Donovan Anti-Terror Measure Passes Key Hurdle
U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) this week advanced a measure to combat vehicular terrorism through the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The amendment is to U.S. Rep Robert Latta’s (R-OH) bill, Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act, which directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a strategy to prevent and respond to vehicular terror attacks.
“Terrorists constantly adjust their tactics to exploit weaknesses. Right now, vehicular attacks are difficult to prevent. But with proper focus and resources – which my amendment mandates – homeland security experts will do what they do best: keep us safe,” said Donovan.
Donovan chairs the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, which has jurisdiction over anti-terror policies.
Colton Reports On Snow Conditions
Assembly member William Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) this week was busy reporting snow conditions to his city liaison to provide adequate response for the 47th district, which implemented his response developed during the last two storms and has proven to be an efficient way to bridge community concerns with responders.
Colton had six staff members report conditions throughout his district from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing his office to supplement the city’s information of on-the-ground updates, as it is difficult for the city to clear all the roads during continuous snowfall.
“I am dedicated to ensuring the safety of my constituents during hazardous weather. If I could go out there with a snow plow myself, I would. The next best thing is informing the appropriate city agencies of the immediate concerns of my constituents. I devised a system where I instructed my office staff to notify me of unplowed roads and treacherous conditions every two hours during the storm. I then relay the information they provided to my liaison in the mayor’s office. We have seen the results of this plan almost immediately in my community,” said Colton.
Hikind Calls On Dem Chair To Condemn Anti-Semitic Pronouncements
Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Boro Park) this week called on Tom Perez, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, to condemn the hateful, anti-Semitic pronouncements that Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan recently made.
During a widely publicized speech delivered in Chicago on Sunday, Farrakhan made numerous anti-Semitic comments, including, “the powerful Jews are my enemy…White folks are going down… Farrakhan has pulled the cover off of that Satanic Jew.”
“Sadly, there are too many members of our party—elected officials who should know better—who are eager to condemn racism when it comes from the right, but turn a blind eye when it’s from the left, or, in particular, when it’s aimed at Jews,” said Hikind. “It’s hard to be a Democrat in the face of this hypocrisy, this obvious double standard. Congressman Danny Davis is just the most recent example of a prominent Democrat who is willing to associate with Farrakhan while turning a blind eye to his racist, divisive philosophy.”
Hikind said regardless of whether it comes from the left or the right, Democrats should find racism fully unacceptable. “I appreciate Chairman Perez’s leadership and believe it would be enormously beneficial for all of us if he shows true leadership on this extremely important issue—for the sake of not only the Democratic Party but our entire nation. Young people in America, to say nothing of the rest of the world, look to see how prominent voices in positions of power will respond to Farrakhan’s dangerous, hateful rhetoric. It is imperative our party’s chairman encourages other Democrats to stand up and speak out against Farrakhan’s Hitler-esque invective.”
Persaud On International Women’s Day 2018
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill) yesterday celebrated International Women’s Day with the following comments:
“The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. This theme is timely because it shows the urgency of the need for equity and empowerment for women today. Today women take leadership roles not only in the homes but in civil society and politics, governments and the community. This is a direct result of the opportunities granted. Additionally, like all people the more we invest in women the greater their contribution will be,” said Persaud.
“With recent revelations of ongoing, systemic sexual harassment in both the public and private sector, the need for strong action from state government is clear. I continue will address this crisis and help ensure employees in private and public sector offices are treated with respect and equality. This includes working with my colleagues to support a package of bills to combat workplace sexual harassment. Let us work collectively to ensure that women have an equal chance to build our society.”
Mosley Votes in Support of Crucial Gun Control Measures
State Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) yesterday voted to yes to pass a package of legislation to address gaps in New York State gun laws.
These measures increase background checks from three days to ten, ban “bump stocks” or firing accelerants, ensure that no one convicted of domestic violence has access to a deadly weapon, and allow judges to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders to individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.
“I was proud to cast my first career vote for the New York SAFE Act, which ensured universal background checks, firearm registration, and increases penalties for murder with illegal guns. This act was an important step forward for our state, but there was still work to be done.
“Last year, I signed on to a bill to ban firing accelerators, which are devices that transform semi-automatic weapons into something closer to a fully automatic weapon. A firing accelerator, more commonly known as a “bump stock” was used in the Las Vegas shooting, and was part of the reason for that shooting becoming one of the deadliest in our history. Bump stocks can wreck deadly havoc, and banning them will keep our state safe.
“In addition, I was proud to vote in support of a measure that ensures people who are convicted of domestic violence cannot obtain firearms. Close to half of women who are murdered in the United States were murdered by their intimate partner, and over half of mass shootings involve an intimate partner or family member, according to statistics from Everytown for Gun Safety. The fact of the matter is, everyone in our society is safer when domestic abusers do not have access to firearms.
“The time has long passed to stand up and say enough is enough. I am thankful the State Assembly took measures to strengthen gun control in our state. We’ve seen firsthand how effective gun control is keeping New Yorkers safe, and it is my hope that the State Senate, and state legislatures around the country, follow the example New York has set,” said Mosley.
Hamilton, Carroll Call For Increased Safety Measures
State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) and Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) today will join with colleagues, advocates and neighborhood residents in calling for renewed efforts on increased traffic safety measures.
Their call comes on the heels of this week’s tragic traffic deaths of an infant and toddler at the intersection of 9th Street and 5th Avenue in Park Slope.
The group is slated to meet at 10:30 a.m., today, at the corner of 9th Street and 5th Avenue in Park Slope.
