WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW - CHARLES BARRON IS RIGHT: OUR CHILDREN CAN’T TAKE 3 MORE YEARS OF FAILURE

BY Senator Rev Rubén Díaz 
District 32 Bronx County, New York 

  You should know that in 2002, when I was elected to the New York City Council, I was one of the first Councilmembers to work to support Mayoral Control of New York City’s public school system under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

After years of seeing our public school education system fail our children, especially our Black and Hispanic children, I have decided that this Mayoral Control should not be allowed to continue.

You should also know that Assemblyman Charles Barron, a Democrat from Brooklyn, made one of his most passionate speeches during the Assembly Session on May 17, 2016. His speech was followed by a round of applause from his colleagues.

Charles Barron pleaded for the Assembly to stop giving total control to Mayor de Blasio for a school system of 1.1 million children and a $24 billion dollar budget.  He said that Mayor de Blasio wants to be held accountable, but Charles Barron says the Mayor is already accountable, insisting that the reason Mayor de Blasio really wants the control is for the billions of dollars in contracts.

“Contracts … contracts,” repeated Charles Barron,  “people are making millions of dollars off of a failing school system.” He detailed how “test taking companies get multi-billion dollar contracts to make these tests” that do nothing for our children and their families except to cause stress.

Charles Barron reminded everyone of one excuse being used to push this legislation through: “Bloomberg had control so why not de Blasio?” He asked how we could give “one single man who is clueless about education” this kind of power, citing to Bloomberg’s choice of Cathy Black as an example of someone “so incompetent.”

It is important for you to know that while Charles Barron agreed that the Department of Education’s Chancellor Fariña is an educator, he qualified that fact by saying how “she is implementing the same policies as Bloomberg.”

You should know that Charles Barron stressed how our children are not being prepared for college: “If a Black child doesn’t get an education, their pipeline is going to be to prison,” and “the diplomas our children are receiving are not worth the paper and ink they are on.”

He continued by explaining how 78% of New York City public high school graduates, if they attend any of the New York City CUNY Colleges to continue their education, “need remediation because they were not properly educated.”

Another fact that Charles Barron presented to his colleagues is: “In New York City, the #1 city in the world, where we brag about democracy, parents have no control of the budget of what happens to their children.”

I completely agree with Charles Barron and his insistence that the Legislature only extend Mayoral Control for one year, and to include a Commission that would let experts review the current system and devise a way to let our children be properly educated so they could attend college or a trade school and compete in our global economy.

As my colleagues in the Senate, especially my Black and Hispanic colleagues, examine the merits of extending Mayoral Control of Schools in the New York City school district, I urge them to carefully consider what Charles Barron says, and to take his recommendations very seriously.

Our children cannot take 3 more years of failure.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It seems that State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is right on the money here, and I rarely if ever agree with Councilman Charles Barrons, but they are both right when it comes to Mayoral Control of the public schools. 

Why is it that charter schools can operate better on lower budgets? The answer is they are accountable to their Board of Directors, the state, parents, and do not have the bureaucracy of the New York City Department of Education. The mayor must admit that Mayoral Control is a failure, and try to come up with a system of school governance that involves everyone, and that will make all schools better.

That is 'What You Should Know'.

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Upcoming Events

Save the Date: 2016 Bronx Dems' Annual Dinner When: Wed. 7/13/16 from 6 - 10p Where: Marina del Rey - 1 Marina Drive, Bronx, NY Join us as we recognize great honorees for their commitment to the Bronx.  For more information, call (347) 956 - 0320 or email dinner2016@pbjenkins.com. Click to Enlarge

The Bronx Young Democrats Host The New York State Young Democrats Convention When: Fri. 5/20/16 to Sun. 5/22/16 Where: Visit the website below for locations The Bronx Young Democrats are hosting the New York State Young Democrats convention right here in our very own borough. To learn more about the convention, schedule of events, or to register visitconvention.thebyd.org Click to Enlarge

Reception in Support of Letitia "Tish" James When: Wed. 5/18/16 from 6:30 - 8:30p Where: Sam's Soul Food Restaurant Bar & Lounge - 598 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY Please join the 79th Assembly District Leader Cynthia Cox and Wilbert "Tee" Lawton as they host a reception in support of Letitia "Tish" James for NYC Public Advocate. RSVP by email to honcc1districtleader79ad@gmail.com, by phone at (917) 450-5192, or online at tiny.cc/ljsams. Click to Enlarge

Immigration Fraud Round Table When:  Wed. 5/18/16 from 6 - 8p Where:    Latino Pastoral Action Center - 14 W. 170 St., Bronx, NY Join Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, in collaboration with Senator Jose M. Serrano and Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner invite you to hear a discussion on how to protect your community from Immigration Services Fraud and the Unauthorized Practice of Law.  For more information or to RSVP, please call(212) 416 - 8754 or emailLilliam.perez@ag.ny.gov. Click to Enlarge

