Matthew Titone - sidems.org · Assemblyman Matthew Titone Assemblyman Matthew Titone, 61st District, represents the North Shore of Staten Island. He is up for re-election this year

S.I.D.A April 2014 Page 1

April 2014

Staten Island Democratic Association est. 1961 as Staten Island’s reform Democratic Club

www.sidems.org

At our Next Meeting:

Matthew Titone Assemblyman 61st District

Greg Basta New York Communities for Change

Marijuana Decriminalization Position Paper

Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 2014, 8:00 P.M. ** NOTE LOCATION: Karl’s Klipper **

40 Bay Street, 718-720-4442


Editorial Policy Items for publication must be submitted to the newsletter no later than the last Friday of the month before the meeting. Please send items to: [email protected]. Unless explicitly stated, the views herein are those of the authors and not of S.I.D.A.

Chris Bauer, Editor (917) 576-9248

Table of Contents S.I.D.A. President’s Statement ................................................................. 3 Assemblyman Matthew Titone ................................................................. 4 New York Communities for Change ........................................................ 5 Marijuana Decriminalization Position Paper ............................................. 6 March 2014 Minutes ................................................................................ 8 Letters .................................................................................................... 11 Proposed Resolution............................................................................... 14 LVMSF Basket Appeal .......................................................................... 15 Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund Brunch ........................ 16 Peace Action of Staten Island ................................................................. 17 Bulletin Board ........................................................................................ 18 Upcoming Meetings ............................................................................... 19 Join/Renewal Form ................................................................................ 19

“I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms are in the physical.”

- Thomas Jefferson 1787

S.I.D.A. Executive Committee President ....................... Tom Shcherbenko Member at-Large ............................ Loretta Prisco Vice President ..................... Joann Olbrich Ex Officio ........................... Michelle Akyempong Executive Secretary ............. Mark Herman Ex Officio ...................................... Dennis Brown Corresponding & Ex Officio .......................................... Gary Carsel Recording Secretary ............. Marie Dwyer Ex Officio .................................. Paul Cinquemani Treasurer .......................... Bonita Rothman Ex Officio ...................................... Belinda Dixon Social Secretary .......................... Liz Price Ex Officio ............................. Rosemarie Mangano Member at-Large ..................... Carl Chew Ex Officio ................................... John Mastellone Member at-Large ................... Susan Chew Ex Officio ............................... Richard McMahon Member at-Large ..................... Mary Kain Ex Officio ....................................... John Sollazzo Member at-Large ............. Roy Moskowitz


S.I.D.A. President’s Statement

April 20114 hese can be confusing times for progressives. A few days ago, progressives were asked to attend back-to-back rallies in Albany. The

first was to criticize Governor Cuomo for the 2014-15 state budget and was organized by Citizen Action, whom we heard from at our last meeting; the second was to support Cuomo for the SAFE Act, and was led by New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. These rallies came a few days after a civil disobedience protest -- against the proposed budget in Albany, which resulted in 59 arrests. This was led in part by New York Communities for Change; our club will hear from them at our upcoming meeting. That same day our club was asked to participate in a Manhattan rally urging Cuomo to ban fracking. Supporting Cuomo on issues like gun safety, marriage equality or universal pre-kindergarten is important, and you won’t find too much argument against that in S.I.D.A. But how do we deal with the issues that turn some of us against elected Democrats: pension cut-backs, charter school co-locations, and tax cuts for the wealthy? Remember that we can’t expect every progressive Democrat to share our individual opinions, and that a disagreement doesn’t necessarily make someone a right-winger, a ‘sell-out’ or a DINO. Before we relegate another viewpoint, we need to examine it. Our club has a reputation for tackling uncomfortable issues and we will continue that policy. This can get contentious: which situations warrant a compromise of some of our principles to achieve another goal? When we argue these topics, we must remember to keep the debate on the level of ideas and not make it personal. Clubs like S.I.D.A. exist to keep the Democratic Party in a progressive direction. We were built at a time when too many Democrats supported the war in Vietnam, opposed reproductive choice, and weren’t very enthusiastic about civil rights. We would dishonor our history by looking the other way when elected Democrats take actions that are contrary to progressive values.

