On The Legislative Front

Council Member James has introduced the following bills/resolutions since August 2008:

Res. 1570-2008- A resolution calling upon Animal Care and Control of New York City to establish a Trap, Neuter, and Return program for feral animals. The text may be viewed here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Res%201570-2008.htm?CFID=1839819&CFTOKEN=79266471

Res. 1571-2008- A resolution calling upon the New York City Housing Authority to review its infrastructure and address a possible correlation between air vents, water pipes and asthma, which may result in an increase in asthma among its residents. The text may be found here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Res%201571-2008.htm?CFID=1839819&CFTOKEN=79266471

Res. 1617-2008- A resolution calling on the New York State Office of Court Administration to disclose and report to the Governor and the New York State Legislature on the process of selecting judges to preside at trials. The text may be viewed here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Res%201617-2008.htm?CFID=1839819&CFTOKEN=79266471

Int. 844-2008 (along with CMs de Blasio and Vann)- A local law to amend the administrative code of the City of New York, in relation to requiring the Department of Homeless Services to maintain an intake center in Manhattan. The text may be viewed here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200844-2008.htm?CFID=1839819&CFTOKEN=79266471

This is not a complete list of introduced bills/resolutions.

In Your Community

Council Member James was present at the City Council Public Housing hearing on October 29, 2008 concerning maintenance and inspection of NYCHA developments. NYCHA representatives stated that elevator maintenance was a top priority following the elevator-related deaths of two young children. NYCHA Chairman Tito Hernandez spoke about a plan to spend $107 million to replace around 550 elevators at 35 developments in the next 5 years, as well as to spend an additional $5 million to hire additional elevator maintenance workers and others to focus on the 50 complexes with the most elevator failures.*

NYCHA maintains about 5% of the City’s elevators, and is facing major budget cuts (like all City agencies and bodies) of $117 million (fiscal year 2009) to $207 millions (fiscal year 2012). The agency has spent $200 million to replace over 2,000 elevators in the past decade.

*Information obtained from The New York Times article “Council Members Skeptical of Elevator Repair Plan for Public Housing,” by Manny Fernandez. Published October 30, 2008.
__________________________________________________________

On behalf of Council Member Letitia James, we’d like to congratulate the Democrats for Education Reform for hosting “Brooklyn’s Charter School Night” on October 30, 2008, and thank them for their contributions to public charter schools in Brooklyn.

Also, the Metropolitan Jewish Health System Foundation- Elderplan hosted their annual “Gala at the Gotham,” and acknowledged Ms. C. Williams, a 35th District resident, for her service to Elderplan members and retired seniors. Council Member Letitia James awarded Ms. Williams with a New York City Council Certificate in honor of her service.

Democrats for Education Reform: http://www.dfer.org/

Council Member Letitia James, Boro President Marty Markowitz, elected officials, and educational community join for Public School Bake Sale!

Council Member Letitia James, Borough President Marty Markowitz, other public officials, and many members of the educational community gather to support Public School Bake Sale Fundraisers at Poll Sites next Tuesday

(Brooklyn, NY) - On Tuesday, November 4th, an election of historic proportions will take place in our country. Record turnouts are anticipated. Public Schools used as poll sites have the opportunity to take advantage of Election Day foot traffic by organizing bake sales; these PTA fundraisers will also be of historic proportions.

New York City Public Schools want to remind the community about the impact of contributions to bake sale fundraisers on General Election Day, and how important donations are to the success of our children’s futures. Some goals of public schools that funding is needed for are: more field trips; books for libraries; science labs; and arts programs. We encourage voters, and bake sale participants to act generously on Nov. 4th, because their contributions are an investment in all of our futures.

On Thursday, October 30th at 4:30 pm, a press conference will be held on the Plaza Steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, in order to help our local schools promote their Election Day Bake Sales. Let’s all do our part to take advantage of this historic election year by voting and buying baked goods, and let’s make sure our children benefit in every way through this process.

