Saturday, February 23, 2013

LIU: CITY SHOULD BOYCOTT HP IF COMPANY FAILS TO PAY $163 MILLION IT OWES TAXPAYERS


 Cites Company’s ‘Possible Corruption’ in Letter Urging Mayor to Sue

In a letter Wednesday to Mayor Bloomberg, City Comptroller John C. Liu warned that his office may reject future contracts with Hewlett-Packard (“HP,” NYSE: HPQ) if the company fails to reimburse taxpayers for the up to $163 million it owes the City. That bite would hurt HP: City agencies have spent almost a quarter-billion dollars on HP’s products and services over the past three years.
 
“Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee,” Liu wrote. “Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City taxpayers will have serious consequences.”
 
HP owes the City the money for overbilling as a contractor on NYC’s 911 call center project, known as the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP), which is nearly eight years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget. A May 2012 audit by the Comptroller’s office found that HP’s work on the 911 call center was so poorly monitored and rife with billing and other errors that Liu referred the matter to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for further review. A new three-month analysis Comptroller Liu’s Audit team conducted of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.
 
Liu urged Bloomberg to sue HP to recover the taxpayer funds lost because of HP’s overbilling, and stated that the Comptroller’s Office “will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of ‘possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.’”

Bloomberg’s office has repeatedly dismissed the audit’s findings as inaccurate, but its claims that the project came in under budget are false and misleading. The original scope of the call center contract always included a project known as PSAC 2, which later had to be contracted out separately, resulting in millions of dollars of added costs for the City.

“City Hall can’t turn back the clock and undo the gross mismanagement of this project, but it must pursue the consultant to refund our taxpayers for sham billings,” Liu said. “And both the Mayor’s office and the consultant must stop their duplicitous claims that the project came in under budget when in fact it was only half-completed.”
 
The City desperately needs the money to address next year’s budget challenges.

“Last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project,” Liu wrote. “The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.”
 
Background:
 
·         City agencies have spent an average of more than $80 million per year on HP products and services over the past three years.
 
Spending with Hewlett-Packard by City Agency
Rank
Agency
Amount
1
Department of Information Tech & Telecom      --- $137,959,668
$137,959,668
2
Department of Education                                                ---   $54,127,203
$54,127,203
3
School Construction Authority                                  ---   $16,555,001
$16,555,001
4
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene       ---     $6,307,530
$6,307,530
5
Department of Social Services                                    ---     $5,724,500
$5,724,500
6
Department of Citywide Administrative Services - $4,890,044
$4,890,044
7
City University of New York                                      ---     $2,833,593
$2,833,593
8
Department of Environmental Protection          ---     $2,043,821
$2,043,821
9
Department of Homeless Services                        ---     $1,517,867
$1,517,867
10
Fire Department                                                               ---     $1,155,565
$1,155,565
All Other
                                                                                                     ---     $7,448,741
$7,448,741
Total
                                                                                                     ---  $240,563,534
$240,563,534



Data Source: CheckbookNYC.com spending data (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2012)
·         May, 30, 2012, audit report on HP 911 call center project expenditures: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2012/06-30-12_FM11-107A.shtm
_________________________

Text of the letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg:

February 20, 2013

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg 
Mayor               
The City of New York
City Hall
New York, N.Y. 10007

Re:   Hewlett-Packard’s Emergency Communications Transformation Program Overbilling

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I write regarding our May 30, 2012 audit of Hewlett Packard’s wrongful overbilling of the City and deficient work on its System Integration Contract for the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP). As we found in our audit, HP used unscrupulous billing and other practices to inflate its charges to the City by up to $163 million. At the time, your spokesman dismissed those findings.

My audit staff recently uncovered new information about HP’s unscrupulous practices that could strengthen the City’s efforts to obtain the maximum recovery from HP. Our new three-month analysis of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

Our office met with the Law Department and apprised it of these findings, which underscore the fact that HP’s wrongful business practices pervaded its contract and reflect not merely gross error, but possibly willful misconduct.

I therefore strongly urge your office and the Corporation Counsel to intensify and accelerate the City’s efforts, through litigation and otherwise, to recover taxpayer funds lost as a result. The Law Department should immediately reflect the results of our post-audit review in its claims and potential litigation against HP, as well as the issues raised in the 2012 audit report. Prompt and aggressive action by the City is needed to recover all of the money HP owes the City and its taxpayers.

The City should immediately review all other agreements it may have or is considering with HP, because the facts call into serious question whether HP qualifies as a responsible vendor with the requisite integrity to receive taxpayer dollars. 

