Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Bronxtalk 15th Council Debate


  This photo was taken before the 15th Council debate started. Bronxnet head Michael Knobbe is standing next to host Gary Axelbank thanking the 6 candidates for coming, while a Bronxnet stage hand appears behind the candidates making final preparations for the live show.

  Host Gary Axelbank went over the rules of Monday night's one hour Bronxtalk 15th Council debate, and said since he was off the ruled ballot by the Board of Elections that Kenny Agosto would not be appearing. The 6 candidates pictures above from left to right were, Raquel Batista, Rev. Joel Bauza, Cynthia Thompkins, Albert Alvarez, Joel R. Rivera, and Ritchie Torres. Note that Joel R. Rivera is not current term limited Councilman Joel Rivera.
   Axelbank went right into questions with no opening statements. The first going to candidate Batista on her role with Vantage Housing on tenant landlord problems and asked which side she was on? Batista replied that her role at Vantage was to represent tenants, and that she would like the council to have more control over housing. Thompkins rebutted that Housing Court is one way, and that tenants need more help. Candidate Rivera said that it takes up to 5 years to get into a housing program, an intentional dig at candidate Torres. Candidate Alvarez said that more senior housing is needed in the district. Batista ended by agreeing more resources were needed. Candidate Torres then spoke of the needs of public housing& lack of funds for NYCHA. Batista then ended again by questioning the management of NYCHA.
  Candidate Bauza was then asked about his religious background, and how it might affect him as a councilman. Candidate Bauza said that he had been a pastor for 25 years, he has advocated for people finding jobs, food, and with clothing drives to help the community. He then went on to say that his words are misunderstood, that he does not hate the LGBT community, and he does not hate them and will take care of the LGBT community. Thompkins rebutted saying "As a gay woman the LGBT community does not think Bauza is hateful, but his message is taken the wrong way which leads to violence to the LGBT community. Alvarez said that the LGBT community needs a center in the Bronx to help themselves that would be better than government help. Rivera said that as a Christian he has always helped everyone. Batista said that it is the problem of who Bauza has aligned himself with stopping short of any names. Bauza ended by inviting all to his church to see that he does not preach words of hate, and he is against what is said by some other churches on the LGBT issue. Torres then agreed with what Thompkins about Bauza's message. 
  Candidate Thompkins was asked about her law background and if she was a one issue candidate. Thompkins replied that she is a multiple issue candidate such as violence, youth programs, better education, housing issues, and health issues. Alvarez rebutted that he has lived in the district his whole life, that he wants to bring the police and community together through the precinct councils, and likes the parent coordinator position in schools. Thompkins answered by saying that she is the President of the 46th Precinct Council and wants more money if Alvarez is elected. Bauza said that he belongs to the 42nd Precinct Council that he is trying to reestablish communications between people who do not trust the police and the local police department. Rivera said that for 6 weeks in the 44th precinct officers spoke with the community and played sports together. Torres agreed and said he wants more PAL programs. Rivera then attacked Torres on what Rivera said was his answer on Stop N Frisk at an endorsement meeting being different then and what Torres says now. Torres came back with that was not true, and he has the Working Families endorsement. Batista mentioned the recent legislation passed by the city council about the police department that was vetoed by the mayor. Thompkins ended by saying that in Stop N Frisk police need the tools to police, but that a balance is needed with more training.
   Candidate Alvarez was asked about the record of Councilman Joel Rivera who he has been Chief of staff to.. Alovarez said that pilot programs were started in the district giving two examples one more mobil health units and the other a program with the Department of Education that improved reading and attendance at one school. Rivera rebutted that the West Farms community has been neglected, but that Councilman Joel Rivera did a decent job. Alvarez countered by saying that the district hours are the same for any other council member, and that he attends community meetings where complaints are heard. Thompkins said that she would have more community outreach with Town Hall type meetings. Bauza said that he is in the community every day, and that people ask him who is the councilman. Alvarez ended that he has been out in the community and at meetings.