Sincerely, Tom Shcherbenko

President

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, July 20

Annual S.I.D.A. Picnic

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Assemblyman Matthew Titone Assemblyman Matthew Titone, 61st District, represents the North Shore of Staten Island. He is up for re-election this year and will be a guest speaker at our April 15 General Membership Meeting. He provided the following statement for publication in the newsletter.

want to thank the Staten Island Democratic Association (S.I.D.A.) for endorsing me in the past, and I am asking for your endorsement again this election year. I greatly admire S.I.D.A.’

s staunch support of progressive, democratic, and Democratic principles, one of these principles being that politics is not just a horserace of who wins or loses but a way to affect positive change. Since first being elected in 2007 I have had 18 bills signed into law. These include creating the crime of luring of a child, prohibiting co-mingling of adolescent and adult patients in certain mental health facilities, increasing the penalties for assaults on prosecutors, designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day, helping the Sandy Hook Pilots with their pilotage rates, and other laws effecting cemetery desecration, organ donation, will dispositions, theatrical employment, and awards liens as well as laws effecting the management of sharks, Atlantic herring, and scallops, In addition to having my own bills passed, parts of legislation I proposed concerning assault rifles were incorporated into the SAFE Act passed in 2013, and parts of legislation I proposed expediting insurance claims were incorporated into comprehensive Superstorm Sandy relief. I have also been a strong supporter for the Women’s Equality Act, the DREAM Act, and speed camera legislation. Some bills that I currently have pending in session include: A8107 – requires a public hearing prior to procurements valued over one hundred thousand

dollars made overseas by public authorities; A9085 – requires all charities, fundraisers, or professional solicitors to disclose to donors the

allocation of their donated funds A8301 – requires mandatory health insurance coverage for tracking devices for children with

developmental disabilities; A8763 – establishes a task force to study arts education in New York State; A8984 – requires smart phone kill switches; A5214 – regulates fail first health insurance policies; A6729 – establishes standardization of disposition of digital assets; A3302 – establishes an autism detection, education and mapping program; A4284 – establishes an Alzheimer's detection, education and mapping program; and A8122 – designates service/working dogs as the official state dog of New York State. I have used the bully pulpit of my office to commemorate and draw attention to important issues and events. For several years now I have introduced resolutions honoring the Black Angels of Sea View as well as resolutions declaring Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, Pet Week, and this year for the first time I will be introducing a resolution declaring Pedestrian Safety Awareness Week.

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Although a staunch and principled Democrat, I recognize that being a good legislator means not just taking stands but working on legislation that will pass both houses and be signed by the governor. It means being able to work with my colleagues across the aisle and understanding that compromise is not a dirty word but a way of reconciling differences and finding common ground with often opposing stakeholders. I live in West Brighton with my husband Josh and our dog Bari, whom we are in the process of training to become a therapy dog.

New York Communities for Change Greg Basta of New York Communities for Change will be a guest speaker at our April 15 General Membership Meeting. The following was provided by them for publication in the newsletter.

NYCC ew York Communities for Change (NYCC) is a community-based membership organization committed to organizing low- and moderate-income families in New York’s

lowest-income neighborhoods. Our goal is to empower communities, so they can impact the political and economic policies that directly affect them. We will build organizations that have the strength to create positive change through leadership development, direct action, negotiation, legislation, and voter participation. New York Communities for Change will aim to increase community participation in statewide, citywide and local issues that affect New York’s most vulnerable communities. The organization’s leadership has been integral to many of New York State’s successful community struggles. NYCC intends to build on these successes and apply lessons learned as we promote the welfare of New York’s most at risk. Our goal is to ensure that these citizens have a voice and a seat at the table when decisions affecting their communities are made. Our priorities over the next year will include: • Living Wages – NY Communities will work to ensure that there is access to living wage jobs

in low income communities. We will fight to ensure that employers do not violate workers rights and, when they do, help those workers receive restitution.

• Foreclosure Assistance –Thousands of New Yorkers will continue to face foreclosures this year. With highly trained counselors, NY Communities will provide foreclosure assistance to those in need and help families stay in their homes. We will work directly with the banks to encourage them to negotiate with lenders rather than foreclose.

• Tenants Rights – Landlords are required by law to maintain housing units in a habitable, living condition. Often times in low-income neighborhoods, landlords neglect their legal responsibilities. NY Communities will organize coalitions to ensure that tenants can get repairs done in their buildings.

