BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ HOSTS BRONX VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY

   Veterans of all the wars the United States has been involved going back to World War II were in the house as Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held his Annual Bronx Veterans Appreciation Day breakfast. Stories were told and recognition was given to those who rightfully deserved it. The Color Guard from the Navy Operation Support Center brought out the flags, while Ms. Belinda Barnes made the vets in the room even prouder as she belted out the National Anthem. Bishop Angelo Rosario of the Bronx Clergy Task Force gave the invocation, and there was a moment of silence for all the fallen soldiers who never made it home. 

  It wasn't the speech of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. that had everyone in the room at a roar, but what happened after the BP was finished. BP Diaz wanted to make sure that World War II Veteran Joe Binder came up to tell a few jokes. The reason - Mr. Binder is the oldest living active Veteran in the Bronx at the age of 104. BP Diaz said that it is people like Mr. Binder and many other vets some of whom are on his Veterans Advisory Council who have informed him of the needs of Bronx Veterans. 

 

Left - As he arrived BP Diaz went around the room thanking the Vets for their service to the country.

Right - The Navy Color Guard stands ready.

 

Left - Bishop Rosario Gives the Invocation.

Right - BP Diaz during his speech thanking the Veterans who served so the United States could continue to enjoy its freedom.

 

Left - BP Diaz Introduces WWII veteran Joe Binder who is the oldest active living veteran in the Bronx. Mr. Joe Binder is 104 years old.

Right - BP Diaz asked Mr. Binder to tell a few war jokes, and you can see the BP trying to keep a straight face as one joke is being told.

What Real Campaign Reform Should Be

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

 

What Real Campaign Reform Should Be

You should know that soon I will be organizing a press conference together with many religious and Hispanic ministers to start a movement in which our minority community should be educated in regards to campaign finance reform. Leaders of both parties, Democrat and Republican, will be invited to join us.
You should also know that yes, we are in need of election reform – but not just any old window-dressing reform. We are in need of real, deep and serious campaign finance and election reform.  
Therefore, let me give you in advance what I believe real campaign reform should include.
As I have said before in another What You Should Know:
First, let’s start by giving four-year terms to our New York State Senators and Assembly Members.
Everybody else has four-year terms.  The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the New York City Mayor, and the New York City Council Members – they all serve four-year terms. This gives them all ample time to dedicate themselves to the business of the people – without having to be distracted too much about making time to raise money for their next election. Instead, as soon as New York State’s Senators and Assembly Members get elected, they have to start raising money to get re-elected instead of honestly and faithfully dedicating most of their time to their duties as legislators. It is important to give Senators and Assembly Members four-year terms. I assure you that this will be good, and it will help to lessen corruption and desperation for some legislators to raise money for their next campaign.
Second, it would be ideal if New York State’s election reform would also include a mandate to stagger elections.
You should know that in the United States Senate, Senators have six-year terms and every two years, one third of the Senate is elected. If the New York State Senate and Assembly would have elections staggered so that only half of the body would be up for re-election every two years, we would have continuity and seniority and experience. It would be more stabilizing for our government, and for our election cycles.

Third, legislators should be full time with no outside income.

We need legislators to provide full disclosure about all their business dealings, as well as every aspect of their operations. If election reform changes the status of Senators and Assembly Members from a part-time to a full-time job, it would help eliminate a lot of the temptation and the hanky-panky of lawyers in elected office who currently do business with firms and serve as 'of counsel' to companies that do business with cities, local municipalities, and the State. A legislator should be a full time legislator, with no other part-time jobs.

Fourth, you should also know that the proposed election package reform bill will give more power and control to groups, unions, organizations and PACS.

Right now, they can only contribute limited amounts of money to candidates. As things stand now, they are limited to how much money they can spend on a candidate.  If Governor Andrew Cuomo’s election reform bill passes as it is, they most certainly will have even more power and ability to raise money.

For example, if a political party decides to ask every one of their members to contribute at least $25 dollars to a candidate of their choice to oust an opponent, and they all contribute, the government matching funds for each of those $25 dollar donations grows to $150. If you multiply that amount by the number of party members who donate, that’s a lot of money – and a powerful tool for the party to either oust or help an incumbent or an insurgent. I am deeply concerned that political parties and Super PACS and organizations backed by wealthy individuals will make it much easier to say “Bye-bye!” to any incumbent who has the strong support of his or her constituents.