   Candidate Rivera was asked about the similarity of his name to the current councilman and that only the middle initial was different that the candidate is not using. Rivera said that he is using the middle initial R now that he has not in the past. That he has been endorsed by neighboring Councilman Cabrera, been at the rallies, he was the only one at a day care closing, at town hall meetings, and that he has put up his own posters not paying anyone to. Thompkins rebutted that she was not sure of when these town hall meeting were, and that she had not gotten any notice of any. Alvarez and Rivera went back and forth a couple of times as to just who sponsored these town hall meetings, where there were, and for what reasons. Bauza said he did a rally for immigration where 10,000 people, and Rivera's father was there not him. Thompkins said that when violence happened that she walked the area with the people not the elected officials. Rivera ended by saying that he did not do anything with Senator Diaz as Bauza had. 
  Candidate Torres was asked about the supportive housing he now lives in, and if his boss Councilman Jimmy Vacca pulled any strings to get him in there. Torres replied that he only earns 20,000 dollars a year which qualifies him for the housing program, and that ho strings were pulled to get him in the program. Torres added that he has lived in poverty, and it is wrong to say that someone like himself does not qualify to run for council because of it. Rivera rebutted by saying that it was ironic that Torres tries to put himself as a person of poverty and from the community when he is supported by the richest people in Throggs Neck and Riverdale. That Torres has raised the most money, where as the two got into a heated back and forth about Torres fundraising at Villa Barone Manor, Torres was a puppet of Jimmy Vacca and others. Torres challenged Rivera to have both reveal their previous tax forms, said that Rivera had his campaign office out of the district, and accused Rivera of fraud by running in the 15th district where he had the same name as the term limited councilman while living in the 16th council district. Thompkins said that she has raised the least amount of money $10.00 contributions from people who want to see her elected.    
   To a question on Stop N Frisk Batista said that it is unfair and spoke of meeting at the 46th Precinct Council. Torres said that this year there was still less crime. Rivera said that less than 5 percent of the community causes the crime. Bauza said that the person being stopped has no control over what happens. Batista added that illegal immigrants are put into Rikers and are being deported. Thompkins has the last words by saying that less Stop N Frisk is from better police training. 
  To a question on obesity, lack of fresh food, and education Bauza said to stimulate the economy of the local bodega for more fresh fruits other than bananas and mangos. Alvarez said to continue to educate the public on eating better foods. Thompkins said to work with the markets, give tax credits for good health. Rivera said education is great, but money is the problem. Good food is expensive, and the community can only afford cheap fast food. Batista said that fresh food must be kept in the bodagas. Bauza agreed when you have only $2.00 to spend for food it is not going to be healthy. When asked who they were supporting for mayor all but Bauzer who said Erick Salgado said no one right now. closing statements were next.
   Torres said that he is running to improve the living conditions, better education, find more jobs for a community with 40 percent below the poverty rate in a city with a 70 billion dollar budget.
   Rivera said that he has heard the speeches and broken promises. That like candidate Torres at his age he wanted to run for office, but told to wait and get experience saying that it is 16 years later.
  Alvarez said that he is the only candidate who lived and was educated in the district,and that he has worked in the district his whole life.
  Thompkins said that children are not playing in the streets any more, because it is unsafe. She wants more people to get out of poverty, and that she was the best qualified candidate.
   Bauza said that he has been in the community doing the work, he does not work 9 - 5 but 24 hours a day, and that he does not have the endorsement of the rich, but of the poor people of the district.
  Batista said that she is running because it is time for a real leader, a woman who has worked for the community, and for woman's rights.
   After the debate the candidates posed for the photo below with current 15th Councilman Joel Rivera standing center between host Gary Axelbank and candidate Ritchie Torres who has his hand on the councilman's shoulder. From left to right Joel R. Rivera, Joel Bauza, Raquel Batista, Ritchie Torres, Councilman Joel Rivera, Gary Azelbank, Cynthia Thompkins, and Albert Alvarez.