THANK YOU CAKE MAN RAVEN FOR PROVIDING THE BIPARTISAN CUPCAKES!!! YUMMM!!
(Photo compliments of the Metro)

Term Limits-- taking it to the 'battle field'

Councilmembers James and de Blasio Announce Preparations for Term Limits Law Suits

City Hall – Today, Councilmembers Bill de Blasio and Letitia James, joined by Congressman Anthony Weiner, Comptroller Bill Thompson, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Councilmember Charles Barron, Gene Russianoff of NYPIRG, attorney Randy Mastro, and other elected officials, held a press conference on last week's term limits vote.

Councilmembers de Blasio and James are preparing to take legal action once the bill is signed into law; Mayor Bloomberg has scheduled a bill-signing ceremony for next Monday.

"Public involvement in the democratic process must not be taken lightly, or treated as some kind of "luxury." New Yorkers twice voiced their opinions on term limits, and last week their will was subverted. This fight is far from over. We will continue to stand up for the right of the people to be involved in this vital process, and ensure their voices are heard." said Councilmember Bill de Blasio.

State law, local law, and voting rights guaranteed under the US Constitution require that a mandatory referendum be held on this issue. Councilmembers de Blasio and James have authorized their lawyers to prepare a lawsuit to challenge the legality of changing voter-ratified term limits by legislation. They have also authorized their lawyers to review the legal infirmities and adverse impacts on minority participation that will result from this major change by legislation to the local electoral system, and to continue to pursue claims that the vote blatantly violated local conflict of interest laws.

"Last week's Council vote represents a step backward for democracy in this city. It is my right, and duty, as a representative of the people to question the legality of altering voter-ratified term limits via legislation. In voting to extend term limits legislatively, our government completely disregarded the will of New Yorkers. The voters who elected us to serve them deserve better, and I will continue the fight to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear," said Councilmember Letitia James.

"It is imperative to pursue this course of action on behalf of the voters of this city. I believe that voters' rights were clearlydenied and suppressed," said New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. "The foundation of good government is trust, and that trust was shattered. People must trust that when they cast their vote, it will count. Historically, when such trust is breached, we turn to the courts to seek justice. Just because the New York City Council failed to hear our voice does not mean we will back down. We will continue to stand up against those who undermine the people's will, and come together with one voice and a common purpose: to restore faith in the process."

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, "I, along with countless New Yorkers, am deeply disappointed by the Council's vote. This could have happened the right way, allowing the people to vote as they have twice before, but instead it was decided by a small few who would also benefit from the change. New Yorkers will not forget this disregard of the democratic process. I support the effort of Councilmembers de Blasio and James to pursue legal action; we will continue this fight."

"There are so many legal infirmities with this process that it cries out for a judicial remedy," said Randy Mastro. "We are fortunate that the courts are there when our local elected officials fail us."

"Nearly 90 percent of New Yorkers want to vote on term limits, not have their Council Members vote to extend their own terms. If ever we needed the courts as a check and balance on the legislature and executive, it is now," said Gene Russianoff, Senior Attorney for NYPIRG.

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BROOKLYN DAY CARE FAIR-- November 22!!

ATTENTION: Nuts and Bolts

Quick note on the blog-

The blogger layout may be confusing to some, so we wanted to make a few quick notes to help with easy navigation.

-The newest (most recent) posts are at the top.
-To read about posts regarding a specific subject, the easiest way is to click the tags (or "labels") at the bottom of the post. This way, all posts regarding that subject (i.e.- having that tag) will display.
-If you do not find the information you are looking for, you may search the blog for a specific term (or terms) by entering that term in the search box at the top of your page.
These search methods are important to note because it is unlikely we'll be posting multiple times on the same subject if there is no significant update to give on the matter.

As always, please email the writer of the post (they will be noted at the bottom on the blog, click their name to go to their user page where you can access their email address. Mine is aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov)- or even simpler- leave a comment if there are any questions or comments about any post. Also, we're interested in hearing what we can do to make the blog better, or easier to navigate. Lastly, what subjects would you like to read more about?

teamtish

Term Limits: Update

It is final that Int. 845A (extending term limits for the mayor and other elected officials) has passed in the New York City Council with a vote of 29:22.

