Analysis of Primary Elections

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1 September 2018 Staten Island Democratic Association est as Staten Island s reform Democratic Club At our Next Meeting: Analysis of Primary Elections Discussion and Analysis Led by Carmen Cognetta Endorsement Vote for Remaining Offices Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 8:00 P.M. Oriental Plaza, 1845 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 1

2 Editorial Policy Items for publication should be submitted to the newsletter no later than the last Friday of the month before the meeting. Please send items to: Unless explicitly stated, the views herein are those of the authors and not of S.I.D.A. Chris Bauer, Editor (917) Table of Contents President s Statement... 3 Carmen Cognetta... 4 Candidate Statements... 4 August 2018 Minutes... 7 Peace Action of Staten Island Staten Island Women s Political Caucus Internet Memes Upcoming Meetings Renewal Form 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 Submission Deadlines for the newsletter are: October... October 1 November... November 5 S.I.D.A. Executive Committee President... Bobby Digi Member at-large... Roy Moskowitz Vice President... Radhakrishna Mohan Member at-large... Clara Ogburn Executive Secretary... Dennis Brown Member at-large... Liz Price Corresponding & Member at-large...jasmine Robinson Recording Secretary... Marie Dwyer Ex Officio... Michelle Akyempong Treasurer... Bonita Rothman Ex Officio... Belinda Dixon Social Secretary... Sharon Santana Ex Officio... Joann Olbrich Member at-large... Patricia Kane Ex Officio... Rosemarie Mangano Member at-large... Phil Marius Ex Officio... John Mastellone Member at-large... Pearl Minsky Ex Officio... Tom Shcherbenko S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 2

3 S.I.D.A. President s Statement The September President s statement, at the request of President Bobby Digi, is a guest column by S.I.D.A. Vice President Radhakrishna Mohan. September 2018 Our Country at a Crossroad tudents who came to the United States at a young age, who have been raised here with Sopportunities for a good education, and who have been in the workforce doing multiple jobs to survive, are part of a program called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. They are currently facing a dilemma because of the Republican administration and a President continually threaten their deportation to countries they hardly know. US farmers are currently facing the critical situation of not being able to export their produce due to the trade wars and tariff hikes brought about by President Trump. Incidents of racism are rising to record levels. On-going bad foreign policy affects the US in every possible way, as well as the international community. More than 70,000 people have died because of the opioid crisis, while a failing healthcare system is hurting young and old throughout our country. Climate change conditions are worsening every day, at the same time that we have a government struggling to get anything done in a very divided and ineffective Congress. American citizens are at a crossroads, not sure of their own future or that of our own beloved country. Almost all of the issues referred to above have been caused or triggered by constant Twitter messages from our President s fingertips. These messages are quickly replacing all our official norms and forms of communication, and there are implications that this kind of behavior will have dire consequences, not only for our country, but for the rest of the world. Can we get our country back on track, as a leader of the free world? Can our democracy rise to the challenge and show the world that we can survive these tremendous problems? Will we all pull through this crisis with determination and effort by upholding democracy, without falling prey to the actions of corrupt elected officials or the greedy corporate world, who are out there cutting down the roots of democracy, weakening labor unions and taking away the basic health care that every American deserves? Yes, we can. While different Democratic and independent organizations throughout our country are doing what they can to turn Red States to Blue States, here on Staten Island, we members of the oldest Democratic Club, the Staten Island Democratic Association (S.I.D.A.), are doing our best to create political awareness with grassroots efforts to fight for the kind of change that we all need and rightly deserve. When we look back at the history of S.I.D.A., we have produced a good number of candidates; we have actively engaged to help Democratic Party candidates win elections besides advocating for changes which improve the quality of life for all Staten Islanders. Now is the time for action, and we urge all S.I.D.A. members to get out there and do their best to support Democratic candidates to win their respective races. Until that happens, we should not rest. Go Democrats. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 3

A special thanks to our Jewish brothers and sisters, who are very important to S.I.D.A. as valued members, for their understanding that this month s meeting will be held on September 18, as it falls on the day before Yom Kippur.