 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

National Night Out


   National Night out events were held tonight throughout the Bronx . In Parkchester Mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio showed up to help bring the Parkchester community together. This was his third visit to Parkchester, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has put his neck out to be the only South Bronx state legislator to support De Blasio.
  In the 50th Precinct State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein was in attendance in what several people told me was a smaller scaled down version of last years event. Only one inflatable ride for the kids this tear as opposed to two last year, and less tables of information were on hand.
  In the 52 Precinct event held in Oval Park this year the attractions included a pony ride for the kids. More people were in attendance this year also. State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, 11th City Council candidates Andrew Cohen and Cliff Stanton, as well as mayoral candidate and former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion were on hand. 


 Left - Mayoral candidate Adolfo Carrion coming to the 52 Precinct National Night Out event.
Right - Is the NWB head employed by city council candidate Cliff Stanton trying to get an endorsement out of mayoral candidate Carrion, or is he looking for a new job?



MAYORAL ENDORSEMENT MEETING - WEDNES AUGUST 14

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club

 
ENDORSEMENT MEETING

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14, 2013, 7 pm

At Tibbett Towers community room
3130 Irwin Avenue,
between West 231st and West 232nd Streets

AGENDA
1.  President’s Report

2.  Petition and Campaign Report

3. Proposal to Endorse a Candidate for Mayor

Shall the Club consider an endorsement for Democratic candidate for the position of Mayor? If voted Yes, a secret, written ballot will be voted. Members in good standing 60 days prior (June 15) to this meeting date are eligible to vote. 

4. New Business
******************************************************************************************
Thursday, August 8th at 7 pm.
The Ben Franklin Club
 

INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR CANDIDATES
FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
 
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
and City Council candidate Andrew Cohen

Hosted by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz
and Club President Ellen Feld

Where:  The Ben Franklin Club (304 West 231st Street)
When:   Thursday, August 8th at 7 pm.
 
Snacks and Refreshments will be served.
 
 

Items From Comptroller John Liu



COMPTROLLER LIU SEEKS EMERGENCY MEETING OF FRANCHISE BOARD ON TIME WARNER CABLE BLACKOUT OF CBS
   
In response to the ongoing blackout of CBS (NYSE: CBS) and Showtime by Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC), City Comptroller John C. Liu has asked Mayor Bloomberg to convene an emergency meeting of the Franchise Concession and Review Committee (FCRC) in the next 24 hours to discuss actions to bring an end to the blackout. Comptroller Liu has repeatedly called on Time Warner Cable and CBS to resolve their contract differences without resorting to a blackout that unfairly punishes cable viewers. His letter to the mayor is reproduced below.

August 5, 2013

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

Re: Emergency FCRC Meeting

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

As members of the Franchise Concession and Review Committee (FCRC) established by §373 of the New York City Charter, the Mayor and the Comptroller share an obligation to review and enforce cable franchise agreements with the City of New York.  On Friday at 5 pm, because of the dispute between New York City Time Warner Cable (TWC) and CBS, more than a million customers lost the ability to watch the programming of CBS and Showtime, services for which they continue to pay. 

In order to end the dispute, I ask that you convene an emergency FCRC meeting in the next 24 hours to review TWC’s franchise agreement with New York City.  At the meeting, my representative will urge that the City aggressively pursue any and all possible penalties and enforcement actions that can be levied against TWC, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)   A penalty for each day a cable channel is dark;
(2)   Possible termination of TWC’s franchise agreement, which is set to expire in 2020; and
(3)   A fair credit for TWC customers.

