Cumbo Responds To Triple Homicide
Fort Greene City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo released the following statement after three men were killed early Sunday morning after a gunman opened fire at the Raymond V. Ingersoll Houses in her district.
“In recent weeks, gun violence and loss of life has become the new narrative throughout communities of color across this city. When guns are more accessible then community centers and youth programming, we must change course.
“On behalf of the 35th Council District, I extend my condolences to the family of those who were killed.early this morning at the Raymond V. Ingersoll Houses of Fort Greene. As a community, we mourn the loss of three men ages 39, 43, and 76 who died as a result of gun violence.
“We cannot allow the actions of one or more perpetrators to jeopardize our collective efforts to make our streets safer. No one should have to fear for their safety or their lives within their own community. Now is the time for us to advocate for stronger anti-gun trafficking laws and more resources in our neighborhoods. We need to pray, bolster the police force dedicated to patrolling NYCHA housing developments, install security cameras, and create or restore access to community centers that will deter our youth who grow up to become adults from deviant behavior.”
Cumbo, other citywide elected officials, residents, and community organizations will gather at 11 a.m. today at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Ashland Place by the Ingersoll Houses signage to make a public appeal for community cooperation to aid in NYPD apprehension of the suspect(s) involved in the triple homicide. They will also call for more resources to combat gun violence.
Adams Hosts Magna Carta Exhibit
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams is hosting an international traveling exhibit at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Avenue, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and open to the public starting today and ending Sept. 27.
The Magna Carta was the charter issued by King John of England that established for the first time the principle that every person was subject to the law. The principles found in the document, such as due process of law, played a fundamental role in establishing the supremacy of the law in constitutional, democratic societies, including concepts embraced by the Founding Fathers in the Bill of Rights.
“I am proud to make Brooklyn Borough Hall, the People’s House, home to important cultural and historical experiences like the commemoration of Magna Carta,” said Adams. “It is important that we understand the roots of our democratic society, in our ongoing pursuit to form a more perfect union. I encourage everyone, especially schools and community groups, to come and view this educational and enriching exhibit.”
Curated by the Library of Congress, the exhibit features 16 banners, 13 of which reflect images of Magna Carta and precious manuscripts, books, and other documents from the Library of Congress’s rare book collections. The exhibit also incorporates a video, produced by the Library of Congress, showing the law librarian and the exhibit curator handling selected materials depicted in the exhibit and explaining their significance.
Public viewing hours for the exhibit are 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, September 21st; 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22nd; 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23rd; 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 24th and Friday, September 25th; and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th. Anyone seeking more information about “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy 1215-2015” can visitambar.org/mctravelingexhibit.
Nadler Defends Planned Parenthood From GOP Legislative Efforts
Western Brooklyn Congressman Jerrold Nadler last week decried GOP efforts to defund Planned Parenthood on allegations the medical organization sells fetal body parts for research.
“This bill is nothing more than a blatant attempt to eliminate women’s constitutionally-protected right to access an abortion. It singles out one organization and cuts off all its federal funding, including Medicaid reimbursement, for a year while Republicans continue their misguided and empty investigation. This bill cuts off federal funding to any Planned Parenthood affiliates or clinics unless it certifies that it will not perform any abortions, or provide any referrals or recommendations to other providers if a patient requests an abortion. So it has nothing to do with alleged sale of fetal body parts. That’s simply an excuse,” said Nadler.
“Women have a constitutionally protected right to access abortion. The constitution limits the ability of the government to place conditions on the exercise of constitutional rights, or to single out an entity for punitive treatment. There is no rational, legitimate reason to single out and exclude Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funding simply because they provide a constitutionally-protected service.
“Of course, the excuse is the smear that Planned Parenthood has sold fetal tissue and body parts for profit, based on doctored, obviously fake video tapes. The Republican’s attitude is to punish first, investigate after. We have heard plenty of irrational, illegitimate explanations for this bill from my Republican colleagues. These accusations and claims are based on lies made by known extremists who have unsuccessfully tried dozens of times over more than a decade to slander Planned Parenthood as involved in imaginary illegal activity.
“In addition, it must be noted that there is nothing illegal and nothing wrong with research on human tissue. Such research saves lives and cures diseases. If, God forbid, a child dies in a car accident or there is a miscarriage and another’s child life can be saved with an organ transplant from the deceased, then it is morally right to perform the transplant. Furthermore, people donate their organs and bodies to science and research all the time. Women who have abortions should be allowed to decide if they want to contribute to this research as well. Congress specifically authorized this kind of research overwhelming in 1993.”
Lander, Levin, Cumbo Hold Freelancers Aren’t For Free Town Hall Meeting
Brooklyn City Council Members Brad Lander, Stephen Levin and Laurie Cumbo are holding a town hall meeting tonight to go over new laws, models and ideas concerning the rights of freelancers – one of the fastest segment of workers in Brooklyn.
Among the workers paid “by the gig”include freelance graphic designers, writers, and film producers, Uber drivers, Handy.com cleaners and day laborers.
“In plenty of cases, freelancing and “gig” work makes sense. It can allow consumers to arrange for on-demand services in ways not possible before, allow workers to set flexible work hours or earn extra money, and generate new economic activity,” said Lander in a newsletter to constituents.
But there’s a very real dark side. Freelance workers too often get cheated out of the wages and fees they are owed. Day laborers get misclassified and denied their rights as employees. Uber drivers lack the right to organize and collectively bargain with their corporate employer. Working by-the-gig provides much less job security than a traditional career – and it almost never provides health insurance, paid sick days, paid family leave, workforce development, or retirement security.”
Lander said he is looking at all the issues relating to freelance workers and hopes to propose legislation that allows their rights to organize and addresses other labor issues.
The #FreelanceIsntFree Brooklyn Townhall is slated for between 6-8 p.m. tonight at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street.
Richardson Urges Constituents To Get Involved
Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblywoman Diane Richardson is urging constituents to get involved in civic affairs. As such she listed the following up coming community meetings:
