Statements On Sentencing Of Shelly Silver
Elected officials from Brooklyn were mostly mum on the 12-year sentence that longtime former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver received yesterday after being convicted on felony public corruption charges.
Silver also was ordered to forfeit more than $5 million that he garnered through his corruption schemes and was fined $1. 75 million.
Below are the statements KCP received on the sentencing:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “Today’s decision sent a simple message that officials who abuse the public’s trust will be held accountable. Justice was served.”
Republican Bay Ridge Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis: “The sentencing of Sheldon Silver finally closes a disturbing chapter in New York State’s history. Not since William ‘Boss’ Tweed has the State of New York seen a more corrupt, greedy, and self-serving politician. For years, the taxpayers of our state had been financing the slush fund Sheldon Silver inappropriately used to benefit his friends and enrich himself.
“Today, justice has been served and it is my hope that the penalties levied against Mr. Silver will serve as a reminder to all public officials, present and future, that abusing the public trust for personal enrichment will not be tolerated. Equally as important, today’s sentencing should serve as the impetus for the legislature to implement real checks and balances to weaken the power that one person, the Speaker, has on the entire legislative process.”
Chris McCreight, candidate for Democratic State District Leader in the 46th Assembly District:
“Today is another dark day in New York politics. Former Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. While justice has been served, this is not cause to celebrate. However, this is a wake-up call that we once again cannot ignore. I refuse to accept this behavior as the status quo.
“The good news is that we already know what to do to combat this culture of corruption. We know we have to reduce the role of big money and Super PACs in campaigns, create greater transparency and regulations for lobbyists, and stop individuals with business before the city or state from donating to campaigns. The bad news, though, is that New York’s political class has shown very little will to act. Hopefully, today’s sentencing will spur the necessary change New York needs.”
Carroll Picks Up Lander’s Support
Reformer candidate for Democratic District Leader Bobby Carroll in the 44th Assembly District (Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park) this week picked up the support of Park Slope City Council Member Brad Lander in his bid to oust longtime district leader Jacob Gold, a strong crony of the Kings County Democratic Party political organization.
“Bobby has a great track record of serving the 44th AD and its residents, and of fighting to reform our local democracy. I look forward to working closely with him to meet the needs of our neighborhoods, and in the ongoing effort to improve our voting, campaign finance, and Democratic party systems. The mechanics of our democracy are critical to good government. I am proud to be part of a growing coalition of elected and civic leaders supporting Bobby’s campaign,” said Lander.
Also supporting Lander is 44th District Assemblyman James Brennan, a 32-year incumbent, who is rumored to be looking at retirement, and wanting to patch the torch to Carroll, who comes from an old political family.
Other Brooklyn elected officials supporting Carroll include Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Members Jo Anne Simon and Felix Ortiz, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and City Council Member Antonio Reynoso.
Hamilton Hosts Reflection of Hope Awards
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton will travel to Manhattan this month to host the 1st Annual Reflection of Hope Awards and Luncheon.
The event is in recognition of Mental Health Month 2016. Also on hand for the event includes Public Advocate Letitia James, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo and Council Member Andrew Cohen.
“We will highlight the contributions of individuals and organizations that have contributed to the well-being of New Yorkers. Comprised of the Inspiring Hope, Pioneer, Student Advocacy and Program Innovation Awards, we will honor: the achievements of individuals with mental illnesses and addictions and their families; the clinicians and treatment teams that care for them; the advocates and leaders who tell their stories to educate and encourage community support; and the organizations that promote health and wellness across the lifespan and build healthy communities,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton said the luncheon also serves as an opportunity to come together to recognize a common goal. Namely, continuing the journey of raising awareness and public understanding of issues impacting individuals and families living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or addictive disorders.
The event is slated for 12 noon, Thursday, May 26 at John Jay College
524 West 59th Street (Btw 10th Ave and 11th Ave) in Manhattan.
Adams Mourns Passing of State Supreme Court Justice Arthur M. Schack
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams released the following statement on the death of Justice Arthur M. Schack who passed away this week.
“A man of high distinction who used his considerable talents to defend the rights of families in Brooklyn, Judge Schack — a native of Bensonhurst — never forgot his origins in Brooklyn. He developed an enduring dedication to public service from his years as a history teacher at the former Bay Ridge High School and as an active member of the United Federation of Teachers, and which he continued as a member and chair of Community Board 10 and a member of the Stars and Stripes Democratic Club. Devoted to his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, Judge Schack became an attorney for the Major League Baseball Players Association.
“After he was called to the bench, Judge Schack became renowned for his colorful opinions, oftentimes quoting Shakespeare, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ and recent popular films. His commitment to protecting homeowners from unlawful lending practices allowed many families to remain in their homes. The entire community of Brooklyn will always remember Judge Schack for his profound belief in the rule of law and the love he had for his family and his community.”
Nadler Lauds Campaign To Honor Stonewall Uprising
Brooklyn/Manhattan Congressman Jerrold Nadler yesterday released the following statement regarding the campaign to designate a new unit of the National Park System dedicated to the history of the Stonewall uprising that inspired the modern Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement in America:
“I am thrilled Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis are coming to hear from New Yorkers about their enthusiasm for a Stonewall National Park, and am hopeful that they will recommend that the President take action,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “I encourage everyone speak about the importance of Stonewall to our nation’s history when we meet on May 9.
“We must ensure that we never forget the legacy of Stonewall, the history of discrimination against the LGBT community, or the impassioned individuals who have fought to overcome it. Stonewall was the spark that ignited the movement for LGBT civil rights that continues to burn around the world today. We now have an opportunity to ensure that the contributions of all of the brave individuals who helped launch the fight for civil rights are recognized, including those who have not always been acknowledged, such as transgender women of color.”
Levin Calls For More Emergency Food Funding
City Council Member Stephen T. Levin tomorrow will hold a press conference with his Manhattan colleague Barry S. Grodenchik calling on Mayor Bill de BLasio to increase funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) in the 2017 Executive Budget
“Over 1.4 million New Yorkers rely on food pantries and food kitchens. As one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the least that we can do is provide access to high-quality, nutritious foods to all those who need it,” said the two lawmakers in their release for the press conference.
The current Executive Budget proposes only $8.2 million for EFAP, while the Council has called for $22 million in baseline FY17 funding for emergency food.
The press conference is slated for 1 p.m. tomorrow, May 5 on the City Hall Steps.
