Meeks Decries Trump As In Collusion With Russia
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport), senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and ranking member of the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, yesterday alleged President Donald Trump is in collusion with Russia following the president’s press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their joint press conference following the Helsinki summit.
“The Helsinki summit is remarkable in so far as, for the first time, a U.S. President sat in front of the world stage to undermine their own Department of Justice, their own Intelligence Community, and invited a foreign adversary to do the same. When given the chance to denounce Russia’s interference in our elections, Trump instead parroted Russian propaganda, pivoting to the ‘missing’ server conspiracy theory that his own U.S. attorney explicitly debunked in court,” said Meeks.
“In the last few weeks, we have seen Trump take every opportunity to attack our allies, often on false pretenses, while giving Russia a pass on the very real attacks it has levied against our nation. At every opportunity to hold Putin to task, Trump was unwilling. Instead, he let Russia off the hook for interfering in our and our allies’ elections, its illegal annexation of Crimea, its occupation in Ukraine and Georgia, and its shielding of Syria’s chemical weapons attacks. I am both shocked and offended by our President excusing these hostile actions by audaciously drawing a false comparison to the United States.
“Regardless of whether Trump colluded to get elected, he is clearly colluding with Russia now to advance Putin’s interests. To every one of my colleagues across the aisle who has spoken critically of Russia prior to Trump’s election, your silence now is deafening. Americans need you to remember your oath of office and defend your country. Now is that time,” he added.
PA James, Addabbo Make Announcement Regarding Fraud Against NYC Veterans
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D- Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways), Public Advocate Letitia James and City Council Member Chaim Deutsch (D-Brooklyn) today will make an announcement regarding the current state of veteran services in New York City.
The announcement follows the FBI investigation into attempts to defraud veterans seeking higher education.
The press conference is slated for 3 p.m., today, July 17, in the Plaza behind the David Dinkins Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan.
AM Espinal Builds Momentum For Re-Election
Assemblywoman Ari Espinal (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Corona), who is running for re-election in the 39th District, continues to build momentum for her campaign as she submitted over 3,100 petition signatures for the September Democratic Party and raised $185,000.
Through the work of an all-volunteer effort, Espinal has submitted over 3,100 signatures to apply for ballot access for the September Primary Election. Last week, she earned the support of the Working Families Party, 32BJ SEIU, and U.S. Rep. José E. Serrano (D-Bronx). As reported in the July filing, she raised over $185,000, with over $107,000 on hand.
“Our campaign hit the ground running and our petition and fundraising numbers reflect that. I am proud of my hardworking team of volunteers, and these numbers show that our message is resonating with the community. I have dedicated my life to serving Central Queens, and I am eager to get back to work in the assembly,” said Espinal.
The Democratic Primary is slated for Sept. 13.
Vallone Co-Names Intersection for The Late Frank Skala
City Council Member Paul Vallone (D- Alley Pond Park, Bay Terrace, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, East Elmhurst, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck, Whitestone) on Saturday joined dozens of family members and residents in co-naming the Bayside intersection of 40th Avenue and Bell Boulevard in memory of the late Frank Skala.
The brand new street sign just down the street from where Skala lived for more than seven decades, reads “Frank Skala Way”.
Skala was a community activist and civic leader who was awarded the state Senate’s Liberty Medal, one of New York’s highest civilian honors. He was also a retired teacher who founded the East Bayside Homeowners Association and created the first series of alumni books and an alumni association for Bayside High School. He co-founded the Friends of Bayside High School and was a former member of Community Board 11. He organized the Bell Boulevard Restoration coalition and was a member of the Coast Guard Restoration Advisory Board at Fort Totten.
“Frank Skala was a fiercely dedicated community activist and civic leader,” said Vallone. “When it came to fighting for his community, you knew that he had to have it his way – the Frank Skala Way. His enormous and lasting impact on the community will be forever remembered and I’m proud to have passed the legislation to co-name 40th Avenue and Bell Boulevard in his honor.”
