NYLCV To NYC Mayoral Candidates:

Solid Waste Management Plan Must Be Comprehensive

   The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political priority in New York, today called on all New York City mayoral candidates to support the comprehensive approach to solid waste as embraced in the current Solid Waste Management Plan.

 

Passed in 2006 with strong support from New Yorkers, city leaders and environmental organizations, the Solid Waste Management Plan revolutionized the way New York handles its garbage. Prior to the plan’s implementation, the overwhelming majority of the city’s garbage was trucked into low-income and minority neighborhoods outside of Manhattan. For decades, those communities faced disproportionate environmental burdens including noise, reduced air quality and odors.

The Solid Waste Management Plan addressed this environmental injustice by requiring each borough to handle its own share of waste. The plan also helped clean the air and reduce quality-of-life complaints by establishing a system of marine transfer stations to reduce truck traffic and transport waste more efficiently. The locations of the marine transfer stations were carefully selected after exhaustive studies and community input.

“The strength of the Solid Waste Management Plan is its comprehensive nature. If one marine transfer station in Manhattan is eliminated, the burden simply shifts back to other stations and other boroughs – undermining the success of the entire effort,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “Environmental and environmental justice organizations fought for the current Solid Waste Management Plan for many years. New York must not go back to the polluting and unfair ways of the past.”

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The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy-making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.

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Agenda

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 6, 2013 – 7:00 PM

DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 - (718) 231-8470

I  Welcome                         Bob Fanuzzi, Chair

II Consider, Adopt June CFMC Agenda        CFMC Representatives

III Consider, Adopt 3/21/13 Meeting Minutes    CFMC Representatives

IV Update on Jogging Path Construction          DPR            

    At Jerome Park Reservoir

V Discuss DEP Responses regarding            CFMC Representatives

    SSE Performance                                         

Croton Site-wide Emergency Generator                 and DEP

   

VI Discussion about CFMC Request for Tour      CFMC and DEP

    of Jerome Park Reservoir

VII Croton Construction Update & Croton         Bernard Daly, DEP

    Costs Report

VIII CFMC Discussion.  Confirm Date for         CFMC Representatives

September 19, 2013 CFMC Meeting

IX Adjourn

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Advocates and Lawmakers Call for State Senate and Governor to Toughen Laws to Protect Immigrants

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Senator Ruben Diaz and immigrant advocates concerned that with federal immigration reform on the horizon immigrants will be victims of mass fraud without immediate State action

   Immigrant advocates and policymakers today called for tougher measures to discourage rampant immigrant assistance service fraud.  Federal immigration reform proposals are moving quickly in Washington DC and both the US Senate and House of Representatives are scheduled to pass the legislation in June and August respectively.  “Passage of immigration reform will open flood gates of immigrants seeking assistance with federal requirements and fraudulent immigration services providers are already lining up to strike thousands of victims,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on New Americans. In the spring of 2011 a sweep by federal and New York City law enforcement agencies found over 220 immigration service providers operating outside the limits of the law and issued over $288,000 in fines.  Surveys on this type of fraud in other major US cities have found that over 40% of immigration assistance services operations are fraudulent.

According to Crespo, “Immigration assistance services fraud is a serious problem facing the more than two million New Yorkers who are non-citizens, including some 800,000 who are considered undocumented immigrants.  Many immigrants looking for assistance with federal immigration matters have been defrauded and have lost their lifes savings trying to navigate our immigration system.” 

Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. stated, “I am proud to be the Senate Sponsor of this important bill and I thank my co-sponsors Senators Parker and Sampson for having the courage to put their names on this legislation. The Federal Government has taken long-awaited steps to improve the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants.  The time has come for New York State to do everything in its power to protect these immigrants who live all throughout our great State, from the eastern shores of Long Island to Niagara Falls and everyplace in between.  Now that the Assembly has passed this bill unanimously for the second time, I am calling on the Senate leadership to bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote before the legislative session ends.”

“With federal immigration reform on the horizon and a rush of huge number of immigrants seeking to qualify for the new Registered Provisional Immigrant (RPI) status, it is anticipated that mass scale immigration services fraud will be committed. Tougher measures at the State level to discourage and punish immigration services fraud are needed and should be in place prior to the enactment of federal immigration reform,” declared Crespo.