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club's 56th Annual Dinner When: Thurs. 5/19/16 from 6 - 9:30p Where: Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale - 475 West 250th Street on Henry Hudson Parkway East, Bronx, NY You are invited to join the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club at their 56th annual dinner. For additional information, contact (718) 796-6177. Click to Enlarge

Fire Safety Town Hall When:  Fri. 5/20/16 from 5:30 - 7:30p Where:    Claremont Neighborhood Center - 489 E. 169 St. (bet. Washington & Third Aves.), Bronx, NY  Senator Gustavo Rivera, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, and Assemblyman Michael A. Blake invite you to a town hall meeting offering valuable resources to help prevent fires in your home.  For more information, call Council Member Gibson's office at (718) 588-7500, or emaildistrict16bronx@council.nyc.gov. Click to Enlarge

Community Board 2 AIDS Walk When:  Sat. 5/21/16 at 9a Where:    Southern Blvd. & Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10459 Join Community Board 2 in supporting those who are living with HIV/AIDS and help increase education and awareness throughout our community.  To sign up or for more information, call (718) 328 - 9125 or email brxcb2@optonline.net. Click to Enlarge

In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd.

Bronx Borough President - Ramadan Celebration

A.G. Schneiderman Announces State Prison Sentence For Unregistered Bronx Tax Preparer

Raul D. Kelley Sentenced To 2 To 6 Years in Prison For Submitting Forged NYC Transit Authority W2 Statements And Preparing Over 700 Fraudulent Tax Returns

Schneiderman: If You Intentionally Lie On Your Taxes, You Will Be Caught And You Will Be Held Responsible

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the sentencing of Raul D. Kelley, 49, of the Bronx, NY for submitting forged W2 statements and preparing over 700 fraudulent tax returns while acting as an unregistered tax preparer. Kelley also submitted fraudulent documents and information on his own personal income taxes in an effort to illegally take more than $25,000. Kelley was sentenced today in Albany County Supreme Court to 2 to 6 years in state prison on his pleas of guilty to the crimes of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a class “D” felony, and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony.

“When individuals attempt to cheat on their taxes, it shifts the burden to other honest New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Today’s sentencing makes it clear that if you intentionally lie on your taxes, you will be caught and you will be held responsible.”

In January 2015, as a result of a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s (DTF’s) Criminal Investigations Division, Kelley was arrested on felony charges regarding his operation of an unregistered tax preparer business, in which he submitted fraudulent tax returns on behalf of taxpayers. 

According to the indictment and statements made to prosecutors, Kelley worked for the NYC Transit Authority from 2007 until 2008 as a train operator. However, after leaving the NYC Transit Authority, Kelley continued to submit forged W2 Statements through the 2012 tax year, claiming thousands of dollars in fraudulent tax withholdings. In addition, Kelley claimed thousands of dollars in deductions and credits that he was not entitled to, all in an effort to personally wrongfully collect more than $25,000 in New York State tax refunds.

The investigation by the Attorney General and the DTF uncovered additional crimes linked to Kelley’s role as an unregistered tax preparer, including the submission of over 700 fraudulent New York State personal and corporate income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2012. These submissions resulted in the theft from the DTF of $267,425 and the attempted theft of an additional $506,572.

On April 5, 2016, Kelley pleaded guilty to the crimes of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a Class “D” felony) and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class “E” felony).  At the time of his plea, Kelley admitted that these crimes were related to Kelley’s role as an unregistered tax preparer and his submission of fraudulent New York State personal and corporate income tax returns for clients between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013.

Kelley was sentenced today by the Honorable Andrew G. Ceresia in Albany County Supreme Court to 2 to 6 years in state prison.

Commissioner Boone encourages taxpayers to ensure that tax preparers are registered with New York State by using the Tax Department’s searchable online database of 40,000 tax preparers. Certified public accountants, attorneys and enrolled agents have other professional requirements and are, therefore, not required to be registered.

The Attorney General thanked the DTF’s Criminal Investigations Division for its cooperation in the case.

COMPTROLLER STRINGER: NYC BOARD OF ELECTIONS MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO AVOID ANOTHER ELECTION FIASCO

More than 600 New Yorkers registered complaints with the Comptroller’s office; over half reported they weren’t on voter rolls, nearly a quarter encountered issues at their poll site

In the wake of reported voting irregularities across the five boroughs during the April 19th Presidential Primary Election, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer solicited comment from New Yorkers and received more than 600 complaints about voting issues, including over 300 who reported they weren’t listed on voting rolls. In response to these complaints, Comptroller Stringer sent a letter to the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) demanding that it take immediate steps to avoid a recurrence of problems experienced by many New York City residents during the April 19th presidential primary. The need to change policies and procedures is urgent, Stringer noted, as the deadline to register for the state’s June 28th Congressional primary election is June 3rd – just 23 days away.

