Engel on Reports of Lower Tax Refunds Due to GOP Tax Scam

  “Tax season is just getting underway and already people are feeling the pain from the GOP Tax Scam. According to the IRS, refunds are down in spite of President Trump’s massive trillion dollar tax cut. The reason is obvious: the tax overhaul was designed to further enrich big corporations and the wealthiest one percent, almost exclusively at the expense of working class Americans. In our area, the tax hit will be particularly jarring due to the caps on state and local tax, or SALT deductions. I’ve already heard from some people that their tax bill will go up thousands of dollars this year, a stunningly painful turn for many New Yorkers.

“Not only is the GOP Tax Scam taking money out of the pockets of most Americans, it has also in no way led to the sweeping economic expansion they sold it on. Many big businesses claimed this tax overhaul would mean higher wages for their workers, greater hiring, and more shared prosperity. The exact opposite has happened. To no one’s surprise, most corporations are using the money saved from the tax scam on stock buybacks meant to boost returns for stockholders, while laying off workers and keeping wages stagnant for those retained.

“I said many times this GOP Tax Scam was one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen come to the floor of the House. Now the data supports that assessment. We need to start unraveling this mess, and the place to start is the cap on SALT deductions that disproportionately hurt donor states likes New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and Pennsylvania. I’ve introduced legislation to repeal these caps that would retroactively apply to this year’s tax return when passed. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate and it is my hope that we can work together expeditiously to move these bills along. This needs to be a priority in the 116^th Congress.”

A Statement from Assembly Member and Public Advocate Candidate Michael Blake on Councilman Díaz, Sr.

“We have a responsibility as elected officials to be aware of the impact of our words.  Moreover, we must equally be selfless enough to acknowledge if and when we cause pain, apologize and unite people to progress ahead.  It is unfortunate and hurtful that Councilman Díaz, Sr. has decided to double down on homophobic rhetoric, not apologize and seemingly convey that he will not listen to the will of the people.  Despite working together in the past to benefit our community in the Bronx, I cannot sit by as his words continue to bring pain to so many people across our city. The time has come for Councilman Díaz, Sr. to resign. Words of division have no place in our society and neither does a rejection of acknowledgement of the pain those words or actions may cause.  I hope that his upcoming remarks and rally are one to express remorse and regret, rather than to divide us even more.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This statement comes from a person who gave Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. a check for One Thousand Dollars for his City Council Campaign, as a member of TEAM DIAZ.

COMMUNITY DEMONSTRATION TO SUPPORT COUNCILMAN REV. RUBEN DIAZ SR.

This came in from Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr.

Guardian Angels Celebrate 40th Anniversary

  Sunday, Aldo Slinadas, Curtis Sliwa, Dominick Serra, William Bohenberger, Tony NG, Don Chin, and Tommy Mcardle seven of the original thirteen members of the 'Rock Brigade' the group which became the Guardian Angels returned to McDonald's on Fordham Road to celebrate the forty-year anniversary of the group. 

  It was  night manager Curtis Sliwa of the McDonald's on Fordham Road near Jerome Avenue who with twelve other McDonald's workers and friends who decided to make people who came into this McDonald's looking for safety from the declining neighborhood feel safe. These workers would walk people home to protect them. The group then decided to ride the #4 subway line when Crime was rampant in the NYC subway system. 

  As to why only seven of the thirteen original members showed up, Sliwa said during the growth period there were difference of opinions with some of the original members leaving. Today however the Guardian Angels are over one thousand strong across the United States, and in several foreign countries. 

Above - Curtis Sliwa talks about how in 1979 he formed the Rock Brigade, which would later become the Guardian Angels. Several of the original thirteen members stand behind him.

Below - Sliwa and the Guardian Angels were presented with a Proclamation from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and a Citation from Councilman Ritchie Torres presented by McDonald's franchisee Tony Rodriguez and McDonald's Director of Operations Joseph Guerriera. 

Above - Don Chin (original member), and Tony Rodriguez (owner of fourteen McDonald's in the Bronx and Manhattan) greet Curtis Sliwa as he enters the McDonald's located at Fordham Road and Southern Boulevard. 

Below - In honor of the 40 years of the Guardian Angels this McDonald's sold apple pies for 40 cents all day.

Above - So many current and former Guardian Angels came to celebrate that a group photo had to be taken outdoors.

Below - A special cake was given to the Angels on their 40th Anniversary. 

Alleged Gang Member Charged With 2014 Manhattan Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John B. Devito, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging FRANK BRANDON, a/k/a “Trizzy,” an alleged member of the “Milla Bloods” gang, with the February 23, 2014, murder of Gashier Mendy, 24, inside the Saint Nicholas Houses in Manhattan, and related offenses.  BRANDON was taken into federal custody this morning in Gloversville, New York, and was presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Almost five years ago, Gashier Mendy was shot dead, her life tragically and brutally taken.  As alleged in today’s indictment, Frank Brandon killed her.  Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the NYPD and ATF, Brandon now faces murder charges for his heinous crime.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito said:  “Frank Brandon, an alleged member of the ‘Milla Bloods’ gang, was charged with a number of federal offenses including the murder of a young woman.  ATF and our law enforcement partners stand united at the frontline in the fight against violent crime.  We will aggressively pursue and bring to justice any individual bent on bringing heinous acts of violence into their communities.  I would like to thank the members of the ATF/ NYPD Joint Robbery Task Force for their tireless efforts on this case.  I would also like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting this case.    

