SENATOR KLEIN HOLDS ANNUAL TURKEY RAFFLE FOR SENIORS

     Deputy Majority Leader and State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) visited multiple Senior Centers across the 34th Senate District during the past two weeks, raffling off turkeys just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

       “Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and I am so pleased to be able to provide so many of them to our seniors, so that they may enjoy a bountiful holiday feast this year. This annual raffle is one small way for me to say thank you to the great residents of the 34th Senate district, who are truly a wonderful community to represent,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.

      More than two hundred 14-pound plus turkeys were raffled off to seniors throughout the Bronx and Westchester during the month of November.  

BP Diaz and Speaker Quinn Host GED Fair

    On Monday, November 15, as part of the New York City Council’s efforts to help New Yorkers get good jobs, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn  hosted an adult education fair to get more New Yorkers to sign up for the GED and for free education courses.

    According to city reports, 1.6 million New Yorkers over the age of 16 don’t have their high school diploma and are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as someone with a college degree.

Open Letter from Senator Rev Ruben Diaz to Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Dear Archbishop Dolan:

    Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your recent selection as President of the US Catholic Conference of Bishops.  I just read about this in the news, and I am overjoyed!

    During your brief tenure in New York, we have been blessed with your great compassion, your approachability, and your clear commitment to the core principles of faith – all shown in your own characteristically cheerful and loving way.

    We will certainly miss you if you move to DC, but we know that the nation as a whole will gain as you remain at the forefront carrying the message and the mission of respecting the lives of all of God’s children and strengthening the role of the family.

I will continue to value our friendship, and hope and pray that our friendship will continue to grow forever.

Respectfully,

    Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz.

 

Senator Klein Honors Hundreds of Bronx & Westchester Veterans at 4th Annual Breakfast

    On Sunday, November 14th, Deputy Majority Leader and State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) hosted his fourth annual Veterans Day Breakfast at Villa Barone Manor, honoring hundreds of veterans from the Bronx and Westchester. 

    Every year, Klein holds the complimentary breakfast before the Throggs Neck Veterans Day Parade to pay tribute to local veterans and their families.

    “This is the fourth year that I've hosted hundreds of veterans with a warm and hearty breakfast at Villa Barone Manor before the Throggs Neck Veterans Day Parade. It is truly my honor to welcome the veterans and their families from throughout the 34th Senate District, to celebrate their deep commitment to our nation and to thank them for their honorable service," said State Senator Jeff Klein.

    Veterans and their families enjoyed a breakfast spread of eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice and coffee. At the breakfast the four Grand Marshals of the Throggs Neck Veterans Day Parade - Tom Costello, Robert W. Booth, Russ Schaller and Bob Branizza - were honored with distinguished service awards. Philip Wise, who served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, was also honored.  

That's Assemblyman Benedetto (second from the right) also on hand, next to Senator Klein (third from the right).

    

Borough President Diaz Hosted Forum on the Small Business Survival Act

    On Friday, November 12, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) hosted a special “Legal Review Forum” on the Small Business Survival Act, City Council Int. 0154-2010, to evaluate the legal arguments and the supportive case law dealing with the constitutionality of the proposed law. 

    If passed, the Small Business Survival Act would create a process of arbitration in commercial lease negotiations in New York City, creating rights for small business owners in the lease process that do not currently exist. The forum participants discussed if the Small Business Survival Act is fully constitutional and legally sound to withstand likely court challenges, and recommended changes that would make it stronger to endure those possible court challenges.  

Statement from Borough President Diaz
RE: Appointment to Governor-elect Cuomo’s Transition Team

   “I am proud to serve Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo as a member of his transition team. Challenging times are ahead for New York State, and this transition team will work to put together the best and brightest minds to serve our new governor’s administration and build a talented and diverse new state government. I am honored that my friend Andrew Cuomo has chosen me to be a part of this process,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Bronx BP Diaz Named to Cuomo Transition Team

   

    The two teams announced by Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo yesterday are exquisitely balanced exercises in political correctness -- and the conflicting racial, social and economic interests they represent are so profound that the panels would be hard-pressed to agree on the day of the week.

   

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is a member of Cuomo's economic-development advisory team.

SoBRO CELEBRATES 38 YEARS OF BUILDING A BETTER BRONX 38^TH ANNIVERSARY GALA TO BE HELD AT THE GRAND HYATT IN NYC 

    On Tuesday December 7^th, 2010, the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO) will hold its 38^th Anniversary Gala at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, located at 109 East 42^nd Street at Grand Central Terminal. The theme for this year’s gala, “Retrain, Renew, Revitalize” embodies SoBRO’s commitment to positively transform the South Bronx through diverse educational and economic development programs. The theme also reflects the honorees’ accomplishments as they share in SoBRO’s mission of “Building a Better Bronx”.

    The SoBRO gala is one of the largest, most festive and highly visible events held by any Bronx organization. It attracts over 500 guests from the business, political and public sectors and members of the press.  The event provides a platform for celebrating the progress SoBRO has made in helping to invigorate the South Bronx economy and gives us the opportunity to shine a light on our honorees, who are the finest examples of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Every year, the SoBRO gala recognizes outstanding individuals affiliated with the Bronx including Al Pacino, Garry Marshall, Colin F. Powell, Regis Philbin, basketball legend Walt Frazier and the late Tito Puente, among others.

