S.I.D.A May 2014 Page 1

May 2014

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

www.sidems.org

At our Next Meeting:

Dylan Michael Schwartz

Young Leaders Academy

Endorsement Votes Matthew Titone, Marybeth Melendez,

Gary Carsel, Michael Cusick, Diane Savino

Tuesday, May 20, 2014, 2014, 8:00 P.M. ** NOTE LOCATION: Karl’s Klipper **

40 Bay Street, 718-720-4442

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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: cmaxbauer@yahoo.com. 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 Young Leaders Academy ......................................................................... 4 Randy Credico ......................................................................................... 4 Letters ...................................................................................................... 6 April 2014 Minutes .................................................................................. 8 S.I.D.A. Picnic and Banquet ................................................................... 11 S.I.D.A. Recchia Fundraiser ................................................................... 12 Peace Action of Staten Island ................................................................. 14 Upcoming Meetings ............................................................................... 15 Join/Renewal Form ................................................................................ 15

“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

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S.I.D.A. President’s Statement

May 2014 This month, our club has the opportunity to endorse five candidates with genuinely liberal credentials. I hope you will attend our meeting and vote for them. Assemblymember Matt Titone, representing the 61st District (north shore), has always been a thoughtful friend of S.I.D.A. and shares our progressive values. Most recently, he has co-sponsored a two-year moratorium on fracking, the entire Women’s Equality Act and the New York DREAM Act. On the exceedingly rare occasion when his vote might vary from our position, he is always eager to patiently and earnestly discuss it. Marybeth Melendez, who addressed our club in February, is running for the Assembly in the 64th district (east shore and Bay Ridge). Her indefatigable community work and social activism in the wake of Superstorm Sandy brought her to national attention on C.N.N. through Anderson Cooper. Her personal experiences have made her a staunch advocate for protecting the rights of workers, women, immigrants, and our environment. She exemplifies the combination of grassroots organizing and humanitarian vision that our club, and all progressive Americans, have been building for over fifty years. Running for the State Senate in the 24th district (most of the island south of the Expressway – and a few neighborhoods to the north) is our own past Treasurer Gary Carsel. His opponent, Lanza, voted against marriage equality, a moratorium on fracking, the DREAM Act, and is opposed to public financing of elections: the citizens of this district need a Democrat on the ballot and Gary is ready to take up that challenge. Gary has also taken issue with the way that Lanza attacked the American Atheist’s billboard – subtly comparing atheists to Nazis -- writing this in the Advance: “I find it very unfortunate that instead of serving as an effective legislator and dealing with the difficult issues of genuine importance to the people of Staten Island … Lanza appeals to our baser demons and bullies an easy target. To take a group that has historically been persecuted, and then compare them to Nazis for their unpopular views, represents a shocking lack of understanding of religious freedom, and a shocking lack of understanding of the intolerance the Nazis personified.” Assemblymember Michael Cusick is the dean of the Albany delegation, having served the longest of the incumbent politicians in Albany. He has a swing district, one that does not necessarily go Democratic or Republican, so he has a tough fight each election. He has stood there for labor, he voted for marriage equality, and he always has in mind what is best for Staten Island. Senator Diane Savino is one of the leading figures in the Senate. Always one to speak her mind, even if it may be controversial, she has been in the lead to get medical marijuana legalized in New York State, an issue our club has made a priority. Let’s take a real stand for liberal, progressive politics, and endorse these three on May 20. And then let’s hit the streets and get thousands of signatures on their petitions. These are exactly the kind of candidates that S.I.D.A. needs to support 100%.

