Queens Lawmakers On The Move Oct. 15, 2019

Schumer Calls For Senate Vote Opposing Trump’s Withdrawal Of Syria

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced Sunday he will demand a vote this week on the Senate floor opposing President Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria and requiring a new strategy to contain and defeat ISIS, as well as reengage and defend Kurdish partners.

“As I’ve said, when it comes to defeating ISIS, President Trump has no coherent strategy. His decision making is erratic. It’s impulsive. He makes critically important decisions on a whim and seems to disregard the advice of our national security leaders and military commanders,” said Schumer.

Schumer and other lawmakers—from both parties—have warned that the president’s rash decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Northern Syria would undo a largely successful strategy that has crippled ISIS, diminishing their power and presence as a global threat, particularly to America.

Schumer has said the president’s erratic decision-making is aiding and abetting an ISIS jailbreak. Schumer announced he will seek to hold a vote this week in an attempt to undo the aforementioned threat to our national security.

“For New Yorkers, this action a world away delivers a deep worry here at home because we, more than anyone after 9/11, know terrorism can begin as a tiny cell from as far as ‘7,000 miles away’ and then metastasize into a domestic attack on our doorstep. Our partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) not only contained ISIS, but helped ensure the security of Americans right here in New York, and now we have taken a giant step back,” Schumer added.

Constantinides, Addabbo Commend Order for National Grid To Connect Gas LInes

City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, Woodside, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, chair of the Committee Environmental Protection, on Friday commended the Public Service Commission’s order to immediate connect gas to more than 1,100 households after it withheld new hookups after its plans for the Williams Pipeline were rejected:

“National Grid thought it could bully New Yorkers into getting the Williams Pipeline, which would’ve significantly disrupted our waterways and marry us into fossil fuels for generations to come,” said Constantinides.

“National Grid executives claimed the sky was immediately going to fall if it didn’t get this gas connection and thought it was okay to use hard-working families of Queens and Brooklyn as a bargaining chip. I asked them several times to provide proof the Williams Pipeline would create the catastrophe they claimed, and to this day they have yet to provide any concrete evidence. The time for New York City to initiate a public utility option that puts New York City residents first, not shareholders and fossil fuel interests, is long overdue,” he added.

Also hailing the move was State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways who said he stood by the decision of Governor Cuomo ordering National Grid to restore gas service to his constituents and businesses wrongfully denied service by the utility company.

“Victims of Superstorm Sandy, businesses, seniors and others should not be held hostage by Nat Grid, because of their unfounded, self-imposed service moratorium. I am hopeful the utility company complies with the Governor’s order and does the main job its franchised to do, provide gas service, before the harsh winter weather days are upon us,” said Addabbo.

Vallone Hosts Italian Heritage Celebration At City Hall

City Council Member Paul A. Vallone (D-Alley Pond Park, Bay Terrace, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, East Elmhurst, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck and Whitestone) last Thursday was proud to sponsor a celebration of Italian heritage in observance of National Italian American Heritage Month in the city hall chambers.

Vallone honored Astoria’s Joseph DiPietro, President of the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens (FIAO), with a New York City Council Proclamation for his outstanding character and service to the community.

DiPietro was born in Sicily, Italy, and has been a resident of Astoria, Queens, since 1966. In 1992, DiPietro’s passion for the community-led him to get involved with the FIAO, and in his role as president, he has led the organization to meet the needs of the Italian-American community in matters including immigration, foreign pensions, health and social issues and cultural events.

DiPietro went on to serve as chair of the 2004-2005 Queens Columbus Day Parade and he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition. He is also co-founder, former President and the current Vice President of the Astoria Italia Soccer Club, a team he has coached since 1995.

Consul General of Italy in New York, the Hon. Francesco Genuardi, delivered remarks at the event. LaGuardia Arts High School student Victoria Pinto performed the American and Italian National Anthems and the Landrum School of Performing Arts led a dance performance.

“For centuries, Italian Americans have helped shape the course of our nation’s history,” said Vallone. “I’m proud to sponsor the Italian Heritage Celebration at City Hall and recognize outstanding Italian Americans like Joe DiPietro for their immeasurable contributions to the Borough of Queens and the City of New York! For decades, Joe has been an extremely active member of the Astoria and Queens community and he’s one of the best people to ever be recognized by the Council.”

Sanders To Host Two Homeowners & Landlords Listening Sessions

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) is hosting two important upcoming events: a Homeowners & Landlords Listening Session in Far Rockaway and Richmond Hill.

“We want to hear your issues and concerns so together we can develop a solution. Are your property taxes too high? How are you impacted as a homeowner?” said Sanders in an email.

The first event is slated for 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Margert Community Corporation, 325 Beach 37th Street in Far Rockaway.

The second event is slated for 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, at One Stop Richmond Hill, 110-08 Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill.

Please RSVP on Eventbrite or call (718) 523- 3069. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/listening-session-home-owners-small-landlords-tickets-75001654969