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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
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.
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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/
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/
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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'
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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Friday, October 24, 2008
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
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
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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
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.
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.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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
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
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