Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mathieu Eugene: The Man, The Mystery
It's was a simple question "Mathieu Eugene, do you know who this man is?" I asked several residents of Crown heights this question almost in survey fashion as I walked down Norstrand ave, a busy West Indian hub in the neighborhood. The man in question was none other than their very own city councilman.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"Just when we desperately need an angry black man..."
- "It's so easy to advocate war in this country. What's in the water? There's no learning curve, we're right back in the same old ball game."
- "We still don't know that much about 9/11 if anybody cares... "
- "If Obama wants to be a two-term president he really needs to start acting like a one-term president"
crazy NY health regulations
so this article is about a recent regulation placed on NY Schools in which they can no longer have bake sales but can only sell certain approved snacks - ie certain calories, certain amount of fiber, etc. The only snacks that can be sold is pre-packaged, basically (or fruits and veggies). This is because apparently they cannot determine caloric information for things baked and brought in as opposed to things like poptarts and cheetos. So NY is basically trying to control kids health but are doing the exact opposite and promoting even worse eating habits. Its like a good intention taking a giant step backward. Honestly, baking something like an oatmeal cookie or pumpkin bread probably only has like 5-6 ingredients while Doritos contain enough additives to transform a persons genetics
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
marching orders for this week and next
tomorrow night: Council Members Letitia James, Brad Lander, & Stephen Levin in conjunction with Community Boards 2, 6, and 8 present a Public Information Meeting on the STREET CLOSINGS at ATLANTIC YARDS.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 -6:00-8:00 PM
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street (at Lafayette)
next monday night: The New School History Teach in: Old Left/ New Left will take place in
the Theresa Lang Student Center (55 W. 13th St., 2nd Fl) on March 1st
from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.
2) go to one (or more!) of the events at the 'limiting knowledge in a democracy' conference and post a paragraph-long description of the action, a particularly telling quote, or a scintillating apercu that came to you whilst observing the event. aim to edify and, if possible, amuse your blogmates.
CHRISTINE QUINN
Ms. Quinn probably thought her scandalous nature would go unnoticed, but she was sadly mistaken.
Christine Quinn, a registered Democrat was elected NYC Council Member for District 3 located in NYC in 2006. Her current term expires 2013.
Ms. Quinn is known to most as the first woman along with being the first open lesbian to be elected to the speaker's post. The speaker’s post is considered to be the second most powerful in the city's administration, after the Mayor.
Christine Quinn has an admirable background that in truth definitely qualifies her for this position. For instance Quinn supplied a substantial percent of the city's discretionary fund and was able to procure massive campaign contributions from corporations.
In 2009, Quinn was named the third-most powerful woman in New York right behind Hilary Clinton and Diane Sawyer. She has “established herself as a champion for working families, fighting for policies and services that are critical to the lives of real New Yorkers. She has worked to make the Council more responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers, and dramatically increased transparency and accountability. Quinn has developed a reputation for finding innovative solutions, and furthering policies that are both creative and fiscally responsible.”
41 year old Quinn spent 2 years as speaker and was already investigated for a scandal she was involved in. In 2008, Quinn was proven to have hidden $5 million in funds given by the public. According to the New York Post Quinn was allocating this money to various organizations that were non-existent in order to pay off political allies. In lieu of finding this out, I reached out to contact Ms. Quinn's office. Unfortunately my emails and calls were dismissed.
Even with this established background, Quinn couldn't escape some of what the world was thinking. “DUMP CHRISTINE QUINN” an article displayed on the 17th of September 2009 by The New York Times. Advocating that Quinn be removed from power. Fortunately, her lack of ethics didnt go unnoticed.
Mayor Hotdog
I went to Coney Island to talk with locals about their thoughts on city council representative, Domenic Reccia, and the future of their garish neighborhood. What I discovered was little to no opinion on Councilman Reccia’s comings and goings.
“Well what about that mayor guy? What’s his deal?” I asked a man who requested to be kept anonymous (but who might work at the Coney Island Museum, swallow swords, and adore classic lounge enough to say so while the Sinatra blares over the loudspeaker).
“You mean Dick Zigun. Are you recording this?” the tall man with a soul patch looked down at my mini tape recorder resting over my notepad.
“No.” I said. After insuring his protection, he continued:
“Dick Zigun runs the museum, the mermaid parade, the freak show, and is basically the area’s spokesperson for all things amusement. We call him the ‘mayor’ because he’s one of the loudest voices in defending the history and personality of Coney.”
“What kind of opposition does he face from official government personalities,” I said hoping to steer the conversation back to Councilman Reccia.
“Well as you might know,” Soulpatch replied, “Coney’s biggest opposition comes from Thor Equities. Did you come by train today?”
“Yes.”
