Colton Applauds DOS Garcia for Speaking Out
Assemblyman William Colton (Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) yesterday applauded the NYC DOS Commissioner Kathryn Garcia for recognizing that the city policy poses a real health threat to New Yorkers and refuses to continue as a Sanitation Commissioner under such conditions.
Garcia stepped down yesterday and is reported to be nterested in running for mayor.
“I’ve been saying for months that de Blasio had reduced the budget for litter basket service citywide by 63% compared to last year. That the reductions are equivalent to an effective headcount loss of 400+ sanitation workers. It is unspeakable that during hot summer days and the COVID-19 crisis, the mayor decided to eliminate funding for litter basket collections,” said Colton.
“Now even the NYC DOS Commissioner has had enough under Mayor de Blasio’s devastating policies. de Blasio’s policies didn’t give the DOS Commissioner a choice but to resign. Once again Mayor de Blasio has proved that NYC is in great danger under his administration and that he’s the worst Mayor that NYC ever has seen,” he added.
Louis, Williams Street Engagement on Gun Violence
City Council Member Farah Louis (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington) joined Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Cure Violence organizations, clergy, and elected officials over Labor Day weekend for extensive street engagement to stop the spread of COVID-19 and possible incidents of gun violence.
Every year, the neighborhoods of East Flatbush and Crown Heights come to life with the sights, sounds, and aromatic scents of the Caribbean. Although this year’s J’Ouvert and West Indian American Day Carnival Parade were canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, there was an unauthorized gathering that resulted in a shooting. Five people, including a six-year-old boy and his mother, who were not affiliated with the illegal festivities, sustained non-life threatening injuries. The alleged perpetrators were taken into police custody.
“It is outrageous that innocent bystanders, even children, are shouldering the burden and the scars for the reckless behavior of others. I am extending my prayers for a speedy recovery to the victims of this weekend’s shootings, including a six-year-old boy and his mother. The collective message for this Labor Day weekend could not have been more clear – stay home, avoid parties, and celebrate the richness of the Caribbean Diaspora at home with your families. The shooting in Crown Heights will not undermine our commitment to create safer communities for all. My colleagues and I will continue to advocate for additional resources to expand the footprint and local impact of Cure Violence organizations,” said Louis.
“All weekend, I and others joined community groups in the streets, working to prevent large gatherings and helping to limit gun violence. Today we thank the Brooklyn community for heeding these calls and pray for victims of the shootings we did see– including the mass shooting that injured five people, heartbreakingly with a young child among them. We continue our commitment to fighting the plague of violence and saving lives through a partnership in public safety where everyone has a role to play,” said Williams.
Myrie Gives Constituent Updates on Several Issues
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) yesterday gave updates about the census, the upcoming elections and the postponement of the city’s lien sales among other items.
“There are 23 days left to complete the Census and this week there are several opportunities to help make sure #SD20Counts. Join the “Battle of the Boroughs” phone bank this week to help encourage our neighbors to fill out the Census. Please see below and click here to sign up as a volunteer. NYC Census is also organizing phone banking in Brownsville, which has some of the lowest Census response rates in the city. Please click here to sign up as a volunteer,” he wrote.
Other Updates
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Sign up to be a poll worker: The New York City Board of Elections is actively seeking poll workers for the upcoming election. You can earn up to $2800 by working up to ten days during early voting and on Election Day. To apply to be a poll worker, click here.
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Request your ballot now: Recently, Governor Cuomo signed several important election changes into law, including my bill to allow voters to request an absentee ballot earlier. With reports of mail slowdowns on the rise, request an absentee ballot now by clicking here. New this year, you may also track your ballot application throughout the process and confirm it was mailed and received.
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NYC Department of Finance Lien Sale POSTPONED: The city’s lien sale was scheduled to occur on September 3rd, but has now been postponed. In response to the pandemic, I joined Attorney General Letitia James and numerous other elected officials in calling for the lien sale to be cancelled this year, and I am pleased the Mayor and Governor have heard our request. If your property may be at risk, it is still important to contact the City and establish a payment plan for any outstanding debts. Find out if your property has a tax lien and get more info here. Feel free to contact our office with questions or for assistance.
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Online appointments for constituent services: Our Brooklyn office (1077 Nostrand Avenue) is now open for one-on-one constituent service appointments. Schedule an appointment to get help with housing, legal services, immigration and more. All services are by appointment only– walk-ins are not permitted at this time. To schedule your appointment, click here.
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VIRTUAL HEARING ON HOUSING: The New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is holding a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, September 9 from 10:00am to 4:30pm. The focus of the hearing is on proposed changes to the Rent Stabilization Code and the New York City Rent and Eviction Regulations. These regulations establish a reasonable cost schedule for major capital improvements (MCI) and surrounding procedures for its implementation. The public is invited to provide oral or written testimony; speakers are advised to pre-register by calling (718) 262-4816 or emailing CostSchedule@hcr.ny.gov with your name, contact phone number, email address, and the time you wish to speak at the hearing and whom you represent. Pre-registered speakers who have reserved a time to speak will be heard at approximately that time. For more information click here.
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RE-ENTRY HOTLINE OPEN: The Community Service Society and Youth Represent have launched a Reentry Legal Hotline, linking New Yorkers to experienced legal staff who can help resolve conviction history-related employment, licensing, job clearance, work conditions, and other issues – through advice, brief service, administrative advocacy or litigation, depending on what is needed. They also advise on conviction history-related matters, represent eligible individuals in records-sealing applications, and assist in obtaining Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct. All services are provided free of charge. Please call (646) 759-8088.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE AS PROSPECT PARK GREETERS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks have lost critical funding, and as a result the seasonal workforce is significantly smaller compared to last summer. Park greeters will engage the public and keep the park green and vibrant. Learn more at prospectpark.org/greeter to learn more and register.
Rose Hosts Forum on Anti-Semitism
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) hosted a virtual forum last night on anti-Semitism with United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Elan Carr, in partnership with the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, Staten Islanders Against Anti-Semitism, the Sephardic Community Center, and the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island.
Special Envoy Carr was appointed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to coordinate the United States Government’s response to anti-Semitism around the world. He has travelled to Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia as our nation’s representative to local Jewish communities and national governments, and has been a key factor in achievements such as Germany designating all branches of Hezbollah as terrorist entities.
Special Envoy Carr discussed the work he is doing to combat anti-Semitism abroad, what can be done here at home, and what we should be doing as a community to ensure that anti-Semitism cannot threaten us in our daily lives.