Queens Lawmakers On The Move Aug. 7, 2019

Queens County City Council News

Katz On Caban’s Conceding DA Race

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz

Queens Borough President and Queens Democratic Party nominee for District Attorney Melinda Katz yesterday thanked her DA opponent Tiffany Cabán to conceding and bringing closure to this long and hard-fought race DA primary race.

“Too often, the process of primary campaigns obscures the vast commonalities we share as Democrats and reformers. We all want a safe Queens where everyone is treated equally,” said Katz.

“From the beginning of this race, I have been committed to bringing fundamental change to the District Attorney’s office. With the horrors of this past weekend still in my mind, I believe we need to focus on reducing gun violence and put an end to the proliferation of hate crimes.

“I look forward to pressing ahead with my reform agenda as District Attorney, and I ask all Queens residents, regardless of whom they supported in this race, to join together to make our borough a model for successful, safe reform,” she added.


Cuomo Signs Legislation Outlawing Undecttable Knives

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday signed legislation prohibiting the manufacture, transport, shipment, and possession of knives that are undetectable by a metal detector (S.4202/A.4816-A). 

Possession of such weapons will now be considered a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail.

“Undetectable knives are meant to be used by trained members of our police and military forces for covert operations — not regular civilians attempting to sneak weapons past metal detectors,” said Cuomo. “By signing this measure into law, we will keep these deadly knives out of dangerous hands and help ensure our airports, courtrooms and other public buildings are safe.” 

Recent technological developments, such as laser cutting machines, have led to the fabrication of knives using materials that are undetectable by metal detectors. These weapons pose a serious threat to public safety and risk the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. This measure helps protect New Yorkers by making it illegal for any person to knowingly possess, manufacture, sell or transport such weapons in New York State.

Members of the military and police officers may continue to carry these weapons for official use.

The law goes into effect on November 1, 2019.


Sanders Gears Up For Caribbean Carnival

State Sen. James Sanders Jr.

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) announced this week the addition of Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, Kemar Bailey, the cool beats of Fasol Band, reggae sensation Bigga Haitian and Anslem Douglas, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, best known for the hit – “Who Let the Dogs Out?” to the upcoming 3rd Annual Caribbean Carnival.

The Carnival is presented in partnership with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), Rockaway Development Revitalization Corporation (RDRC), New York City Parks Department, New York Police Department’s 101st Police Precinct, Midday Medley 93.5 FM, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, The Wave newspaper and the Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways Committee members.

The carnival is slated for between 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17 in the Rockaways, kicking off at Beach 20th Street and Seagirt Blvd. in Far Rockaway. It will feature a parade of floats, steel pan bands, moko jumbies, and masqueraders and culminate with live performances at Bayswater Park, located at 701 Beach 32nd Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691.

For more information to become a Carnival volunteer, vendor, committee member or parade participate contact the Senator’s office at 718-523-3069.


Queens Youn Dems Host Debate Watch Parties With Electeds

State Attorney General Letitia James

The Queens County Young Democrats (QCYD) proudly hosted Presidential Democratic Debate Watch Parties last week in East Elmhurst and Astoria. 

QCYD hosted night one at Queens Beerhouse with the organization’s Treasurer, Mufazzal Hossain. QCYD was thrilled to host debate night two at Sweet Spot with Attorney General Letitia James. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, City Council Member Costa Constantinides, District Leader Elizabeth Crowley, and over 50 current and prospective members. 

QCYD looks forward to hosting more debate watch parties and gearing up for the 2020 elections by providing monthly political programming, newsletters, and more to its hundreds of members & guests across Queens. 

QCYD will hold its next general business meeting on Wednesday, August 14 at Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club, located at 197-01 Linden Boulevard in Saint Albans.