4 A special thanks to our Jewish brothers and sisters, who are very important to S.I.D.A. as valued members, for their understanding that this month s meeting will be held on September 18, as it falls on the day before Yom Kippur. We were unable to move the meeting to another date at such short notice, but going forward we will plan in advance to avoid any such conflicts. - Radhakrishna Mohan, Vice President Carmen Cognetta At our September 18 General Membership Meeting Carmen Cognetta will lead a discussion on the results of the September 13 Primary. Here is a very brief bio he has provided for publication in the newsletter C armen Cognetta is an attorney who has held positions in public service for most of his life. His last two were as Counsel to the Speaker of the City Council and Counsel to Congressman McMahon. In his spare time he has been involved in volunteering for and running elections for democrats since, at the age of 13, (with his farther) he handed out literature door to door for then Candidate John F. Kennedy. He has been involved in many Staten Island elections and has provided analysis and prospective on election results. Candidate Statements At our September 18 General Membership Meeting we will hold endorsement votes for offices where we do not have an endorsed candidate. Here are materials submitted by some of the candidates who are up for endorsement. Please note that Adam Baumel, Democratic Candidate for the 64 th Assembly District, had materials published in the August newsletter. MAX ROSE M ax Rose, a purple heart recipient, Staten Islander, and the first post 9/11 combat veteran to run for office in NYC history, has single-handedly turned NY-11 into one of the top battleground districts in the country. He has been profiled in Politico Magazine, the New York S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 4

Times, and CBS, and has generated enthusiasm among Democrats nationally for winning his primary in a landslide. CNN has designated NY-11 as Lean Republican after initially declaring it safe in August.

5 Times, and CBS, and has generated enthusiasm among Democrats nationally for winning his primary in a landslide. CNN has designated NY-11 as Lean Republican after initially declaring it safe in August. Max was one of the first 18 candidates named to the DCCC's Red to Blue List for the 2018 cycle, and he leads his Republican opponent Dan Donovan in both fundraising and cash on hand, a powerful indicator for success in November. More About Max Max Rose served as a Ranger Qualified Infantry Captain in the active duty Army as well as the Army National Guard. He deployed to Afghanistan where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He is the former Chief of Staff for Brightpoint Health, where he helped deliver access to healthcare for citizens across New York City, including Staten Island and Brooklyn. Before that, he worked for the Brooklyn District Attorney s office as Director of Public Engagement. Max earned a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.S.C. from the London School of Economics. Endorsements Mas Rose s endoresments include the Staten Island Democratic Party, the Working Families Party, the Women s Equality Party, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, N.Y.C. Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, N.Y.C. Councilman Justin Brannan, N.Y.C. Councilman Mark Treyger, N.Y. State Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Jr, House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Rep. Seth Moulton, Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Jason Kander, Tte Planned Parenthood Action Fund, End Citizens United, Future Forum PAC, VoteVets, With Honor, Blue Dogs PAC, BOLD PAC, NARAL, NewDems PAC, 32BJ, the New York State Council of Machinists, the RWDSU, the United Service Workers Union, the Stars and Stripes Democratic Club, the Bay Ridge Democrats, the Brooklyn Young Democrats, Indivisible Brooklyn, the Muslim Democratic Club of N.Y., Lambda Independent Democrat of Brooklyn, the Jim Owles Democratic Club, New York State Public Employees Federation, and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. MICHAEL J. CUSICK I would like to extend my appreciation to the Staten Island Democratic Association for endorsing me as I seek to win a 9 th term as Assemblymember of the 63 rd District. I would also like to thank S.I.D.A. for their continued support of Democratic candidates and elected officials on Staten Island and for being a reliable resource and community voice for Democrats in our home borough. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 5

6 Biography A lifelong resident of Staten Island, Michael J. Cusick came to the New York State Assembly with valuable experience at all levels of government. He has earned a reputation as a dedicated and thoughtful public servant tirelessly advocating on behalf of his community. With over two decades of work in government, he now brings his expertise to the table as the senior member of the Staten Island delegation coordinating important Island-wide issues amongst his colleagues. An active member of many civic organizations, Assemblyman Cusick has served on the Staten Island Board of Directors of the Catholic Youth Organization and the Boy Scouts of America. He was the Staten Island Chapter President of the Villanova Alumni Association, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John D. Kearney Division 3, as well as the Staten Island Athletic Club. Cusick sits on the Board of Directors of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation whose mission is to honor the legacy of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who laid down his life on September 11 th. In addition, Cusick chairs the Handicapped Parking Task Force on Staten Island, which he established shortly after his election. The Task Force works with community groups to address the parking concerns faced by disabled individuals. Since his election to the New York State Assembly in the fall of 2002, Cusick has worked to improve the quality of life for all Staten Islanders. In 2003, he authored a law creating a moratorium on building that made the Mid-Island Blue Belt a reality. In an effort to curb runaway development, Cusick authored legislation requiring notice to neighborhood landowners of an application to build on wetland areas. A tireless activist for his hometown, Cusick labored on behalf of Pouch Camp, a New York City Boy Scout sanctuary. He continues his efforts for this venerable Staten Island institution. In 2012, the New York City administration proposed the re-opening of the former Fresh Kills Landfill as a site for a waste-to-energy facility. Cusick took the realm fiercely advocating against the plan and cited the state law he helped to craft in 1996, which closed the former landfill to the receipt and processing of garbage forever. Standing firm, Cusick and his colleagues won the battle and the administration backed off of the proposal. In 2011 Assemblyman Cusick developed a local program in conjunction with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce known as the Veteran s Discount Program. Under this initiative, veterans receive a card that gives them discounts at many local businesses. The overwhelming response of both veterans and participating businesses continues to grow a tribute to our veterans. An outspoken advocate for children, Assemblyman Cusick created a program in 2008 called the Total Fitness Challenge which encourages Staten Island students Island-wide from prekindergarten through 8th grade to read and exercise during their summer break. An unflagging voice against childhood obesity, he challenges children to keep track of their activities and turn their score cards in upon returning to school. An award ceremony follows where the children are congratulated for their achievements. This program is a huge success and grows in enrollment each year. On the legislative front, Cusick is a strong voice on behalf of his constituents and has sponsored numerous bills which have become law. In 2007 Legislation sponsored by Cusick became law, creating the 13th Judicial District for Richmond County. Staten Island long sought its own Judicial District and now the Island is part of the process for selecting justices in the New York State Supreme Court. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 6

7 Assemblyman Cusick also authored laws in 2006 to protect family and friends of veteran s at the most solemn time. In response to funeral protests that were taking place at military funerals across our country, he wrote the first law to counters protestors at funeral services through the creation of a 100-foot buffer-zone. As these protests continue, Cusick passed two more pieces of legislation in 2011 to further strengthen this law. Those laws increase the buffer zone to 300 feet around a religious service, funeral, burial or memorial service and require a permit process for such demonstrations. In this age of instant communications via internet and texting, Cusick sponsors a bill that requires age appropriate dating violence education in the annual school curriculum for students in grades seven through twelve and age appropriate respect education and self-esteem education for students in grades kindergarten through six. This legislation aims to create guidelines to educate our children about the negative effects certain actions may lead to. In an effort to combat a rapid prescription drug growing prescription drug abuse epidemic on Staten Island, Assemblyman Cusick was the architect of a law to establish a real time prescription drug monitoring program that requires medical professionals and pharmacists to report and track prescriptions of controlled substances. This law, enacted in the 2012 Legislative Session, makes New York State a national leader by being one of the first states to require a realtime database for tracking prescription drugs (I-STOP). An Island-wide accomplishment in 2012, Assemblyman Cusick authored legislation signed into law restoring Yellow School Bus services. This law brought back school bus service for Staten Island s seventh and eighth grade students. The New York City Department of education had revoked this service in 2009 jeopardizing the safety of our children who had limited mass transit options to travel to school. Assemblyman Cusick has been a member of the American Irish Legislators Society of New York State since 2003, his first year serving in Legislature. He was elected President of the organization in 2009, a position he continues to hold. In 2011, he was elected Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee. He also sits on the Higher Education, Mental Health, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Steering, and Ways and Means Committees. August 2018 Minutes V General Meeting August 21, 2018 Oriental Plaza, 1845 Richmond Avenue ice President Mohan, filling in for President Digi, called the meeting to order at 8:21 p.m. He asked that members cooperate by waiting to be recognized to speak. He also reminded members that the club uses Robert s Rules of Order. Mohan also urged members to continue to support candidates running for election. Vice President s Report Corresponding and Recording Secretary Marie Dwyer provided a brief summary from the July Executive Committee meeting. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 7

8 Executive Secretary s Report Vice President Dennis Brown announced that there will be a fundraiser for Matt Titone, candidate for Richmond County Surrogate Judge, on August 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Jody s Club Forest. He reminded members that the club has endorsed Matt s candidacy and he urged them to attend the event. Dennis also mentioned that we should have an endorsement vote for Adam Baumel, Democratic Candidate for 64 th Assembly District. He also apologized to Adam for the fact that the vote was not held at an earlier date. Mohan asked members to observe a moment of silence for our dear S.I.D.A. member, Carl Chew who recently passed away. Joann Olbrich briefly explained that although Adam Baumel addressed the club at the July meeting, the endorsement vote was not held yet because the election will not take place until November and the club needed to schedule endorsement votes for the races of candidates that were ahead of his. Social Secretary s Report Sharon reminded members that the annual banquet is coming up on September 6 th and she urged members to purchase their tickets and ads, so we could have a successful event. Treasurer s Report Treasurer Bonnie Rothman provided members with an up to date report on the club s finances. She also urged members to purchase their tickets and journal ads for the September 6 S.I.D.A. Banquet. Richard Reichard questioned the Executive Committee about the fact that the amount of money given for refreshments for S.I.D.A. sponsored events has increased from $100 to $300. This will be discussed again at a future meeting. Human Rights Committee Chair Clara Ogburn reported that she and her committee have been working diligently with their legal guru Steve Harrison to develop a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Electoral College. She added that the committee which started with 15 members now only has seven members. She urged anyone who is committed to the cause to join the committee. Laura Sword and Gary Lane briefly spoke to members to tell them they are both running for positions on the Democratic Committee of Richmond County s Executive Committee as State Committeemembers for the 61 st A.D. They are running against Sheila McGinn and Charles Fall. They asked members for their support the election is on Primary Day, September 13. Guest Speaker Steve Harrison told members that he was very unhappy with the fact that Donald Trump won the Presidency in the 2017 election. Trump was not popularly elected but won because he received more electoral votes. As a result, Steve thought about creating a constitutional amendment to eliminate the electoral college which was created so long ago and is grounded by elitist and racist concepts. Steve worked with Clara and her human rights committee to create OPOVA, One Person One Vote, which he feels is a more representative way to vote for the President. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 8

9 Steve gave kudos to Clara and her committee for all the work they have done to help create this proposal. He distributed copies of the amendment for members to review. Steve mentioned that he is proud of what he wrote but not married to it. He is open to ideas from members as his goal is to get rid of the electoral college. Steve also mentioned that has taken his presentation to the NAACP who is supporting it and that the organization plans to help push this agenda to higher ground. After his presentation, Steve took several questions from members in attendance. Clara thanked Steve for his work. She also said she galvanized efforts to push this issue. She applauded the members of her committee and mentioned that they plan to present this to other organizations. Michael Winecup made a motion that S.I.D.A. support the Human Rights Committee s report and the OPOVA amendment. Helen Settles seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Steve Harrison told Susan Chew that he wants to dedicate the evenings discussion about OPOVA to her husband Carl. Mohan thanked Steve Harrison and the Human Rights Committee for the great job they did. New Business Helen Settles announced that the NAACP will be holding a candidate s forum on September 13 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at 51 Cottage Place, Port Richmond. Richard Reichard asked Roy Moskowitz to update the club s web site. Peter Killen made a motion that S.I.D.A. endorse Adam Baumel for State Assembly. Dennis told Peter that we will be holding the endorsement vote at the September meeting and will be notifying members about the vote in the September newsletter. The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 pm Respectfully submitted Marie Dwyer Corresponding & Recording Secretary With deep regret we must report the death of Susan Chew's mother, Josephine Ambrosio. S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 9

Peace Action of Staten Island Topic: Peace Action Staten Island Meeting Saturday, September 29 Unitarian Church, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Voting and Beyond.

10 Peace Action of Staten Island Topic: Peace Action Staten Island Meeting Saturday, September 29 Unitarian Church, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Voting and Beyond... What are the best strategies for peace in this election and afterwards? ***************************************** Make Food Not War Awards Dinner Peace Action of Staten Island's annual fundraiser honoring Staten Island's Own Peace Makers & Advocates: Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy (Founder, Muslim Sisterhood of Staten Island) Patricia Okoumou (#RETURNTHECHILDREN Protestor who scaled Lady Liberty) Ramsey Orta (Eric Garner s friend who recorded his killing & sparked a movement) Cesar Vargas, Esq. (Co-Director, Dream Action Coalition) Saturday, October 27, :00-8:00 pm Olivet Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Myrtle Ave S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 10

11 Staten Island Women s Political Caucus S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 11

12 Internet Memes S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 12

13 September 18, 2018 General Meeting 8:00p.m. Oriental Plaza, 1845 Richmond Ave. Carmen Cognetta on NYS Primary Results Endorsement Vote on Remaining Races September 18, 2018 General Meeting 8:00p.m. TBD Speaker TBD Nominating Committee Election 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) , or complete and return the coupon. Voting privileges begin 45 days after joining DUES DONATION $25 - Family $5 $20 - Individual $50 $15 - 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 Make checks payable S.I.D.A. to S.I.D.A. and send to: P.O. Box Staten Island, NY For internal use only: Comp: Received $: Deposited $: Entered Sht: Computer: S.I.D.A. September 2018 Page 13

District Attorney Candidate Michael McMahon Executive Committee Installation by Surrogate s Court Judge Matthew Titone

March 2019 Staten Island Democratic Association est. 1961 as Staten Island s reform Democratic Club www.sidems.org At our Next Meeting: District Attorney Candidate Michael McMahon Executive Committee Installation