In this regard, please be advised that my office will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of “possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.” Moreover, in light of our audit findings, this office intends to freeze future ECTP-related payments to HP.


We must not permit HP to exploit New York City’s taxpayers. Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee. Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City’s taxpayers will have serious consequences.

My audit staff remains available to provide the Law Department with support in our common efforts to substantiate the strongest possible case against HP in order to enable the maximum recovery for the City.  

As you well know, last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project. The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.

While we appreciate the actions your office has taken since to look into HP’s egregious conduct, the clock is ticking. Let’s join forces and work together to recoup these funds.

Sincerely,


John C. Liu

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson Announces for 16th Council Seat


  In what may have been the worse kept secret this past month 77th A.D. Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson officially announced her intention to run for the soon to be term limited seat of Helen Diane Foster in the 16th City Council District. The announcement came with many Bronx elected officials (as you will see in the photos below), and even Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who may be eyeing the position of city council speaker next year. 
  Deputy Borough President Aurelie Greene was the host of the Gibson for Council event, and it was then Assemblywoman Greene who gave Vanessa Gibson a job in her assembly office over ten years ago. Gibson later won election to the 77th A.D. in a special election when New Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took Ms. Greene to be his Deputy Borough President. Diaz Jr. had only words of praise for the job of Assemblywoman Gibson, and said that she is good for the district, the Bronx , and will be for the city when she becomes a city council member. 
   Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Foster said to Assemblywoman Gibson that it is your time now, and that she (Foster) was passing the baton to Gibson. Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Heastie, Congressman Jose Serrano, and other Bronx Assembly members said that they were sad to see Assemblywoman Gibson leave Albany, but that they knew she can do the job needed down at City Hall. It was a little strange to see Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who had announced last year that he was going to run for City Comptroller only to pull out of the race when Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer announced that he was going to run for comptroller instead of mayor. It could be that Garodnick may attempt to become the next speaker of the council as the current speaker is term limited out next year.

 










Left - Assemblywoman Gibson poses with Congressman Jose Serrano before the event.
Right - A group photo of the elected officials.

Left - Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster at the mike.
Right - Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Hestie has words of praise for council candidate Gibson.


Lefy - Bronx Borought President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks highly of Assemblywoman Gibson.
Right - It was Congressman Jose Serrano's turn.


 










Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera had his turn.
Right - A shot from the back of the packed room as Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick winds up the list of elected officials. Assemblymen Dinowitz, Crespo, & Castro, and State Senator Serrano also spoke.


ARE WE ALONE? Month is Back!


SCIENCE CHANNEL JOINS THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE
THIS MARCH WITH ARE WE ALONE? MONTH


--World Premiere Episodes of Alien Encounters and Aliens: the Definitive Guide Air Tuesdays at 10 PM (ET/PT)--

(Silver Spring, Md.) — Science Channel’s ARE WE ALONE? month returns to viewers in March with a search for answers to bold new questions about mankind’s search for extraterrestrial life. Beginning Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM (ET/PT), Science Channel renews its partnership with SETI Institute and is once again pushing the boundaries of the unknown. Four all-new, world premiere episodes feature leading scientists on the hunt for alien life forms that lie beyond Earth, examine the probable human response to actual aliens landing on Earth, and divulge fascinating new scientific discoveries about the existence of extraterrestrials.

ARE WE ALONE? month was a big hit for Science Channel last March. We invited viewers to join the search for extraterrestrial life, and it’s clear that everyone enjoys programming of an alien kind,” said Debbie Adler Myers, executive vice president and general manager, Science Channel. “Especially the way our network approaches it–with a uniquely scientific perspective. This year, Science Channel has four world premieres that use stunning visuals, world-renowned experts and enthralling storytelling that help us to once again own the alien category.”

Last year in the two-part special ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, distinguished scientists examined how extraterrestrials might communicate with Earth and discussed the ramifications. Now, the aliens have answered humanity’s call and after travelling billions of miles they’ve landed on our planet in all-new, world premiere episodes of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE INVASION on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM (ET/PT) and ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE OFFSPRING on Tuesday, March 12 at 10 PM (ET/PT).

Science is constantly looking for evidence of life in outer space. In the world premiere of Aliens: the Definitive Guide on Tuesday, March 19 at 10 PM (ET/PT) and Tuesday, March 26 at 10 PM (ET/PT), viewers trek to stunning, remote locations on Earth and throughout the galaxy to gain a better understanding of what mankind currently knows about life beyond our planet including on Earth-like exoplanets.