It was an impassioned Stated, with Council Member Gentile noting that the issue has pitted “1st termers against 2nd termers,” and other Council Members noting some of the tactics that were reportedly used in this process.

Council Members Yassky, Gerson, and Brewer proposed an amendment to the bill that would set a time-table for establishing a Charter Review Commission, thereby eliminating section 1138-3 of the bill, which failed 28:22:1 (abstain). Council Member Weprin noted the quick legislation put forth by himself, Council Member James, and Council Member de Blasio in response to Int. 845A (this can be read in earlier posts).

Council Member James is obviously disappointed in this turn of events. She stands by her position that this was not a matter that was to be decided on by the New York City Council, a position which she has spoken on many times in the last few weeks, and which she went to the courts to argue on October 22, 2008 with Council Member Bill de Blasio.

Soon, you’ll be able to read in the media about the final votes of members. On behalf of Council Member James, I urge you push your elected officials to represent you on the issues that matter to you. We are proud of Tish’s position on this issue, and we are proud to say it represented the will of the vast majority of the constituency of the 35th District.

There will be more to say on these matters in the coming days, and we ask that now (more than ever) you take an active part in the politics of New York.

teamtish

Thank you to all the District 13, 15, 17, & 20 parents!!!

The "Deciding the Course: Parensts' Roles in Impacting Department of Education Decisions" turned out to be quite a success! Thank you to all the parents that took the time to lend their voice to the event, and to Zakiyah Ansari, from the Alliance of Quality Education.

Some of the topics covered in samll break out sessions included:
-Successful Communication with Parents and from Parents
-Succesful Communication between Parent Groups (PTAs, CEC, Parent Coordinators)
-Defining and redefining the role of Parent Groups
-School Leadership Teams
-Somprehensive Education Plans
-Successful fundraising and event Planning

If you have any ideas or questions about any of these topics, please add your comments here.

Public Elementary, Middle, and High Schools of the 35th Council District mapped for your convenience

View Larger Map

Blogs We Love: Public Advocate's Corner

We wanted to make you aware of Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum's blog, "Public Advocate's Corner". It's up-to-date information on the Public Advocate's activities and positions; and there's been some cross-over recently due to our mutual work on the term limits issue.

The blog can be found here: http://www.publicadvocatescorner.com/advocates_corner/

Team Tish supports fellow bloggers, and you'll be happy to hear that "Public Advocate's Corner" has a comments section.

Thanks,
team tish

REMINDER: Term Limits Public Hearing

Council Member James has spoken out strongly for the people to have a voice on the term limits issue. She attended both City Council hearings on the issue, and stayed for their entirety in order to hear every voter that came forth. We've asked you to post your opinions here: http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-do-you-think-term-limits.html. Now, along with Council Member Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Tish is holding a public hearing in the 35th District.

Please come and tell us where you stand.

When: Sunday, October 19, 2008, 2:30PM-4:30PM

Where: Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 85 Oxford Street between Lafeyette Avenue and Fulton Street

Public Safety Task Force Meeting, STAY SAFE!

On October 15, 2008, Council Member Letitia James hosted a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to discuss how community members can work with the Police Department and the District Attorney’s office to keep neighborhoods safer from crime. On behalf of Council Member James, we’d like to thank all those who attended the meeting and submitted their questions.

In attendance were Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Police Service Area 3 Commanding Officer Captain Brian McGinn, 84th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Alan E. Abel, and 88th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Anthony Tasso. We thank them for their time and for sharing their expertise with community residents. Our office has a close working relationship with our local precincts and with District Attorney Hynes, which allows us to address crime issues quickly and efficiently.

Tish truly believes in community policing, and that businesses reaching their hands out to local individuals- especially post-school-aged youth- has a dramatic affect on the reduction of petty crime. For this reason, she has challenged local businesses to hire within the community. Lafayette Avenue’s restaurant Choice Market, and the Silver Spoon yogurt shop on Fulton Avenue, have both hired employees who live in the community. We encourage you to patronize these establishments.