New York City customers are suffering because of a standoff between two corporate giants. We need to send a strong message to all cable providers that receiving a New York City franchise is a privilege they must not abuse.
                                                                                                           
Sincerely,

John C. Liu 

STATEMENT ON PREVAILING WAGE DECISION

 
City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the State Supreme Court's decision invalidating the prevailing wage law for building-service workers.

"The decision striking down the City Council's prevailing wage law is a loss for working men and women. Workers employed in structures that receive major City subsidies or where the City occupies significant space should be entitled to a prevailing wage. We must continue to fight to ensure all New Yorkers receive fair compensation for their work.”

STATEMENT ON NEW STATE TEST SCORES

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to early reports on City schools’ results on the new state “Common Core” test scores:
New York City public schools’ reportedly dismal results on the new state tests send a clear message: Mayor Bloomberg and his Tweed cronies have been cooking the books on student test scores for 12 years. Pointing to rising high-school graduation rates, the Mayor claimed that high-stakes testing was leading to greater student achievement and teacher accountability. He excoriated teachers and others who pointed out the flaws in his analysis. In fact, the regime of teaching to the tests pushed kids out the schoolhouse door, even if their diplomas were worthless and their skills did not permit them to succeed in college or jobs. Mayor Bloomberg had 12 years to advance his so-called reforms and pad his educational legacy. He failed. He cannot spin these results to mean something they don’t. New York City’s children deserve better.



 


 

  

KHNIA Health & Wellness Fair-- September 21, 2013


 
The Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association is sponsoring a Community Health Fair on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 10 AM to 6 PM on Reservoir Avenue between 197th Street and University Avenue.

The purpose of the fair is to help the attendees to learn to take better care of themselves and their families.  At the fair they will have a chance to speak with medical professionals, get blood pressure screening and learn the benefits of massage and body work.  This is a free event with no charge to attendees.
 Volunteers are needed to help make the health fair a success.  There are a limited number of spaces available for health related vendors.
For more information or to reserve a space please contact us at the number below. 
Thank you, we hope to see you on September 21.
Al Chapman
Chair, KHNIA
RSVP:  718-618-7550

The Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association
2805 University Avenue Suite B    Bronx, NY 10468-2608
718-618-7550       FAX: 718-618-7549
 

Sunday, August 4, 2013

15th Council Debate on Bronxtalk


  Monday night on Bronxtalk hosted by Gary Axelbank starting at 9 PM the candidates for the 15th council district square off for a live televised debate. See which candidate knows what the issues of the 15th council district are, has the best record of achievement, and real goals that can be met for the 15th district. 
  
  The candidates are Kenny Agosto, Albert Alvarez, Raquel Batista, Joel Bauza, Joel R. Rivera, Cynthia Thompkins, and Ritchie Torres. There have been challenges to all the candidates petitions, and the Board of Elections has ruled at least one candidate off the ballot, but there are still some court cases pending.

  Bronxtalk airs on Monday nights beginning at 9 PM can be found on Cablevision channel 67 or Fios channel 34

  There will be a full recap of the debate on this blog the next day.


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Parkchester National Night out Tue. Aug. 6th


  National Night out will be on Tuesday August 6th this year. Across the Bronx in each police precinct local neighborhood people, elected officials, and community leaders join with the local police precinct to celebrate national night out to fight against crime. This event will be held in every Bronx police precinct.
  This came from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda about the Parkchester National Night Out.
 
The Parkchester National Night Out is an event sponsored by myself, the NYC Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, and City Councilwoman Annabel Palma. 
 
Date: Tuesday, August 6th 
Place: Parkchester Train Station (6 line/ Hugh J. Grant Circle) 
Time: 3PM-8PM
 
There will be free food and drinks. Free entertainment for children. Live music, and more. 
 
Looking forward to seeing you there!
 