Along with Science Channel’s unique brand of programming, ScienceChannel.com and SETI Institute are once again joining forces to offer a unique digital component which will enhance the ARE WE ALONE? viewing experience and take the search for extra-terrestrial life to citizen scientists everywhere.

During ARE WE ALONE? month Science Channel will also air premiere NASA’S MISSION TO MARS on Tuesday, March 19 at 9 PM (ET/PT). This in-depth special reveals the science behind Curiosity – NASA’s largest and most powerful rover ever – and its exceptional journey to the red planet. TRANSIT OF VENUS, premiering Tuesday, March 26 at 9 PM (ET/PT) on Science Channel, brings a unique, fresh perspective to the rare astronomical event that occurred on June 5, 2012, when Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun.

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS is produced for Science Channel by Karga Seven Pictures. For Karga Seven Pictures, the executive producers are Emre Sahin, Kelly McPherson and Sarah Wetherbee, with co-executive producer Avigail Schotz. Aliens: the Definitive Guide is produced by Arrow Media and Handel Productions. For Arrow Media, Tom Brisley is executive producer, Mike Davis is director and Lucy van Beek is series producer. For Handel Productions, Alan Handel is executive producer and André Barro is producer. Debbie Adler Myers is the executive vice president and general manager of Science Channel, and Bernadette McDaid is vice president of production. Executive Producers for Science Channel are Rocky Collins and Neil Laird, Kaitlin McIntyre is a producer and Katie Pyne is an associate producer.

ARE WE ALONE? EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:
**All Times ET/PT**

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS
The Invasion World Premieres Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM
The Offspring World Premieres Tuesday, March 12 at 10 PM

These two episodes of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS begin where last year’s two episodes left off. A swarm of alien spacecraft hover in the Earth’s atmosphere and suddenly deposit thousands of mysterious capsules on the surface. As the mother ship floats, ominously silent, in Earth’s orbit the capsules begin to split and multiply as humans scramble to brace for the unknown. How will mankind respond to the extraterrestrial presence? Will humans panic or show restraint? How will humans understand the aliens’ motives if there is no common language or technology? What happens when mankind sends an ambassador rover to the mother ship? Using cutting-edge science and dramatic science fiction, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS examines these exciting questions and more.

ALIENS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE
Episode One World Premieres Tuesday, March 19 at 10 PM
Episode Two World Premieres Tuesday, March 26 at 10 PM

This all-new special is an “Encyclopedia Galactica” of non-Earth life forms, and an investigation into the latest scientific understanding of life beyond planet Earth. ALIENS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE showcases the brilliant scientists who are currently grappling with extraordinary questions about alien life including: what will aliens really look like; how will they sound; what might their worlds look like; and, of course, will they come in peace. This two-part special takes viewers to stunning, remote locations on Earth as well as elsewhere in the universe.

 

Wave Hill Events March 8–March 15


A new group of artists have settled in in Glyndor Gallery for our residency program. I’ve had a chance to peek in to get a sense of the subject and process of each artist, usually or my way in or out for a stroll through the gardens. All the artists’ workshops are full, but we are accommodating drop-ins at these free events, where space permits. But two upcoming events that you can reserve space in are the hike along the Palisades and our third and final horticultural lecture. Both happen to be offsite, one in New Jersey, and one on the upper east side. Get all the details below!

Just a reminder that our hours change on March 15: Starting that Friday, we are open until 5:30pm, taking advantage of the increasingly long, lovely days of spring.

SAT, MARCH 9   FAMILY ART PROJECT—STYLISH SEED POTS
Stylish Seed Pots/Diseños, semillas y macetas
Be inspired by colorful and varied mosaics from many cultures, and invent patterns of your own. Then, take an ordinary terra cotta pot and embellish it with stones, beads and ceramic tiles. Add a precious seed and plant it in your new pot. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 9    WINTER WORKSPACE: BUILDING VERTICAL GARDENS—COLLABORATIVE DRAWING   FULL
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Naomi Reis’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Participants will visit the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and look at images of existing vertical gardens, to gain inspiration for creating a collaborative “vertical garden” made up of drawings and paintings on Mylar. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

SAT, MARCH 9    WINTER WORKSPACE: COLOR MIXING AND INTERACTION IN PAINTING   FULL
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Francisco Donoso’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Donoso leads a short discussion on the mixing, interaction and basic properties of color. Participants will use this knowledge to create their own vibrant paintings inspired by the gardens. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes place on March 17.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 10    BIRDING AT WAVE HILL
Expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow leads these regular Sunday walks. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission. 
MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, MARCH 10    FAMILY ART PROJECT—STYLISH SEED POTS
Stylish Seed Pots/Diseños, semillas y macetas
Be inspired by colorful and varied mosaics from many cultures, and invent patterns of your own. Then, take an ordinary terra cotta pot and embellish it with stones, beads and ceramic tiles. Add a precious seed and plant it in your new pot. Free with admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 10    GARDEN 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, MARCH 11
Closed to the public.