On behalf of Council Member James, in light of recent crime events, we’d like to share some safety tips:

-If you are a victim of any crime, please call 911 first. When possible, stay in contact with your local precinct to keep updated on the progress of any case you are involved in. In addition to calling 911, if you witness a crime, you may also call or submit a tip online through the NYPD's Crimestoppers here: http://www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. Reports can be anonymous.

-Residents may sometimes be asked to file a report with 311 for minor disturbances. Keep your case number, and follow-up with 311 on the progress. You can send additional information about your case, or follow-up on a pre-existing case here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/311atnycgov.html. Representatives for 311 have told me that the City is working on a completely web-based system where a resident could log their report and follow-up entirely online. If you are having difficulties with the 311 reporting process, please call our offices at (718) 260-9191 or (212) 788-7081.

-Contact your local community board to make them aware of any crime, so that others in your area can take precautions to remain safe. Additionally, please remain active within your precinct meetings. You can contact your local precinct for information on meetings. If you are not able to attend meetings, check your area’s crime statistics here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/crime_statistics.shtml

-If you are a resident of Clinton Hill or Fort Greene, please post information on crimes at the Society for Clinton Hill’s crime blogger here: http://societyforclintonhill.org/. Additionally, inquire as to whether your block has a block association, or reach out to your tenant association. Safety issues are appropriate to bring up to these bodies.

-Lastly, please take common safety precautions when in travel. Notice your surroundings, get to know your neighbors, watch mp3/iphone/blackberry/etc. use (especially at night)- distraction makes for an easy target, take robbers seriously- give them what they ask for an quickly get away, don’t go anywhere with anyone you don't know, stay in contact with a friend if you’re traveling at night, etc. There’s also a service that will be especially of interest to women, transpeople, and LGBT individuals. RightRides provides free late-night rides home and escorts for those who do not want to travel alone.

Please remain safe.
team tish

You may find your local precinct here- http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precinct_maps/precinct_maps.shtml
You may find your local community board here- http://www.nyc.gov/html/cau/html/cb/directory.shtml
RightRides- http://www.rightrides.org/index.php

What Do You Think: Term Limits

As the second hearing on the term limits issue takes place in City Hall, and as we prepare for our community meeting on term limits on October 19th at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, we thought we'd ask you some questions on the topic-

1). What is your stance on this issue, and why have you taken that position?

2). Do you think the Council should be able to extend term limits without the consent of the voters? Do you support a voter referendum as the deciding vote?

3). What other important factors do you believe have not been prominent in this discussion?

Please post your answers (or any questions you have) in the comments section.

thanks

team tish

APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION’S PROPOSED REDUCTION IN ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING REGULATIONS IN FORT GREENE & CLINTON HILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2008

Council Member Letitia James and Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 Announce Approval of the Department of Sanitation’s Proposed Reduction in Alternate Side Parking Regulations in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill

Residents and public officials have been advocating change for years

(Brooklyn, NY) - The New York City Department of Sanitation has proposed reducing the number of days of Alternate Side of the Street Parking in Brooklyn’s Community District 2, and Community Board 2 voted to approve the change this past Tuesday night, October 7, 2008.

This modification in street cleaning rules will result in reducing the frequency of street cleaning from two times per side of the street each week to one time per side of the street for most of the district. This past summer, a similar change was implemented in Brooklyn’s Community District 6 and has been met with widespread community approval. The expansion of this change in street cleaning rules in Community District 2 was eagerly anticipated in the affected neighborhoods, and will reduce the burden of searching for parking, from TWICE a week to ONCE a week for most residents of Community District 2. Parking rules will not change in Brooklyn Heights.

“This has been a dream of downtown Brooklyn residents for longer than I can remember, and something I have been personally advocating for my constituents,” said Council Member James. “Significant savings will be realized by the Department of Sanitation, and drivers will save time and money by cutting their search for parking from two days a week to once.”

“The reduction in alternate side parking regulations has finally been realized and will bring much needed relief to the community while helping to reduce unnecessary pollution,” said John Dew, Chairperson, Brooklyn Community Board 2.