• Budget Cuts – NY Communities will work to ensure that the State and City budgets are not balanced on the backs of those who can least afford it. NY Communities will fight against budget cuts to essential services that damage the social contract between the State and its lowest-income citizens. Instead, we will seek viable alternatives to damaging reductions in service.

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New York Communities for Change is a coalition of working families in low and moderate income communities fighting for social and economic justice throughout New York State. Through direct action, legislative advocacy, and community organizing, NY Communities’ members work to empower those who have historically been locked out of our democratic system. It is through power-in-numbers that NY Communities is able to win REAL change for our towns and neighborhoods. NYCC joined over 500 protesters on Thursday March 20, to demand that Governor Cuomo pay attention to everyday New Yorkers, not the wealthy and the banks. New York Communities for Change is and has always been committed to social justice and economic equality in New York. It is no wonder then why we are appalled that Governor Cuomo continues to put the needs of bankers and the wealthy first, instead of focusing on closing the gap between the rich and poor in New York. Therefore, on Thursday March 20th, we got up bright and early (actually it was so early it was still dark), and got on one of the five buses that we had scheduled to go to Albany. Many of our members and chapter leaders joined us. Every single bus was filled to capacity and ready to fight for issues that personally affect us and our communities. Around 11:30 a.m. we arrived at the NY State Capitol and joined Public School Parents, Workers, Community Leaders and numerous organizations who are concerned about the rising inequality in New York, the unbearable education cuts, record homelessness, among many other issues that affect ALL OF US. Almost a thousand protesters flooded the Capitol and demanded that Governor Cuomo (or Governor 1%) ensure: fair funding for public education, prevention of billions in tax breaks for big banks and the rich, passage of the DREAM Act, a ban on hydrofracking, passage of GENDA, and a focus on social and economic justice issues. In an act of civil disobedience, 59 people were arrested, including seven NYCC members and our legendary member Julia Boyd.

Marijuana Decriminalization Position Paper The Issues Committee composed the following position paper on decriminalizing marijuana. The paper will be presented at the April 15, 2014 General Membership Meeting. Issues Committee Chair Loretta Prisco would like to thank the following Club members for their time and effort in the development of this paper: Dennis Brown, Gary Carsel, Carl Chew, Susan Chew, Mary Kain, Richenda Kramer & Richard Reichard. (A brief history of marijuana in the U.S. can be found at the beginning of the Medical Marijuana issues paper in the March newsletter.)

Decriminalization of Possession of Marijuana under New York State Law his paper addresses decriminalizing the possession of marijuana in public view under New York State law. The Staten Island Democratic Association (S.I.D.A.) has already taken a

position in our medical marijuana issues paper to reclassify marijuana under the federal Controlled Substance Act from a Class I drug to a Class III drug.