    The honorees this year include: Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill (Community Leadership Award), Jackson Development Group (Developer of the Year Award), Best Buy (Corporate Leadership Award) and Chairman of the New Yankees Stadium Community Benefits Fund, Serafin Mariel (Spirit of the Bronx Award). SoBRO will also give special recognition to Brian Gold of Sultana Distribution Services, Inc. who created the Bernie Gold & Anthony Pellicano Scholarship Fund which supports high school graduates in SoBRO’s Youth Program in pursuing a college education.

    After the cocktail hour, the festivities will kick-off with a special performance by American Idol Finalist, Ian Holmes, followed by a dinner, auction, Text-to-Pledge™ and dancing with live music. The Master of Ceremonies will be DeMarco Morgan, Anchor/Reporter, WNBC4 New York. 

     38^th Anniversary Gala    

      South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation     (SoBRO) 

      December 7, 2010 - Cocktail Reception: 6pm, Dinner, Auction, Text-to Pledge & Dancing: 7pm

        The Grand Hyatt in New York City / 109 East 42^nd Street at Grand Central Terminal     

        CONTACT: Linda Yantz, Development Associate (718)732-7522, lyantz@sobro.org

   

About SoBRO SoBRO is a not-for-profit community development corporation that has been serving the South Bronx since 1972.  SoBRO’s programs include adult education and workforce training, real estate and community development, technical and financial assistance for businesses, and an array of programs for youth. For additional information about SoBRO, please contact us at: (718) 7292-3113 or visit www.sobro.org.

 
   

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ TO HOST FORUM ON

THE SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL ACT

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) will host a special “Legal Review Forum” on the Small Business Survival Act, City Council Int. 0154-2010, to evaluate the legal arguments and the supportive case law dealing with the constitutionality of the proposed law. 

    If passed, the Small Business Survival Act would create a process of arbitration in commercial lease negotiations in New York City, creating rights for small business owners in the lease process that do not currently exist. This forum will try to determine if the Small Business Survival Act is fully constitutional and legally sound to withstand likely court challenges, and to recommend changes that would make it stronger to endure those possible court challenges.

    Business owners and entrepreneurs from across the City will have the opportunity to present their view on the constitutionality of the Small Business Survival Act and to offer any recommendations for changes to the proposed.  Panel members will be attorneys of law with backgrounds involving the legal issues of this proposed legislation.  

     Friday, November 12, 2010  10:00 am to 12:00 pm

   851 Grand Concourse- Bronx Borough Hall Rotunda- 1^st floor

       

TEAMWORK FOUNDATION, INC  HOSTS 3rd ANNUAL PREP SCHOOL FAIR  NOVEMBER 12, 2010 - GAUCHOS GYM

    Teamwork Foundation, Inc., a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization, will host their 3rd Annual Prep School Fair Friday November 12, 2010 at Gauchos Gym. The Prep School Fair is a free event, from 6 to 8pm, and is open to the general public. Gauchos Gym is located in the Bronx at 478 Gerard Avenue. 

    Teamwork Foundation’s Prep School Fair is an opportunity for middle school and high school students in the New York City area to meet with admissions officers from top prep schools in the Northeast and learn about the complete boarding school experience from campus life and athletics to financial aid and college prep.

    This year, the fair will host a number of schools including: The Hotchkiss School, Phillips Exeter Academy, St. Mark’s School, Loomis Chaffe School, Taft School, Trinity Pawling, Deerfield Academy, Berkshire School, Peddie School, Suffield Academy, St. Paul’s School, The Kent School, Salisbury School, Millbrook School, and Lawrenceville School.

    About Teamwork Foundation Inc.
Teamwork Foundation Inc., located in the Bronx, New York has been providing high quality after-school and summer basketball programs to inner city boys and girls for more than 40 years! With more than 80% of program graduates receiving at least one year of college tuition through scholarships the program has benefited more than 11,000 kids. More than 200 of Teamwork Foundation alumni have gone on to play in Division I colleges and a select few have reached NBA distinction.  

    For more information call  Siri Larkins  718 665 6951 e-mail  siriscottlarkins@gmail.com 

Mayor Bloomberg Announces Schools Chancellor Joel Klein Resigns

     It is official New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein has resigned his job as schools chancellor to take a position with News Corp the owners of the New York Post, television stations channels 5 and 9 among the many vast holdings of the Murdoch empire. Could it be that Klein has been tapped to negotiate the deal with Cablevision, or will he now run the Fox Sports Department, but it is said that Klein will be an executive vice president in the chairman’s office. 

     Bloomberg said that it was time for Klein to go, and no one deserves more credit for turning around a dysfunctional school system then Joel Klein. Klein had initially said that he would serve only two four year terms as schools chancellor, not knowing that the Mayor would get the City Council to change the term limit law so they could serve a third term in office. 