“Did you see that view?” referring to the blue beach hued by the faint carnival colors of antique rides made haunting in the fatigued metal of reveries past, “It’s gorgeous! Thor Equities wants to wall up that view with high rise condos and strip malls. That’s not what this area needs; I don’t care about their ‘economic strategies.’ This is the birthplace of the hot dog. THE HOT DOG!”
A few minutes later the polar bears arrived at Soulpatch’s possible place of work.
“Well you have lots of people to talk to now,” he said as he poured tea and coffee for the brisk bunch of winter swimmers. I said, “Yes,” and walked to the arcade two blocks down. I played Metal Slug 2 and died on the second level. I played Crusin’ Exotica and raced my station wagon through Tokyo without completing the circuit for the first time. There was only so much time on the Q train on my way back to Manhattan. I disappeared my head into my hood thinking of when I might come back, daydreaming about the things that go on inside The Shore.
Charles Barron
Recently at parade supporting Haiti in Flatbush called “Haiti We Love You,” Charles Barron made a speech. According to Ian Frazier from the New Yorker, “Charles Barron, a member of the City Council, suggested that the recent earthquake might have been caused deliberately by something called 'induced seismicity.'” I called Barron's office to check if he really believed that. As of this writing, my phone call has not been returned.
Barron has made inflammatory remarks. In the summer of 2002, Mark Goldblatt also reported that he said at the Reperations March in Washington, D.C., “I want to go up to the closest white person and say 'you can't understand this, it's a black thing' and then slap him, just for my mental health.”
Although he is best known for his controversial comments, Barron has done many things for his district sionce being elected. According to his page on The New York City Council site, “in the winter and spring of 2003, Barron delivered $280,000 to senior citizen programs in his district.” He also has helped secure funding for a recreation center (12.5 million), for renovating a a park in district 42(1.2 million) and helping with issues surrounding scholarships and funding at CUNY.
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz takes care of District 45's Health
When Oswalt Heymann first came to work for District 45's Assemblymember in 2000 he expected to work for Lena Cymbrowitz. However, Assemblywoman Cymbrowitz, who was the first Sephardic Jew official in statewide office, passed away three short weeks later. She was just 43. "Nobody knew she was so seriously sick," Heymann says. 
According to Heymann, whose job today is Chief of staff, the Assemblywoman, on her death bed, requested that her husband, Steven H. Cymbrowitz take over her position. In a special election held in the Fall of 2000, Cymbrowitz was elected to represent Brooklyn's Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Kings Highway, Gerritsen Beach, Flatbush, Midwood, and Plum Beach.
Now in his tenth year of service, Cymbrowitz continues to advocate for what his late wife dedicated her time towards. The Assemblywoman was highly involved with health services, no surprise since the district which has the most senior citizens than any other in the city. Cymbrowitz understands first hand what its like to struggle with health.
Just three years ago the Assemblyman suffered from a stroke. It was because of the precautions his current wife took he was able to recover. Cymbrowitz wants his constituents to be healthy and not to have them or their relatives suffer from medical conditions that could have been prevented.
His office dedicate
s time to inform the community of the resources offered in order to prevent sickness and promote awareness.Assemblyman Cymbrowitz works to make sure his constituents have access to medical care information year round. He has had dietians go to local elementary schools to speak to the children and their parents on ways to stay healthy and active. Cymbrowitz organizes health fairs during the summer and holds monthly screenings so people can be tested.
Ayaz Ahmed, manager of Emmon's Superrette, which is at the corner of Cymbrowitz's Sheepsheady Bay community office, explains, "During the summer there are fairs were people get checked and free things." At these fairs people have a great time and the opportunity to gain knowledge on staying healthy.
Christine C. Quinn Will Focus On Job Recoveries For New Yorkers
Photo Courtesy of NYC Council Website."This is an interesting idea," said Michael Duke, a Brooklyn resident who works in Manhattan. "Where I work, my job integrates a lot of new technology, so we always need new positions. I can see why Quinn would want this kind of program."
To create jobs, Speaker Quinn proposed "High Tech Connect," a program which provides high-tech entrepreneurs the resources they need to start up successful businesses. The program will help these entrepreneurs make businesses plans, find workspace, and create proper revenue to thrive. Speaker Quinn is basing this idea off a similar, successful model in San Diego which has created 1,000 companies and around 27,000 jobs over the past 25 years.
Speaker Quinn's second initiative included a program called Municipal Entrepreneurial Testing Service (M.E.T.S.), which help clean tech companies to test their products, such as energy efficient lightbulbs and solar panels, in city-owned buildings. Once these products are tested and approved, M.E.T.S. will allow these products to be produced, sold and installed, which in turn will create more jobs.
