My Experience During The Democratic Primaries

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 

32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

You should know that I am writing this column from my home town of Bayamon, Puerto Rico where I am visiting my brother Ramon Diaz who is fighting pancreatic cancer.   

You should also know that the past Democratic primaries conducted on Tuesday, September 12th, left many stunned, surprised and others disappointed.   

First, let me tell you that I had to confront four opponents, and each one of them spent their time and money attacking and accusing me of just about everything that may come to mind. 
They not only compared me to Donald Trump, they accused me of being anti-woman, racist, a homophobe, and anti-immigrant, etc.   

My four opponents, one a woman, one an African American, one openly gay, and one of German descent, they did not waste any time to paint me, as the worst enemy of each of their respective communities and ethnic group. 

As a matter of fact, the pressure that some members of the gay community placed on Assemblyman Michael Blake "an African American" {a personal friend of mine before the primaries} forced him to publicly denounce me, and he requested that I return a $1,000.00 campaign contribution he had made to my campaign. 

It is important for you to know that consequently, not one single African American elected official came out publically to support me.   Could you imagine not one?   

Among the Latino legislators that publically supported me were Bronx Borough President  Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx County Democratic Chairman Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, my campaign manager Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Senator Marisol Alcantara, and Council members Rafael Salamanca, Fernando Cabrera, and Ydanis Rodriguez. 

The rest of my colleagues ran away from me, but my dear readers I do promise that I will always work hand in hand with them if they ever need me.   

On the other hand, I was proud to have received the endorsements or fair treatment from the following news media outlets: City and State,  The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Bronx Chronicles, Bangla Patrika, The Taxi Voice, The New York Cronicas, and The Taxista News.   

Also the following labor Unions:  The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA), The New York City Corrections Association (COBA), The Detective Endowment Association, Captain Endowment, Lieutenant Benevolent, Sergeant  Association, LIUNA, Uniformed Fire Fighters, DEA Cope Fund, Building for New Yorkers, NYS Laborers PAC. 

I conclude by stating that if an elected official or any person has a wife like Mrs. Leslie I. Diaz, children like Damaris, Samuel, and Ruben Jr., and a staff such as mine, that person is the most blessed.     

This is Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know.    

LEADING THE CHARGE: MAYOR ANNOUNCES FAST-CHARGING EV HUBS IN ALL 5 BOROUGHS

City to develop fast charging hubs in every borough in 2018 with new commitment to develop 50 fast charging hubs citywide by 2020; Will help spur adoption of EVs by New Yorkers, with goal of 20% of new car registrations to be EVs by 2025

   Following on his ambitious plan to mandate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the next step in his climate action agenda. The Mayor announced plans to significantly expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for residents by developing new fast charging stations across the city. As part of the Administration’s target for 20 percent of the motor vehicle registrations in New York City to be electric by 2025, the City will invest $10 million to develop fast charging hubs with up to 20 chargers per site. Beginning in 2018, the City will partner with Con Edison to identify at least one site in every borough; these five hubs would have the capacity to charge more than 12,000 electric vehicles every week.

“New York City will continue to invest in the new technologies we need to reduce our emissions, especially in the face of Trump’s abdication of leadership on climate,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By helping develop the infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles, we’re going to make it easier than ever for New Yorkers to switch. This is another step towards aligning our action on climate change with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree stretch goal.”

Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council's Environmental Protection Committee, said, "As we work to meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, we must encourage New Yorkers to form sustainable habits including driving electric vehicles.  My legislation for a pilot program that brings electric vehicle charging stations to every borough has broken barriers to increase use of these vehicles.  This plan to build fast-charging EV hubs across our city will spur further adoption.  Encouraging greener and more sustainable forms of transportation will greatly reduce our emissions, helping our city become a global leader on the environment.  Thank you to the Mayor's Office of Sustainability for their partnership on reducing carbon emissions.”

“Increasing access to fast charging electric vehicle charging stations puts us on the right track to keeping up with other cities in our country and around the world,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the New York City Council Transportation Committee. “More than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to cleaner alternative modes of transportation and to efforts reducing dependency on carbon-dioxide emitting vehicles.”

To further spur the market for EVs, the City is making a new commitment to establishing 50 fast-charging hubs citywide by 2020, providing reliable access to high-speed charging for would-be EV drivers who lack other charging options.

The City will also be working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors’ Maven carshare division, and EVgo to bring additional fast chargers and more than 50 EVs to New York City for use by for-hire vehicle drivers to encourage a shift to electric and low-carbon vehicles in the for-hire fleet.