Contact: Alfred A. Chiodo – 718-260-9191

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ATTENTION: Term Limits Hearing

For those checking our blog for information on the ongoing City Hall hearing on term limits (we're live-streaming the audio, and popping in-and-out the hearing itself), please see the New York Times- City Room live-blog here: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/live-blogging-the-term-limits-hearings/, and WNYC's live audio stream here: http://www.wnyc.org/news/termlimits/. NY1 is also playing the hearing sporadically. We highly recommend that those interested in the subject of term limits check the official New York City Council website for the most recent information on hearings.

New York City Council- http://council.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml

Panamanian Independence Reception Ceremony

On October 10, 2008, the Office of Council Member Letitia James hosted a reception ceremony for the 13th Anniversary of Panama’s Independence Day Parade at City Hall. Attendees included distinguished members of the City Council of Panama City; Javier Ortega, President of the City Council of Panama City; the Honorable Juan Carlos Navarro, Mayor of Panama City; the distinguished Dr. Marco A. Mason; and the Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York, Inc., the organization that co-sponsored the event.

Attendees were treated to music performed by La Banda Apocalipsis Concert Band, and Tish was rewarded with plaques from the Consejo Municipal de Panama, the Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York, Inc., and the First Panamanian Drum & Bugle Corp for her strong advocacy for, and support of, the Panamanian community and Panamanian causes.

The City Council of Panama City awarded members of the New York City Council with official proclamations, and Panama City Council Members were given proclamations of behalf of Council Member James.

BROOKLYN DAY CARE FAIR Sat., Nov 22 Save the date!

Hosted by Council Member Letitia James and Bill DeBlasio

Saturday, November 22, 2008
10 AM – 2 PM
LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

• Exhibits and information about day care choices in the Brooklyn area (a great opportunity to meet the directors & teachers)

• ON-SITE enrollment for the child care centers through the Administrations for Children’s Services [ACS]

• A chance to get informed and to ask ACS and various Child Care Advocates about: -Admissions Process/Eligibility -Non-Traditional Hours -Immigrant Needs -Children with Special Needs -Newborn and Infant Care

Dear PTA/ PA, President’s Councils, CECs, CCHS, Parent Coordinators, and District Family Advocates (school Districts 13, 15, 17, & 20)

Attention:

With another school year underway, we want to acknowledge all of the hard work you put into building a strong school community. As a representative for schools in our respective districts, you are crucial to the success and continued improvement of our city’s school system.

Many decisions made by the Department of Education, have deeply affected different aspects of our schools, for example the budget and the progress reports. Did the Department of Education reach out to you before these decisions were made? Your position is mandated by the Department of Education and you should play an active role in the decision-making process.

In the face of the re-authorization of mayoral control, many advocacy groups have come together to offer their recommendations for improving the existing system of school governance. Many of those groups, including the Coalition for Educational Justice and the Alliance for Quality Education agree that checks and balances must be restored in the decision making process. We believe that those checks and balances should include the involvement of parents.

On Wednesday, October 22^nd we will host a meeting where you in your specific role can gather to Decide the Course of parental involvement. Together, we will develop concrete recommendations aimed at promoting the inclusion of parents in the Department of Education’s decision making process BEFORE decisions are made.

Parents are vital to the success of our schools and we believe decisions made by the Department of Education should reflect this. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting on October 22^nd to hear your stories and suggestions. Let’s all work together to create the most effective, nurturing and collaborative educational system for our children.

Letitia James

Bill De Blasio

Make Your Voice Heard On Term Limits!

We have been understandably busy at Council Member James’ office regarding the issue of term limits, and Tish’s involvement. We’ve participated in and hosted a number of press conferences detailing Tish’s strong opposition to Mayor Bloomberg seeking a third term as the mayor of the City of New York in opposition to the twice-voted-upon position of the voters, and his own prior political position. Along with Council Member Bill De Blasio, we plan to introduce a bill that would establish a Charter Revision Commission to draft a new or revised City Charter that would allow voters to vote by referendum at a special election in early 2009 on a proposal to amend term limits law. We have also co-sponsored Council Member David Weprin’s bill, Int. 850-2008 (http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200850-2008.htm?CFID=2357676&CFTOKEN=93967079), and Council Member Tony Avella’s resolution, Res. 1640-2008 (http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Res%201640-2008.htm?CFID=2357676&CFTOKEN=93967079). Council Member James feels strongly that any change in this law should not go through without the consent of the voters, and that it is not the place of the New York City Council to decide on this matter alone.

