Rodriguez Rallies in Garifuna Over Frank Williams Case
Yesterday, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) joined a rally in Garifuna to demand justice for the death of Franklin Williams.
On Oct. 24, Williams was stabbed to death in a fight with a deli worker over an unpaid beer. Rodriguez stood with Williams’ grieving loved ones to voice his frustrations with the courts’ handling of the Williams case. The rally took place at 12 p.m. at 950 Longwood Ave.
“This is about more than just Frank Williams,” said Rodriguez. “We’re gonna be fighting for justice for him. But most importantly, we are fighting for the underserved communities, the immigrant communities.”
Krueger Rebuts Comparison Between “Long Island Six” and IDC
State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side, Lenox Hill) got on Twitter yesterday to dispute a campaign ad comparing her colleagues to the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).
Earlier this week, New York Communities for Change released a digital ad taking aim at the “Long Island Six”, a group of six newly elected State Senate Democrats. The ad accuses them of being beholden to the real estate industry and valuing special interests over the will of the people. It draws direct comparisons to the IDC, a group of Democrats who broke rank with the party and consistently voted against progressive measures.
“I don’t agree with my LI colleagues on everything, but having lived through years of IDC collaboration with Republicans, there is no comparison,” said Krueger. “We passed many progressive bills with their support, including the Reproductive Health Act, GENDA, and the Farmworker Bill of Rights. Even when we disagreed, their support for Leader Stewart-Cousins allowed us to move a host of other bills, including the strongest tenant protections NY has ever seen. The IDC supported Republicans – my colleagues from Long Island support Democrats. The difference is clear.”
Stringer Requests Lead Paint Inspection Data from Chancellor Carranza
City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) wrote a letter to DOE Chancellor Richard Carranza yesterday requesting data on the DOE’s annual lead paint inspections.
The DOE is required to perform lead paint inspections annually on classrooms that house children aged six and under. Stringer believes that New York parents have a right to see the results of said inspections.
“Safeguarding our children from severe harms associated with the ingestion of lead paint has been recognized as among this City’s highest priorities,” said Stringer. “However, as we found in our office’s recent investigation, eliminating childhood lead poisoning would require every City agency with responsibility for children, buildings and health not merely to abide by the letter of the law but to work proactively to pursue every opportunity to eliminate lead hazards and prevent exposure.”
Hoylman Congratulates CB4 For Compassionate Communities Award
State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) released a statement yesterday congratulating Community Board 4 for winning the Compassionate Communities Award.
Earlier this week, the Coalition for the Homeless announced the winners of their fourth annual Compassionate Communities Award. The award honors neighborhoods and community boards for their willingness to accommodate and provide support for the homeless. This year, the award went to Community Board 4 for the opening of a shelter for single homeless women on 52nd Street.
“Homelessness is not a crime – and New Yorkers experiencing homelessness deserve our respect and compassion,” said Hoylman. “At a time when bigoted voices in the White House are scaremongering and demonizing anyone experiencing homelessness, it’s inspiring to see my constituents in Community Board 4 standing up for what’s right.”