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The Controlled Substances Act (1970) made marijuana a Class I drug (Heroin is also a Class I drug.) and made possession a misdemeanor. Those arrested for possession of any amount of marijuana by federal authorities still face a misdemeanor charge. In 1977, New York State downgraded possession of 25 grams (25 grams is less than an ounce) or less of marijuana to a violation from a criminal offense. "Marijuana in public view" remained a misdemeanor offense. Those currently arrested for possession of marijuana by New York State or local law enforcement officials are subject to New York State law. Under the 1977 New York State Law, which is still in effect, a violation for possessing 25 grams or less is a fine of $100 for the first offense and up to $250 for the third or subsequent offense. Possession of 25 grams or less “in public view” is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 with a maximum sentence of 90 days. In 2011 there were over 50,000 marijuana arrests in New York City. Under Mayor Bloomberg the NYPD made more marijuana arrests between 2007 and 2011, than in the 24 years from 1978 through 2001 under Mayors Giuliani, Dinkins, and Koch combined. Between 2002 and 2012 the New York City Police Department spent a million man-hours to make 440,000 marijuana arrests. This raises the question as to whether devoting so many man-hours to marijuana arrests is a good use of police resources. A 2013 report by Comptroller John Liu estimates that the City could save $31 million a year by reallocating time and resources expended by law enforcement and the judicial system on marijuana-related arrests. A better use of the millions of dollars now spent to arrest and prosecute possession of small amounts of marijuana would be to use the money to address more serious crimes. When someone is stopped by the police and they comply with an order to “empty your pockets” the marijuana that was in their pocket, and therefore an infraction, becomes a misdemeanor. There is a correlation between the increase in marijuana arrests and the increase in the number of stop and frisks during the Bloomberg Administration. Since around 85% of those who were stopped during this time period were either Black or Hispanic it is not surprising that around 85% of those arrested for marijuana were Black or Hispanic. However marijuana use is not higher for Blacks and Hispanics than it is for Whites. In September 2011, responding to complaints about the extraordinarily high number of marijuana arrests in Black and Hispanic communities, Police Commissioner Kelly issued a directive to clarify the standards required to charge someone with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. The directive stated that an officer cannot charge someone with a misdemeanor for possession in public view by obtaining the marijuana by ordering the person to empty his pockets. In June of 2012 the Legal Aid Society filed a lawsuit claiming the Police Officers were ignoring the Commissioner’s directive and were continuing to make arrests for small amounts of marijuana. In 2012, Governor Cuomo proposed downgrading the possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana in public view from a misdemeanor to a violation. The Governor’s proposal was supported by Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Kelly and the five district attorneys in New York City. In 2013 the State Assembly passed the decriminalization legislation. The State Senate did not bring the legislation up for a vote. Therefore, possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana “in public view” has not been downgraded to a violation. A criminal record does affect employment and earnings potential. As the City searches for solutions to poverty, does arresting thousands of our residents for marijuana conflict with the City’s anti-poverty goal? S.I.D.A supports decriminalizing marijuana in New York State by downgrading the possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana in public view from a misdemeanor to a violation.


The Staten Island Democratic Association (S.I.D.A.) does not, at this time, support the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in New York State for the following reasons: The Obama Administration has stated that that they will refrain from interfering with how

states enforce and regulate the recreational use of marijuana and has issued new banking guidelines (State-licensed marijuana businesses were having difficulty finding a bank willing to do business with them. Banks feared breaking federal law by allowing these businesses to open bank accounts.) A change in administration, however, could bring a change to the enforcement of federal laws affecting the sale, use and possession of marijuana. Colorado and Washington give us an opportunity to evaluate the impact of legalized marijuana.

We need to consider how legalization will affect medical marijuana. Will it limit or eliminate clinical trials into its medical benefits?

S.I.D.A.’s position on the legalization of marijuana for recreational use may change after we have had an opportunity to evaluate the impact it has had on those states which have legalized recreational use, an opportunity to evaluate its impact on clinical trials into marijuana’s medical benefits, and after legislation to legalize medical marijuana and to decriminalize possession in public view become law.

March 2014 Minutes

General Meeting March 18, 2014

ice President Joann Olbrich called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. and mentioned that since President Shcherbenko was attending the Democratic Committee of Richmond

County’s St. Joseph’s Dinner she would be chairing the meeting until he arrived. Richard Reichard made a motion to close the evening’s voting for the Congressional endorsement ballot at 9:30 p.m. It was seconded by Mary Kain. The motion carried. Paul Scublinsky, Mary Kain, and Rosemary Palladino volunteered to count the ballots. Joy Robins made a motion to accept the minutes from the February meeting as published in the March newsletter. Ralph Dickar seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Executive Secretary’s Report Executive Secretary Mark Herman thanked everyone for re-electing him. He mentioned that petitions are being circulated for Domenic Recchia, candidate for Congress. Mark added that anyone can carry the petitions as long as they are a registered Democrat. Mark said that he received a robo-call from Robert “Bob” Castro who was very upset that he was replaced as a District leader. The calls went to Democrats in his Assembly District explaining what had happened. Mark mentioned that Richard Luthmann and Bob Castro were circulating information about the incident. Mark feels that Chairman Gulino is being unjustly criticized for his actions. He also mentioned that Bob Castro could have petitioned for the District Leader position.

