Protest at Con Edison building on Grand Concourse by Former Congressional candidate Samelys Lopez and 14th City Council Candidate Adolfo Abreau

 

Saturday across from where the Bronx Board of Elections started to do the Rank Choice Voting close to one-hundred people came to protest the monopoly on electricity that Con Edison still has as the only distributor of gas and electricity. You may be buying the gas or electricity from another company, but it is Con Edison who brings it to your house through their gas and electric line. Con Ed has also not looked at non-fossil fueled power plants.

The organizers seemed to be former congressional candidate Samelys Lopez and 14th City Council candidate Adolfo Abreau. The attention seemed to be focused on Ms. Lopez who was on the bullhorn, and interviewed later. I could not ask Ms. Lopez if she was planning another run for Congress. against Congressman Ritchie Torres, or if she was looking at the 78th Assembly District where she was Vice-Chair of Community Board 7. 

Ms. Lopez on the Bullhorn rallying the crowd.

Ms. Lopez being interviewed. 

Former Bridgeport Police Chief Sentenced To Prison For Scheme To Rig City’s Police Chief Search

 

 Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced that ARMANDO J. PEREZ, the former Chief of Police of the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (the “City”), was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for participating in a scheme to defraud the City by rigging the 2018 police chief examination in order to ensure he would be selected for the position, and to making false statements to federal agents in the course of the investigation.  PEREZ previously pled guilty in Bridgeport federal court on October 5, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley, who also imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Former Chief Perez schemed to rig the search for a permanent police chief to ensure the position was awarded to him, and then he repeatedly lied to federal agents in order to conceal his conduct.  Today’s sentence sends a strong message that public officials will be held accountable when they corruptly put their own self-interest above their duties to faithfully serve their citizens.”   

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, the Information, other court filings, statements made during court proceedings, and publicly available information:

The Scheme to Rig the City of Bridgeport’s Police Chief Exam

In or about 2018, PEREZ participated in a criminal scheme to rig the City’s search for a new Bridgeport Police Department (“BPD”) chief in 2018.  During the course of this scheme, PEREZ – who was serving as the acting BPD chief at the time – conspired with David Dunn, who was at that time the City’s acting personnel director, to deceive the City by secretly rigging the supposedly independent search process for a new BPD chief to ensure that PEREZ was ranked as one of the top three candidates and could therefore be awarded a five-year contract to serve as the BPD chief.

More specifically, in or about February 2018, the City commenced a search to fill the position of permanent Chief of Police.  Under the City’s Charter, the City was required to conduct an “open and competitive examination” to determine the top three scoring candidates for the position, from which the mayor could then choose.  Dunn, in his role as the personnel director, oversaw the police chief examination process, and retained an outside consultant (“Consultant-1”) to assist with developing and carrying out the exam.  PEREZ and Dunn then manipulated that examination process in multiple ways:  Dunn stole confidential examination questions and related information developed by Consultant-1, and provided those materials to PEREZ, including by email; Dunn had Consultant-1 tailor the examination scoring criteria to favor PEREZ; PEREZ enlisted two BPD officers to secretly draft and write PEREZ’s written exam; and Dunn attempted to influence a panelist, tasked with ranking the candidates in the last stage of the exam, to ensure that PEREZ was scored as one of the top three candidates. 

As a result of the scheme, the City was deceived into ranking PEREZ among the top three candidates, which rendered him eligible for the permanent police chief position.  The mayor ultimately offered the position to PEREZ, and the City, under the assurance that PEREZ had been appointed in accordance with the City Charter, entered into a five-year contract with PEREZ, the terms of which included a payout to PEREZ for accrued leave.

PEREZ’s False Statements

PEREZ was voluntarily interviewed in connection with the FBI’s investigation.  In an attempt to conceal his conduct, during those interviews he lied to FBI agents about facts material to the criminal investigation.  PEREZ provided false and misleading information about the assistance Dunn and others had provided him in connection with the examination process, including his requests to a BPD officer to sneak into headquarters to retrieve stolen confidential information provided by Dunn. 

In addition to the prison term, PEREZ, 64, of Trumbull, Connecticut, was sentenced to two years of supervised release, a fine in the amount of $7,500, and restitution of $299,407. 

On October 5, 2020, Dunn pled guilty to his participation in the scheme to rig the City’s police chief search and to making false statements to federal investigators, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Dooley tomorrow.              