MON, MARCH 11    HISTORY HIKE: MILLIONAIRES’ ROW ON THE PALISADES
Explore the cliffs along the Palisades. Once known as “Millionaires’ Row”, the tumbled remains of a dozen or so estates line a lonely precipice more than 400 feet above the Hudson River. Historic Interpreter Eric Nelsen and Trail Crew Supervisor and Educator Christina Fehre of the Palisades Interstate Park–NJ Section recount the fascinating cultural history of the Palisades and the wealthy families that left behind their stately manor homes and ornate gardens, now almost reclaimed by the forest. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Transportation provided from Wave Hill. Space is limited.
MEET AT VISITORS PARKING LOT, 12:30−3:30PM

TUE, MARCH 12    WINTER WORKSPACE: PORTRAIT OF A LANDSCAPE—SCULPTING IMAGINERY PLANTS   FULL
Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Lina Puerta’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist demonstrates how she creates images of the environment using natural materials such as mud and beeswax sourced from the site. Using these techniques, participants will make their own drawings of the local landscape. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

WED, MARCH 13    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3―JASON ESLAMIEH: BOSWELLIAS OF THE WORLD
Wave Hill Horticultural Lectures are devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. This year’s distinguished lecturers offer a walk down memory lane. But these presentations are not simply an indulgence in nostalgia, because the past strongly informs the present in the three subjects we address. After a quarter of a century practicing architecture, Jason Eslamieh has established a research nursery in Tempe, Arizona, to pursue a 20-year passion for studying, and writing about, three genera of the Burseraceae family. The first was the subject of his 2011 publication Cultivation of Boswellia, better known to many of us as frankincense. A second volume, on the genus Bursera, is on the way. His March lecture illuminates the diversity and habitat of Boswellia, outlines its venerable history and speculates about its future. The second in this series takes place February 27 Individual lectures: $20 Member, Student/$25 General. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or by calling 718.549.3200 x216. This is the final lecture on the 2013 series.
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

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 mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in March. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s 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 3o 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 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.
 
 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

State of The Borough Photos


Below are a few of the photos taken at the State of the Borough Speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.












Left - 11th City Council District candidate Andrew Cohen sitting next to Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie before the BP's State of the Borough address. Could Mr. Cohen be asking when Chairman Heastie will be endorsing his candidacy?
Right - State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Councilwoman Mellisa Mark-Vittero chew the fat with Congressman Jose Serrano.

Left - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. with recently elected Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who Diaz Sr. supported, and on the left of Diaz Sr. is his candidate in the 15th City Council race Mr. Joel Bauza. 
Right - Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. giving the Invocation.



Left - The front row of elected officials. Closet are the four other borough Presidents, State Senate Co-Leader Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Heastie, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, City Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill deBlasio, and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli rounds out the front row. Deblasio, Liu, and Quinn are also candidates for mayor on the Democrat line, seated a row back out of the photo is former City Comptroller Bill Thompson, and just out of the picture in the second next to Bronx DA Robert Johnson is former Bronx BP Carrion a candidate for mayor on the Republican line currently.
Right - After Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. finishes all stand to applaud him.


Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club Meeting


MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 7 pm

At the Clubhouse
304 West 231th Street
AGENDA
  1. President’s Report 
  2. Guest Speaker
 
Bill Samuels, Founder
The New Roosevelt Initiative

 “An Innovative Proposal for         
State Election Campaign Finance”
  

  1. Elected Officials’ Reports 
  2. New Business
 
Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club
304 West 231st Street
Bronx, New York 10463
(718) 796-6177      www.bfrdc.org
benfranklinclub@gmail.com
 

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ DELIVERS FOURTH 'STATE OF THE BOROUGH' ADDRESS


Borough President Diaz says the ‘New Bronx’ has taken tremendous steps towards a brighter future; outlines new initiatives on crime, development and education
Yesterday at the Monroe High School Campus auditorium in Soundview, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his fourth annual “State of the Borough” address.