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1]:

BRANDON was a member of the “Milla Bloods,” a gang that operated in Manhattan and engaged in racketeering activity, including acts of violence and narcotics distribution.  On February 23, 2014, in furtherance of his gang activity, BRANDON shot and killed Gashier Mendy inside 240 West 129th Street.

BRANDON, 32, of Gloversville, New York, is charged in the Indictment with one count of murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2; one count of murder through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j) and 2; one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 2; and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamines and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.  BRANDON faces a mandatory minimum penalty of death or life in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the NYPD and ATF.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Announces Lawsuit Against Managing Agent For Allegedly Defrauding Elderly Residents of Co-op

Suit Seeks Compensation for the Cooperative of More Than Half a Million Dollars and a Court Order to Remove Defendants as Managing Agent

  Attorney General Letitia James today announced a lawsuit against Joshua Prottas, Working Realty, Ltd., and Midwood Coop Group, LLC, for abusing his position as the managing agent of a cooperatively-owned apartment building in Midwood, Brooklyn (the “Cooperative”) to defraud the primarily elderly shareholders on the sale of seven of the Cooperative’s apartments to Prottas and his entities. Joshua Prottas, doing business as Working Realty, Ltd., is the longtime managing agent of the Cooperative.    

“Taking advantage of elderly New Yorkers is particularly egregious,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Instead of acting in the best interests of the Cooperative and its residents, the defendants allegedly scammed these individuals and used the funds for personal gain. We will never tolerate that behavior in our state.”

The suit alleges that Prottas – who wielded total control over the Cooperative’s finances and who the Cooperative’s elderly board members trusted and relied on – orchestrated a sale of the Cooperative-owned apartments to Midwood Coop Group, an entity controlled by him, for his own profit, in flagrant violation of his duties to the Cooperative as its managing agent. The complaint alleges that Prottas was able to obtain a below-market sale by withholding material information from and misrepresenting details about the transaction to the elderly board members. The Attorney General’s investigation also revealed that Prottas allegedly hid a $100,000 commission that he collected from the sale. He attempted to conceal his fraud by manufacturing false documents, which he passed off as legitimate to the Cooperative’s accountant, and also filed false documents with the New York City Office of the Register. 

The complaint also alleges that Prottas exploited the Cooperative for his own financial benefit in other ways, such as by lending to the Cooperative at predatory interest rates and taking an unauthorized increase in his management fee.       

In its filing, the Attorney General seeks restitution and damages for the Cooperative, disgorgement from the Defendants, an order enjoining Prottas and Working Realty from acting as the Cooperative’s managing agent or broker, and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.   

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect for New York City on Tuesday

Snow, Sleet, and Rain may Cause Significant Travel Difficulties

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Tuesday, February 12. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday through midnight. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain may cause travel difficulties during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes. According to the latest National Weather Service (NWS) forecast, light snow moves into the region early Tuesday morning and continues through the morning commute. Snow may become moderate to heavy at times. As temperatures increase Tuesday, the snowfall will transition to a wintry mix of sleet and rain in the afternoon, before changing over to rain during the evening commute. There is a possibility for brief freezing rain during the changeover from sleet to rain. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue through the overnight, and will begin to taper off after midnight.  A total of 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation is forecast, with higher amounts possible in the northern parts of the city. A total of an inch to an inch and a half of rain and a glaze of ice are also possible. High winds are also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, with gusts up to 40 mph.

New York City Emergency Management advises New Yorkers to use public transportation wherever possible on Tuesday. If you must drive, allow for extra travel time, expect slippery roads and limited visibility, and use extreme caution.

“We are expecting wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain that will cause messy travel conditions on Tuesday. We advise New Yorkers to take mass transit where possible, exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking, and allow for extra travel time,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “NYC Emergency Management is working closely with agency partners to coordinate preparations for the upcoming storm.”

NYC Emergency Management continues to work closely with National Weather Service to monitor the storm, and will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Key agencies and partners will staff the EOC to coordinate any response to potential impacts associated with the forecast. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has loaded 695 salt spreaders across the five boroughs, and its fleet of 1,600 plows will begin operations if more than two inches of snow accumulates on roadways. DSNY will also activate PlowNYC. Alternate Side Street Parking Regulations and trash, recycling and organic collections are suspended on Tuesday, February 12 in observance of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Parking meters remain in effect.

The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will pre-deploy crews to the East River bridges. DOT will pre-salt walkways at the ferry terminal, pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets, and will continue to monitor these locations. DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued a weather advisory to remind property owners, contractors, and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds, with the forecast calling for wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, February 12 through Wednesday, February 13. The department will perform random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

For more information about all agency preparations, visit NYC.gov/severeweather-agencyupdates.