First Guest Speakers Stephanie Yazgi and Molly Schaeffer of Universal Prekindergarten NYC spoke about Mayor de Blasio’s plan for universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) for all four year olds in New York City. They

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added the plan also includes expanding after-school learning for nearly 120,000 middle school students. They mentioned that they recently scored a major victory; as the State Assembly and State Senate both included full, dedicated funding for five years for universal pre-k and expanded after-school programs in their one-house budget resolutions adding a promise of 2.7 billion over the next five years. They said that they are now in the final two weeks of this campaign and they need to make sure that as the budget is negotiated, the focus remains on the children and parents who need the UPK and after-school programs. The women added that they have been doing “Field Fridays” with supporters collecting petition signatures and tweeting at subway stops. Molly mentioned that she is working with President Shcherbenko to get the petitions signed, and they are appealing to S.I.D.A. members for their help. They spoke about other activities that they have planned. They also mentioned that they are distributing flyers for people to call in to State legislators to thank them for supporting UPK and urging them to continue to stand strong. After their presentation, Molly and Stephanie took questions from several members in attendance.

Social Secretary’s Report Social Secretary Liz Price reported that the annual picnic is scheduled for July 20 at Willowbrook Park starting at 11:00 a.m. Liz also said that she is in the process of planning for the annual dinner. Finally Liz mentioned that Mac O’Callaghan just celebrated her 90th birthday.

Second Guest Speaker Jamie Kemmerer brought Kristina Andreotta from Citizens Action to inform members about the current campaign for campaign finance reform. Vice President Olbrich turned the meeting over to President Shcherbenko at 9:05 p.m.

Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Bonnie Rothman reported a balance as of March 18 of $10,005.59

Issues Committee Issue Committee Chair Loretta Prisco extended a special thank you to Richard Reichard, the main author, as well as Susan Chew, Richard Spiegel, Barbara Fisher, Mary Kain, Paul Scublinsky, Bonnie Rothman, Ralph Dickar, Richenda Kramer and Dennis Brown for their participation in developing the issue paper on medical marijuana. Richard spoke about the legalization aspect of medical marijuana and said the committee would handle the issues of decriminalization and legalization separately. He spoke briefly about the history of marijuana in the U.S. and the fact that the position paper states that S.I.D.A. supports amending the Controlled Substance Act to reclassify marijuana as a Class III drug and therefore make marijuana valid for the medical uses definition. It also states that S.I.D.A. supports the use of marijuana for the treatment of medical conditions as stated in NYS Senator Diane Savino’s Compassionate Care Act and also supports continued research into the use of marijuana for other medical conditions. Joy Robins made a motion to adopt the position paper on Medical Marijuana as printed in the March newsletter (starting on page 6). The motion was seconded by Richenda Kramer. It passed unanimously. Loretta announced that anyone who would like to participate in the two additional papers on decriminalization and the legalization should contact her at (917) 446-7573.


Vice President’s Report Vice President Joann Olbrich reported highlights from the February 26th Executive Committee meeting.

By-laws Committee By-laws Committee Chair Joann Olbrich mentioned that she will have to clarify the by-laws regarding dues and membership. She also mentioned that she has some copies of the revised By-Laws (Constitution) and it is also available on www.sidems.org. Joann also urged members to contact her for other by-law revisions they would like to make.

Lottery for 3 Tickets to DORC Banquet President Shcherbenko mentioned that at the last meeting the club voted to raffle off the three tickets that S.I.D.A. bought to the Democratic Organization of Richmond County (DORC) Banquet, in addition to the one ticket purchased for the club President. He asked members to write their name on the index cards provided, and three cards would be selected at random. The results would be announced later in the meeting.

New Business Mark Herman spoke about the fact that Mayor Bloomberg did an investigation into the N.Y.C. Board of Elections and a 10 page report was issued. He added that Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the, N.Y.C. Board of Elections, responded to the report. Mark mentioned that it is important to have fair elections for N.Y.C. Board of Elections workers.

Congressional Endorsement Vote Results 11th Congressional District 50 Ballots Cast Domenic Recchia .............. 45 No endorsement .................. 5 Domenic Recchia was endorsed by S.I.D.A. for Congress President Shcherbenko announced that anyone can carry petitions for Domenic Recchia; he added that you don’t have to be on the County Committee but only have to be a registered Democrat. President Shcherbenko added that he has blank petitions available and the deadline for returning the petitions is April 1. Susan Chew made a motion that S.I.D.A. become a coalition member of New Yorkers against Fracking. The motion carried unanimously.