During his speech, the Borough President highlighted his administration’s accomplishments over the past year and throughout his first term, outlined his agenda in education, health and economic development and declared the “New Bronx” a borough of economic success and prosperity.

“The Bronx has come a long way in the last few decades. Crime is down, investment is high, our neighborhoods are cleaner and our economy is growing,” said Borough President Diaz.  “The ‘New Bronx’ is a place where we have helped to create or retain thousands of new jobs, and will create thousands more.”

Borough President Diaz also called for the creation of a new gun crime registry, with reporting requirement similar to those as sex offenders.

“The registry would be available online, and would require perpetrators of gun violence to keep updated records with the police regarding their living and employment arrangements. Law-abiding citizens ought to know who among us is responsible for gun violence, and this initiative will do just that,” said Bronx Ruben Diaz Jr.

During his speech, Borough President Diaz emphasized that the Bronx saw almost $1.5 billion of new investment last year and has seen more than $4.5 billion since 2009. Together, new borough projects advanced by Borough President Diaz have created or retained more than 5,000 permanent jobs, in addition to thousands of construction jobs. A full report, outlining the development achievements of the Bronx during Borough President Diaz’s first term so far, is attached to this release.

“We are growing by leaps and bounds. We are seeing significant progress in our efforts to make the Bronx an even greater place to live, work and raise a family,” said Borough President Diaz.

In addition, Borough President Diaz said tourism remains a great way to help small businesses in the Bronx grow. He said this year the Bronx will see an expanded Salsafest!, an even bigger Bronx Week and noted that 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Bronx County. In the coming weeks, Borough President Diaz will announce the formation of a commission that will help guide a year of events commemorating this milestone.

In his speech the Borough President also spoke about his commitment for a greener, healthier Bronx, specifically talking about his Solar Thermal Initiative, which kicked off this year to help residential buildings install Solar Thermal Hot Water systems. The Borough President also rolled out his plan to create a Green Development Fund.

“In 2013, we will work with our partners at all levels of government to create a fund that will leverage our capital dollars with existing programs at the federal and state level so more residences can take part in what we are doing.   We have to be smarter with how we spend vital tax dollars so we can create more sustainable housing, so that everyone can recoup the remarkable savings that come over time,” he said.

Borough President Diaz said that he will focus on greening the Bronx’s mass transit system as well by continuing to work with the MTA in their effort to bring the long awaited Metro-North service to the east Bronx.

“Last year, I spoke about how transformative this project would be…how it would open our borough up to new development, employment and housing opportunities. That has not changed.  We need this,” said Borough President Diaz. “This year, we will push for its full funding in the MTA’s upcoming five-year capital plan. The dream of Metro-North service in the East Bronx must become a reality now.”

On education, Borough President echoed President Obama’s call for greater technology education opportunities. He said Bronx children must have access to schools, like P-Tech in Brooklyn which provides students with tools that lead to high-paying STEM careers.

The Borough President also mentioned his work towards making the specialized high school admissions process more equitable, which was outlined in a report released by his office in May focusing on Bronx students’ severe underrepresentation in Specialized High Schools as a consequence of inadequate test preparation and other factors.

The Borough President closed his speech by thanking the Bronx for its efforts in helping its neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He said that in his next term he will continue to offer a bold, progressive agenda for the future of the borough, and urged Bronxites to continue their hard work on the continuing development of the Bronx.

“Look around you today. Look at how that work has paid off. The seeds we planted so many decades ago are bearing fruit. And it doesn’t stop there,” said Borough President Diaz. “We have to keep going. We must persevere. We must push forward. During the next four years we will—together as ‘One Bronx’—as a New Bronx, bring about meaningful change to our borough.”

A copy of the 2012 Bronx Annual Development Report Summary can be found at: http://on.nyc.gov/UA7TM2.


 

Senator Rivera to host Financial Aid Workshop for Parents



SENATOR RIVERA & CASA  NEW SETTLEMENT TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS  

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera  is partnering with CASA New Settlement to host an important Financial Aid Workshop for Parents of college age students.This workshop will be held at the Theodore Roosevelt Campus located at 500 East Fordham Road this Thursday, February 21, 2013 starting at 6:00 PM.  All are welcome.


WHO: Senator Gustavo Rivera and CASA New Settlement

WHAT: Financial Aid Workshop

WHERE: Theodore Roosevelt Campus-500 East Fordham Road. Bronx, NY

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2013 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM