Queens Electeds Mourn Death Of Peralta
Several Queens, city and state electeds mourned the sudden death of State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) this weekend.
Peralta, 47, died suddenly of reported septic shock. A former member of the senate’s now disbanded Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), Peralta was recently defeated in the state primary and general election by State Sen.-Elect Jessica Ramos (D).
“José Peralta is gone too soon. When I met him in 2003 I saw a world of promise for our community & though years later we’d disagree on tackling the issues, I know in his heart he loved his community. He was a true public servant. Strength & love to his wife, sons, and loved ones,” said Ramos in a Tweeted statement.
State Sen. James Sanders (D) said he was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely death of his colleague in government, Senator Jose Peralta.
“I worked with him for many years and appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and his passion for defending immigrants and their rights. Although we headed in different directions politically, I believe he had a good heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” said Sanders.
“Jose Peralta was a proud son of Queens and the Dominican Republic. He worked his way up from the grassroots, with heart and tenacity. Chirlane and I are both pained by his sudden loss. Our prayers are with his wife Evelyn and his sons,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“As a Member of the Assembly for eight years and then as Senator, he fought tirelessly to make a difference for others, and he will always be remembered for his service to Queens and to all New Yorkers,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “This is a reminder of how precious life is — hold your families a little bit closer today as we think about all we are thankful for.”
Dromm Proposed LGBTQ Veterans Rights Bill Gets Hearing
City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights), today will see the council’s Veterans Committee hold a hearing on his proposed bill that would require the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to offer assistance to veterans discharged other than honorably from the military solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill would upgrade these veterans’ discharge papers or change the narrative reason for their discharge. The bill would also extend all city benefits and services to LGBTQ veterans who have bad discharge papers solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill would also require DVS to issue discharged LGBTQ veterans a certificate of eligibility that can be used as proof that a discharged LGBTQ veteran is eligible for certain city benefits or services available to veterans.
The hearing is slated for 2 p.m., today, Nov. 26 at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.
PA James Condemns NYCHA Heat & Hot Water Outages
Public Advocate and Attorney General-Elect Letitia James yesterday condemned the continued reports about heat and hot water outages at New York City Housing Authority developments throughout the city in the past week.
Among the reported outages in Brooklyn were at the Brownsville, Farragut and Cooper Park Houses.
“It is completely unacceptable that New Yorkers are being denied heat and hot water in their homes during this time of year, especially at the hands of our city. I am deeply concerned that NYCHA continues to be plagued by such serious and widespread problems that put children and seniors at risk,” said James.
“Once again, NYCHA has demonstrated a complete failure to ensure tenants are living in safe homes and instead is subjecting them to dangerous and illegal conditions. We cannot wait any longer to see real action and improvements at NYCHA – the health of New Yorkers is at stake,” she added.
Katz Hails New High School Athletic Field
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) today will be on hand for the groundbreaking of the new athletic filed at William Cullen Bryant High School.
The borough president is scheduled to deliver remarks on the ground breaking at 11 a.m., today, Nov. 26 William Cullen Bryant High School, 48-10 31st Avenue in Long Island City.