And as part of Con Edison’s $25 million EV demonstration project, DOT and NYPD will reserve access to 100 or more on-street parking spaces for EVs only, where they will be able to plug in for low-speed charging. If the pilot is successful, the program could be expanded to provide curbside charging citywide.

This announcement today builds off of Local Law 160 of 2016, championed by Council Members Constantinides and Rodriguez. This law established an EV charging station pilot program, and requires installation of at least 25 multi-hour EV charging stations in publicly accessible locations by March 1, 2018, with at least two stations in every borough. The law also expanded an Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee that monitors the results of the program and will make recommendations related to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the city, including the feasibility of on-street electric vehicle charging.

When President Trump announced the US would abandon the Paris Climate Agreement earlier this year, the Mayor pledged New York City would adhere to the treaty and accelerate its own actions to reach the 80 percent reduction in emissions by the 2050 target. Transportation in New York City accounts for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions - but nearly all of those emissions (90 percent) come from private cars or trucks. When charged in New York City, because of the relatively low-carbon composition of our grid, electric vehicles have the same carbon footprint as a car that gets 80-110 miles per gallon. This will only improve as New York City’s electricity grid expands use of renewable and low-carbon power.

The investment in electric vehicle infrastructure is part of a series of steps the City must take to help hold global temperature increases to just 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change. The measures announced today can support a 5 to 10 percent electric vehicle adoption rate in the near term, reducing annual citywide greenhouse gas emissions by approximately as much as 1 percent below 2005 levels. Sustained effort to meet the Mayor’s target of a 20 percent electric vehicle share by 2025 can unlock up to 1.5 percent annual reduction by 2030.

This step is part of a comprehensive set of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, including expanding non-vehicle options and encouraging more trips to be taken by transit, walking, and bicycling. The de Blasio administration is expanding city’s bike lane network, bringing bike share to more neighborhoods, investing in pedestrian safety, improving bus service by investing in new select bus service routes and bus service upgrades across the city, and pursuing a tax on millionaires to modernize the subway system and  provide half-priced fares for low-income riders. But even as New Yorkers take more trips by bus, subway, bike or on foot, we are taking steps transition remaining vehicle trips to clean and electric vehicles.

There are currently 307 publicly available charging sites citywide, consisting of 526 Level 2 chargers and just 16 fast chargers. The difference between fast charging sites and a Level 2 charger is 30 minutes vs. as many as 8 hours to charge.  A study is in process to identify the best sites for each fast charge hub, based on factors including projected EV ownership, traffic density, and proximity to amenities to enjoy while drivers charge their cars.

As the cost of electric car and trucks become more affordable, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to help New Yorkers make the switch to cleaner vehicles is essential. Electric vehicles release no tailpipe emissions, require less maintenance and are ideal for city driving.

This new effort complements NYC Clean Fleet, the City’s comprehensive plan to create the largest municipal electric vehicle fleet of any US city. The City has already surpassed 1,000 electric vehicles in its fleet and is ahead of schedule to meet its target of adding 2,000 electric vehicles by 2025.

ELECTED OFFICIALS TO AMAZON: THE BRONX IS A PRIME LOCATION FOR HQ2

  Elected officials from every corner of The Bronx have signed a letter to Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s Founder & CEO, urging the company to consider The Bronx as the site of its next headquarters.

“The Bronx offers many unique advantages when compared to other municipalities. We have seen a record investment in our infrastructure, and we are leading the way in job creation. Companies from all over the world are taking a fresh look at The Bronx, and our existing companies are expanding their presence in our borough. With smart planning and collaboration, Amazon could become a key piece of our ongoing renaissance,” states the letter.

Earlier this month, Amazon announced that it would seek a site for its second American headquarters, HQ2, and issued a nationwide request for proposals. Since then, Bronx elected officials and business leaders have been working to identify potential locations that could host Amazon’s second headquarters and are developing a package of materials discussing the significant benefits of doing business in The Bronx for the company’s review.

“Our borough already has a working relationship with Amazon, and we would welcome them to The Bronx with open arms. We have numerous locations that could meet their needs and a skilled workforce to go with them,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Bronx has seen incredible progress on job creation and economic development in recent years. Amazon would be a tremendous new addition to our borough, and we look forward to discussing their proposal for a new headquarters, and how The Bronx could host them, in the near future. The Bronx is a prime location for Amazon’s next home.”

The complete letter to Amazon can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/2xNtASO.

Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico:

“The devastation in Puerto Rico over the last several weeks has been too much to bear. The images are heartbreaking and the damage is nothing short of catastrophic. The issues are especially bad when you consider those on the island barely had a moment to breathe after Hurricane Irma before Hurricane Maria hit. We need to do everything in our power to help our fellow citizens in their moment of need. New Yorkers are no strangers to powerful, dangerous natural events and as such we stand ready to assist in any way we can. I urge my colleagues in Congress to come to the aid of Puerto Rico quickly.”

