Donovan Applauds Historic North-South Korea Summit
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) applauded the landmark meeting between the North and South Korean leaders last Friday.
On April 27, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In held a historic summit to discuss possibly ending North Korea’s ability to launch nuclear-tipped missiles at the US and its allies.
Additionally, the two leaders chatted about formally ending the Korean War signing the “Panmunjom Declaration,” in which both leaders agreed to formally end the War by year’s end and to work toward the “common goal” of denuclearization, according to reports. The nine hour meeting ended with a joint statement, in which all of their joint aspirations were officially written down on paper.
“Today’s historic meeting between North and South Korea is a tremendous achievement in and of itself. Once considered the most volatile and dangerous peninsula in the world, harmony and diplomatic relations now seem possible,” said Donovan.
“More work is necessary, but the Trump Administration’s maximum pressure campaign is clearly delivering results. Strong American leadership will be crucial to keeping North Korea honest in the coming months,” added Donovan.
Eugene Hosts 10th Annual Community Health Fair & Student Recognition Event
City Council member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect Park Lefferts Garden, Flatbush, Ditmas Park) hosted the 10th Annual Community Health Fair and Student Recognition Event this past weekend.
The annual event, made possible through a partnership with Medgar Evers College and the Flatbush Beacon Program, is an opportunity for area residents to receive information on health, housing, food assistance, child care, emergency preparedness, job training, as well as free screenings for HIV, blood pressure, and diabetes.
Additionally, local students received awards for outstanding academic achievement and civic engagement during the Student Recognition Ceremony.
“One of my top priorities has always been to insure that our hardworking parents have access to social services that benefit their children. We are fortunate to have so many city agencies here who are distributing information on housing, childcare, and other issues that affect our community,” said Eugene.
“The Student Recognition Event is a tremendous opportunity to recognize our young people who have done outstanding work this year. It is my hope that by acknowledging their achievements, we can encourage them to continue their pursuit of academic success and community engagement,” added Eugene.
Golden Condemns Release of Cop Killer
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach Brooklyn) denounced the release of convicted cop-killer Herman Bell on Friday.
Herman Bell is one of the three men convicted in the 1971 murder of two New York City police officers.Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones were lured to a Harlem housing project by a bogus 911 call on May 21, 1971 where they were ambushed, shot and killed. Officer Jones died instantly from a gunshot to the head. Officer Piagentini, who begged for his life, was shot 22 times by the suspects and died on his way to the hospital.Bell, Anthony Bottom and Albert Washington were convicted of the two murders and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 1979.
Bell was released under the conditional release date statute that stipulates that if the offender is not released by the Parole Board at his or her initial appearance or a subsequent one, he or she may eventually be released by conditional release. The offender is considered by the Time Allowance Committee (consisting of prison staff) four months prior to his or her conditional release date. The Time Allowance Committee reviews the offender’s incarceration behavior and participation in prison programs to decide if he or she has earned “good time” off his or her maximum sentence. The conditional release date may be adjusted as a result of the Time Allowance Committee’s review. Following the review and adjustment, the offender will be released to Parole supervision on the adjusted Conditional Release Date. This was the seventh time since 2004 that Bell had pleaded for parole.
“As of 5PM tonight, cop killer Herman Bell was wrongly released into society as a free man. “Cut ‘em loose” Cuomo has ignored the herculean efforts of elected officials, PBA President Pat Lynch, members of law enforcement, the families of slain officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones and New York State residents. Herman Bell belongs behind bars and those complicit in his release should be ashamed,” said Golden.
“Governor Cuomo and the people who are implementing his policies have pointed a loaded gun at the head of public safety, and it is only a matter of time before this known killer pulls the trigger again. Who is going to be the next victim? We must immediately fix the broken parole system to ensure that criminals who deserve to be in prison stay in prison,” added Golden.
Bichotte, Parker To Host Haitian Unity Day 2018
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) and State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope) will host Haitian Unity Day honoring Karine Jean-Pierre this year.
Haitian Unity Day was originated by Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee, who represents Rockland County that has a significant Haitian population, so that Haitian Americans from throughout the State would have a day to share and celebrate their culture.
The annual event celebrates Haitian culture through a mix of live performances, traditional cuisine while recognizing organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State.
The event is slated for 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, May 7 in Albany. To RSVP please contact Allen Pierre at pierrea@nyassembly.gov or Bichotte’s office at 718-940-0428.