    Ms. Cathie Black the current Hearst Magazines Chairwoman will replace Joel Klein as the new chancellor as announced by Mayor Bloomberg. Ms. Black is right out of the Klein mold, as schools chancellor Klein was chairman and chief executive officer of Bertelsmann, Inc. one of the world’s largest media companies.

    We have no doubt that Ms. Black will be just like Joel Klein, and continue most if not all of his policies.  We see no improvement in parent relations, lower test scores (now that the inflated scores were revealed as false), and we look for a teacher strike when the UFT contract runs out.It is rumored that Ms. Black is an advocate of Charter Schools.

    Welcome to the New York City education system Ms. Black
Statement from Borough President Diaz

RE: The appointment of Cathie Black as new chancellor of the Department of Education

“I welcome Cathie Black as the new chancellor of the Department of Education. This is a very challenging time for public schools in New York City. We have seen State test scores drop dramatically at schools across the five boroughs, stagnant graduation rates at our high schools, and schools closed without any meaningful input from the community. In many ways Bronx parents and parents throughout the city have lost confidence in the Department of Education, and I am hopeful that Ms. Black will usher in a new era of collaboration and community responsiveness at the DOE while we work together to improve our public schools for the 1.1 million children who rely on them,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ TO HOST FORUM ON

THE SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL ACT

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) will host a special “Legal Review Forum” on the Small Business Survival Act, City Council Int. 0154-2010, to evaluate the legal arguments and the supportive case law dealing with the constitutionality of the proposed law. 

    If passed, the Small Business Survival Act would create a process of arbitration in commercial lease negotiations in New York City, creating rights for small business owners in the lease process that do not currently exist. This forum will try to determine if the Small Business Survival Act is fully constitutional and legally sound to withstand likely court challenges, and to recommend changes that would make it stronger to endure those possible court challenges.

    Business owners and entrepreneurs from across the City will have the opportunity to present their view on the constitutionality of the Small Business Survival Act and to offer any recommendations for changes to the proposed.  Panel members will be attorneys of law with backgrounds involving the legal issues of this proposed legislation.  

     Friday, November 12, 2010

      10:00 am to 12:00 pm

   851 Grand Concourse- Bronx Borough Hall 

   Rotunda-  1^st floor 

Contact:   John DeSio 718-590-3543/ Liseth Perez Almeida 718-590-2509  for more details.     

Will We Know The State Senate Outcome Soon?
Maybe Not According To The  Politicians.

    Senate President Malcolm Smith admitted last night that the Democrats might be forced to negotiate with their GOP enemies on a power-sharing agreement so the house can function if recounting and legal fights in the three cliffhanger races that will determine control of the chamber (or perhaps deadlock it) drag on through January.

    Gov. David Paterson is formally backing off his plans to bring the Legislature back to Albany on Nov. 15th for a lame duck session, saying he agrees with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver that the Senate chaos requires that date to be pushed back at least several weeks.

   This is not the first time that Paterson yielded to the wishes of the real governor of New York State, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Paterson agreed with Silver saying that by Nov 15th the three races in doubt would probably not be solved by then, and hoped that he could get the full legislature in session before Jan. 1, 2011.

  There are some items that need to be taken care of before the year ends Paterson did say.

THE BRONX CELEBRATES PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2010

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Comité Noviembre will celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month 2010 honoring an important group of Puerto Rican leaders. 

    The “Celebrando Nuestra Cultura Puertorriqueña” event is especially festive as the Puerto Rican community has made such a great, positive impact on virtually every sector of life in The Bronx.  The celebration will be attended by more than 250 Bronx community leaders from the fields of academia, community service, the arts, healthcare, business and communications.  

    This year’s honorees are: Marcus Solis, ABC Network reporter; and Angel Rodriguez, musician. The keynote speaker for the evening will be Nicholasa Mohr, author of numerous acclaimed books for children and adults. 

     Thursday, November 18th---5:30PM

    Bronx Museum of the Arts - 

    1040 Grand Concourse at East 165th Street

   Seating is limited, to RSVP 

   call 718-590-3522 or email           

  lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov 

       

VERNUCCIO FOR STATE SENATE 34TH DISTRICT   REPUBLICAN/CONSERVATIVE November 3, 2010

VICTORY IN DEFEAT   Although the tidal wave of Democrat victories in New York State unfortunately included my race in the 34th Senatorial District, we were successful in many ways.       Most importantly, we changed the entire political conversation in New York State, a fact that will bear great importance in the future.  When I began my race, I was the only candidate seriously discussing the abolition of failing agencies like the MTA.  By the end of the campaign, my original concept had been adopted by many, if not most candidates on both sides of the political divide.        Similarly, while many candidates were discussing a tax cap, I was one of the only candidates to discuss an actual tax reduction.  Eventually, many candidates adopted that position.       Throughout this race, many liberal Democrat candidates, including my opponent, pretended  to adopt conservative positions.  Indeed, this was a general strategy throughout the Democrat party.  I intend to monitor those who did so, and expose those who (as expected) once again break their trust with the voters.        My campaign was unique in that in accepted no funds from special interests, and received almost no funds from political parties.  Albany must be freed of the stranglehold of vested interests that have bankrupted the state, and made a mockery of democracy.  We can, and we must, do better.       I am deeply grateful to all those volunteers who gave so generously of their time and effort.  I will never forget their fighting spirit and generosity.  I pledge to you that I will continue the noble battle that we began with this campaign.  Frank V. Vernuccio, Jr. Paid for by Friends of Vernuccio

The Day After Election Day
Here's What Happened

    Andrew Cuomo will be the next Governor of New York State. 