“Thousands of people experienced problems at the poll that prevented or interfered with their right to vote,” Comptroller Stringer said. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and with three more elections in 2016 alone, the Board of Elections must act now to ensure that everyone is able to have their voice heard at the ballot box.”

On primary day, Comptroller Stringer announced an audit of the operations and management of the Board of Elections, an inquiry that is expected to take at least nine months to one year to complete. To help identify potential issues that may improve voter access before that audit is completed, Comptroller Stringer’s office solicited feedback from the general public about their voting experience. Over 600 complaints were logged, including:

• 306 voters, or roughly half, reported that they were not on the rolls, either due to the BOE’s “purging” of their name, a change in poll location, or another issue.

• • 78 voters reported encountering significant issues with poll workers, including but not limited to:
  • Directing voters to the incorrect poll site;
  • Demanding identification from voters;
  • Failing to show up by 6 a.m. to open poll sites;
  • Giving voters the incorrect primary ballot (wrong party); and
  • Confusion about the procedure for affidavit ballots.

• 55 voters reported that they were not listed with the correct party affiliation.

• • 19 voters encountered issues with the ballot or ballot machine, including:
  • Lack of functioning ballot scanners (poll workers deposited ballots in a box);
  • Scanners that were not programmed to accept the Republican primary ballot; and
  • Ballots that did not allow voters to write in another candidate.

To help improve conditions for the upcoming elections in 2016 and beyond, Stringer demanded that the BOE:

1. 1. Address the needs of “purged” voters by:
   • Identifying those who were improperly removed from the rolls and restoring them to active status before the June primary; and
   • Prominently displaying a link on the BOE website for people who may have been affected by the voter purge with information on how to confirm voter status.

2. Reach out to the 120,000 affidavit ballot voters to inform them of their current registration status, and what steps, if any, they can take to ensure that they are on the active voter rolls for the June primary.

3. 3. Increase voter registration and turnout by:
   • Extending the 9-to-5 hours of operation for BOE telephone hotlines;
   • Conducting an enhanced public awareness campaign directing all voters to register in advance of the June primary and/or to check their voter status on the BOE website; and
   • Providing weekly updates to the public on steps taken to restore voters who were improperly purged, plus additional steps being taken by the BOE to ensure that all eligible voters will be able to participate in the Democratic process.

“The status quo for the Board of Elections is not going to cut it. These proposals are concrete steps the BOE can take to proactively break down barriers to voting and help bring an end to this cycle of dysfunction,” Stringer said.

Bronx Man Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With 2013 Home-Invasion Robbery And Murder

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Diego Rodriguez, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and William J. Bratton, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the return of a Superseding Indictment charging TERRILL STATON with the October 29, 2013, home-invasion robbery and murder of Erwin Elliot, 44, in the Bronx, New York.   

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “As alleged, the defendant went into Erwin Elliot’s home with a gun, robbed him, and murdered him.  Thanks to the dogged efforts of the FBI and the NYPD, the defendant is now being held accountable for his alleged brutal crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriguez stated: “Today, Terrill Staton faces justice for his alleged role in the brutal home-invasion robbery and murder of a Bronx resident. The FBI would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance with this case.”

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said: “I want to commend the NYPD detectives and our law enforcement partners who were integral to this indictment, which we hope will offer some consolation to the family who lost their loved one to this violent act.”

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment,[1] on October 29, 2013, STATON carried out a home-invasion robbery of Erwin Elliot, a marijuana dealer, at 642 East 221st Street in the Bronx.  In the course of the robbery, STATON shot and killed Elliot.

*                      *                     *

STATON was already in federal custody, and will be arraigned on the Superseding Indictment before U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald at a date to be determined.                                   

A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties is below.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.  Mr. Bharara also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the case.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Hadassa Waxman and Michael Gerber are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CHARGE	MAXIMUM PENALTY
Robbery conspiracy	20 years in prison
Robbery	20 years in prison
Murder	Life in prison Mandatory minimum: 5 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence

Assemblymember Pichardo announces legislation to improve wheelchair accessibility for NYC taxis

  Assemblymember Victor Pichardo held a press conference today highlighting legislation he authored to improve wheelchair accessibility in New York City’s for-hire taxi and limousine industry by creating a centralized dispatch service for wheelchair-accessible transportation (A.9730). He was joined by Livery Roundtable, New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, Black Car Assistance Corporation and Prestige Car Service.

