Gillibrand, Muslim Dem Club On Trump Inauguration
With the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Friday followed by mass protests, including the women’s march in Washington, New York City and around the country, the following are some additional comments:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: “Regardless of how you felt about the election, today’s ceremony was a stark reminder of the greatness of our democracy. As a public servant, I am humbled at the opportunity to work on behalf of all New Yorkers and will do my best to work with the incoming President on issues where we can find common ground.”
The Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY): “For millions of Americans, the new president’s inauguration marks a milestone of fear and uncertainty. While the American body politic may look different, our nations’ principles haven’t changed. Neither has our resolve to ensure these principles are upheld. The Muslim American community will continue to demand equal and fair treatment by our government, as guaranteed by the US Constitution. We will practice vigilance, and protect our rights with vigor and determination.The Muslim Democratic Club of New York urges our friends and allies to hold strong to our values of justice for all and continue to stand with Muslim Americans as we prepare to resist any Trump policies that bring harm to our communities.”
The Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY) is a New York city-based organization of American Muslims dedicated to helping elect responsible Democrats to local office.
Democratic District Leader Josue Pierre (42nd Assembly District – Flatbush, Ditmas Park): “I had the opportunity to take part in the Women’s March on Washington. Regardless of which party is in charge, this is our government, it should always be made clear that we intend to protect the rights of all our citizens. Many of your fellow Americans, both men and women, came to Washington in support of our women. The event was very peaceful, often funny, and at times had a vulgarity which rises to the level of our current political reality.
“I’m proud to have been part of this historic moment. Why did I go? I went on behalf of my mother, my 2-month-old niece, grandmother, aunts, cousins, friends, andcommunity members. If you have any of these, or perhaps a daughter, you can understand our cause.”
De Blasio’s Proposed Streetcar Gets Call-In Discourse
The City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is hosting a live telephone town hall with Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX) Director Adam Giambrone this Thursday.
The BQX is Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s proposed 16-mile streetcar service along the East River waterfront from Sunset Park to Astoria, Queens. The trolley line would be separate from the current MTA bus/train service.
De Blasio and proponents of the trolley line argue it would add to the City’s public transportation network, and support growing waterfront communities and connect New Yorkers to quality jobs.
Opponents argue that the money used to build the trolley line would be better used for longtime underserved neighborhoods in regard to public transit, and that the trolley is a giveaway to developers who have bought property along the proposed line.
The telephone town hall is slated for 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26. Join by dialing 877-229-8493 and enter the PIN 115628 at 6 p.m. and you will connect as soon as the event begins.
Schumer Fights Airlines Over Increased Overhead Bin Fees
On the heels of yet another major airline instituting a fee policy for use of a plane’s overhead bin, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, yesterday sounded the alarm that even more airlines could follow suit as he made a public plea to the airlines choosing to adopt the new, restrictive policy that will ban the free use of overhead bins for travelers who purchase a “Basic Economy” ticket.
American Airlines just became the second major airline to adopt this restrictive travel policy. Schumer also announced a push that includes the upcoming FAA bill and said he will use this bill to try and add new protections for airline consumers that undo unfair policies that nickel-and-dime travelers.
Schumer said he will push for an expansion of Airline Passenger Bill of Rights this year in the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill. Schumer says, in recent years, while airline profits have soared, consumers continue to be squeezed by the industry. Airlines are now charging extra for reasonable leg room, snacks and drinks, seating and boarding options, flight changes and now most recently — use of the overhead bin.
With the FAA reauthorization bill headed to the agenda of Congress, Schumer says he plans to make an expansion of basic airline consumer protections a top priority. The Senator said free use of the overhead bin, fee disclosure requirements, seat sizes, exorbitant change fees and other fundamental consumer protections should all be on the table in the upcoming FAA bill.
Persaud Announces Farina Is Coming To Brownsville
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) announced in her weekly e-newsletter on Friday that the District 19 Community Education Council is presenting ‘A Town Hall Event with Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina‘ tomorrow.
Residents and parents are urged to attend as it is a golden opportunity to ask questions or address concerns with New York City’s Chancellor of Education.
The town hall is slated for 6:30-7:30 p.m., tomorrow Jan. 24 at W.H Maxwell Career and Technical High School, 145 Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York.
Jaime Williams, UFT Serenade Fairway Shoppers
Assembly Member Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park and Gerristen Beach) and the United Federation of Teachers (“UFT”) along with the new super store Fairway Market, 2149 Ralph Avenue, last week hosted the chorus of PS 236.
The revelers entertained the patrons as they shopped the aisles of the juggernaut supermarket. Appropriately singing their hearts out in the “Sweet Tea” aisle the youngsters enthralled the patrons and added a little levity and smiles to the employees and management of Fairway.
“The combination of the growth of the Georgetown area along with the community youth and schools involvement are equations for continued success in the 59th Assembly District,” said Williams.