    Eric Schneiderman pulls out a victory in the race for New York State Attorney General.

    It was 2AM when Tom DiNapoli declared victory in the race for New York State Comptroller.

    The New York State Senate is now controlled by, well we don't know yet, and may not for several days as there are three State Senate races that are too close to call. 

    New York State Assembly candidate McLaughlin wins (see below).

   Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, while Democrats barely keep control of the U.S. senate as Schumer and Gillibrand win re-election but not by huge margins. 

    

    Locally all Democrats won re-election, and no Joe McLaughlin did not beat 81st Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, but in the 108th Assembly District (in upstate Rensselaer County) Steve McLaughlin defeated Assemblyman Tim Bishop.
   Both ballot proposals were passed by the voters, so we look for another Charter Revision Commission next year.

   

Tomorrow Is Election Day
Vote No on Both Ballot Proposals

  If you read last weeks column titled AEG strikes again at the end of the column you saw our predictions for election day 2010 statewide. We still thing that the Coumo landslide will pull in three new Democratic seats in the State Senate, and Comptroller candidate Tom DiNapoli. As for A.G. candidate Eric Schniderman who won the Democratic Primary with only 34 percent, he could be in trouble. Schniderman has been sideswiped more than once by not only his opponent, but by cable t.v. channel New York 1.

    Locally it looks like 81st Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz will breeze once again to victory, and we wonder why Mr. Anthony Perez Cassino did not challenge him this year. That could have been a very interesting race, as Mr. Cassino could have confronted Dinowitz face to face about his removal from Community Board #8, rather then having someone unfamiliar to the situation sit in for him. We also expect State Senator Jeff Klein currently Deputy Senate Majority Leader to coast to an easy victory. The only question is will Senator Klein become the Senate Majority Leader or become its next Senate Minority Leader? 

    If the Dems loose the State Senate that could be the out to allow Senator Klein run for the possible new East Bronx congressional seat after redistricting. We will tell you that New York should be loosing two congressional seats so get your good-byes ready as Congressman Joe Crowley will probably be going back to Queens County as his whole district. Will former Bronx Borough President Carrion, Senator Klein, Bronx County Democratic County Leader Heastie, Councilman Seabrook, or someone else be looking to run for that new congressional seat?

    We also hope that you vote tomorrow, and vote no on both ballot proposals.

Liberty Democratic Association Dinner Huge Success
   

    The guest list is reported to be over 250 people that were at the Liberty Democratic Association 3rd Annual fundraiser last Thursday night. The politicians included New York City Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill Deblasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council members Jimmy Vacca and Majority Leader Joel Rivera, Congressman Eliot Engel (one of the honorees), New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein, New York State Assembly members Vanessa Gibson 77th, Jeffrey Dinowitz 81st, Mike Benedetto 82nd, Marcos Crespo 85th, and newly elected 79th Assemblyman Eric Stevenson.

    I asked Comptroller Liu about the term limit ballot proposal, and he said that he will only stay in office as comptroller for two terms no matter what happens on election day.

    I was able to ask 80th A.D. Male District Leader Kenny Agosto if he was running for the 80th assembly seat in 2012, since he has formed a campaign committee Agosto for the people 2012. Mr. Agosto said that he would have to wait on any decision for 2012 until after redistricting in 2011. He added "no one really knows what changes may occur to the 80th assembly district next year so it would be to early to say anything". I did see that gleam in Kenny's eye however when I asked the question. 

    The evening went so well that time just seemed to go by as the event came to an close. The best line of the night had to be Jimmy Vacca saying "I am not going to bore you with a long speech" as he thanked the LDA for their continued support. 

   
   

Statement from Borough President Diaz

Re: Today’s Vote of the Local Redevelopment Authority for the Muller Army Reserve Center

    “I am unhappy that this administration has concluded that the appropriate use for this facility is as new housing for the homeless, despite the fact that three new homeless facilities are planned for the immediate area surrounding the Muller facility—one of which will be located directly across the street. I do not feel that the concerns of the Bronx have been taken into consideration on this matter, and I feel that we need more time to negotiate the proper use of the Muller space which, in my opinion, should be the next home for the National Guard units currently located at the Kingsbridge Armory.

    “Since the vote of the Muller LRA requires a quorum of all three of its members to go forward on a vote, my appointment will not be attending today’s meeting. I am hopeful that, through continued negotiations, we are able to come to an agreement on the reuse of this facility that will take into account the wishes of the people of the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Update-  
Here is the link to see the 81st A.D. debate 

http://bronxnet.org/tv/bronxtalk/viewvideo/250/bronxtalk/bronxtalk-special--october-27-2010
                                                                     

                                                                                              
81st Assembly Debate
Nothing for Dinowitz to worry about.

