Grimm Resigns From Congress
Republican Rep. Michael G. Grimm announced yesterday he will resign his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, effective January 5th, 2015 – two weeks after he plead guilty to one felony count of tax evasion.
Grimm’s decision came after a reported conversation with House speaker, John A. Boehner.
“After much thought and prayer, I have made the very difficult decision to step down from Congress effective January 5th, 2015. This decision is made with a heavy heart, as I have enjoyed a very special relationship and closeness with my constituents, whom I care about deeply,” said Grimm in an emailed statement.
Grimm’s resignation comes less than two month after he defeated Democrat Domenic Recchia for the seat, which is mainly in Staten Island, but also includes Bay Ridge. His replacement will be chosen in a special election with Gov. Cuomo choosing the date.
Political insiders think replacement candidates on both the Democratic and GOP side will come from Staten Island.
Golden Uses Campaign Funds For Legal Fees
Bay Ridge State Sen. Marty Golden has used more than $31,000 in campaign funds on legal fees pertaining to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara investigation of his campaign finances, the Daily News reports.
Golden confirmed Bharara is investigating his campaign finances, and that his lawyers have sent paperwork to U. S. Attorneys.
It is legal to spend money raised for campaigns on legal matters including that of alleged criminality, and many lawmakers facing charges do so. However, good government groups have long taken the position that money raised for a campaign should only be spent directly on that campaign.
Felder Comes Up With Project Sweep Money
Boro Park State Sen. Simcha Felder and several other elected officials celebrated the kickoff of Project Sweep along the 18th Avenue corridor yesterday, thanks to a $100,000 allocation through Felder’s office.
The program, administrated through the Midwood Development Corporation (MDC), employs hard to employ people, including some developmentally disabled adults to clean the streets under supervision.
“A clean and litter-free commercial area instills community pride and encourages more people to visit and shop, which is a win for the neighborhood,” said Felder. “I’m pleased that I was able to bring this program to 18th Avenue and to provide an employment opportunity for adults who want to give back to the community.”
Project Sweep workers will be on 18th Avenue every Monday through Friday morning to spruce up the strip from McDonald Avenue to 65th Street. Felder is also funding Project Sweep programs on 13th Avenue from 38th Street to 60th Street, and 16th Avenue from 39th Street to 60th Street.
In operation since 1990, Project Sweep is one of New York City’s oldest supported-employment programs. Project Sweep workers clean commercial streets and clean offices for local businesses, merchant associations, and business improvement districts. Current sites include the Pitkin Avenue BID, Newkirk Plaza, Cortelyou Road Merchants Association, East Brooklyn Industrial BID, and parts of Borough Park.