DORC Banquet Lottery Results The winners of the lottery for tickets to the DORC Dinner were Bonnie Rothman, Clara Ogburn, and Jeff Stonehill. Richard Luthman spoke about the fact that Chairman Gulino replaced Bob Castro as District Leader and told Bob that he would make him head of the Hispanic Committee. He added that Chairman Gulino sent Mr. Castro a letter and reneged on the “political promise” he previously made. He feels that Chairman Gulino discriminated against Mr. Castro based on age. Bob Castro also spoke to the membership about the fact that he served as District Leader for 8 years, an opportunity that was given to him by the late Chairman, and Assemblyman John W. Lavelle. Mr.


Castro feels he worked hard during that time and did everything at his own personal expense. Mr. Castro feels that this is very unfair. He added that he admits supporting Richard Luthman for Borough President over the party’s choice, Lou Liedy. Richard Luthman said he wanted to put forth a motion of inquiry since he feels that Bob Castro did his job as District Leader. Richard made the following motion: Ask Chairman Gulino to appear at S.I.D.A. to explain himself regarding the situation with Bob Castro. After some discussion, Dennis Brown recommended we table the motion, and re-write it so that it is more respectful. Richard Luthman agreed to table the motion and re-write it. A vote was taken to table Richard Luthman’s motion. The motion to table carried. A motion was made to purchase one ticket ($100) to send President Shcherbenko to the North Shore/Gaeta Dinner on May 1 and to purchase one full page ad in the dinner journal for $85.00. The motion carried. President Shcherbenko announced that the next Executive Committee meeting will be held on March 26, location to be determined. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Marie Dwyer

Corresponding & Recording Secretary

Letters We in S.I.D.A. like to make our views known. The following are some of the letters written by S.I.D.A. members that have appeared in print. Unless otherwise indicated, all letters were in the Staten Island Advance and/or posted on the Advance’s website www.silive.com. Unless explicitly stated, the views herein are those of the authors and are not the views of S.I.D.A.

On-line March 1, 2014

We Should be More Aware of Refineries' Danger he December 2013 train crash in Cassleton, North Dakota, was the third in a six-month period involving the transport of Bakken crude oil from North Dakota and Montana.

The July 2013 train carrying Bakken crude oil that exploded in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, incinerated 47 people. On Jan. 2, 2014 the U.S. Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a “safety alert to notify the general public, emergency responders and shippers and carriers that recent derailments and resulting fires indicate that the type of crude oil being transported from the Bakken region may be more flammable than traditional crude oil.” So what does this have to do with us?

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Almost 400,000 gallons a day of Bakken crude oil will be off-loaded from rail cars in Albany and moved down the river through New York Harbor on tankers and barges. Phillips 66 will receive some 50,000 barrels per day of Bakken crude oil at its Bayway refinery in Linden. Given PHMSA’s safety alert and Staten Island’s close proximity to New Jersey’s refineries and oil storage facilities, shouldn’t we be asking whether the current equipment and facilities can safely handle Bakken crude and whether the industry is taking special handling precautions?

- Richard Reichard

On-line March 18, 2014

U.S. War in Iraq was Always about Oil The Iraq war began 11 years ago on March 20. We know that: Over 4,400 Americans were killed and over 32,000 Americans were wounded, not counting

those diagnosed with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]. The war has added $800 billion to our national debt and this figure doesn’t take into account

the cost of caring for the wounded, replacing equipment, etc., that will continue to add to the debt.

George W. Bush campaigned for president in 2000 on increasing worldwide oil production and Iraq has the world’s fifth largest proven oil reserves.

On January 30, 2001, seven months before the 9/11 attack, George W. Bush said he wanted to overthrow Saddam Hussein.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence found: That Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction; That Iraq’s relationship with al-Qaeda was adversarial; That the pre-war intelligence community assessment that Iraq was not involved in or had no

prior knowledge of the 9/11 attack was correct. The decision to go to war in Iraq was never about weapons of mass destruction, al-Qaida or 9/11; they were only used to sell the war to the American public. It was always about oil.