    Last night on Bronxtalk the only local debate of this election season took place between the candidates running for the 81st assembly seat. Current Democratic Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz faced off against Republican, Conservative, and Independence Party candidate Joe McLaughlin. While candidate Mclaughlin hit a few singles, it was Assemblyman Dinowitz that shut Mclaughlin down with his pitching. We reference baseball because if you turned on your Cablevision box last night to see the World Series, there was nothing on. We thought that the stalemate between Cablevision and News Corp. (owners of Fox 5, and MY 9 television channels) would have ended by the start of the World Series, but then again we thought the Yankees would be playing so who cares in New York now. 

    Back to the 81st A.D. debate. McLaughlin got to first base by accusing Dinowitz of favoring the Riverdale community over others in the district. Dinowitz threw a slider back saying that his job is to bring resources into the entire district, and that is what he does. He added that the #10 and #20 buses in Riverdale were cut as were other bus routes. 

    Dinowitz was asked if he is now an insider in Albany and part of the problem, to which he said "I helped defeat Pedro Espada and am working to help reform Albany". In rebuttal McLaughlin accused Dinowitz of raising taxes and not doing enough to help seniors on fixed incomes. Dinowitz replied that the city provides most of the funding for senior centers, and that he would rather raise sin taxes than have to cut things like school funding. 

    As to why he did not sign on to Ed Koch's pledge to reform Albany, and if he is in the way of changing Albany Dinowitz said that he makes it a policy not to sign pledges, and that in his last term Mayor Koch's administration  was rife with corruption and had many suicides. To the charge by McLaughlin that he put Pedro Espada on the ballot and then did nothing to get rid of him Dinowitz said that he did not put Espada on the ballot, that Espada petitioned to get on the ballot, that he (Dinowitz) did not try to give Espada a platform to run on that those people are after him (Espada), and in fact helped Espada's challenger to win the election against Espada. 

    The Water Filtration Plant at Van Courtlandt Park came up with Dinowitz stressing that he fought the project "tooth and nail", and said that his opponent should be asking Mayor Bloomberg these questions.

    Dinowitz was asked about Tony Cassino not being reappointed to Community Board #8, and the politics of CB8. Dinowitz answered by holding up a clip from a newspaper in which Mr. Cassino had said that no one on CB8 should think that they have a position for life, and added that it was under Cassino and the former Bronx Borough President that politics was injected into CB8. 

   In closing statements Mclaughlin said that there has been 16 years of Jeffrey Dinowitz and 16 years of disfunction in Albany, and that he was an independent new face endorsed by three different parties that  he can cross the isle to get things done in Albany. Mclaughlin also stressed the fact that his running mate for governor on the Independence party line was Andrew Cuomo.

   In his closing statement Dinowitz said that he has worked very hard in Albany over the years, and that he grew up in the Bronx, raised his children here in the Bronx, and that there is no issue to small for him to get involved in.

   You can see a repeat of the 81st Assembly debate between challenger Joe Mclaughlin and incumbent Jeffrey Dinowitz tonight and on Friday night on Bronxnet Cabelvision channel 67 or Verizon Fios channel 33 at 9:30 PM.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Proposal to Lower Fees on Gun Licenses in New York City

    “The proposal to lower the cost of a gun license renewal goes against everything we are doing in the Bronx. It is particularly odd that, in a time of fiscal crisis, we would seek to lower the cost of a gun license, especially when we ask City residents to pay more for so many other services—from the rising costs of fees at the Business Integrity Commission to the ever present MTA fare hikes that affect all New Yorkers. Gun violence is a public health issue, and this administration should treat it the same way it treats other public health issues: fighting fiercely for what it believes and offering no quarter to its critics. It should be harder to license a firearm, not easier, and I urge the members of the City Council to strongly reject this bill,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo Joins Community Residents to Demand Action on Removing Toxic PCB Chemicals from Public Schools

    85th Assemblyman Marcos Crespo joined two reps from NY Communities For Change and two volunteers from Labor Unions in front of the South Bronx Classical Charter School, located on Fox Street between Westchester Ave and 163rd St., where they spent an hour informing parents about the PCB problem and collecting signatures for a petition to request immediate action by the D.O.E. on this issue. They collected about 70 signatures at this site in one hour. My understanding is that approximately 500 signatures where collected that day in other citywide petitioning events Assemblyman Crespo said

. 

Verdict Is In: EDC's $1 Million Living Wage Study is Rigged

Council Members Say, 'Pass the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act Now'

 

    New York City Council Members will blast the Economic Development Corporation for spending $1 million on a rigged living wage study. Their charge is supported by a report, to be released tomorrow, that exposes Charles River Associates (CRA), EDC's choice to conduct the study, as a business-backed lobbying group using economists who oppose living wage and even minimum wage policies for EDC's study. The detailed report on CRA and its economists is written by the National Employment Law Project and the Fiscal Policy Institute, two highly respected economic research groups.
    Council Members Oliver Koppell, Annabel Palma, Brad Lander, Fernando Cabrera, Melissa Mark-Viverito, James Sanders, Julissa Ferraras, Jumaane Williams, Letitia James, Margaret Chin, Ydanis Rodriguez, Other Elected Officials, National Employment Law Project, Fiscal Policy Institute, Clergy, Living Wage NYC coalition partners
    Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at Noon ---The New York City Hall Steps.  

