CM Miller, Gianaris Statement on Firing of NYPD’s Pantaleo
City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens) and Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, parts of Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven) yesterday both supported New York City Police Commissioners James O’Neill’s decision to fire Officer Daniel Pantaleo, whose chokehold of Eric Garner contributed to his death five years ago.
“Today’s news comes many years too late,” said Miller, Co-Chair of the Black and Latino/a and Asian Caucus. “Failure to take prompt disciplinary action has allowed Pantaleo to spend the past five years living off the taxpayers’ dime; meanwhile, his employment has been an affront to Eric Garner’s family and Black and Brown communities. While today’s firing is the lowest threshold of justice, Commissioner O’Neill’s decision will allow for confidence to be restored, and for the NYPD to continue to improve relationships with the communities they serve.”
Gianaris said New York finally has some justice with the decision to fire Daniel Pantaleo.
“It was the right and responsible choice after the killing of Eric Garner. It is my hope New York does not experience another similar tragedy due to reckless abuse of power,” said Gianaris, adding he has previously called upon the NYPD to fire Daniel Pantaleo: here and here.
Meeks Leads Delegation to Inspect NJ ICE Detention Facility
U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, The Rockaways, JFK Airport) tomorrow will lead a Congressional delegation of New York and New Jersey Members of Congress to tour the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility (CDF), a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New Jersey that holds 300 immigrant detainees.
Included in the visiting delegation are U.S Reps. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens), Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ).
The members will exercise their Congressional oversight responsibilities by taking a tour to view the conditions of the facility and detainees. After touring the facility, the members will have press availability to give comments on their observations.
The tour is slated for 10 a.m., tomorrow, Aug. 21 at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility, 625 Evans Street in Elizabeth, NJ.
Addabbo, Pheffer Amato To Bring Free Mammogram Screenings To Rockaways
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Rockaway Peninsula) announced yesterday they will be bringing a free mammogram screening to the Rockaways next month.
In order to be eligible for a free exam or screening, women must be:
- 40 years or older with health insurance;
- 50 years or older without health insurance;
- Currently living in New York City; and
- Had not had a mammogram in the last 12 months.
Uninsured patients are welcome, there are no co-payments, and all deductibles are waived.
“Getting a mammogram is vitally important to women’s health as they age, and bringing these free mammograms screenings to the district is a major service for women who are either uninsured or cannot make it to a clinic” Addabbo said. “Whether it’s getting a clean bill of health or discovering early detection, mammograms are a crucial health exam and I hope women will sign up for this service. I would like to thank the American Italian Cancer Foundation and Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for their help in bringing this great event to our district right before Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
“My hope is that, by providing a means for women to detect breast cancer early, we can prevent as many tragedies as possible. This is a disease that can usually be detected early, and when it is, the outcomes are better,” Pheffer Amato said. “I encourage as many women as possible to come out on September 27 to get screened. It’s free, and it’s a great way to ensure your health. I appreciate the partnership of Senator Addabbo and the services provided by the American Italian Cancer Foundation for bringing this crucial to our district.”
The screenings are slated from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the American Italian Cancer Foundation Mobile Care Clinic inside the Key Food parking lot, 88-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Appointments are necessary in order to get your free mammogram screening or clinical breast exam. In order to make an appointment and secure your spot, call Senator Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111. Once they are registered, the American Italian Cancer Foundation will reach out to them to set up a specific appointment time for September 27.
Kim To Cut Ribbon On NYCHA Playground & Basketball Court
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, and Murray Hill) today will cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of major improvements and renovations to the Bland Houses’ Playground and Basketball Court.
New York City Housing Authority officials and James A. Bland Houses residents will also be joining in the festivities.
The event is slated for 3 p.m., today, Aug. 20 at the Bland Playground, 40th Road (Between Prince and Main Streets) in Flushing.
