Quaglione Wants All Students To Participate In City’s Summer Program
City Council Candidate John Quaglione (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) urged NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña to change a Department of Education policy to allow all New York City students to register for the STEM Summer in the City Summer Program, regardless if they attend public, private, or parochial school.
Quaglione, who serves as chair at on the St. Anselm’s Catholic Academy, recently spoke with the parents of a middle school student who wanted to register their age eligible student for the program, but were denied based on the fact that they attended a Catholic school.
“I believe that all students should be eligible to enroll in any Department of Education Summer Program of their choosing, regardless if they attend a parochial, private, public or charter school, or are homeschooled,” said Quaglione. These parents are contributing to the STEM program by paying New York City taxes, so it is only fair that their children should have access to it. As the father of two daughters, this is especially important for our young girls since women already face significant bias in STEM fields,” said Quaglione.
The candidate promised to introduce amended legislation on the topic should he be elected City Council.
In addition, Quaglione spoke out about the lack of funding to support the District’s emergency ambulatory services.
“This year’s City budget fails to award funding to both BRAVO and Bensonhurst Volunteer Ambulance, despite an overall spending increase,” said Quaglione. The important work of these two local ambulance organizations should undoubtedly receive funding from the City Council, to support their operations, specifically from those who represent them. This is unacceptable to those who live in Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, and who call upon these volunteer EMT’s and services in our times of need.”
Brannan Gets LGBTQ Nod
The campaign of Democratic City Council Candidate Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) is unfurling the rainbow flag with a pair of endorsements from prominent LGBTQ political groups the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and the Lambda Independent Democrats (LID). The groups’ enthusiastic support comes as Pride Month comes to a close and reflects Brannan’s longstanding public support for LGBTQ rights.
“It’s an honor to see my brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community support my campaign for City Council,” said Brannan. “When I marched in the streets in support of marriage equality, I did so because I believed it was one of the defining civil rights struggles of our time. No one should see [his or her] rights denied due to sexual orientation or any other reason. At a time when these rights are once again under threat, I intend to fight as our next Council Member to ensure all New Yorkers can fully enjoy their rights.”
McCabe Gets Brooklyn Young Republicans Endorsement
The Brooklyn Young Republicans endorsed Liam McCabe for City Council in the 43rd District, the area that includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach.
Brandon Washington, President of the Brooklyn Young Republicans, says the group elected to endorse McCabe because they, “believe he has the kind of dynamic energy the people of Brooklyn need in a leader.”
“Liam McCabe clearly listens to his neighbors and is committed to working hard for them… we believe he will continue to do so, and that through his leadership, there will be more opportunities for the youth of Brooklyn and for all of our neighbors,” said Washington. “Liam McCabe is the type of strong, dedicated leader we need for the Republican Party now and into the future.”
Carroll Nixes Holding A Constitutional Convention
Kevin Peter Carroll, Democratic candidate for the New York City Council in the 43rd District is saying “No” on holding a Constitutional Convention.
A state Constitutional Convention, or “Con-Con,” is a conference of state delegates who convene to rewrite the New York State Constitution.
“A Constitutional Convention could be a complete disaster for New York State. I understand the anger and frustration at government, and the flaws in how our state is run, but the ramifications of a constitutional convention could leave a permanently altered political landscape,” said Carroll.
“People may think it’s a great idea to call for a convention, however, of the many possible revisions to the constitution, eliminating the right for workers to organize into unions sits chief among them. A significant threat to worker’s rights alone makes this a deal-breaker,” he added.
Also, Carroll praised the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for introducing a pilot program to offer e-hail services as an alternative to the troubled Access-A-Ride (AAR) service. The MTA, at its monthly Board meeting, announced the creation of a pilot program that will allow Access-A-Ride users the option to schedule trips on demand from apps like Uber and Lyft with no additional cost.
“My mother is confined to a wheelchair and she has not been able to rely on Access-A-Ride,” said Carroll. “They commonly show up and arrive at destinations late. The nearest subway station, 77th Street, is not wheelchair-accessible so she has no other options to get around. This pilot could be life-changing for her and others who are disabled.”