Sincerely, Tom Shcherbenko

President

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Young Leaders Academy Dylan Michael Schwartz of the Young Leaders Academy will be a guest speaker at our May 20 General Membership Meeting.

ylan Michael Schwartz was born and raised in Bay Terrace, and attended Staten Island Technical High School. He is an active alumnus, continually offering opportunities in the

political and non-profit sectors to current students. Dylan studied Economics at Rollins College in Winter Park Florida. In Orlando, Dylan began to get involved in his community to help save the financially troubled LGBT Center. His efforts brought in over $20,000, and he was transitioned to work in youth services. As Youth Services Coordinator, Dylan organized a foster care program for LGBT homeless youth, educated Child Protective services in the community, and pioneered a safer sex program geared specifically for LGBT high school and college students. In 2012, Dylan served as the youngest member of the Ryan White Planning Council, allocating federal funding to priority services for those living with HIV/A.I.D.S. Dylan started campaigning for Legislative Action as a part of the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee, working for domestic partnership protections for all couples in the city of Orlando. Dylan was later picked up by the Obama campaign, serving as a Field Organizer in St. Petersburg, one of the most hotly competed for areas in the state of Florida. Coming off of that success, Dylan moved back to Staten Island to care for his family after college. He has worked for Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., and City Council candidate John Mancuso. Dylan is proud to have opened Rose and Thorn Election Technologies, to develop solutions to combat fraud in ballot access across the country. Dylan now serves as Membership Chair for the clubs the Democratic Organization of Richmond County and the Richmond County Young Democrats. Dylan is honored to be working in the Young Leaders Academy, training high school and college students in how to work in the world of campaigns and local government.

Randy Credico Randy Credico is a candidate for Governor and will be a quest speaker at our May 20 General Membership Meeting.

am delighted to have been invited to speak before some of the most progressive Democrats in the state. Your support for a progressive agenda is as good as I have seen in my years in New

York State. This is something that I have been looking forward to being part of from way before I was invited. Thank you for considering me, I am duly honored.

D

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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 April 8, 2014 Printed April 13, 2014

Be Aware of the Consequences of Repealing Obamacare hat would it mean to Medicare recipients if Congressman Michael Grimm is successful in repealing Obamacare?

It would mean that those who reach the donut hole would pay more for their prescription drugs. Since Obamacare was enacted, more than 7.3 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved $8.9 billion on their prescription drugs. In 2013 over 250,000 New York State Medicare recipients saved, on average, $975. It would mean the Part B deductible would go back to where it was before Obamacare became law, $155. Because of Obamacare the 2014 Part B deductible has decreased 15 percent to $147. It would mean that the Medicare Trust fund would became insolvent in just a few years. In 2009, before Obamacare became law, the Medicare Trust fund was projected to become insolvent by 2017. The trust fund is now projected to remain solvent until 2026. Congressman Grimm and the Republicans have voted over 50 times to repeal Obamacare but not once have they put forth legislation to protect Medicare recipients. A vote for Congressman Grimm is a vote to pay more for prescription drugs, to increase the Part B deductible and for the trust fund to become insolvent in just a few years.

- Richard Reichard On-line April 13, 2014

Grimm's Habit of Name-Calling Shows He Doesn't Grasp Issues To our friends on the center-right of the aisle, Bill Maher’s stating that Michael Grimm embodies all Staten Islanders should make those of you of that political bent happy. However, many of us do disagree with Mr. Maher: Thinking people do not want to be identified with a congressman who threatens to throw a reporter off the balcony in our Capitol. Nor do we want to be identified with this congressman — a “conservative” — who calls those of us who are true conservationists, fighting against hydraulic fracturing and its dangers to our water and environment, “tree-huggers.” To use labels to describe people, while not being able to participate in an intelligent dialogue, doesn’t speak well for Grimm and his lack of understanding of this important issue and what science has to teach us. It is unfortunate that from the East to the West coasts, Staten Islanders have the dubious distinction of being identified in a league of their own, while the rest of New York City understands — and votes for — candidates who understand that water is our most precious resource, and climate change is not a hoax

- Susan Chew [The writer is Chairwoman and Founder, New Yorkers for Clean Water Inc.]