 

Friday, August 2, 2013

11th Council Debate Bedford Park


  Last night there was a debate between the three candidates Andrew Cohen, Cheryl Keeling, and Cliff Stanton in the 11th council race in the Bedford Park area of the district. Moderator Alex Kratz opened up by saying that candidate Cheryl Keeling had been ruled off the ballot by the ballot by the Board of Elections after being challenged by the Stanton camp, but because she was appealing the decision in the courts that she would be in the debate. Kratz also said that there would be opening statements by each candidate, questions by him mixed in with audience questions, and then closing statements by each candidate. During the question and answer round each candidate would be given a chance to answer, with the original candidate answering to be given time to rebut the other answers. That happened only twice.
  Candidate Keeling was first up and spoke of her mother a world record holder in the 60 meter run at various ages over 85, brought her mother up to where she was standing in front of the candidates table, and said that she could be trusted. Candidate Andrew Cohen spoke of his position on Community Board #8, friends of Van Cortlandt Park, family life, his endorsement by almost every local elected official and union, and closed by saying that he would be a full time councilman. Candidate Stanton said that he was the local kid in the race, raised in Kingsbridge, graduated from Bronx Science High School, was Chief of Staff to a councilman (however not naming who), was a successful small businessman, and recruited a new middle school. 
   The first question was "What will be the first piece of legislation you pass in the city council. Cohen spoke of the Living Wage battle, Stanton said he already submitted legislation, and Keeling wants to put music, art, and competition back into the public schools. About the different neighborhoods of the district Keeling was first, and said that she spoke Spanish, that the district was diverse, and named some of the different ethnicity's. Cohen mentioned other ethnic cultures, that he has been from corner to corner of the district, and the main problem is Quality of Life issues from the people. Stanton now said that he grew up in Van Cortlandt Village played little league in Kingsbridge, and his kids go to school in Riverdale. He said that he started a senior transportation program adding, because of his mothers problems. 
  As to where the district office would be Stanton said that possibly a mobile office, but had no answer as to where he would have a district office. Cohen said that the current council office is 20 years in the same location, but is not easily accessible by public transportation. Somewhere in Kingsbridge maybe on Broadway he said. Keeling said her first office would be on a major corridor, and her second shared with a business.
  To the question of allocating monies to schools Keeling wants more art, music, and dance. Cohen spoke of being Youth chair on CB 8 noting after school programs as a priority. Stanton said that items like smart boards and I Pads are nice, but not the right tools. As PA President he said PS 24 raised record funds to help supplement the school. 
  How to get more discretionary funding? Cohen has assembled a strong coalition to help him in city hall to help him get more funding he said. Stanton said that he is not running for Secretary of State. He said that he would be fighting for the community. Keeling said that she learned from a former councilman (not naming who), and that she would do it the way it was done when she was growing up by protesting. 
  On the subject of District 10 schools Stanton said when he went to PS 95 it was a good school. but now it is a troubled school. Keeling said that all schools should be equal, and she moved to Riverdale for the good schools. Cohen said that schools are a mixed bag which he wants to advocate for, but the school system has been under a dictatorship the last 12 years.
  About mayoral control of the public schools, Cohen said it has given the mayor to much control. Stanton said the change is in ourselves, as good parental involvement will make the school successful. Keeling spoke of a movement by parents to take back the schools. 
  As far as the businesses wanted by each Keeling said the malls are coming and we need other stores. She spoke of over regulation and the need to take care of the businesses. Cohen bemoaned the lack of variety in local shopping. A possible Business Improvement District for Webster Avenue, and better restaurants and stores. Stanton said "We just can't wish things to happen".
  On the DOE Fund new supportive housing on Webster Avenue all three candidates opposed the project. On park funding all three agreed that more city money is needed, but Stanton asked Cohen "What have you done as a member of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park"? Cohen replied that he cleared trails in the park. and has redone the mission statement of The Friends. 
  On a question of work hours as a councilman both Cohen and Stanton said that they would be full time councilmen. Cohen then said to Stanton "If you say you are going to be a full time councilman what about your business"? 
  On public safety Cohen said crime is heavy in pockets of Norwood, Perry Avenue as an example, adding that the level of police officers is declining, and the district and city need more police officers. Keeling said that teenagers need jobs to keep them off the streets. Stanton bashed Stop N Frisk mentioning a man who had been through it, and to a follow up question said that he was stopped while driving on his block for talking on a cell phone and given a ticket. Stanton then said that he had a blue tooth connection. Cohen mentioned that 700,000 people have been stopped and Frisked some more than once, and it was unconstitutional. Keeling said that only one percent resulted in an arrest for the original stop.
  To the decline of Bronx students at Bronx Science High School Stanton said that he graduated from the school in1981when kids came from the local area. He said now there are buses lined up to take kids home to Queens, saying that standards do not need to be lowered to accept more Bronx students, but make Bronx schools better. Cohen said to offer more support to students such as prep classes so the student would be ready and do better on the entrance exam to Bronx Science. Keeling downplayed test prep saying that the student needed to be prepared for the courses.
 As to why the Bronx is always being dumped on Keeling said that the 15th Congressional District is the poorest in the country. On affordable housing that she had spoke to six voters in one house, but said they were not from the 11th council district, which brought chuckles and laughter from Mr. Stanton. Cohen said to be careful what you wish for, and that people may get priced out of affordable housing. Stanton said there is a long way to go, change is needed on all levels, not to shot ourselves in the foot.
  To homeless families Stanton said he left a meeting where he heard much of what does not work and very little of what does work not giving any examples. Keeling said people are being evicted to raise prices to make it unaffordable housing. Cohen said that there are 50,000 New Yorkers and 20,000 children who are living in shelters, there needs to be homeless prevention, and the number of homeless has increased under Mayor Bloomberg.
  When asked about the choice for the Putnam Trail Keeling said not paving, Cohen said Crushed Stone, and Stanton said pave it. Council committees to be on Stanton Land Use, Finance, Education, and Transportation. Cohen Land use, Health, Education. Keeling Land use.
  When asked to answer yes to the importance of Section 8 housing, summer youth, day cae, ESL, and after school programs and how to pay for more, Stanton said all yes, leave it up to the Finance Committee. adding to cut down on outsourcing. Cohen also said yes to all adding that economic growth and policies that will generate the growth to pay for the needed services. Keeling said head start slots are needed as some have been cut due to Washington.
  About co-location of charter schools Keeling said that she was not in favor of it. Cohen said that there are two issues one of multiple schools in one building with the added cost of the administrations, and the other of placing charter schools in public schools. He said that he was against co location in public schools. Stanton said that he also is not in favor of co location in public schools adding that is why his charter school is located in a free standing building. He said that charter schools are public schools. 
 Closing statements Cohen went over some of what he said including the endorsements he has gotten. Keeling spoke of her eighteen months with a Jewish family and the experience she received from it back in the 1960's era. Stanton said to compare the candidates and their records. Of the endorsements he said look at where it comes from, and then attacked the Ben Franklin Democratic Club for paying for endorsements for candidate Cohen. Cohen then stated that Stanton was the one who had to pay for an endorsement as reported.
  The debate was then over, but there were questions as to why certain questions were not asked such as one person who said he gave in a question that was not asked. He wanted to know more of this contribution taken by candidate Stanton from the owner of Scores and another strip club, and what it meant.













Left - The three candidates before the debate as candidates Cohen and Stanton seem to be on friendly terms.
Right - Candidate Cheryl Keeling during her opening statement.















Left- Candidate Andrew Cohen giving his opening statement.
Right - Candidate Cliff Stanton.















Left - Stanton attacks Cohen mid-way through the debate about his volunteer work for The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park.
Right - During his closing statement Stanton attacks the Ben Franklin Democratic Club for paying for endorsements for Andrew Cohen. Cohen answers "It is you Cliff Stanton that has paid for your endorsement".