FOIL to State Senate Ethics Committee Chair Alessandra Biaggi For Packet of Jose Elias Sepulveda Sent 12/17/2019

TO: Honorable Alessandra Biaggi

Chair of Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance

3190 Riverdale Ave.,

Suite 2

Bronx, NY 10463

FROM: John Perez

87th Assembly District Leader

2097 Daly Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10460

January 10, 2020

Dear Honorable Alessandra Biaggi

This letter serves as a FORMAL DEMAND freedom of information Law (F.O.I.L) Under the provisions of the New York Freedom of Information Law, Article 6 of the Public Officers Law. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law, N.Y. Pub. Off. Law sec. 84 et seq.,  

I hereby DEMAND a certified true copy of the full unredacted package (exception any minor under 18)  sent to members of the New York State Senate dated December 17, 2019 from Jose Elias Sepulveda , the Senator’s brother who is accusing him of a litany of crimes, including child molestation.  

This package is said to contain sensitive documents and affidavit’s that PROVE that State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda is a Child Molester, Thief, Drug Trafficker, Drug User and a Liar.

This is a serious matter and a breach of trust should any or all allegations described are substantiated.  Transparency is mandatory. Our responsibly is to represent, protect and inform our constituents and not to use a position for pleasure, profit or personal safety. 

In addition, I demand a list of all Senators that receive the package containing the aforementioned document and a list of the Senators present during the closed-door Senate conference where Senator Sepulveda denied the accusations.

 furthermore, we demand that State Senator Luis R, Sepulveda is immediately removed as Chairman of the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Investigations and Government Operation, Judiciary member and suspended immediately without pay, pending an investigation

  As you know, the Freedom of Information Law requires that an agency respond to a request within five business days of receipt of a request. Therefore, I would appreciate a response as soon as possible and look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Sincerely

John Perez

87th Assembly District Leader

2097 Daly Ave Apt. 4a

Bronx NY 10460

(718) 606-9740

Bronxgi99@yahoo.com

If for any reason any portion of my request is denied, please inform me of the reasons for the denial in writing and provide the name and address of the person or body to whom an appeal should be directed.                                                                          

Cc

Council Members 

Hon. Rev. Ruben Diaz

Hon. Rafael Salamanca

Hon. Vanessa Gibson

State Assembly Members

Hon. Michael Blake

Hon. Karines Reyes

Hon. Marcos Crespo

Hon. Carmen Arroyo

Hon. Latoya Joyner

QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LOYCENT GORDON, KEN AND HENRY SHI, ANNOUNCE HANDSHAKE DEAL TO KEEP HISTORIC NEIR’S TAVERN OPEN

Iconic Woodhaven watering hole featured in Goodfella’s had feared it would close after operating for 190 years before deal reached with landlord

Today, Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern, and property owners Ken and Henry Shi, announced they have reached a handshake agreement that will keep the historic bar, which has served patrons in Woodhaven since 1829, open. The two sides met Friday afternoon at the Queens Chamber of Commerce headquarters to reach an agreement that will see the oldest bar in New York City remain in business. 

“New York City’s small businesses are what make this city so special, and as the city’s oldest bar, Neir’s Tavern leads the pack. I’m proud to have helped keep the doors open so New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a place that has meant so much to so many over the years. Cheers to another 190 years!” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Small businesses are the backbone of NYC’s economy and Neir’s Tavern is a treasure that adds to the distinct character of this city. SBS is proud to offer services to help the business, assist them in keeping their doors open and help maintain the history and vitality of Queens,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services.

“I am proud to be part of an administration that takes our legacy venues and nightlife so seriously. I congratulate Mayor de Blasio and Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop for working so quickly to find a solution to save Neir’s Tavern, a celebrated and historic local venue. The Office of Nightlife has spoken with the owner and we are here to help support them moving forward. New York’s legacy venues are the lifeblood of our communities, and the City will do whatever it can to ensure that they are protected and supported, it is one of many reasons why the Office of Nightlife was established,” said Ariel Palitz, Executive Director of the New York City Office of Nightlife.

“We are thrilled to announce a handshake deal has been struck between Loycent Gordon and Ken and Henry Shi,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Queens, adding to the unique character of our neighborhoods and creating jobs and opportunity for New Yorkers. It would be a shame to lose an institution with as much history as Neir’s, and we’re thrilled the bar will continue to serve its patrons for years to come. This would not have been possible without the efforts of New York City Council Member Robert Holden and New York State Assembly Member Michael Miller. The support and intervention from Mayor Bill de Blasio’s team was also instrumental in reaching this agreement.”

 “We are very happy to have Neir’s Tavern stay open and continue our 190 years of continuous operation,” said Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern. 

“Thank you to all parties for helping to make this project work. We are indebted to Mayor de Blasio, Council Member Robert Holden and NYS Assemblyman Mike Miller,” said Ken and Henry Shi.