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The following appeared in the New York Daily News. On-line April 18, 2014 Printed April 18, 2014

Street Smarts Staten Island: The problem with the carriage horses is not having them in Central Park, it’s having them on city streets with city traffic. The horses should not be subjected to the stress and danger, and there is a risk of injury or worse to the horses, drivers, passengers and others. Restrict the carriages to Central Park. Build stables for them in the park, with a pasture where they can relax. Then it would not be necessary for them to travel in traffic.

- Joann Olbrich On-line May 7, 2014 Printed May 7, 2014

Work Zone Bill is Needed to Improve Worker Safety With all the construction going on, it is important to drive safe in work zones. My Work Zone Safety bill, which establishes the crime of vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter in an active work zone, has once again passed unanimously in the Senate. The bill was borne out of the 2005 death of Staten Island city Department of Transportation (DOT) paving crew member Nick Antico, who was killed while on the job at a Castleton Corners work site. Since 2009, 22 city DOT workers have been injured in work zone incidents. The bill amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law by elevating work zone intrusion to a class B misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $250-$500 and a possible three-month prison sentence. Men and women working to improve our streets and highways are fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers. They have a right to feel safe at work and go home every night without constant fear of death by a reckless driver. Currently, there are no penalties for intrusions into work zones which do not cause injury or death. My hope is that this is the year we finally give people who work on our roads the protections they deserve.

- State Sen. Diane J. Savino [The writer represents the 23rd Senate District (North Shore, South Beach and Arrochar, and South Brooklyn) in the New York State Senate.]

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April 2014 Minutes

General Meeting April 15, 2014

n the absence of Recording Secretary Marie Dwyer, Susan Chew took the minutes. A

motion passed to accept the minutes of the last meeting as they appeared in the April newsletter with no corrections. President Tom Shcherbenko spoke about the up-coming elections, which must be our focus.

Vice President’s Report Vice President Joann Olbrich reported on the Executive Committee Meeting of March 26. At the meeting, they discussed the Women’s Equality Act failed in the State Senate; Phil Jonas’s rally in Albany for gun control; and the Family Medical Leave Act. Mark Herman suggested the Club invite County Chair John Gulino to answer some questions on how the Committee works. Issues Committee Chair Loretta Prisco spoke about the position paper on marijuana decriminalization, to be presented at the April 15 general meeting. Membership Chair Gary Carsel revised the Membership form. It was decided not to change the date of the general meeting for Passover because it would probably create other conflicts for members. Susan Chew made a motion to have a formal vote to accept committee chairs: Issues, Membership, By-Laws – Joann Olbrich; Public Relations – Roy Moskowitz, and the Environment – Susan Chew and all were approved. Loretta Prisco stated we should have a liaison from the Club for candidates and also mentioned our archives for the College of Staten Island, to which Gary Carsel replied he would pick up this duty.

Treasurer’s Report In Treasurer Bonnie Rothman’s absence Susan Chew gave the following report: The March starting balance was $10,005.59; dues deposited: $175.00; debits (including PO Bulk Mail permit; Democratic Organization of the County of Richmond dinner ad and four tickets to the event, and $200 for up-coming bulk mail postage): $1,073.00; balance as of April 7, 2014: $9,107.50.

Executive Secretary’s Report The Executive Secretary deferred speaking at this meeting. County Committee Executive Director Tom Feeney spoke about Democratic Congressional candidate Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.’s speaking about the Ryan budget last Friday at Fingerboard Road.