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic April 11, 2021

 

Hospitalizations Drop to 4,083—Lowest Since December 2

877 Patients in the ICU; 577 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 2.99%

New York City 7-Day Average Positivity Rate Drops to 3.58%—Lowest Since December 1

Long Island 7-Day Average Positivity Rate Drops to 3.93%—Lowest Since November 30

53 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitalizations dropped to 4,083, the lowest since December 2. New York City's 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 3.58 percent, the lowest since December 1. Long Island's 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 3.93 percent, the lowest since November 30.  

"New York is moving forward fighting the COVID-19 pandemic as we expand eligibility for the vaccine and open pop-up sites to serve the communities hardest hit by the virus across the state. The pandemic isn't over, and New Yorkers need to continue practicing safe behaviors and following the public health guidance as we work toward a brighter future," Governor Cuomo said. "We know that washing hands, wearing masks and staying socially distanced make all the difference in our ability to slow the spread, and residents should keep those behaviors front and center. I know this has been a long year and that COVID fatigue has set in, but with patience and commitment we can make progress and defeat this beast once and for all."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 226,048
• Total Positive - 6,764
• Percent Positive - 2.99%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.27%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,083 (-158)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -290
• Patients Newly Admitted - 479
• Hospital Counties - 54
• Number ICU - 877 (-5)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 577 (-8)
• Total Discharges - 167,582 (+549)
• Deaths - 53
• Total Deaths - 41,139

 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program- April 11, 2021

 

189,820 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours

Nearly 1.5 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

Nearly 1 in 4 New Yorkers Are Now Fully Vaccinated

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 189,820 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and nearly 1.5 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. The week 17 allocation of 1,727,225 first and second doses, New York's highest allocation to date, is expected to finish arriving today.         

"While we remain in a footrace against the infection rate, we know the vaccine works and are making steady progress in getting more New Yorkers vaccinated," Governor Cuomo said. "I urge everyone who has not yet signed up for an appointment to do so. Our providers are working around the clock to get shots into arms, and getting vaccinated is how you can show your support for them and for your community."   

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.                                           

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification             

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows.                                         

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 11,858,991

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 189,820

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,496,254

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 37.4%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 24.4%   

BRONX DA DARCEL D. CLARK RELEASES REPORT ON FATAL SHOOTINGS OF ANTONIO WILLIAMS AND NYPD DETECTIVE BRIAN MULKEEN

 

69-Page Report Outlines Public Integrity Bureau’s Investigation and Findings; Body-Worn Camera Videos Released 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today released the report on the investigation into the fatal shootings of Antonio Williams and NYPD Detective Brian Mulkeen during a gun-stop encounter in the Edenwald area of the Bronx on September 29, 2019, as well as video of the shootings and the events leading up to them. 

 The investigation found that during a struggle, Detective Mulkeen shot Mr. Williams to death, and in the moments that followed, at least one fellow member of the New York City Police Department shot and killed Detective Mulkeen.

 The investigation found that Mr. Williams was in possession of a loaded firearm during a lawful stop and it did not find criminal conduct in the use of deadly physical force by the officers involved. However, the loss of life here presents serious concerns about the NYPD’s use of force, defensive tactics and tactical trainings in their interactions with the public and incidents of “friendly fire.” 

 District Attorney Clark said, “This was a singular tragedy that unfolded in seconds and left two men dead and two families with a lifetime of sorrow. It stemmed from the proliferation of guns and gun violence. Detective Mulkeen was dedicated to getting firearms off the streets of the Bronx.

 “I send my condolences to the loved ones and friends of the two deceased young men, whom deserved a thorough, transparent investigation into facts leading up to their deaths. We are releasing the report as well as video footage from the officers’ body worn cameras to provide the public with as much information as possible, because transparency is paramount in keeping the community’s trust. By releasing this report, we are sharing the intricate steps that we took tofollow the evidence wherever it led. I will continue to build on community engagement and transparency by exploring the formation of a community advisory committee and publishing more detailed information on our website to explain the policies and protocols of our investigations into the matters involving police accountability. I would welcome an additional review mechanism, like the Office of the New York State Attorney General or an independent prosecutor, to examine the conclusions of my Office’s investigations when no criminal charges are brought

 “We must work in unison to end the scourge of gun violence. As we examine the report during this somber moment, let us come together in a call to action.”