Michael Beltzer - We can now vote our choices

Ranked Choice Voting promotes democracy!

Dear Friends, I wanted to fill you in on a big change I was a part of last year. Ranked Choice Voting was put on the November 2019 ballot. Ranked Choice Voting allows voters, in NYC municipal elections, to rank up to 5 candidates. This is done to ensure that the winner receives a majority of voter's support. Here is a good video which explains how it works

I worked hard to get RCV passed because it eliminates a candidate being a "spoiler", which is unfair to good candidates. It has been shown to cut down on the amount of negative campaigning and to help elevate black, brown and women 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Rank Choice Voting is a fraud upon the Public. Only on the first round where a candidate needs to have 50% plus at least one vote for a majority of the votes. In round #2 the candidate with the least amount of votes is eliminated and the votes are redistributed, there are ballots that are exhausted due to the fact that there is no candidate marked correctly as #2. 

So while the percentage may be the same the number is not because there are less ballots. This continues into round #3 and beyond until one candidate has 50% plus at least one vote for a majority of the vote in that round. That however can and will be lower than the required 50% plus at least one vote that was required in the first counting of ballots.

With three candidates and one has to be eliminated to redistribute the votes to the #2 candidate, which candidate with lower votes is eliminated if the two candidates have the same number of votes? 

Finally if after all the elimination rounds occur and the two remaining candidates are then tied what happens? In a city with Rank Choice Voting a coin was flipped to determine the winner of the two tied candidates. You Mr. Beltzer may want your fate determined by a flip of a coin, but I am sure other don't.

By the way Mr. Beltzer Rank Choice Voting breeds more fraud in having drop off candidates for other candidates to get over the 50% plus one vote. Also the link was not working.

Bronx Democratic Party - Presidential Petitions Available! Help Your Candidate Qualify For The Ballot

The presidential primary process has started here in New York, and this is your chance to get involved and make a difference.

We have been connecting with the various presidential campaigns and will have designating petitions for the candidates and their delegates available at our office throughout the petitioning period: 

• Vice President Joe Biden
• Senator Elizabeth Warren
• Senator Bernie Sanders
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg
• Senator Amy Klobuchar
• Mayor Mike Bloomberg
• Senator Cory Booker

Petitions can be picked up Monday through Friday,

between 9:00AM and 5:00PM at:

Bronx Dems Headquarters

1534 Boone Avenue

The Bronx, NY 10460

(347) 281-9759

All petitions must be returned to us

by no later than Thursday, January 30th.

If you have any questions, please contact our Political Director,

Dan Johnson: dajohnson@bronxdems.org.

Sincerely,

The Bronx Democratic Party

LAST OF THREE FORMER RIKERS ISLAND INMATES SENTENCED FOR PUNCHING AND SLASHING NYC DOC OFFICER

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former Rikers Island inmate has been sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison for his role in the attack against a NYC Department of Correction Officer in the jail. He is the last of three defendants to be sentenced. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The main defendant, Malik Quick, savagely beat and slashed a DOC Officer inside a Rikers Island facility. The other two defendants took advantage of the violent situation the victim was in and threw punches. The Officer sustained a laceration behind his ear that required five stitches and a fracture to his hand.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Malik Quick, 23, of Brooklyn, was sentenced today to one and a half to three years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary. The sentence is consecutive to a sentence he is serving for a Brooklyn case. The defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault in the second degree on December 11, 2019. 

 Two additional former Rikers Island inmates who participated in the attack also pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault in the second degree and were sentenced in 2019. Samie Abbas, 19, was sentenced to one to three years in prison to be served concurrently with a sentence he is serving for a Brooklyn case. Sylvon James, 20, was sentenced to a court-ordered program but after failing it he was sentenced to five years’ probation.

 According to the investigation, on August 4, 2018 inside the Robert N. Davoren Center, Quick argued with Department of Correction Officer Joseph Baugh. The defendant then punched the Officer about the body multiple times. James and Abbas then punched the Officer as he struggled with Quick. Then Quick slashed the Officer behind the ear with a sharp object. The altercation ended when another DOC Officer responded to help the victim.

 District Attorney Clark thanked her Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau and Investigators Juan Rivera and Scott Frank of the Correction Intelligence Bureau for their assistance in the investigation

Wave Hill events January 23‒January 30

Sat, January 25

Woodworking Workshop series begins: The Wave Hill Chair

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by this iconic Wave Hill Chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master woodworker and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required, but participants must attend both sessions. The second day of this two-session series is Sunday, January 26, from 9:30AM to NOON. Space is limited! $240. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting November 13. 