First Speaker Assemblyman Matt Titone is running for re-election and not against State Senator Diane Savino. New York State government brought in an on-time budget with $10,000,000 for CSI and $12,000,000 for Richmond University Medical Center, but the DREAM Act and additional speed cameras were not included, which is a pedestrian and driver safety issue, not just a school zones issue. The Metropolitan Transit Authority received $30,000,000. Some legislation Assemblyman Titone has introduced this session include:

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Requiring casino and hotel employees to take training to identify victims of human trafficking used for prostitution - this is especially relevant as new casinos will be opening up in New York State; Requiring cell phone manufacturers to provide a kill switch if cell is stolen; Creating a task force to study the state of arts education in New York State Requiring health insurance companies to pick up the cost of GPS tracking devices for autistic and developmentally disabled children. Children with autism have an 80% chance of wandering. John Lavelle worked on this legislation with him. During the Q&A session Assemblyman Titone remarked that an imbedded chip for autistic children is too sensitive an issue, but could be a choice. As to decriminalization of marijuana, he felt that medical marijuana must be passed first, which the Assembly already has passed. Concerning hydro fracking he said that at the end of the day it will be the Governor’s call. The DREAM Act did not have the votes to pass the Senate. This is not just a Latino issue, and some Democrats voted no. He will continue to support this legislation. The Assembly put forth bills on early voting, and Assemblyman Michael Cusick is the Chair of the Elections Committee. How this would be paid for is an issue and there is opposition from Republicans. The Moreland Commission has been disbanded. Limited legislation for campaign finance would apply only to the Comptroller’s race but no others, which is disingenuous. He was the only Staten Islander in the Assembly to vote for the Women’s Equality Act. Abortion should be codified, and women’s groups are split on the issue. We will see some version of Paid Family Medical Leave Act. State Home Health Care Workers should will receive a COLA pay increase.

Second Speaker Greg Basta of New York Communities for Change (contact: gbasta@NYCCommunities) said this group was organized in 2010 and now has 50,000 members. They work on education, housing and labor issues. Legislation passed for the testing of all schools for P.C.B.’s and the removal thereof. Their foreclosure campaigns worked on divestment from JP Morgan Chase. Twenty eight thousand child-care workers were organized. Car wash and grocery workers were organized and $2,000,000 set aside for back pay. Fast Food Forward campaign is building nationwide. There are city, state and local campaigns against slum lords And for keeping post offices open. The Governor took $6,000,000 from JP Morgan Chase for foreclosure help. This organization is not anti-charter schools but the charters are not following regulations and are taking space needed for regular public school kids. There have been foru governors since the Campaign for Fiscal Equity passed, yet it is still severely underfunded. New York City should make its own wage laws. Real Affordability for All: There should be an increase in new housing units. There is the Home Defenders League for under-water owners. An example can be found in California where they seized, under eminent domain, under-water homes from banks for modification of mortgages.

Third Speaker Tom Witt, State Coordinator (Downstate) for the New York Healthy Workplace Advocates, spoke about bullying in the workplace and the Healthy Workplace Act S3863/A4965. This bullying is defined as repeated abuse, work interference, which is not now illegal, and affects more than the bullied person. The bill gives a vehicle to stop bullying and is modeled after the sexual harassment law. It passed the Assembly on a bi-partisan basis in 2010 and has been

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presented again in the State Senate. DORC has issued a Memo of Support, 93% of Americans would like this law. In the Q&A session he stated that the bill is written as a civil cause of action for public and private employment. As to the issue of bullying versus conflict of interest, documentation and medical backup are needed. President Shcherbenko asked for a memorandum of support, and the following resolution from Dennis Brown passed unanimously: “Resolved that S.I.D.A. prepares a Memorandum of Support for the Healthy Workplace Bill (Savino S3863/Englebright A4965). This Memorandum of Support will be sent to New York Healthy Workplace Advocates (NYHWA) in care of TomWittNY@yahoo.com

Marijuana Decriminalization Position Paper Richard Reichard presented the Issues Committee position paper on Decriminalization of Marijuana, which was printed in the April newsletter. This issue is related to “stop-and-frisk” where a lot of young people are arrested for marijuana. This paper does not support legalization for recreational use at this time; it is still a federal crime. Washington and Colorado’s legalization give us an opportunity to see how it works. President Shcherbenko asked for a motion to accept this paper, and it passed unanimously. A suggestion was made to offer it to the Staten Island Advance as an op-ed piece, along with the companion medical marijuana position paper which the club had previously passed.