Finally, you should know that I personally never liked using public funds to support political candidates when our communities are in need of services. Why are they proposing to spend between two hundred to three hundred million dollars from public funds to give politicians money to run their campaigns? It seems to me that money should be spent building affordable housing or to help senior citizens or to improve child care services. The list is endless.

If there really is no money to help community organizations, senior citizen centers, little leagues, block associations and community watch groups, then we should not use public money to support political campaigns. After eliminating resources to community groups and not-for-profit organizations that serve the people, why should we instead be giving money to politicians to run their campaigns? New Yorkers would be much better served if their tax money is given to our senior citizens for computer labs, little leagues for uniforms and baseball equipment, and block associations to strengthen the role of our families and neighbors.

Ladies and gentlemen, as people attempt to pressure me and discuss ways to approach the much-needed election reform, you should know that I feel obligated to share with you what real campaign reform should be.

This is New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

KLEIN’S TRYING TO HIDE HIS REPUBLICAN ALLEGIANCES

Editors Note:

This came in an e-mail from Koppellforsenate@gmail.

I am sure this will generate many replies.

  Candidate Oliver Koppell demanded Republican-enabling Jeff Klein forgo any attempt at securing the Republican ballot line in the 2014 elections.

In 2012, Jeff Klein simultaneously ran for re-election to the state senate as a Democrat and a Republican. After the 2012 election, even though Democrats earned an outright majority, Klein defected, empowering the Senate Republican Conference in exchange for a Leadership position, more member item money and an increased staff payroll.

Recent reports indicate Klein has decided to decline to run on the Republican line for the 2014 election. However, even if Jeff Klein initially refuses the line there is another option for Klein and his Republican allies. They could gather petitions for a "placeholder" candidate who could then be replaced on the ballot in favor of Mr. Klein following his defeat in September Democratic primary.

“Jeff Klein has proven he will say anything to win election, but then will do something completely different after the election to empower himself and disenfranchise Democratic voters” stated Senate Candidate Oliver Koppell. "If Jeff Klein believes his rejection of the Democratic Party benefits New Yorkers, then why is he now making such a show of rejecting the Republican ballot line this year?  Is it because Klein’s political ally, former Bronx Republican Chairman Jay Savino, is going to federal prison for trying to sell the Republican ballot line to Klein’s other political ally Malcolm Smith?  Malcolm Smith will stand trial next month, but neither Klein nor Savino have ever explained why or how Savino authorized Klein to receive the Republican ballot line in 2012.  Democrats have a right to know what Klein promised and what Savino got in exchange.”

“No good Democrat would ever dream of running as both a Democrat and Republican.  Given the damage Klein’s sleazy backroom deal has caused to progressive concerns, what would be more appropriate is for Klein to run as a Republican in 2014 and to turn down the Democratic line, since he is a traitor to the Democratic Party, and has delivered nothing more than half-measures and broken promises" Koppell concluded. 

###

Oliver Koppell has served the voters of New York as a State Assemblyman, New York City Councilmember and as State Attorney General. While in the City

York.  Prior to serving as the 61^st Attorney General for the State of New York, Mr. Koppell represented the residents of the Bronx in the State Assembly where he was the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Following his service in the State Assembly, Oliver Koppell was elected to the New York City Council where he served from 2002 to 2013.

For more information on Oliver Koppell’s campaign, please visit: www.Oliverkoppell.com

Assemblyman Sepúlveda Denounces House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s Visit to the 87th Assembly District

Editors note:

Eric Cantor is a Republican Congressman from the state of Virgina.

Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda (D – Bronx, NY) responded to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R – Richmond, VA) visit this morning to the Bronx Charter School for Excellence. Assemblyman Sepúlveda dismissed Mr. Cantor's visit as nothing more than a political maneuver of someone with hopes of seeking higher office.

"I have seen the work done by the Bronx Charter School for Excellence and must agree with Congressman Cantor that it does great work,” said Assemblyman Sepúlveda.  “However that is where our agreement stops. The views of Mr. Cantor are largely detrimental to residents of the 87th Assembly District and to the Bronx as a whole.”

"It is disingenuous for Mr. Cantor to literally come into my backyard and act like he cares about the residents who live here. His visit to the 87th Assembly District is nothing more than a political move."

The Bronx Charter School for Excellence is located at 1960 Benedict Ave, Bronx NY, directly behind Assemblyman Sepúlveda's district office. Assemblyman Sepúlveda has demonstrated his support in the past for both charter and public schools and believes that both play important roles in the educating of our children.