      “Our city is clearly in need of a better solution to ensure every New Yorker has access to safe, reliable transportation,” said Pichardo. “My legislation addresses provider and customer concerns to help get travelers – including those with wheelchairs – where they need to go.”

      Currently, for-hire taxi and limousine companies are penalized for failure to provide wheelchair-accessible transportation when necessary, even if drivers are independently contracted and at liberty to choose their vehicle and hours of service. Rather than benefiting the disabled community, however, the policy has led to repeated burdensome fines that leave little opportunity for improved services.

      "The TLC knows we can’t comply with their wheelchair accessibility requirements, but they keep ticketing us anyway.  It hurts small businesses and it doesn't help anyone but the city budget.  But, now, thanks to Assemblyman Pichardo, we have hope of it being fixed," said Felix Medrano, president, Prestige Car Service, Bronx, NY.

      "Years ago the TLC decided that people who use wheelchairs should have access to the same car service as those that don't.  That is a wonderful and laudable goal.  But, they never bothered to figure out how it could be done.  Instead, they created a system where wheelchair users don't get equal access and car service companies get fined for it. Assemblyman Pichardo has proposed a great way to fix this mess and we applaud him and support his efforts," said Avik Kabessa, Founder, Livery Roundtable, CEO, Carmel Car and Limousine.

      Pichardo’s legislation seeks to provide a more balanced approach by eliminating the ineffective regulations and creating a centralized dispatch service for wheelchair-accessible transportation controlled by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). The new policy would be consistent with those already implemented nationwide.

      “By creating a dispatch service for wheelchair-accessible transportation, we can help for-hire taxi and limousine drivers tap into the resources they need to provide quality service to all consumers,” Pichardo said.

Metropolitan Area Memorial Day Events To Honor Those Who Sacrificed For Our Nation

The United War Veterans Council (UWVC) — organizers of the New York City Veterans Day Parade — calls on metropolitan area residents to remember this Memorial Day those who have sacrificed for us by participating at one of many events taking place Monday, May 30. These events offer the opportunity for the community to reflect on the sacrifices service members and loved ones alike have made to protect the freedoms enjoyed by everyone in the United States.

“On Memorial Day we honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to protect our freedoms,” said UWVC President Dan McSweeney. “Through our efforts and support of the many events taking place throughout the region, we hope and call on metro area residents to show their support and pay their respects by attending a nearby event honoring the legacy of all those who served in the U.S. military.”

The UWVC is working with community groups throughout the metropolitan area to help organize and promote memorials, parades and other Memorial Day-related events, including:

• Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 30. Begins 10:00 a.m., led by the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Veteran Corps Artillery at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Riverside Park & W. 82^nd St., Manhattan. Following the procession, UWVC’s Dan McSweeney joins veterans and other participants for a wreath laying ceremony.

• 149^th Kings County Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30. One of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the nation, this parade begins 11:00 a.m. at 78^th St. & 3^rd Ave. in Brooklyn, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at John Paul Jones Park.

• Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30.  Parade begins noon atRestoration Plaza on Fulton St., Brooklyn.  Parade will process up Marcy Ave., turning onto Willoughby Ave. to end at BVSJ headquarters at 665 Willoughby Ave. (bet. Throop & Marcus Garvey Blvd.).  UWVC’s Ryan Heggwill join parade officials at the closing ceremony for a wreath laying and other activities.

• Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30.  Parade begins 2:00 p.m. at Jayson Ave. /Northern Blvd., Queens with UWVC’s Dan McSweeney serving as honorary Parade Marshal and speaking at the closing ceremony. Prior to the parade at 10:00 a.m., there will be an interfaith service at St. Anastasia Church at 45-14 245^th St., Douglaston, NY. Immediately after Interfaith Service, the Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place near the monument in the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy schoolyard.

• City Island Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30.  Parade begins 1:45 p.m. at Leonard Hawkins Post 156, 550 City Island Ave. in the Bronx. Prior to the parade UWVC will participate in two wreath-laying ceremonies in the area: the first, 10:30 a.m. at Bicentennial Veteran Memorial Park (Throgg's Neck Expressway at Pennyfield and Elisworth Aves.); and the second, 11:15 a.m. at Throggs Neck Memorial Post – American Legion (1456 Shore Dr.).

About United War Veterans Council

The United War Veterans Council, Inc. (UWVC) is a 501-(c) (19) non-profit organization that is dedicated to mobilizing the public to honor, support and serve America’s veterans through a wide range of activities and initiatives. We produce America’s Parade (the NYC Veterans Day Parade), the largest celebration of service in the nation.  Since our inception, the UWVC has been a non-political, non-partisan organization, with no agenda or purpose other than serving our veterans. We represent the mosaic of the veterans’ community, encompassing veterans of all eras and backgrounds.www.uwvc.org / FB / Twitter / Instagram.