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Bronx Politics and Community events
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Over 100 people marched from the street where the 50th Precinct is (West 236th Street), up Broadway to Van Cortlandt Park where there was a Pro Police rally. The event was organized by former police officer/congressional candidate Sammy Ravelo.
At Van Cortlandt Park a platform was set up where Mr. Ravelo and others gave speeches about the lack of respect police officers face from not only the public, but most of the elected officials. PBA President Pat Lynch said that Mayor de Blasio, Public Advocate Williams, and City Council Speaker Johnson are hampering effective police work. Lynch also said 'Enough is Enough' calling for the mayor and city council speaker to admit they made a mistake when it comes to the NYPD. Riverdale Rabbi Levi Shemtov said that all lives matter, and it is the police officers who do not get the respect they deserve for keeping the city safe.
A similar Pro Police rally in the 49th Precinct was held in Morris Park's Loretto Park in early July which drew about two-hundred people. There will be a Pro Police Rally in the 45th Precinct on August 30th. The plans are not finalized as of yet.
Above - The rally goers march north on Broadway to Van Cortlandt Park.
Below - The stage that was set up in Van Cortlandt Park in the field area, with Mr. Ravelo welcoming everyone.
Above - PBA President Pat Lynch pulled no punches during his speech saying that his union and other police unions would be seeking their own candidates for the upcoming city council elections.
Below - Riverdale Rabbi Levi Shemtov had only words of praise for the men in blue, and those in the 50th Precinct who cover the area.
100 PERCENT - Primary Day 2021 and Rank Choice Voting
While Election Day 2020 is a a few weeks away, many here in the Bronx are already gearing up for Primary Day 2021 which is 10 months away. Candidates are lining up for the term limited vacant borough president and city council seats that will be open. With so many candidates running in each race Primary Day 2021 will be the first test of Rank Choice Voting in many Bronx primary races, Rank Choice Voting will also be used in special elections starting in 2021. Due to term limits and other factors we could see only one incumbent city council member running for re-election in 2021.
Since the real election for Bronx candidates takes place on the day of the Democratic Primary not the November general election which is merely a formality, City Councilman Andrew Cohen should become Supreme Court Judge Andrew Cohen comes the beginning of 2021. This will also occur when City Councilman Ritchie Torres becomes Congressman Ritchie Torres also at the beginning of 2021. Both Cohen and Torres have pledged to serve until the end of 2020. Because petitioning begins the last week of February and the current state of things, a special election should not be needed in the 11th or 15th council districts.
Rank Choice Voting comes in when one of the candidates for a particular office does not obtain more than fifty percent of the vote. The top five candidates are then placed in order one through five. If no one still does not have more than fifty percent of the remaining vote the fifth place candidate is eliminated with their votes being redistributed to the number two candidates that was selected by the voter. This process continues to the next rounds until one candidate has more than fifty percent of the remaining vote.That candidate is then declared the winner of the race.
As we interview the many candidates, we will begin to let you the voter know where the candidates stand on issues of importance in your district. Look for each Bronx Primary race in upcoming columns.
21,428 Speeding Tickets Issued Statewide During Speed Awareness Week
30,273 Tickets Issued for Other Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding during Speed Awareness Week, which ran from August 6 through August 12. During that time, officers also issued 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as impaired and distracted driving.
"Speeding can have grave consequences and lead to avoidable and needless tragedy" Governor Cuomo said. "We have zero tolerance for reckless driving in New York and make no mistake: dangerous drivers will be caught and will be held accountable."
The following tickets were issued during this year's enforcement campaign:
Violation Number of tickets
Speeding 21,428
Other Violations 26,141
Seatbelt Violation 1,984
Impaired Driving 995
Distracted Driving 662
Lane Change Violation 491
Total 51,701
This year, speeding appears to be on the rise in New York State. Preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College shows that unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 34 percent of all fatal crashes from January to May this year, compared to 30 percent of fatal crashes during the same period in 2019. Speed Week is held each August, when fatal crashes involving unsafe speed are typically more prevalent. Data shows that most fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor occur between June and September. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers who speed are also more likely to commit other traffic violations.
Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "There's no excuse for speeding. New York State will continue to educate motorists and enforce the law through these specialized campaigns to help ensure safety on our roadways."
New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, "I commend our State Troopers and the members of all law enforcement agencies for the work they do each day to improve safety on our roadways by targeting speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding is a leading factor in fatal crashes and we urge all drivers to obey posted speed limits and put safety first."
In addition to "Speed Awareness Week," the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.
Join us on Friday, September 4th for our Back to School and Food Giveaway! We will be providing “to-go” hot food meals, boxes of food, and book bags with supplies! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you MUST RSVP and arrive within your designated time frame wearing a mask/ face covering. Please do not arrive before or after your time slot. If you arrive before, you will have to wait until your designated time, and if you arrive after, we cannot guarantee your requests. Additionally, you will be given a confirmation number upon RSVP, please ensure that you have this confirmation number at hand on the day of the event. My number one priority is your safety and this why we have set up these strict guidelines. To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate in contacting my office at the same number and email address previously stated.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Grab & Go Meals and Back to School Giveaway
Date: Friday, September 4th, 2020
Time: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Location: 959 E. 233rd Street Bronx, NY 10466
To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov.
Senator Has Warned Postmaster’s Actions Have Jeopardized North Country Delivery Of Medications, VA Benefits, Paychecks & Sanctity Of The Nov. Election & Now Plans New Fight To Reverse Damage
Schumer: Postal Service Pandemonium That Hit North Country Needs To Be Packed Up and Shipped Out
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Above are three press releases from Senator Chuck Schumer dated 8-21-2020. These were the only items listed. Senator Schumer represents the entire state of New York including New York City, yet there is never anything listed that he is doing for New York City.
Maybe in 2022 Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for U.S. Senate against the current U.S. senator since that will be the year after redistricting, and rumor has it that the current 14th Congressional District will be eliminated.
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