NYC Council Member Andy King - FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS FOR WOMEN AGE 40 AND OVER

  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  NYC Council Member Andy King, in partnership with St. Barnabas Health System, will host a Mobile Mammography Unit to give women age 40 and over FREE mammogram screenings on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his District Office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. In addition,HealthFirst will be on hand to discuss health insurance needs. To RSVP for an appointment please call the Office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ON VOTE BY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND BUILDINGS APPROVING LEGISLATION MANDATING SAFETY TRAINING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

  “Construction workers should not have to risk their lives to put food on the table for their families. For that reason and by working hand in glove with the City Council, we are committed to building out training programs that ensure all workers, including day laborers, local hires, MWBE’s and employees of other small construction firms, can access the training they need.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  All these safety practices are in effect if union labor is used, because the union makes sure their workers are properly trained. By the above statement is the mayor endorsing non-union labor people to work on New York City construction sites? If so just who is going to pay for this training of non-union workers, the union workers who do not have jobs because of this?

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF HURRICANE JOSE – COASTAL FLOODING, STRONG RIP CURRENTS, STRONG WINDS AND RAIN

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning forTuesday evening and Wednesday morning high tide cycles

Widespread moderate coastal flooding expected in coastal neighborhoods

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts of Hurricane Jose. With Jose’s track moving about 75 – 100 miles to the southeast of Long Island, residents living in the city’s coastal neighborhoods could experience moderate levels of coastal flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory along the shores of Brooklyn and southern Queens from 6 a.m. through 12 p.m. Tuesday. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for Staten Island from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 12 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service has also issued a Coastal Flood Warning along the shores of Brooklyn and southern Queens from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 12 p.m. Wednesday.  During a Coastal Flood Warning, widespread moderate flooding is expected, resulting in beach erosion and flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

“We are closely monitoring Hurricane Jose and the potential impacts it may have to New York City,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “If you live in vulnerable coastal neighborhoods, take steps to protect your property. Prepare your Go Bags, charge your cell phone batteries, and don’t forget to check in on relatives, friends, and neighbors.”

Hurricane Jose is also expected to bring dangerous surf, strong rip currents, strong winds, and rain to the New York City area. The National Weather Service has issued a Rip Current Statement for Brooklyn and southern Queens through 8 p.m. Tuesday. A High Surf Advisory is also in effect for Brooklyn and southern Queens through 6 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area producing dangerous rip currents, widespread dune erosion, and localized washovers.

The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur. Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning due to the large number of paved surfaces across the city. These surfaces do not allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground and can result in storm drains often being overwhelmed, causing localized flooding. NYC Emergency Management works closely with NYPD, FDNY, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to mitigate the impact of flash floods. New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).

The Department of Buildings has issued an advisory for property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment in preparation for strong winds associated with Hurricane Jose. The department will perform random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City and will issue violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary, if sites are not secured.

NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor Hurricane Jose and share storm updates with city, state, and private-sector partners. NYC Emergency Management encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to prepare for potential rain, wind and coastal flooding effects ahead of the storm:

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN:

·         Make a plan with your household that outlines what to do during an emergency, including a coastal storm. Use the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan to create your family’s emergency plan.

·         If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.

·         Know your zone. Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into six evacuation zones (1 through 6) based on risk of storm surge flooding. Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY:212-504-4115) to find out if your address is located in an evacuation zone.

·         Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. For more information about what to pack in a Go Bag, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/gather-supplies.page.

·         Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC to receive emergency notifications and updates via email, phone, SMS /text, or Twitter. Notify NYC messages are also available in American Sign Language (ASL). Visit www.nyc.gov/NotifyNYC or call 3-1-1 to sign up.

PREPARE FOR FLOODING

If you live in a flood-susceptible area:

·         Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.

·         Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables. 

·         Move valuable items from basements to upper floors. (Basements are vulnerable to flooding.)

·         Know your flood risk. To learn more about coastal flood risk in New York City, visit the FEMA Region II Coastal Analysis and Mapping website for flood hazard information at http://www.region2coastal.com/. 

·         Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance. For more information, visit the National Flood Insurance Program online at www.floodsmart.gov.

·         Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household disaster plan.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES

·         Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

·         Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.

·         Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.

·         Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

PREPARE FOR STRONG WINDS

Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of strong winds, New Yorkers should:

·         Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

·         Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

·         Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

STAY INFORMED

Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 3-1-1, visit www.nyc.gov/NotifyNYC, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.