The legislation (A.158/S.786) which passed the Assembly on May 29, 2013 via a unanimous vote increases fines, requires qualifying criteria to be able to be an immigration assistance service provider and requires such providers to be registered with the New York State Department of State and requires that they prominently display their State certification.

"Comprehensive Immigration Reform is a very real possibility, and immigrant New Yorkers will be seeking assistance to determine their best options," said Wayne Ho, Executive Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families.  "Immigrant New Yorkers deserve reliable, credible immigration assistance services.  Service providers should not take advantage of immigrants who will be making important decisions that impact the well-being of not only themselves but also their children and families.  Immigration services fraud should not be tolerated, especially in New York."

“Immigrants living in New York City who could applying to legalize their immigration status need more than ever a law that guarantees a qualified assistance to fulfill  a complex immigration application process. Therefore LULAC Queens Council 23047 supports the bill proposed made by Assemblyman Crespo concerning: "Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act." The bill propose increases fines imposed upon those who violate laws regarding immigrant assistance services; requires certain immigrant assistance service providers to be registered with the Department of State.  I invites our Latino community to support it to prevent deceptive actions of people and organizations who are not following the  laws, rules and procedures, causing serious consequences for the applicants,” stated Sylvia Mata, President of the Queens Chapter for League of United Latin American Citizens.

"The NYIC commends Assemblyman Crespo and the New York Legislature for addressing the need for consumer protections against the unauthorized practice of immigration law and the provision of incompetent or unscrupulous legal services.  It enhances penalties for fraudulent services; establishes a registration system for immigration legal providers and requires that they meet clear criteria for registration and renewal of registration; and imposes penalties for providers who fail to register,” stated Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coaliton.  “Two key elements remain to be addressed: a robust public education campaign funded by the state to increase consumer awareness so that immigrant communities know how to protect themselves against unscrupulous providers; and a clear mechanism for reporting incidents of unscrupulous and incompetent practices to ensure both enforcement and restitution, as appropriate.  We look forward to working with Assemblyman Crespo and the New York Legislature to make this bill as effective as possible.”

According to Alfred Placeres, Esq., Legal Director for Casa Puebla, "This bill will help to expose those unscrupulous immigrant service providers who continue to  plague our community. Protecting our New Americans from getting ripped off as they travel down the path to citizenship is something we can all support.

“Last year, my organization published a report that relied on community led research where we documented that Immigration Service Providers are routinely violating the law and engaging substandard, predatory and fraudulent practices.” says Valeria Treves, Executive Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment, “In clear contravention of the law, none the ISPs visited by the our ‘mystery shoppers’ had a required “not an attorney” sign posted, up to a quarter of them advertised that they provide legal advice; and a quarter of them falsely identified themselves as an immigration attorney office. Furthermore, 23% of mystery shoppers received legal advice on the spot and one in three ISPs visited by the mystery shoppers guaranteed success in their applications for immigration benefits, which also forbidden by law. The consequences of an immigration services scam can range from the loss of money (sometimes thousands of dollars), to immigration consequences (including deportation) to social and emotional trauma.”

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DISTRICT COUNCIL 37 ENDORSES NYC COMPTROLLER JOHN LIU FOR MAYOR

DISTRICT COUNCIL 37 ENDORSES NYC COMPTROLLER JOHN LIU FOR MAYOR

John Liu has been an ally in our union’s campaign against wasteful contracting out and a good friend to New Yorkers we serve in communities citywide.

 

  On May 28, the 300-member Delegate Assembly of District Council 37, New York City’s largest public employee union representing 121,000 active members and its Retirees Association, representing 50,000 members, voted unanimously to officially endorse New York City Comptroller John Liu for Mayor. The union’s endorsement was announced at a news conference on the steps of City Hall on May 29.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts said, “DC 37 members and all New Yorkers face a critical mayoral election this November, which could bring a truly great mayor who will end the current favoritism toward the wealthy 1% and restore government ‘for the people’— the poor and working-class people of New York City. A mayor who makes New York City’s neglected communities and the public workers that serve them a priority. With last night’s vote by our Delegates, DC 37 officially endorsed New York City Comptroller John Liu as the candidate best qualified to be that mayor.”