Whether you agree or disagree with the issue of term limits in general, please note that the matter at hand is Mayor Bloomberg’s attempt to seek a third term in his position without the consent of the voters. Council Member James has stated, “As New Yorkers, we must not allow our public offices to be treated as entitlements for anyone.” Please make your voice be heard, and join us—

Here are some things you can do:

1). Please visit www.itsourdecision.org

There is a petition to sign there to tell the Mayor and City Council to stop undermining the voter's decision. There are also ways there to involve your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.

2). Join us at a community hearing on-

Sunday, October 19
2:30 P.M.– 4:30 P.M.
Lafayette Presbyterian Church
85 Oxford St between Lafayette and Fulton

3). Join Council Member De Blasio’s office at Baruch College for a panel on term limits sponsored by Citizen's Union.

Tuesday, October 14 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Baruch College
The William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus, 14th Floor
55 Lexington Avenue at 24th Street

4) Come to the public hearings on this issue at City Hall.

Thursday, October 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Council Chambers - City Hall

AND

Friday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Committee Room - City Hall

Open slots for Universal Pre- K in the 35th Council District

As of October 31st, the city will have to declare how many open slots are still available in the Universal Pre-K [UPK] program. The problem with this is that the funding for those slots will also be reabsorbed and there is no guarantee that it will be restored in the future. If you child is four years old, and in need of childcare, that you enroll them before them.

There are both Public Schools AND Community Based Organizations that fall under this category. You can go to the nyc.gov site and click on "Register for Pre-Kindergarten" to find out other UPK slots in your area. You may also look on a map for UPK sites http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/cm/CityMap.htm

To register you will need to:
1. Proof of Address
2. Proof of Age (the site provides more information on this)
3. Immunization Records

Also, it is very important to call the site beofre going, as some may have filled the slots since the list of UPK sites was last revised.

You can also call our office for private and public daycares not on this list with available slots. If your child is younger than four, there are other facilities also available.

In November Council Member DeBlasio and James will be hosting a DAY CARE FAIR, modeled after the high school fair. (More information to come on this event.)

UPK SITES WITH AVAILABLE SLOTS:
[Comunity based Organizations]
Young Minds Day Care (972 Fulton St.
Medgar Evers College (1150 Carroll Street)
Yeled V'Yaida Early Childhood Center Inc. (667 Eastern Prky)

[Public Schools]
PS 287 Bailey K Ashford (50 Navy St.)
PS307 Daniel K Ashford (209 York St.)
PS 167 The Parkway (1025 Eastern Prky)
PS 316 Elijah Stroud (750 Classon Ave.)
PS 375 Jackie Robinson (46 Mc Keever Pl.)

Community Rally in Opposition of Bloomberg’s Decision to Extend Term Limits

Council Member Letitia James , Council Member DeBlasio:
Along with Rev. Dr. Allen Hand, President Trinity Economic Development and Empowerment Group Inc., Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, President African American Clergy , Elected Officials, as well as the Community rally in opposition of Mayor Bloomberg's decision to extend term limits vis City Council Legislation without voter input

Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Bill de Blasio, and Clergy stand behind the decision made by New York City voters. Any action to extend term limits for elected officials in the City of New York should be put to a voter referendum.

Who:

Clergy and Elected Officials

What:

Press Conference Regarding the Extension of Term Limits

When:

Monday, October 6th, at 2:00 PM

Where:

Steps of City Hall

Contact: Rev. Dr. Allen Hand / (347) 436-5233, and Amyre Loomis / (718) 260-9191

ATTENTION: Term Limits

Council Member Letitia James stands behind New York City voters. Any action to extend term limits for New York City elected officials should be put to voter referendum.

A full statement on Council Member James' position is forthcoming.

teamtish

2008 Greenest Block In Brooklyn Ceremony

The Office of Council Member James was represented at Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s “2008 Greenest Block in Brooklyn” Ceremony on October 2, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s GreenBridge Program with support from Sovereign Endowment Fund.

