Ortiz Urges Senate To Pass Expiring Speed Camera Legislation
Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) called on his colleagues in the State Senate to pass expiring speed camera legislation yesterday.
The New York State Senate bill 6046C – which would extend and expand New York City’s school-based speed safety camera program – has the support of a broad coalition of schools, hospitals, religious institutions, senior organizations, and New York City elected officials including City Council member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and State Senator Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, Midwood).
As it stands, the five-year 140-speed cameras around schools pilot program is set to expire July 25, with all cameras expected to be shut off around the city.
“Speed cameras slow drivers down and improve safety – there were more than 60% fewer speeding violations in school zones with speed cameras in the two years after they were first installed in 2014 (a nearly 15% reduction in injuries in school zones with the cameras,” said Ortiz.
“We can’t afford a single tragic incident to hurt a child unnecessarily. Senators, please return to Albany and help save lives,” added Ortiz.
Ampry-Samuel To Host Business Education Day In Brownsville
City Council member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant) alongside Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lorelei Salas will conduct a Business Education Day in Brownsville today.
The event will serve as an educational opportunity for local businesses to learn about the workplace, consumer protection, and licensing laws that apply to them. DCA officials will go door-to-door conducting violation free educational visits to local businesses.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., today, July 17, at the corner of Pitkin Avenue & Saratoga Avenue in Brownsville.
CM Williams Applauds NYPD’s Internal Charges In Garner Case
City Council member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) applauded the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) announcement to pursue internal disciplinary charges in the case of Eric Garner.
On Monday, the NYPD indicated that it will pursue internal disciplinary action against Officer Daniel Pantaleo and Sergeant Kizzy Adonis in the case of the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who died of a lethal chokehold from a police officer on Staten Island. The decision is conditional, provided the Department of Justice (DOJ) does not announce pursuit of its own criminal charges by August 31.
“Pursuing internal charges is a vital development that, while years too late, is nonetheless both welcome and imperative. I thank the NYPD for taking this action, which I hope to see result in swift consequences for Daniel Pantaleo,” said Williams.
“At the same time, the Garner family and the public still deserve answers to some pertinent questions. Why did the administration wait so long to finally pursue this? The Garner family, which has experienced unimaginable heartbreak, deserves to see justice for Eric’s death. In the words of Dr. King, justice delayed is justice denied. I hope that this family is not denied justice much longer,” added Williams.
41st AD Democratic Club Hosts 2018 Speaker Series
The 41st Assembly District Democrats Club will hold its 2018 Speaker Series featuring State Senator Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Marin park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) and Andrew Gounardes, a Democratic candidate in the 22nd State Senate District this week.
This year’s event will feature speakers discussing the importance of gaining a Democratic Majority in the New York State Senate. Currently, the Senate is made up of 32 Democrats of a total 63 members; however, they do not control the upper state legislature due to controversial maverick Senator Simcha Felder (D-Boro Park), who has a long history of caucusing with Senate Republicans.
The event is slated for 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 19, at 2952 Avenue R (corner of Haring Street) in Madison.