DC 37’s endorsement came after a process of careful deliberation and evaluation of mayoral candidates seeking its support, which included an evaluation and recommendation by the DC 37 Screening Committee and the Delegates. Earlier DC 37 also held a Mayoral Forum on May 16, co-sponsored by 15 labor/community partners, where candidates seeking the union’s endorsement had an opportunity to speak and answer questions on issues of importance to DC 37 and its labor/community partners before an audience of hundreds of members.

“We evaluated Comptroller Liu’s answers to tough questions — both at our Mayoral Forum and from the DC 37 Screening Committee — regarding issues of importance to District Council 37 and the communities our union members serve,” said Roberts. “We also looked at his consistent track record of actions to curtail contracting out, overspending and waste of taxpayer dollars throughout his tenure as Comptroller. DC 37 members have been able to count on John Liu’s support during our fight to protect vital services and our jobs. 

"With DC 37’s endorsement of Comptroller Liu,” Roberts continued, “comes a pledge to work diligently on his behalf with our powerful, sophisticated field operations to get out the vote. This union has a proven record of successfully supporting our endorsed candidates. We look forward to putting DC 37’s mighty army of volunteers into the field to help elect New York City Comptroller John Liu as New York City’s next mayor — a mayor who truly believes in government for the people.”

District Council 37 is New York City’s largest public employee union, with 121,000 members and 50,000 retirees.

 

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Bird walks

  This came in from our friend 80th A.D. Male State Committeeman Joe McManus.

Mr. McManus writes- 

 

On June 8 th, 22nd and 29th of June , I will be leading bird walks in Van Cortlandt Park in conjunction with the NYC Audubon Society.

 

The walks are free and sponsored by  Van Cortlandt Park.

 

Time : 8-9:30 AM

Meeting place: Nature Center- between the Mansion and the Tennis courts.

 

No registration is needed.

for info: 718-548-0912

 

Children will have a good time!

 

Parking is available in the entrance off Van Cortlandt Park South. Follow the signs to the Golf  entrance.The parking is to the left before you reach the Golf house.

 

Please bring binoculars, field guide if available, bug spray and water.

 

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Wave Hill Events June 14–June 21

 

  Please note the art workshop on Sunday. Many of our workshops are multi-session series, so the Creative Action offerings are especially attractive if you are looking for that one topic or one day you feel like devoting to explore your creative side. But I recommend registering now since this small class will fill quickly.

FRI, JUNE 14    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23.. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, JUNE 15   FAMILY ART PROJECT—T’S FOR DAD AND ME

T’s for Dad and Me/Franelas pará Papa y yo

Think of an animal to represent you and one to represent Dad, and draw them together as a tribute to the two of you. With fabric markers and special crayons, decorate a summer T-shirt with your animal pair. Use a T-shirt we provide or bring your own. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JUNE 15    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JUNE 15    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of the gardens, buildings and the people who once called Wave Hill their home, with historian and Wave Hill Garden Guide Deirdre LaPorte. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JUNE 15    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space, Lynn Koble’s multi-media, sculptural installation explores her idea of classification systems as a point of intersection between people and nature. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JUNE 16   FAMILY ART PROJECT—T’S FOR DAD AND ME

T’s for Dad and Me/Franelas pará Papa y yo

Think of an animal to represent you and one to represent Dad, and draw them together as a tribute to the two of you. With fabric markers and special crayons, decorate a summer T-shirt with your animal pair. Use a T-shirt we provide or bring your own. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JUNE 16   HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JUNE 16    STUDIO SUNDAYS: INVASIVE PIGMENTS

Reconsidering Weeds through Watercolor

Engage in a creative dialogue with your surroundings guided by professional artists working in various media. Try something new―all skill levels welcome! In this session, investigate invasive or “undesirable” plants growing in and around Wave Hill with Drawn to Nature exhibition artist Ellie Irons. Turn each plant into pigment using a method derived from the production of watercolor paints, then experiment with the new pigments while painting forms drawn from the landscape. Take home a sample of pigment. $20 Member/$30 Non-member each session. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins accommodated as space permits.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, JUNE 16    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, JUNE 17

Closed to the public.

MON, JUNE 17    MEMBERS’ DAY TRIP: THE GARDENS OF NEW JERSEY

Spend the day exploring two very different gardens set in the rolling hills of New Jersey horse country with Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer and Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. At the Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills, wander the woodland trails where ferns, wildflowers, bulbs

and rare alpine plants enhance the stream valley and natural outcroppings. Just a few miles away in Pottersville, visit the inspirational garden of Andrea Filippone and William Welch, described in Elle Décor magazine as “a lush and romantic haven richly layered with artifacts and artistry.” $50 Member, includes admission, tour fees and transportation; lunch additional. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.