- Richard Reichard

On-line March 19, 2014 Mayor Had Good Reason to Evict Harlem Charter School

These commercials accusing Mayor Bill de Blasio of closing charter schools are full of baloney. The mayor approved over 80 percent of charter school requests. One of the few rejected charter school co-locations would have caused very high-needs students — many in wheelchairs — to use hallways, stairwells, and cafeteria space instead of classrooms. I’m glad that our mayor is standing up for these kids at the aptly named Mickey Mantle School — a real New York hero, who achieved success in spite of serious injuries.


And I wonder who’s paying for all of these one-sided commercials? - Tom Shcherbenko

On-line March 23, 2014 Printed March 23, 2014

Charter Schools Rob Public Schools of Resources It seems as if every time I turn on my television, there is another ad about how “Mayor de Blasio is taking the charter schools away from the poor students.” These ads are filled with half-truths, exaggerations and outright lies. Every time I see one of these ads, the same thought comes to me: If the charter schools have access to the millions of dollars that these ads cost, why can’t they pay rent for their space, instead of insisting that desperately needed classrooms, gyms, lunchrooms, libraries and other resources be taken away from the children in the public schools where these charter schools are “co-located” free of charge? Unlike the charter schools, our public schools must serve all students, including those with severe physical and/or mental disabilities, and those with serious disciplinary problems. No charter school serves these children. If those who claim that they support the charter schools for the sake of “the children” really cared about the children of this city, they would not deprive the children in our public schools of the resources and facilities they need in order to accommodate the charter schools.

- Joann Olbrich

On-line April 5, 2014 Printed April 6, 2014

Maybe We Should Call It 'Savo Island' from Now On With great sadness and anger I read the news of the Savo Brothers’ incredibly greedy and destructive plans for building 250 McTownhouses on the pristine, sacred grounds of Mount Manresa. There’s just one thing I want to know: Do I live on Staten Island, or Savo Island?

- Caroline Salerno Labita

We send our condolences to S.I.D.A. member, Sally Jones, on the passing of her mother on March 7, at age 95.


Proposed Resolution Joann Olbrich presented the following resolution at the March 26 Executive Committee Meeting to be voted on at the April 15 General Membership Meeting

Resolution he members of SIDA support the passage of the Women’s Equality Act, Paid Family Medical Leave, and Subsidized Child Care in New York State. We urge the members of

the State Senate to pass the legislation that has already been passed by the New York State Assembly, so that this vital legislation can become law.” Joann provided the following background information pertaining to the above resolution. The New York State Assembly passed the Women’s Equality Act (A.8070) on January 27, 2014. This was the second year that the Assembly passed this groundbreaking legislation that would help provide the women of New York State with protection from discrimination and injustice. Last year, the Assembly passed the Women’s Equality Act, only to have the State Senate fail to pass the same legislation. The 10 Points of this legislation will: Protect a Woman’s Freedom of Choice Achieve Pay Equity Stop Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces Allow for the Recovery of Attorneys’ Fees in Employment and Credit and Lending Cases Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws End Family Status Discrimination Stop Source-of-Income Discrimination Stop Housing Discrimination for Victims of Domestic Violence Stop Pregnancy Discrimination Once and For All Protect Victims of Domestic Violence by Strengthening Order-of-Protection Laws Before this bill can become law, the State Senate must pass the same bill, and then it must be signed by the Governor. Those who support this legislation must contact their State Senators, and let them know how important it is that they bring this bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote, and then vote to pass it. To find out who your State Senator is, go to the website http://www.nysenate.gov/ and enter your address. On March 5, 2014, the New York State Assembly passed legislation that provides additional benefits and protections. The Paid Family Leave Act (A.1793-B) would enable all workers to maintain their employment and receive income while on leave to care for an elderly relative or child. While the federal Family Medical Leave Act provides for 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a sick relative, most employees cannot afford to take unpaid leave. This legislation would allow employees to earn some income during a brief leave. Employers would be required to purchase a paid family leave insurance policy, the cost of which would be offset by an initial weekly employee contribution of up to 45 cents. Several bills were passed by the Assembly that would expand access to and affordability of child care. For more information on these bills see http://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20140305/