Interns Sought

 The office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is seeking college interns for the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 semesters. Internships are available in a number of departments, including planning and development, health, communications, special events, constituent services and others. To apply for an internship, please submit a resume and a writing sample to internships@bronxbp.nyc.gov. College credit is available, and hours are flexible.

We Say Vote No on Term Limits
Proposal #1

This is the reason why!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reprinted from The Daily News Wednesday, October 20th 2010.

Vote for term limits, but demand another crack at it next year

By Anthony Cassino

When New Yorkers go to the polls on Nov. 2, they'll get to decide - for a third time - whether they want a two-term limit for all city elected officials. I was a member of the 2010 New York City Charter Revision Commission that put this choice on the ballot as part of Question 1. While I strongly encourage all voters to vote yes on this question, I believe that the decision by the Charter commission to exempt incumbents from the two-term limit was incorrect.

Unfortunately, this provision will serve to increase cynicism rather than help to restore confidence in government.

That is why I propose that if New Yorkers vote yes on Question 1, they be given a chance next year to vote on whether the two-term limit should apply to incumbents as well. The only way that will happen is if all New Yorkers who agree with this suggestion speak up and demand this choice.

First, some history. The Charter commission on which I served was created by Mayor Bloomberg in the aftermath of the public's outrage over the way that city elected officials overturned two public referendums on term limits. You no doubt know the story: In 1993, the public overwhelming supported a two-term limit for all city officials. This was reaffirmed by a second referendum in 1996.

Then these two decisions were overturned by the City Council and mayor in 2008, enabling all city elected officials to serve three full terms.

Given that history, the Charter commission unanimously voted to put a two-term limit on the ballot - to give New Yorkers a chance to go back to the way things were. We also voted unanimously to eliminate the ability of the City Council to overturn a public referendum on term limits for current elected officials.

So far, so good.

But the Charter commission was sharply divided on the question of when the two-term limit would become effective. Of the 15 members on the commission, six of us wanted the change to be effective immediately so that it would apply to all incumbents.

After two nights of impassioned debates and a few attempts at compromise, the commission narrowly voted to make the change applicable only to officials who were first elected in or after the 2010 general election. In other words, all incumbents who are not already in their third terms would be "grandfathered in" and would get a shot at a third term.

After hearing all the public testimony and listening to my fellow commissioners, I remain convinced that our panel got this provision wrong. In a minority report that I authored along with two fellow commissioners, we stated that "by 'grandfathering' all incumbents, the commission failed to deliver on the public's implicit demand that the restoration occur as soon as possible." In fact, during the commission's numerous discussions, I did not hear even one good reason for granting such a windfall to incumbents, who can't seem to take no for an answer.

One message was heard loud and clear at our hearings: The public wanted to go back to two terms and wanted us to end the City Council's ability to override the will of the people on term limits. Regrettably, instead of being fully responsive to those concerns, we actually created another "loophole" by making the effective date so far in the future.

Not all is lost. I strongly urge the public to vote yes on Question 1. Returning to a two-term limit that cannot be overturned by the City Council will go a long way toward restoring some of our faith in government. However, once those changes are enacted, we need another Charter commission or public referendum to give New Yorkers the chance to finish the job we started.

Cassino is a lawyer who lives in the Bronx.

We Say Vote No On Proposal #1

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ GOT IN GEAR TO HOST NEW YORK STATE’S LARGEST FREE CYCLING EVENT -TOUR DE BRONX 2010

    On Sunday, October 24, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Transportation Alternatives, in conjunction with Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, hosted New York State’s Largest Free Bicycling Event, Tour de Bronx. In its 15th year, this special biking event attracted a record crowd of over 5,000 avid cyclists from throughout the tri-state area and beyond. 

    “Tour de Bronx give us the chance to show to thousands of people that the Bronx is filled with beautiful places to visit.  Riding a bike around our borough is the healthiest  way to see exactly what The Bronx has to offer,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I want to thank the many visitors who participated on our tour and to keep the invitation open for them to continue experiencing our wonderful borough.”

    Over five thousand of cyclists rode around the borough’s streets, enjoying attractions like St. Ann’s, the borough’s oldest church once owned by the Morris family, Yankee Stadium, the historic Longwood section celebrated for its stately Victorian-era townhouses, Orchard Beach  and many more great Bronx attractions.  Following the ride, the cyclists got together at the Botanical Gardens to enjoy the Tour de Bronx Festival, which featured live entertainment and refreshments.

    This year’s ride honored the memory of Megan Charlop, a former Montefiore employee and avid cyclist. She died on March 17, 2010, as she biked to P.S. 55 along Crotona Avenue. A moment of silence was held in her memory.  

   

 That's Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wearing his "I Love the Bronx" shirt and his helmet as he finishes up the "Tour de Bronx". 

Illyria Newspaper Endorses Vernuccio

    This came in from the Friends of Frank Vernuccio 34nd Senate District.