  

The Great State Senate Yogurt Debate According to Senator Liz Kruger

 

  On her Facebook page  State Senator Liz Kruger gives her reason for looking silly on the issue of making Yogurt the states official snack food. The legislation was introduced by State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer of Erie County after being suggested by fourth grade students in Senator Ranzenhofer’s district. State Senator Ranzenhofer represents a district in upstate Western New York. Western New York is where the bulk of yogurt is produced in New York, and Governor Cuomo recently hailed New York as the number one producer of yogurt in the nation. 

  Senator Kruger admits to looking silly on the issue, and gives two reasons why on her Facebook page. First she agrees with the late night talk hosts that commented how silly the debate was, and then takes a swipe at the current state senate leadership. Senator Kruger ends this Facebook posting by saying don't be surprised if I take my colleague Sen. DeFrancisco up on his offer to debate his bill making the wood frog the "official state amphibian" next week.

  If we go back into State Senate history only a few year ago we can remember the "Good Ole Days" of Democratic control of the state senate. Democrats such as Carl Cruger, (no relation to Liz Kruger), Hiram Montserrat, Shirley Huntley John Sampson, Pedro Espada, and Malcolm Smith. The last three all holding leadership roles that Senator Liz Kruger supported. Just shut up and eat some yogurt Senator Kruger!

 

Reopening of the Castle Hill 6 Train Station

I am happy to announce today that the 6 train station located at Castle Hill Avenue has reopened following major renovations.  

It has been a difficult few months for the many residents and businesses that surround the station at Castle Hill Avenue.  However, I think when you walk inside the new station you will see that it was worth the wait.  I would like to thank you all for your patience during the closure, as I know it has been a long time without the station operating.

I had the pleasure this morning of participating in the official reopening of the station, as you can see in the photos below. 

 

Enjoy the new subway station, and as always, if you have any questions or there is anything I can assist you with please do not hesitate to call my office at 718-931-2620.
Your Assemblyman,
Luis R. Sepulveda

State Senate Co-Leader Klein and UFT President Michael Mulgrew Announce $1.5 Million Investment in Community Schools

   State Senate Co-Leader Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew announced a major $1.5 million citywide investment for New York City’s Community School Initiative on Thursday. The funding secured by the State Senate in the 2014-2015 New York State Budget will be allocated to enhance the academic, social, and community experience for city school children and their families.

“Community Schools have a profound, transformative effect in the lives of our school children and their families and I am pleased we were able to expand the initiative to new funding levels this year. These schools truly are schools for the 21st century, recognizing that the health and wellness of our students is as vital to their learning experience as educational programs,” said State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein.

"State Senator Jeff Klein has been an early and important supporter of Community Schools. He understands the value of placing much-needed health and community services where they have the most impact -- in our city schools. With Senator Klein's help we are working to spread Community Schools across the city,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

The NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative is a non-profit organization that works to identify public schools in traditionally underserved neighborhoods and provide them with supplemental health, social and education services. Community Learning Schools are schools that are transformed into “hubs” through a collaboration of educators, school administrators, parents, volunteers, businesses, organizations and health services providers. Community schools already in operation offer a variety of services from school-based heath to youth development programs, tutoring and food banks. By integrating these services within an academic environment, students receive the care and comprehensive services and resources they need to succeed.

Selected schools are chosen to participate after submitting proposals to the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative.

Wave Hill Events May 23–May 30: Celebrate Memorial Day!

 SAT, MAY 24    FAMILY ART PROJECT: WASH-AWAY PATIO
Visiting artist Em Rooney invites us to create an environment of our liking for outdoor, spring enjoyment. Working primarily with air-dry, natural clay, make an inventive “patio” to take home with fossil-like imprints and structural features. Leave your patio in the rain and observe as it returns to nature. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MAY 24    NO TAI CHI CHUAN
Sessions resume May 31.

SAT, MAY 24    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, MAY 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT: WASH-AWAY PATIO
Visiting artist Em Rooney invites us to create an environment of our liking for outdoor, spring enjoyment. Working primarily with air-dry, natural clay, make an inventive “patio” to take home with fossil-like imprints and structural features. Leave your patio in the rain and observe as it returns to nature. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MAY 25    NO HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga sessions resume June 1.

SUN, MAY 25    NO MEDITATION
Meditation sessions resume June 1.

SUN, MAY 25   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, MAY 26    MEMORIAL DAY

Wave Hill is open to the public.

MON, MAY 26   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights on this holiday Monday. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

TUE, MAY 27   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, 11AM

TUE, MAY 27    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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 until noon on Tuesdays in May. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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 30 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.