 District Attorney Clark and the Public Integrity Bureau met with Mr. Williams’ family and their advocates as well as with Detective Mulkeen’s family to inform them of the findings. The timeline for completing this investigation was significantly impacted by COVID-19. The Public Integrity Bureau exercised maximum effort and care by being as thorough as possible to bring facts to light.

DiNAPOLI MOVES STATE PENSION FUND TOWARD NET ZERO TARGET, RESTRICTS INVESTMENTS IN OIL SANDS COMPANIES

 

Corporations Face Significant Environmental, Legal and Economic Risks

 The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) will restrict investments in oil sands companies that have not demonstrated that they are prepared for the transition to a low-carbon economy, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the third largest public pension plan in the country, announced today.

This action is tied to DiNapoli’s comprehensive Climate Action Plan to lower investment risks from climate change and transition the Fund’s investment portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“As nations around the world become increasingly serious about addressing the threat of climate change and as market forces drive a low-carbon economic transition, we need to make sure our investments line up with this reality,” said DiNapoli. “We have carefully reviewed companies in the oil sands industry and are restricting investments in those that do not have viable plans to adapt to the low-carbon future. Companies responsible for large greenhouse gas emissions like those in this industry, pose significant risks for investors.”

Oil sands companies produce a heavy type of crude oil from oils sands which are a mixture of sand, water, clay and bitumen. Oil sands production is more costly and carbon-intensive than other forms of crude production.

Today’s announcement follows the Fund’s detailed assessment that evaluated each company’s transition strategies, capital expenditures, and greenhouse gas reduction targets, among other factors.

The Fund determined the following seven companies failed to show they are transitioning out of oil sands production:

• Imperial Oil Ltd.
• Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
• Husky Energy Inc.
• MEG Energy Corp.
• Athabasca Oil Corp.
• Cenovus Energy Inc.
• Japan Petroleum Exploration Ltd.

The Fund will not directly purchase or directly hold debt or equity securities, or invest through an actively managed account or vehicle, in these companies, and more than $7 million in such securities currently held by the Fund will be sold in a prudent manner and timeframe.

The evaluation of the Fund’s oil sands holdings are part of DiNapoli’s broader review of the transition readiness of energy sector investments that face significant climate risk. Last year, DiNapoli’s review of coal companies led to the Fund’s divestment from 22 firms that failed to demonstrate transition readiness. The Fund will next evaluate shale oil and gas companies.

Background on Climate Investment Actions

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has been recognized as a global leader for his efforts to protect the Fund’s investments, address material risks from climate change and pursue sustainable investment opportunities for the Fund. In 2019, DiNapoli released a Climate Action Plan, a multi-faceted strategy that includes a goal of committing $20 billion to sustainable investments, dedicated staff to pursue climate solution investments, and minimum standards for portfolio companies that will inform engagements, investments and potential divestment decisions. Building on the Climate Action Plan’s solid foundation, in December 2020, DiNapoli announced the Fund has adopted a goal to transition its portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. 

Background on New York State Common Retirement Fund

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is the third largest public pension fund in the United States with assets of approximately $247.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. It has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.

265 Days and Counting

 

All is well here in New York City. Crime is up, schools are now going to need four cases of COVID in four different rooms rather than two cases in one room. NYC roads are full of potholes, and we have many many COVID vaccination centers now open, but we are not getting enough vaccine. In eight and a half months I will return as just a normal New York City citizen like all of you. Charlene and I will be able to enjoy ourselves as you do, while we THRIVE on my huge pension and what little savings we have.   

266 Days and Counting

 

I got my vaccination, my free ride on the Cyclone at Coney Island, Marjorie how about I come up to the Bronx to campaign for the wife of one of the most loyal people on my staff Jeff Lynch in his wife's bid to replace the current City Councilman who represents City Island and Throggs Neck, that I can't stand and have made his first term a living hell. We can look for new places for homeless shelters, more bike and bus lanes, as well as places for substance abuse clinics with the legalization of Marijuana. My developer friends can buy homes to build high rise affordable housing, with you as the council member, you will pass them through the community like CB 10 get Blondell Commons  pushed through even though it was in CB 11. That won't matter anymore when you are elected, the East Bronx will look like the rest of the Bronx, dilapidated high rise buildings, poorer performing school, and much higher crime throughout the council district. Why do you think all that construction is happening on Pelham Parkway to put in larger water and gas lines for the high rise building that are to come to the East Bronx. Now that there is no more Pelham Parkway Task Force to watch over that, we can do whatever we want to do.