For smaller businesses, Speaker Quinn plans to reduce the strain of regulation on those businesses which are struggling. A New York Business Development program, called "Second Look", a partnership between the City Council and the New York Banks Association, will give second chances to small businesses who have been denied for loans. To end double taxation on business owners, Quinn has proposed tax credits, which will relieve small business owners from corporate tax. Some 19,000 businesses are eligible for this credit, and they could save upwards to $3,400 annually.
New York's GED testing has the highest failure rate in the states. Quinn announced that steps would be taken to improve New York's GED testing system, which, according to her, is "currently fragmented and inadequate in assisting New Yorker's lacking a high school diploma." A three part system will be set up involving the City Council, Department of Education and Department of Small Business Services to direct those in need of a GED with correct preparation. Those who sign up for a GED must take a practice test to assess this preparedness.
"And if we have faith in the power of New Yorkers,," said Speaker Quinn. "If we give them the tools they need, then we can help them build a stronger New York City, now and for decades to come."
Speaker Quinn's press correspondent has been contacted for more information, but could not be reached.
Brad Lander Crusades for Neighborhood Preservation
Brad Lander, one of New York City Council's newest members, has made neighborhood preservation one of his signature issues. From his years working as a city planner to his first term in the council, Lander has helped fix up abandoned properties, supported small businesses, and strived to develop new affordable housing and maintain what there is.Lander, a Democrat, was elected to the City Council in November of 2009, replacing Bill de Blasio, who is now the city's public advocate. He serves the 39th District, encompassing Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, and Borough Park. He lives in Park Slope.
For six years, Lander was the director of the Pratt Center for Community Development, a community advocacy group based at the Pratt Institute. During his time as director, he worked with politicians and other housing advocates to set up an inclusionary zoning law during the rezoning of the Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront. The law requires that developers who build larger buildings must set aside 20% of space for low- and middle-income housing.
"What I feel a lot of passion about is, shouldn’t this growth and development bring us new parks and affordable housing and jobs?" he told New York magazine's Daily Intel blog in 2007. "It seems like all they bring is luxury condos."
Before joining Pratt, Lander was the executive director of the Fifth Avenue Committee, a community advocacy non-profit working in South Brooklyn. The Fifth Avenue Committee, during the economic downturn of the early 90s, bought abandoned or potentially abandoned buildings from the City or out of foreclosure and renovated them, preserving residents' homes and supporting business growth by renting out retail space in Fifth Avenue Committee-owned buildings. The Committee also helped found a non-profit temp agency, FirstSource Staffing, that helps ensure for wages for temporary wages.In his first two months on the City Council, Lander has been appointed to serve on the Land Use, Housing, General Welfare, Environmental Protection, Economic Development and Waterfront committees, as well as chair of the Land Use subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses. He has also launched a website, stalleddevelopment.com, that has an interactive of stalled, abandoned, or vacant development sites in his district. Lander hopes that the website will help community members stay involved in getting these spaces developed.
"These developments cause real hazards for their neighbors," Lander said in a press release. "We need to get a better handle on these sites, and to take action to convert local blight into community benefit.”
Lander was embroiled in some controversy over the summer when an ad in the Borough Park Yiddish newspaper Der Blatt used homophobic language in endorsing him. Lander denied having anything to do with the ad.
"People in Borough Park know of my support of marriage equality and no one would believe that we would have placed this ad," Lander told YourNabe.com. "It could only serve to do me harm.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
Larry Seabrook Pleads Not Guilty to 13-Count Indictment
Larry Seabrook, the New York City Council Member for District 12, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, February 9th to a 13-count indictment of money laundering, fraud, and extortion. The charges were linked to actions ranging from receiving payments from an associate linked to the installation of the boilers in Yankee Stadium, to rewriting a $7 receipt for a bagel and soda to read $177.
58-year-old Seabrook has had a political career for 26 years. He held a position in the New York State Assembly, and the New York State Senate before settling into his current position as a New York City Councilman and is the first African American to have a title in those three offices. Seabrook could easily spend the rest of his life in prison as several of the indictment charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
His lawyer, Murray Richman, seems less than concerned as, according to the New York Times, he told reporters in the courthouse hallway that Seabrook’s conduct did not constitute a crime. Seabrook was released on a $500,000 personal recognizance bond. Prosecutors claim that Seabrook and or those under his direction have charged $212,800 in fraudulent expenses to the city. Furthermore Seabrook’s associate won a subcontract worth almost $300,000 to install two boilers in Yankee Stadium. Seabrook himself received $50,000 from this associate.
As of press time, attempts to contact Seabrook went unanswered.
Daniel Garodnick Fights for Stuy Town’s Rights
District 4 Councilman Daniel Garodnick is the kind of neighbor New Yorkers want. A lifelong resident of Stuyvesant Town, Garodnick is a key player in fighting for tenants in the current real estate dilemma.
“The tenants of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village should not be the collateral damage of a real estate deal gone bad,” said Garodnick in a statement on January 8.
In 2006, MetLife put the 80 acre complex stretching from 14th to 23rd Street up for sale. The 110 buildings containing 11,250 apartments were built by MetLife after World War II to give the middle class affordable housing.
Garodnick, a fan of “creative problem solving,” and New York Senator Charles Schumer helped fellow residents organize a bid. On October 27, 2006, the tenants and the Apollo Group, another bidder, lost to Tishman Speyer Properties and BlackRock Realty’s $5.4 billion bid.
Having worked litigation for New York-based law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he represented thirteen same-sex couples seeking marriage in New York State, Garodnick knew what direction to go in. On January 27, 2007, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village tenants sued MetLife, Tishman Speyer, and associates for improperly regulating rents. The lawsuit stated $215 to $320 million in rent overcharges and damages were owed. New York State ruled in favor of the tenants.
On January 24, 2010, Tishman Speyer and associates turned the property over to lender CWCapital after a $16 million loan payment default.
CWCapital president Charles Spetka is singing Garodnick’s praises. “We understand that you are an outstanding community leader,” Spetka said in a letter to Garodnick The Observer posted. “We support your efforts to work with the residents and we believe that you will be a strong voice working for the residents to reach such a conclusion.”
Garodnick is also concerned with tenants’ safety: in June 2006, he introduced legislation guarding privacy after electronic keys with tenants’ photos on them tracked their movements. He also worked with the Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety after an 83-year-old resident died at an accident on 20th Street and First Avenue.
Garodnick works outside of Stuyvesant Town, too: District 4 includes the Upper East Side, Central Park South, Grand Central, Tudor City, Waterside, Peter Cooper Village, Carnegie Hill, Stuyvesant Town, United Nations, and Turtle Bay.
Since his 2005 election, Garodnick helped find a new school location in the Upper East Side, built a middle-school library, and organized a book drive to fill its shelves in his district, among other actions. He also wrote the Green Energy Code, the Livery Car Passenger Bill of Rights, and the New York City Fair Debt Collection Act.
“We’re really lucky to have someone so willing to fight for us,” said Stuyvesant Town resident Linda.
Photo Credit: The New York City Council and New York Magazine
Helping Haiti from Home : One Councilman's Responsibility
On January 12, Dr. Mathieu Eugene began his day as usual: a visit to his office in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, then off to a city council meeting in Manhattan. But on his way to the meeting, he got a call from his secretary, urging him to find a TV and see Haiti, native home to Eugene and many community members in his District 40 of Brooklyn, in shambles.
“It was a big blow,” he said to Brooklyn Independent Television, “I don’t know how much more my brothers and sisters in Haiti can handle.” But Eugene didn’t let heartbreak get in the way of action or aid. His office became a makeshift Haitian embassy, where community members flocked, confused and terrified. “We were there until 3 AM that Tuesday,” Eugene said, citing that the quake’s emotional front hit so hard in Brooklyn one man at his office passed out. “He couldn’t take the tragedy, we had to call an ambulance,” Eugene recalled to radio program Urban Focus. That day Dr. Eugene had ten relatives unaccounted for.
But Eugene, the only member of Haitian descent currently in elected office, has the pressure of establishing an ongoing relationship of aid that will exceed the short attention span of his fellow Americans. He, like many others, is impressed and thankful that the world community has stepped out to help Haiti so rapidly; that the outsourcing has provided a first response the Haitian government couldn’t give.
Eugene plans to work with Washington, to serve as a line of communication and advocacy, and help get the island what it truly needs most: some sort of infrastructure. This “lack of infrastructure” is the reason that Eugene fears should disaster strike Haiti within the coming months or years, any progress made will virtually be destructed, in his words it would be a horrible “déjà vu”.
Dr. Eugene vows to “keep the unity” between Haiti and New York. Just this month, he and two other council members, Ydanis Rodriguez and Jumaane Williams, announced they would refuse their $10,000 stipends, asking that the money go directly to earthquake relief efforts.
For Eugene, community is the only way to overcome Haiti’s upheaval. He has always known it as the key to success. He maintains, “regardless of where we come from, regardless of our background, we have the same moral responsibilities.” Attention spans are running out and Dr. Eugene must keep his mission statement succinct and active. And that loss of interest teamed with the déjà vu he is preparing to combat? “This is exactly my fear.”
All quotes: CBS, DuBois Bunche Center Radio (links above), Brooklyn Independent TV, and the councilman's speeches. Informed by an article in NY TIMES.
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