Continuing Business Dennis Brown stated that per Mark Herman’s suggestion at the Executive Committee Meeting to invite Chairman Gulino to speak and discuss the workings of the County Committee, he made the following motion, which passed unanimously: “Resolved that our County Chairman, John Gulino, be invited to speak to the general membership of S.I.D.A at our June 17, 2014 meeting; the Executive Committee of SIDA will draw up an agenda and also a list of questions for the chairman to consider.” (This motion also carried unanimously at the last Executive Committee Meeting.) Joann Olbrich referred to the resolution in the newsletter on the passage of the Women’s Equality Act, Paid Family Medical Leave, and Subsidized Child Care in New York State. A motion to accept passed unanimously and the Executive Committee will send a letter to our State Senate.

Pat Kain of the NYS Nurses Association was recognized, as was. Gaeta Club President John Sollazzo, who announced the North Shore and Anthony R. Gaeta Clubs’ dinner on Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. at the Staaten.

New Business Helen Settles spoke about concern over a Senate bill regarding citizens “annoying cops,” which died in the Assembly.

Announcements Teresa Cirelli announced sponsoring youth for the 121 Precinct Law Enforcement Explorer Program; $30 will sponsor one youth. Make check payable to: 121 Prescinct Council and mail to Teresa Cirelli – 18 Benson Street – Staten Island, NY 10312. She will hand-deliver donations.

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Yellow Boots: Support for Sandy victims at the Staten Island Winery in Travis May 7 at 7:00 p.m. sponsored by the Young Dems and Young Republicans. Dominick Recchia is having a fundraiser April 30 at 7:00 p.m. African Refuge will honor Gene and Loretta Prisco on May 1 at the Manor House at noon. A motion to take a full-page ad in their journal passed anonymously. DORC is hosting a fundraiser for Marybeth Melendez– April 28th at the Corner House – 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Lathrope Vorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund Luncheon honoring Theresa Cirelli and Gary Dreyer will take place May 4 . Susan Chew asked to be advised of information regarding candidate Koppel primarying State Senator Klein. Rose Uschanowski will advocate for alternative transportation and environmentally conscious living in September. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Susan Chew

S.I.D.A. Annual Picnic Sunday, July 20 12 noon - 4 pm

Willowbrook Park (same venue as last year)

S.I.D.A.

Annual Banquet Thursday, September 18

7 - 10 pm Crystal Room

(same venue as last year)

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S.I.D.A. Recchia Fundraiser

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Peace Action of Staten Island

MEETING & Candidates Forum

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014 5:45 to 8 PM

Please note location:

Olivet Presbyterian Hall 97 Myrtle Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310

(at Broadway, one block north of Forest Ave.) By Bus: Take the S44 or S48 from the Staten Island Ferry

We have invited the Congressional, State Senate and State Assembly candidates to attend. The forum will allow each candidate to give an opening statement, to ask a question themselves, and to take questions from the audience. If a candidate sends a representative because they cannot make the forum, they will be allowed to give an opening statement for their candidate but will not be allowed to participate in Q&A Peace Action members will be given the opportunity to ask the first question of the candidates but members of the public are encouraged to come and participate, too.

Peace Action of Staten Island P.O. Box 201

St. George Station Staten Island, NY 10301 PHONE: (718) 989-2881

www.peacesi.org pasi.contact@gmail.com

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May 20, 2014 General Meeting

Karl’s Klipper, 40 Bay Street Dylan Schwartz, Young Leaders Academy Randy Credico, candidate for Governor Endorsement Votes: Matt Titone,

Marybeth Melendez, Gary Carsel, Michael Cusick, Diane Savino

June 17, 2014 General Meeting

Karl’s Klipper, 40 Bay Street Speaker TBD

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: