Gold Fundraiser Draws Party Elite
City Council Members David Greenfield and Alan Maisel, along with Kings County Democratic Chair Frank Seddio, and many Brooklyn Judges and constituents showed up for a heartfelt fundraiser yesterday in Marine Park for 44th Assembly Democratic District Leader Jacob Gold – considered one of the deans of the borough’s district leaders.
The 41-year incumbent is facing a challenge from Robert (Bobby) Carroll in a district covering parts of Park Slope, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood and Windsor Terrace. The much watched race comes amid rumors that 44th District Assembly Member James Brennan is looking to retire and will support Carroll for the position.
“What makes Jake a great district leader is three things: he he has no other greater ambition – he’s not doing this because he wants some other higher office, he’s committed to his district and the people in it as the original progressive, and he’s got a heart – he does random acts of kindness and that’s something you don’t find in a book,” said Seddio.
Seddio said most importantly, Gold fulfills the most important role of a district leader, which is to carry petitions for candidates that are running, and making sure all county committee positions are filled.
“Jake’s a full-time district leader, one of the few that exists with no other ambitions and I think it’s outrageous that someone wants to run against someone like this because they’re looking at it as a stepping stone rather than a commitment against someone who has been doing all this for 41 years,” Seddio added.
The position of District Leader, also known as State Committee person, is an unpaid, volunteer, elected official who serves on the Executive committee of a County political party for a two-year term. In Kings County registered Democrats are responsible for electing two Democratic State Committee persons, one male and one female, in each New York State Assembly District. There are 21 Assembly Districts in Brooklyn and thus there are 42 Democratic State Committeepersons.
Treyger Holds Park Envisioning, Domestic Violence Events
City Council Member Mark Treyger (Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend) is holding two community events within his district tonight and tomorrow night targeting parks and domestic violence.
Tonight’s free event invites the public to re-imagine Lafayette Playground on Stillwell Avenue, Benson Avenue and Bay 43rd Street. The event is part of the Parks Department’s initiative to get community input on redesigning playgrounds. It is slated for 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Educational Complex , 2630 Benson Avenue and includes dinner.
Then tomorrow night, Treyger will host his 2nd Annual Combating Domestic Violence Workshop with special guests City Council Members Laurie Cumbo and Vanessa Gibson. The event is slated for between 6-8 p.m., at the Coney Island YMCA, 2980 West 29th Street.
Squadron Moves ‘Childcare Advance’ Forward
Northern Brooklyn State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on Friday announced introduction of the “Childcare Advance” into the Assembly.
The Childcare Advance (S.6714/A.9699) would allow families to defer $2,000 in state taxes annually to help offset costs of work-related childcare for young children, while increasing economic activity, including by better allowing parents to continue working. Once children are school-age, families would begin interest-free repayments of those deferrals, spread over up to 10 years.
“Any new family knows what a challenge childcare costs are. The Childcare Advance is an innovative way to help families cope in the critical, and expensive, early years,” said Squadron. “I urge the Legislature to build upon Paid Family Leave by passing the Childcare Advance, along with increasing childcare subsidies. I am pleased Assembly Member O’Donnell is carrying this legislation, and thank my colleagues in the Democratic Conference for the continued push to help make it easier to raise a family in New York.”
The proposal was first put forward by Squadron in “Pre-Natal to Pre-K: Supporting New York’s Families,” a white paper released by the Senate Democratic Conference and Senate Democratic Policy Group, whichSquadron chairs.
Hamilton & Colleagues Against Trans-Pacific Partnership
In a letter to the NYS Congressional delegation, Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton and 21 colleagues voiced opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
The letter cites threats to the rights of New Yorkers and the potential for undermining New York laws in a number of critical domains including economic development, public health, environmental protection, and consumer rights.
The letter also cites New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s analysis of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement system TPP would establish, noting the ISDS system is unmoored from established law and precedent and not subject to appeal. The letter coincides with this afternoon’s rally in opposition to TPP at City Hall (photo above).
“Every NY State Senator, every NY Assembly Member, our collective ability to represent our constituents would be weakened by the passage of TPP. I am honored to represent the people of Central Brooklyn, fighting for our neighborhoods and the rights of all New Yorkers. TPP poses a serious threat to those rights—endangering our ability to uphold consumer rights, our ability to combat unfair labor practices, and our ability to impose regulations that keep our air clean and our water safe to drink. In particular, the Investor-State Dispute Settlement system would empower foreign corporations to attack New York’s laws outside our courts in unaccountable tribunals. As New Yorkers, we must say no to TPP,” said Hamilton.
Other Brooklyn lawmakers signing the letter include Senators Martin Malavé Dilan, Velmanette Montgomery, Kevin Parker and Daniel Squadron.
Richardson Bill Helps Poor Pay Court Costs
Assembly Member Diana Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) announced Friday that the assembly passed bill she sponsored, A09522, which will authorize a sentencing court to consider an application for financially challenged people to obtain relief on appeals from court costs and fees.
“This bill aims to curb the fees of appealing court rulings for our marginalized residents,” said Richardson.”In this regard, one may ask the court for permission to proceed without having to pay specified court costs. Court costs incurred often include charges to file an action, a jury demand, and appealing a court ruling, but this bill, will focus on helping people specifically on appealing court rulings.
“It is important that we continue to provide opportunities for those who cannot afford it by providing necessary financial resources, to discourage the endless cycle of debt amongst the impoverished,” she added. This bill is one of the many initiatives being presented to help defendants navigate the criminal justice process. We know that minority and low income New Yorkers are disproportionately affected by the Criminal Justice system and we must continue to advocate for reform.”