       The Illyria Newspaper, America's only Albanian-American newspaper, has endorsed the candidacy of Frank Vernuccio for the 34th Senatorial District.

      Noting that Vernuccio "Has gained the respect of ...Albanian-American activists," the paper stressed the candidates' record. 

      The support of the hard-working Albanian-American community for a candidate who does not have Albanian roots is the result of Vernuccio's strong stand on ethics, low taxes for individuals, property owners, and small business, as well as his support for the freedom of Kosova.  

      We want to add that the Riverdale Review has also endorsed Mr. Vernuccio's campaign. 

It's My Park Day Big Success

    The Bedford Mosholu Community Association's "It's My Park Day" clean up of Mosholu Parkway between Webster and Hull Avenues was a huge success today. Dozens of volunteers were on hand to rake, paint, and plant the park like area used by hundreds of local people at almost any time of the year. BMCA President Barbara Stronzer was extremely pleased with the turnout, and all the work that was done to beautify the area. Ms. Stronzer is also the chairperson of Community Board #7's Parks and Recreation Committee. Even workers from the Foodtown supermarket (that burnt down last month) who live in the area came out to lend a hand. They hope to see the local community soon when their Foodtown supermarket is rebuilt into a larger and more modern store.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ NAMES GUSTAVO RIVERA TO KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY TASK FORCE

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that Gustavo Rivera, Democratic nominee for the State Senate in the 33^rd District, will be joining the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force, effective immediately. 

    “Gustavo will bring an important perspective to this group, and I am happy that he has accepted my invitation to join the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force. I welcome his input on the redevelopment of this historic building,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

    “I look forward to working with Borough President Diaz and the other members of the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force on this important endeavor. I am resolved to making sure that we transform this structure into something that will be useful to the community, the Bronx and the entire city, and I am committed to working with my colleagues in government, labor and the private sector to make it happen,” said Gustavo Rivera.  The 33^rd State Senate District includes the Kingsbridge Armory.   

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ NAMES MONICA MAJOR AS BRONX REP TO PANEL FOR EDUCATION POLICY

    Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced the appointment of Monica Major as his representative to the Panel for Education Policy (PEP), which holds approval power over the actions of the New York City Department of Education. 

    A Morris Park resident and lifelong Bronxite, Ms. Major is a former president of the Community Education Council of School District #11 (CEC), and served as its vice president until her appointment to the PEP. Prior to serving on CEC #11, Ms. Major was a member of the Parent Commission on Mayoral Control, a grassroots, parent-led organization that advocated on the issue of school control. In addition to currently serving as a member of the school leadership team at P.S. 121—The Throop School, Ms. Major is a lifelong advocate on education issues.

    Prior to being appointed to the PEP, Ms. Major had already worked with Borough President Diaz on issues such as increasing gifted and talented programs, school zoning, and ongoing issues regarding testing and student achievement.

    Ms. Major currently works as a software trainer and certified mediator with the New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

    “I have known Monica Major to be a fierce advocate for the needs of Bronx children since before I came to Borough Hall, and I am thrilled that she will now be a part of our team. We have a great deal of work to do to improve our borough’s public schools, and I know Monica will be a strong ally to both myself and the 1.4 million residents of the Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.

    “I love advocating for both parents and students, and I look forward to helping our schools move forward and improving the education of children in the Bronx and throughout the City. I am proud to be working with Borough President Diaz to craft his education agenda, and I look forward to hearing from parents, educators, and the public over the next few months on what can be done to improve our public school system,” said Ms. Major.

    Ms. Major replaces Anna Santos, who stepped down from the PEP this week after having served admirably in that position since February 2009.

  

 

81st Assembly Debate On For Wednesday Night October 27th

    Gary Axelbank will moderate the debate between between Republican challenger Joe McClaughlin and incumbent Democrat Jeff Dinowitz. The pre-recorded program will be broadcast on the evenings of Wednesday, October 27 - Friday October 29 beginning at 9:30pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67 and Verizon Fios channel 33.

     Next Monday evening October 25th, Bronx County democratic Committee Chairman Carl Heastie will be the guest. Now in its 17th year,  BronxTalk is seen live each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at bronxnet.org. Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available at bronxnet.org; click "BronxTalk" on the right hand navigation bar.

Last Night's Governor Debate- "Three Ring Circus"

     Andrew Cuomo of the Democratic, Independence, and Working Family lines- Carl Palidino of the Republican, and Conservative lines- Howie Hawkins Green candidate- Kristin Davis Anti Prohibition candidate- Warren Redlich Libertarian candidate - Charles Barrons Freedom candidate- and Jimmy Mcmillan Rent is To Damn High candidate squared off for a free or all candidates debate to be the governor of New York State last night. 

    On the first question Charles Barrons complained of the ethnic make up of the panel asking the questions, and didn't end there. Barrons said that Chancellor Joel Klein should be fired, Mayoral control ended, and that the MTA should be abolished. 

    Carl Palidino looking nervous (and getting up midway to go to the bathroom) wants to do away with the State Department of Education, and stop all the unfunded mandates on local school districts, but had no solution as to how to do it. 

    Warren Redlich the Libertarian candidate may of had the best line of the night saying "We need to stop wasting our tax money", to which the others agreed. 

    Andrew Cumo said that there are 10,500 governments in total in New York State with some needing to be merged to save money. 

    Kristin Davis wants to legalize marijuana and casino gambling, and had two good lines saying that Albany was full of whores and that she is probably the only person on stage who can deal with that. Davis also said that if the corporate tax is raised that companies will flee New York quicker than Carl Palidino at a gay bar. 

    Jimmy Mcmillan was a one topic candidate constantly repeating that "Rent is to Damn High" every time he spoke. 

    On the question of gay marriage Yes or No, Palidino said no, Barrons had no position, and the rest said yes to the question with Mcmillan adding if you want to marry a shoe I'll marry you.

    Cuomo and Palidino did not take any real shots at each during the debate, with the pot shots coming from the five other candidates. Cuomo was beat up for some of his questional contributions, and  Palidino for his conduct of the past few weeks.

    In closing statements Palidino said that he wants to lower income taxes 10%, a 20% cut to the state work force, term limits of 8 years, and real campaign reform. Cuomo said that we need to bring New York State to where it once was, and that he can do that. Cuomo was the only one to say "Go Yankees" during the debate in his closing statement.

FREE FLU SHOT

Courtesy of the Visiting Nurse Service of NY, and The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Monday, October 25^th, 2010

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

at

The Bronx County Building (Rotunda-1st Floor)  851 Grand Concourse (at E. 161^st Street)

 RSVP REQUIRED: Please call 718-537-5268

Individuals 50 years of age and older or those 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk--including people affected by heart or lung diseases, diabetes or asthma--are encouraged to receive a flu shot.  

PLEASE NOTE: This event will prioritize people with disabilities, the elderly, the uninsured and retired seniors.   

Joe McLaughlin for Assembly Town Hall Meeting

Due to Jeffrey Dinowitz’s backing out of a scheduled debate with Joe McLaughlin, the McLaughlin Campaign has decided to have a town hall meeting with the 81^st district community. 

  V.F.W Hall - 3960 Orloff Avenue (between Van Cortlandt Avenue West and Gale Place – look for the American Eagles)  

THURSDAY OCTOBER 21 at 8PM (Doors open at 7:30pm)

The planned format will be a Question and Answer from any member of the community who attends.  Joe will open with a brief statement and proceed to address any questions or concerns the attendees have.

This Town Hall meeting is in response to Jeffrey Dinowitz’s refusal to confirm an invitation to debate at Manhattan College on October 26^th after repeatedly giving that date as an open date to do so.  Joe McLaughlin continues his plan to take his message directly to the voters and give them a choice this November.

For more information please contact Bill Murphy at 201-320-7850 or bmurphy@joemclaughlinforassembly.com 

Farmers Market & Family Fun Day!

Farmer’s Market, Local Vendors, Pumpkin Decorating, Bouncy Castle, Contests, Music, Bake Sale and much, much more!

Sponsored by Senator Jeff Klein, KRVC, PS 81, Community Board 8 and Riverdale Neighborhood House 

Sunday, October 24th from 11:00am-3:00pm

PS 81 & Riverdale Neighborhood House 

5550 Riverdale Avenue & 5521 Mosholu Avenue (along 256th Street).

Rain or Shine!

For further information, please contact Senator Klein’s office at (800) 822-2039 or contact Tracy Shelton, the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corp./KRVC's Executive Director, at 917-570-9027 or at tracyshelton@optonline.net      

Looking for Channels 5 and 9 on Cablevision?

    If you are a Cablevision subscriber and turned your television and cable box on today it went to channel 1999 and gave you a pre-recorded message (from Cablevision) that channels 5 and 9 were taken off the air by News Corp the owners of the stations. The message continues to say that News Corp wants more than double the last agreement to keep the channels on Cablevision, more than several other networks combined. The message then attacks News Corp for owning two on the air television stations and two major newspapers while the law permits ownership of only one of each in a marketplace. 

    If you surf through the channels however you will find that all other fox cable channels are in fine working order. FNN, FX, FSC, FMC, etc. are all on the air on Cablevision. If you have a regular over the air television and a FCC required converter box you can see channels 5 and 9.

    If you remember the blackout of channel 7 from Cablevision earlier this year that ended twenty minutes after the Oscar Awards started, this dispute between News Corp and Cablevision should end in the third inning of game one of the World Series. We have received a correspondence from Senator Jeff Klein on this matter. We hope to hear from other elected officials also on this matter, especially our members of Congress who make the laws and regulations for broadcasting.

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN ON FOX/CABLEVISION BLACKOUT   

I am deeply disappointed that as of today my constituents can no longer view Fox 5 and My9, blacking out access to this weekend’s NY Giants Football Game, National League Playoff games, and possibility of the World Series.  It is imperative that the parties immediately restore programming to consumers and submit to binding arbitration.  I call on the Federal Communications Commission, as the federal agency charged with protecting the interest of consumers in such disputes, to act quickly to bring the parties together and reaffirm its call for arbitration - to ensure that consumers are able to watch this highly anticipated programming.

     Thank you Senator Klein.