Council Member James would like to congratulate all the blocks that were awarded at this event, and would especially like to recognize the following blocks:

Commercial Category- 3rd Place Winners- Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership for Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues (South Side, Clinton Hill)

Greenest Storefront- 1st Place Winners- Cake Man Raven at 708 Fulton Street entered by Cake Man Raven Block Association (Fort Greene)

2nd Place Winners- Burrito Bar at 307 Flatbush Avenue entered by North Flatbush Business Improvement District (Prospect Heights)

Best Greenbridge Window Box Kits- 1st Place Winners for Shady Box- Callie Janoff & Randi Stolzfus entered by 1200 Dean Street Block Association (Crown Heights)

Residential Honorable Mentions- Atlantic Village Homeowners Association for Fulton Street between Cumberland & Carleton Avenues (Fort Greene)

B & W Sterling Street Block Association for Sterling Street between Washington & Bedford Avenues (Crown Heights)

Commercial Honorable Mentions- Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership for Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Washington Avenue, North (Clinton Hill)

Public Safety Town Hall Meeting, Oct. 15, 7:00pm

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Council Member Letitia James will be holding a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to address neighborhood safety.

Expected attendees include Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, Captain Anthony Tasso of the 88th Precinct, Captain Alan Abel of the 84th Precinct, and Captain Brian McGinn of PSA3.

Where: Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 357 Clermont Avenue

When: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Please join us to learn about how we can make our neighborhood safer!

ASPCA Spay-And-Neuter Event

We are pleased to announce that Tish is co-sponsoring an event with ASPCA Brooklyn on Monday, October 6th 2008. A mobile spay-and-neuter clinic will be parked between Fulton Street and Carlton Avenue at Cuyler Gore Park (on Atlantic, between Clermont Street and Carlton Avenue).

Those interested should arrive at 7:00am with your pet and return on the same day for pick up. Please DO NOT feed your animal after midnight the night before surgery. This is free if you are able to provide a valid Medicaid card or proof of assistance (such as TANF, Medicare, disability, SSI, food stamps, or a rent receipt from public housing). Without proof of assistance a $25 donation is requested.

If you have any further questions about this event, please call our International Affairs Specialist* Faye Biggin at our City Hall office [(212) 788-7081].

*-aka Awesome British Intern

Upcoming Events

September 30, 2008

The office of Council Member Letitia James and representatives of the Department of Health and the Department of Sanitation join residents of South Elliott Place, Fort Greene Place, and Saint Felix Street to discuss rodent control strategies. This event will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6:30-7:30pm at MOCADA (80 Hanson Place).

_______________________________________________________________________
September 30, 2008

Queen of All Saints Church and Council Member Letitia James invite you to a Senior Health & Wellness Fair, this Saturday, October 4th, from 10 AM - 4 PM

All seniors, their families, caregivers and friends are invited to attend.

The Queen of All Saints Church in Fort Green, Brooklyn, is holding a Health and Wellness Fair this Saturday, October 4th, with a specific focus on seniors. The community is invited to come and speak with health care professionals, receive free give-aways, and partake in refreshments.

Over 16 vendors providing products and services for seniors will participate in the health fair, and will share information on health insurance; assisted living; banks; home health care; pharmacies; medical equipment and supplies; home security; nursing/rehabilitation centers; physical therapy; and more. Free health screenings sponsored by the Brooklyn Hospital for blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol will be available on Saturday.

“Health is true wealth. Wellness is the number 1 priority for our beloved seniors because they are the backbone of this community. Queen of All Saints Church has done a tremendous job with planning their event, and attendees will gain valuable information. I look forward to seeing many of my friends and neighbors at this important health fair,” said Council Member James.

What:
Senior Health And Wellness Fair Sponsored by Queen of All Saints Church

When:
Saturday, October 4th, from 10 AM – 4 PM

Where:
Queen of All Saints Church, 300 Vanderbilt Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn (at Lafayette Avenue - C train to Lafayette Avenue), 718-638-7625 - Queenofallsaintsrc@verizon.net

Contact:
Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
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