Wave Hill House, 9:30AM–4PM

Sat, January 25

Family Art Project: Bronx Photo & Poetry Archive Story

Join Winter Workspace artist Stephanie Alvarado in archiving Bronx stories through photos. Create “choreo-poems” to help capture the stories of the people of the Bronx. Archive who you are in your biological or chosen family as we look to who we are in the Family Art Project community and in the Bronx. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, January 25

Cooking with Zing: the Ginger Family ( Zingiberaceae )

The ginger family, Zingiberaceae, includes spicy ginger, cardamom and turmeric, along with a number of showy ornamental plants. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares a sampling of these tropical herbs while a chef from Great Performances demonstrates various ways to cook with fresh and dried members of this aromatic plant family. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 1PM

Sun, January 26

Family Art Project: Bronx Photo & Poetry Archive Story

Join Winter Workspace artist Stephanie Alvarado in archiving Bronx stories through photos. Create “choreo-poems” to help capture the stories of the people of the Bronx. Archive who you are in your biological or chosen family as we look to who we are in the Family Art Project community and in the Bronx. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 26

Winter Workspace Art Workshop: Abstract Landscape Collages

Tour artist Tali Hinkis’ Winter Workspace studio to see her current work in process, including panoramic images captured with her homemade camera. Afterward, create abstract landscape collages using digital images of Wave Hill’s winter gardens and Conservatory. Materials provided. $55; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting November 13.

Meet at Glyndor Gallery, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 26

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, January 26

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Mon, January 27

Wave Hill is closed.

                         

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, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. 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 W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. 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.

Bronx Democratic Party - Interested In Becoming A Judge? Don't Miss This Deadline

Interested in becoming a judge?



The Independent Judicial Screening Committee of the Bronx Democratic County Committee (IJSC) is currently accepting applications for all elected judicial positions that will occur in the 2020 election cycle in and for the County of the Bronx, City and State of New York.

All prospective candidates for Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York and Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York must complete and submit a 2020 questionnaire no later than February 3, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and drop it off at The Bronx Democratic Party Headquarters:

Bronx Dems Headquarters

1534 Boone Avenue

The Bronx, NY 10460

For more information, please visit:

http://bronxdems.org/independent-judicial-screening-committee/

Sincerely,

The Bronx Democratic Party

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER JOHNSON ANNOUNCE OVER 100,000 NEW YORKERS ENROLLED IN FAIR FARES

Fair Fares meets milestone ahead of open enrollment beginning on January 27^th

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced today that over 100,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in the City’s Fair Fares initiative, marking a major milestone since the initiative’s inception. This milestone is met during the first phase of Fair Fares, representing more than 50% of the take-up rate after targeting more than 180,000 New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between a ride on the subway or bus and putting food on the table for their family,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Over 100,000 New Yorkers have now enrolled in the Fair Fares program, bringing us one step closer to our goal of being the fairest big city in America.”

“This 100,000 landmark enrollment news shows we are heading in the right direction and closer to assisting all low-income New Yorkers in need. We could not have made it here without the partnership with advocates like Community Service Society and Riders Alliance, and I thank them for all their efforts. Together, we look forward to building on this progress as we approach the launch of open enrollment on January 27^th so we can assist as many New Yorkers in poverty as possible,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 

“New Yorkers depend on access to transportation to lead healthy lives, and each of the enrollments in this Fair Fares milestone represents a life changed for the better,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Raul Perea-Henze. “As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to open enrollment later this month and the promise it holds to improve the health and well-being of more New Yorkers by connecting them to jobs, services, and the broader community.”

“More than 100,000 low-income New Yorkers can now afford to take the bus or train to work, classes, health care and home to their kids at night. We celebrate this milestone as the city prepares to open enrollment to all eligible city residents at or below poverty, removing a significant barrier to upward mobility for hundreds of thousands more. And we applaud the leadership of Speaker Johnson, the City Council and Mayor de Blasio for making New York a more just and equitable city,” said David R. Jones, President and CEO of Community Service Society, an anti-poverty group that first proposed half-fare discounts and advocated for the program along with the Riders Alliance and a broad coalition.

“Fair Fares is changing the lives of one hundred thousand New Yorkers! For me, it’s lifted a weight off my shoulders. Making ends meet is tough enough as a working mother and part-time student. Reaching 100,000 people enrolled in Fair Fares means that more New Yorkers like me have one less thing we have to worry about every month. And as we look forward to open enrollment, I'm excited to see how many more lives this program we fought for will help,” said Clementine James, Riders Alliance member who is also enrolled in Fair Fares.

Last month, the City announced the launch of a multi-million dollar campaign to ensure eligible New Yorkers are aware of the Fair Fares initiative and encourage them to enroll. The City also announced that open enrollment of the program will begin on January 27^th.

Currently, eligible New Yorkers can opt-in by going to www.nyc.gov/fairfares and following the link to enroll now. They can also visit the nearest Fair Fares NYC location or call 311 for assistance.