Schumer Headlines CBID Annual Dinner
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was the main political attraction at last nights Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) 47th annual dinner at the Bell House in Gowanus.
Schumer, addressing the audience, explained how important the Supreme Court is in this presidential election and taking back the Senate.
The club, long none for its fight to reform politics, particularly within Brooklyn’s powerful Democratic Party organization honored The Muslim Community Network, Kensington ccommunity activist Mamnunul Haq, the The Green-Wood Historic Fund
and CBID President David Pechefsky.
Among the officials present included Assembly Members James Brennan (Kenisngton, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope), and Jo Anne Simon (Dowtown Brooklyn, Gowanus) and former and former Assembly Member Joan Millman.
Persaud Fundraiser Draws Democratic Party Elite
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud, with the help of Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio, yesterday took more than a reported $40,000 in a fundraiser held at Nick’s Lobster House just south of Kings Plaza.
Persaud, who formerly served as the Assembly Member from the 59th District, was elected last year in a special senatorial election to replace John Sampson after he was convicted on felony corruption charges.
Persaud noted she gave up a good career at St. Francis College to go into public service and plans to continue to serve her constituents to the best of her ability.
Among the political attendees included City Council Members, Alan Maisel, Mark Treyger and David Greenfield and Democratic district leaders Anthony Jones and Jacob Gold.
Schumer Speaks Out Against ‘Spying Billboards’
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer yesterday urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the use of ‘spying billboards,’ which are popping up in cities across the country.
Specifically, the new billboards have the ability to track a person’s every move using locational data on a person’s mobile device. Companies often use locational data as a way to boost their consumer-information base that can be used to market goods and services to these consumers or as data to sell to other companies.
Schumer said that the collection of such data may violate the privacy of Americans and therefore, constitute a deceptive trade practice because most consumers do not know that they are being tracked.
“A person’s cell phone should not become a James Bond-like personal tracking device for a corporation to gather information about consumers without their consent,” said Schumer. “No one wants to be followed or tracked throughout their day, electronically or otherwise, so these new billboards not only raise eyebrows, but they raise some serious questions about privacy. New Yorkers and tourists in Times Square could be giving up a treasure trove of personal information without even knowing it. With tens of thousands of these new, spying billboards popping up in cities across the country, including right here in New York City, the feds should step in and investigate. Moreover, companies should be required to offer an opt-out option for consumers who feel this violates their privacy.”
Williams Mourns Death Of Grenadian Bishop
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) Friday mourned the death of 60-year-old Bishop Vincent Darius, the fourth appointed Bishop of the St. George parish in Grenada.
Bishop Darius passed on Thursday, April 26 while undergoing medical treatment for an unspecified condition at Bellevue Medical Center.
Ordained as a priest in 1987, Bishop Darius made history as the first Grenadian Bishop. He leaves behind a legacy of achievement and service.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bishop Vincent Darius, who was the first Grenadian Bishop in the Roman Catholic Church. As son of Grenadian immigrants, I am proud of the years of service Bishop Darius gave not only to the church, but also to the wider Grenadian community. I pray for peace and comfort for his family.”
Cumbo Town Hall On Nickel Fee For Bags Legislation
City Council Member Laurie Cumbo (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) will hold a Town Hall meeting tomorrow on proposed legislation before the City Council that would impose a 5-cents fee on all plastic & paper bags.
Park Slope City Council Member Brad Lander sponsored the measure, that is passed, will see the fee applied to purchases of restaurant meals, prescription drugs, and groceries bought with food stamps.
“Please come out and share your opinions. We really need to hear from you. Your voice matters! The Town Hall will be a respectful, balanced dialogue. We urge you to come with family and friends,” said Cumbo in the release for the meeting.
Attendees at the event will get free tote bags provided by Citizens Committee for New York City.
The town Hall is slated for 6:30 p.m., tomorrow, May 3, at the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.