Safety Tips

·Small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

·If you drive, use extra caution. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

·Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.

·Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

·Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.

·If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

·Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

Charter Commission Meeting - 2/20, City Hall Chambers

Wednesday February 20, 2019 starting at 6 PM.

Please see below for information about NYC Charter Commission 2019’s upcoming expert forum on elections. This is the first of six forums where experts and advocates will testify about the Commission’s focus areas. This forum will focus on election-related topics like ranked-choice voting, redistricting, and campaign finance. Wednesday February 20, 2019 starting at 6 PM.

FOCUS AREAS 

The Commission will study these proposals: 

ELECTIONS 

Instant Runoff Voting/Ranked Choice Voting

Proposals for the establishment of an instant runoff voting/ranked choice voting system (or a similar system) and related election process reforms (e.g. elimination of duplicative primary elections).  

Redistricting 

Proposals relating to how members of the Redistricting Commission are selected, who may serve on such commission, and how district maps are drawn and adopted.  

Campaign Finance 

Proposals relating to the structure of the Campaign Finance Board (e.g. how members to such board are appointed) and establishing an alternative public campaign financing system, such as a “democracy voucher” system. 

GOVERNANCE 

Appointment and Removal of Officials 

Proposals for establishing an “advice and consent” process for the appointment of certain government officials (e.g. Corporation Counsel, certain commissioners) and for removing such officials. 

Borough Presidents and Borough-Level Governance 

Proposals to expand and enhance the role of the Borough Presidents and/or borough-level governance. 

Corporation Counsel 

Evaluate the role and accountability of the Corporation Counsel. 

Corruption and Conflicts of Interest 

Proposals relating to the structure of the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) and lobbying by certain officials after their public service has ended. 

Police Accountability

Proposals relating to enhancing systems of police accountability. This will include exploring improvements to the structure, powers, and role of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and the manner in which police discipline is handled. 

Public Advocate 

Examine the role of the Public Advocate and consider proposals modifying, including eliminating, the powers and responsibilities of that office. 

Technical Changes to the Charter and Other Laws

Reconstituting the Board of Statutory Consolidation, whose purpose was to periodically review the Charter and other laws with an eye toward reorganizing and simplifying those laws. 

Chief Diversity Officer 

Proposal to create the position of Chief Diversity Officer in the Office of the Mayor and each city agency. 

FINANCE

City Budget - Proposals relating to 

• The structure of the budget, including making budget units of appropriation more detailed or program-based and aligning the capital budget with discrete projects 

• The authority of the Council to establish terms and conditions on appropriations 

• The timing of budget modifications concerning the financial plan 

• Impoundment powers 

• The timing and manner of making revenue estimates  

Comprehensive Planning (Capital Budget Component)

Proposals relating to the development of a comprehensive city planning framework for capital spending and land use. This would include consideration of proposals to restore the Department of City Planning’s role in the capital budget process.

Independent Budgets for Certain Offices

Proposals relating to providing an independent budget (e.g., a guaranteed minimum level of funding or ability to propose their own funding levels) for certain offices, such as the Public Advocate or the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). 

Public Pension System Investments 

Proposals relating to how public pension system investment decisions are made and by whom. 

Streamlining Procurement Payments

Explore ways to streamline the procurement process in order to ensure timely payments to contractors and grantees (as well as timely access to capital funding), particularly for nonprofit service providers. This would include an examination of the composition of the Procurement Policy Board (PPB).  

Contract Registration

Examine the contract registration process, including proposals for a mechanism to resolve disputes between the Mayor and Comptroller with respect to approval/registration of a given contract.

Procurement Policy

Proposals for a mechanism to establish procurement/contracting (and reimbursement) policy objectives, including consideration of allowing or clarifying that such objectives can be established by local law. 

LAND USE 

Comprehensive Planning (Land Use Component) 

Proposals relating to the development of a comprehensive city planning framework for capital spending and land use. This would include consideration of proposals for changes to the composition of the City Planning Commission. 

NOTE: This would accompany the “Comprehensive Planning (Capital Budget Component)” topic included in the Finance bucket. 

Franchising

Proposals relating to the composition of the Franchise and Concession Review Committee , the manner in which the terms of franchises are established, the manner and frequency of determining what franchises are necessary, and a mechanism for requiring that needed franchises be implemented.

Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) 

Evaluation of ULURP, including consideration of proposals related to 

• Establishing a “pre-ULURP” mechanism to allow involvement by communities, Community Boards, Borough Presidents, and other relevant stakeholders earlier in ULURP 

• Allowing a Borough President to include an alternative application to be considered alongside an application originating with the City or City-affiliated entities 

• Exploring ways to ensure that necessary mitigation of development impacts occurs 

• Clarifying ULURP timelines 

• Examining the universe of projects covered by ULURP 

• The manner in which ULURP modifications by the City Council and post-ULURP modifications to existing approvals are administered  

Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) 

Examine the composition of the BSA and its review of applications. 

Landmarks Preservation Commission  

Proposals relating to the composition and qualifications of, and possibility of remuneration for, members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.