a fairer city were not just political rhetoric.”