MEET AT WAVE HILL FRONT GATE, 9AM–5PM

TUE, JUNE 18    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

FRI, JUNE 21    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon Tuesdays in June. 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 242^nd 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.

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BFDC Endorsement Meeting

   Last night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club held an endorsement meeting for the two positions of Civil Court Judge in the Bronx, the position of Public Advocate, and for Mayor. Club President Ellen Feld opened the meeting by saying that there was national news coverage of the BFDC Mayoral Forum that was held last week. She added that Sunday at the BFDC headquarters (4-6 PM) will be the kick off for the Cohen for Council campaign with several BFDC already endorsed candidates such as BP Diaz, Comptroller candidate Stringer, and others to be in attendance. 

   81st A.D. Male District Leader Bruce Feld announced that petitioning begins on June 4th, and that the club will have its own petitions available the day before for members to pick up. 

   President Ellen Feld said tonight's meeting was for endorsement of 2 judges, Public Advocate, and Mayor should the club choose to endorse which included the option of no endorsement also for any of the positions. First up was current Acting Supreme Court Justice Larry Schachner running for Civil Court Judge. Second was Acting Supreme Court Justice Julia Rodriguez also running for Civil Court Judge in another capacity. Both Judges had been endorsed before by the club, and were overwhelmingly endorsed again this time.

   Next came the position of Public Advocate, where there seemed to be a split in the club. President Feld said that there were four candidates running, and that there was also the choice of no endorsement calling for a vote to endorse or not. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell stood up to ask that "the club vote not to endorse for the position of Public Advocate, but also vote to not endorse for Mayor tonight". Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said that he disagreed with Koppell on not endorsing. He suggested that the club vote for Public Advocate even though the club may not vote to endorse for Mayor. He added "There are seven candidates now for mayor and only four for Public Advocate". 

   Discussion continued on the subject with one member asking that the candidates appear again which can not be done said President Feld who added that the club has already heard from the candidates. State Committeewoman Helen Morik said that she agrees with Councilman Koppell's position of no endorsement for both Public Advocate & Mayor. Former State Committeewoman Marcia Alina stated that if there is no endorsement the club would look like it is not being a part of the races. A voice vote was taken to decide to endorse for the position of Public Advocate or not was to close so that a show of hands had to be taken.       The vote was to endorse for Public Advocate where as several members of the club spoke on behalf of the candidates running. this vote was taken by written ballot that was announced later after all the votes were counted. 

  It was time to endorse or not for the mayors race. Club parliamentarian Bruce Feld explained from the section in the clubs by-laws that stated that a candidate must win with more than 50 percent of the vote cast. Then the top two candidates and the option of no endorsement is voted on, and then the top candidate and no endorsement which will provide the answer. He said that this happened four years ago when the club voted and endorsed for mayor and not for Public Advocate. A question of the club having a quorum was answered with "Yes there is a quorum present" by President Feld. 

   Club member Mike Heller suggested that the club not endorse for mayor now as until the numbers change as it is to close right now. Club Vice-President Paul Ellis agreed on waiting, especially since the entry of Anthony Weiner into the mayors race. Member David Kornblau said that in 3-4 weeks the bloodletting would be done, and then the club could endorse a candidate. By a voice vote of over 2 - 1 the BFDC voted not to endorse any candidate for mayor, but the executive committee could bring the endorsement vote back on the agenda at the next meeting. 

   The results of the vote to endorse for Public Advocate was won by current State Senator Dan Squadron with 34 out of 53 votes cast. It was also mentioned that the petitions of all mayoral candidates would be at the BFDC if the candidates would leave them for club members.

Left - Councilman G. Oliver Koppell asking the BFDC not to endorse for Public Advocate or Mayor.
Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz disagrees with Councilman Koppell saying that the club should endorse for Public Advocate even if it chooses not to endorse for mayor.

Left - Club member Mike Heller says that the margin is so close in the mayors race that he suggests that the club not endorse any candidate right now.
Right - Club Vice-President Paul Ellis agrees on not endorsing for mayor especially with the entrance of Anthony Weiner in the mayors race.

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