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These bills address such issues as the cost of co-pays, and payments to child care providers. By insuring that working people can have access to affordable child care, it makes it possible for them to maintain their employment, while caring for their children. The State Senate has passed a Budget Resolution that supports Paid Family Medical Leave, and Subsidized Child Care. The same form of the legislation must be passed by both the Assembly and the Senate before they can become law. Senator Diane Savino has sponsored a bill that provides for Paid Family Medical Leave. This bill is not the "same as" the bill passed by the State Assembly. According to http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20140321/BLOGS04/140329967/paid-family-leave-bills-gain-momentum-in-albany#: “The Assembly plan would be funded through employee payroll deductions of 45 cents a week in its first year. The state Senate version would be funded by much smaller employee payroll deductions combined with $125 million from the Legislature’s general fund in its first year—spending that Mr. Cuomo might not favor as he seeks to cut taxes. The Senate plan would also only apply to businesses with more than 25 employees, and would offer six weeks of leave. The Senate’s plan, offered by Staten Island state Sen. Diane Savino, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference, would provide paid family leave for biological mothers and fathers, same-sex parents, adoptive parents and foster parents at 50% of their average weekly wage by 2018. The issue is one of her conference's top legislative priorities this year.” The Savino bill number is S6741-2013; to see all the details about this bill, go to: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6741-2013. To send a letter to your state senator and the governor in support of Paid Family Medical Leave, go to this website: http://timetocareny.org/

LVMSF Basket Appeal

Please help us fill our Raffle Baskets for the Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial

Scholarship Fund Brunch! If you have a suitable basket, or items to help fill one, please contact

Joann Olbrich at 718-356-4715. The Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation.

Your gifts are tax deductable. The mission of the Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund is to encourage grass-roots activism by underwriting students in selected programs that train for community organization or for

political candidacies. Help make our basket raffle the best ever!



Peace Action of Staten Island

Dirty Wars Screening & Peace Action of Staten Island Annual Meeting

Saturday, May 10, 2014 Please note new location:

at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island 312 Fillmore Street at Clinton Ave. One block east of Snug Harbor Cultural Center

from 5:45 pm - 8 pm

Peace Action of Staten Island will be screening the award-winning documentary Dirty Wars at its annual meeting on Saturday, May 10th. Everyone is invited. Last year, Jeremy Scahill released his newest book, Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield. The book immediately hit the New York Times bestseller list and received critical praise. Just two months later, the film Dirty Wars, directed by Rick Rowley, was released by IFC Films throughout North America. You can watch a trailer at http://dirtywars.org/. Part political thriller, part detective story, the film follows an intrepid reporter as he investigates the activities of a secret army, known as JSOC, who "find, fix, and finish” their targets. No target is off limits for the “kill list,” including U.S. citizens.

Before the screening, Peace Action of Staten Island will hold elections for new officers and board members. Light refreshments will be served.


Bulletin Board Policy Items posted on the Bulletin Board are done so at the request of an S.I.D.A. member and are for informational purposes only. A posting on the Bulletin Board does not imply endorsement by S.I.D.A.

Bulletin Board


April 15, 2014 General Meeting

Karl’s Klipper, 40 Bay Street Assemblyman Matthew Titone, 61st District Greg Basta, New York Communities for

Change Presentation of Marijuana Decriminalization

Position Paper

May 20, 2014 General Meeting

Karl’s Klipper, 40 Bay Street Dylan Schwartz, Young Leaders Academy

It’s Time to Join or Renew Your S.I.D.A. Membership! To become a member, renew membership, or make a donation, call Bonita Rothman at (917) 596-3724, or complete and return the coupon. Voting privileges begin 45 days after joining. ------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 DUES DONATION

$15 - Family $5 $10 - Individual $50

$5 - Senior, Student, or Unemployed $100

Other Check (payable to: S.I.D.A.) Cash I understand SIDA is a Democratic Party club. I (or we, if this is a Family Membership) am (are) at least 17 years of age and an enrolled Democrat, or intend to enroll as a Democrat upon becoming eligible. Signature Name(s) Address Apt # City State Zip Phone E-mail Make checks payable S.I.D.A. to S.I.D.A. and send to: P.O. Box 140371 Staten Island, NY 10314-0371 For internal use only: Comp: Received $: Deposited $: Entered Sht: Computer:

Documents

Matthew Titone - sidems.org · Assemblyman Matthew Titone Assemblyman Matthew Titone, 61st District, represents the North Shore of Staten Island. He is up for re-election this year