Crowley Wishes American Muslims A Blessed Ramadan
U. S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside and parts of the Bronx) yesterday wished all who celebrate Ramadan a blessed holiday.
“I want to extend my best wishes to the Muslim American families in Queens, the Bronx and across the country observing the holy month of Ramadan. The beginning of Ramadan marks a time of reflection, spirituality, and rejoicing for Muslims around the world. During this festive period, let’s embrace the spirit of Ramadan by celebrating the contributions of Muslim Americans, and our shared values of tolerance, dignity, and peace. I wish you all a blessed and peaceful month. Ramadan Mubarak!”
Lancman Commends DAs Vance and Gonzalez for Policy Changes in Marijuana Arrests
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Briarwood, Cunningham Park, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Hollis, Holliswood, Jamaica, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Richmond Hill), chair of the Committee on the Justice System, commended Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on their announced policy changes with respect to marijuana prosecution.
The respective DAs both decided to greatly reduce the number of annual marijuana-related prosecutions after a report found that black and Hispanic people are arrested for marijuana possession and use at higher rates than white people.
“I commend DA Vance and DA Gonzalez for taking this important step to combat the unjust racial disparities with marijuana enforcement and prosecution, and look forward to seeing the new policies in their final form. Ultimately, the police won’t police what prosecutors won’t prosecute. Declining to prosecute more low-level marijuana cases will make our justice system fairer and help prevent unnecessary and expensive incarceration,” said Lancman.
Peralta Constituent Alirio Orduña Posthumously Inducted into NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) yesterday announced that Alirio Orduña was posthumously inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
Orduña, who was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an Elmhurst resident, was the founder of the New York Military Youth Cadets. He was born in Colombia in 1952, and was 16 when he emigrated, along with his siblings, to the United States after the death of his parents.
“The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame singles out special recognition of those who helped shape our nation and our communities, and Mr. Orduña is a perfect example of that. He founded the New York Military Youth Cadets in Elmhurst to help children seek their full potential by guiding them into higher education and helping the community,” said Peralta.
Orduña was also a longtime member of Queens Community Board 4, and was the Commander of the New York Military Youth Cadets. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1972, rising to the rank of corporal and earning numerous medals for his service. He died on October 30, 2017.
The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame pays tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is completed by service to their local communities.
Avella Supports Underwood As Next State Attorney General
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) yesterday called for the bipartisan nomination of Barbara Underwood as the next state attorney general.
Underwood is the longtime solicitor general of New York, which is second in command at the attorney general’s office. The legislature is charged with picking the next attorney general after former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman recent resigned following allegations that he assaulted four women.
“If there’s any justice in this world where we reward people for their experience and longstanding dedication to the public good, then Barbara Underwood should be nominated by both political parties as the next Attorney General. It would be the best thing for the State of New York to have somebody with her experience and apolitical approach to the job. I can’t think of a better Attorney General,” said Avella.
