Congressional Endorsement Vote

Transcription

1 April 2016 Staten Island Democratic Association est as Staten Island s reform Democratic Club At our Next Meeting: DISCUSSION ON LABOR Alex Gleason James Franz NYC Central Labor Marilyn Brook Council Licensed Represenatives before the Workers Compensation Board Congressional Endorsement Vote PLEASE NOTE DATE OF MEETING!!!! Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 8:00 P.M. S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 1

2 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: 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 S.I.D.A. President s Statement... 3 Speakers on Labor... 4 March 2016 Minutes... 5 Letters... 8 QR Codes... 8 Prisco Essay Contest... 9 Bulletin Board Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund Brunch Upcoming Meetings Join/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 S.I.D.A. Executive Committee President... Joann Olbrich Member at-large... Clara Ogburn Vice President... Bobby Digi Ex Officio... Michelle Akyempong Executive Secretary... Dennis Brown Ex Officio... Gary Carsel Corresponding & Ex Officio... Paul Cinquemani Recording Secretary... Marie Dwyer Ex Officio... Belinda Dixon Treasurer... Bonita Rothman Ex Officio... John Mancuso Social Secretary... Bryan Ellicott Ex Officio... Rosemarie Mangano Member at-large... Carl Chew Ex Officio... John Mastellone Member at-large... Susan Chew Ex Officio... John Sollazzo Member at-large... Robert Holst Ex Officio... Tom Shcherbenko Member at-large... Roy Moskowitz S.I.D.A. April Meeting is April 26!!!! S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 2

3 S.I.D.A. President s Statement April 2016 n March 29, 2016, the Supreme Court issued a tied decision in Friedrichs v. California OTeacher s Association. This 4-4 decision leaves the law in place in 25 states and the District of Columbia that allows unions to compel non-members to pay agency fees to support the union s collective bargaining work. [ The reason for this tied decision is because of the death of Justice Scalia, there is one less Republican anti-labor vote on the Supreme Court! If Scalia had not died, or if there was a Republican president at this time, who could appoint another Republican to the Supreme Court, the decision would have been 5-4 against unions. Such a decision would have been devastating for labor, hastening the destruction of unions that was begun by Republican President Reagan, and with labor, the destruction of America s middle class. This decision is a clear example of why the claims that both parties are the same and just as bad are ridiculous and specious. Every justice who had been appointed by Democratic presidents voted in favor of protecting labor, every justice who had been appointed by Republican presidents voted in favor of destroying unions! Take a look at the states that have passed ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) designed cynically named Right to Work legislation: such legislation passes only in those states controlled by Republican majorities. While the Democrats could do better to help working people in this country, the Republicans could hardly do worse, although they are trying their best to do worse. This November the United States will hold one of the most important elections in its history, one that will determine if our democracy survives, or is replaced by a fascist oligarchy controlled by the likes of the Koch brothers. I will do whatever it takes to help elect the DEMOCRATIC candidate, regardless of which of the primary candidates succeeds in winning the nomination. There is too much at stake to risk a Republican president, with Republican majorities in both houses of Congress. Even if a president can be replaced in four years, the Supreme Court justices appointed by that president, and confirmed by the Republicans in the Senate, will be there for life! We need to elect Democrats at all levels of government. This week (April 4, 2016) our Democratic Governor Cuomo is signing a New York State Budget agreement that raises the minimum wage, and gives the workers of New York the best Paid Family Leave policy in the country. This never would have happened if we had a Republican governor, and Republican majorities in both the state Senate and Assembly. [ - Joann Olbrich President S.I.D.A. April Meeting is April 26!!!! S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 3

4 Speakers on Labor At our April 26 General Membership Meeting we will have a discussion about Labor with Alex Gleason, James Franz, and Marilyn Brook. Copied below are biographies of the speakers. A Alex Gleason lex Gleason is the Policy Associate for the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Collaborating with colleagues at the CLC and affiliated organizations, Alex works to advocate for effective policies aimed at lifting the floor, and growing the economy from the bottom-up, middle-out for all workers. In addition to his work at the Central Labor Council, Alex is an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Empire State College s Harry Van Arsdale Center, where he teaches labor studies. He has also served as a part-time faculty member at Lang, the undergraduate liberal arts college at The New School. Alex was born and raised year-round on Cape Cod, and currently resides in Brooklyn. Marilyn Brook James Franz Marilyn Brook and James Franz have a unique limited license to practice law before the NYS Workers Compensation Board. They have each represented injured and disabled working women and men for more than 36 years; initially fighting on opposite sides; she the worker, he the carrier representative for the State Insurance Fund. Both, however, have always kept in mind the need for quality medical care and fair administration of the Laws. Marilyn has a background in journalism at Hunter College, studied at the Art Students League and SUNY s Empire State College. Jim graduated as an electrical engineer from Cooper Union, going on to study history at Hunter College. Jim was on the Cooper Union newspaper as a rock and roll columnist. She worked for the Workers Defense League, the legal arm of the Socialist Party, representing workers before the Unemployment Insurance Board, setting up a free lay led representation service for workers claiming unemployment insurance. There she worked with the Joint Apprenticeship Program, trying to get minorities into the construction trades. Through the WDL, she assisted her coworkers in civilian representation at court- martials of military men in Fort Dix trying to unionize during the Vietnam War. She was one of the first graduates of the NYC Cornell School for Industrial Relations taking on issues of pregnancy benefits, (thankfully with the help of NOW) when there were no such benefits for women under the Disability Benefits Law. Through the Workers Defense League, she helped set up a course for NYU Law Students called Practical Aspects of Employee Protection. this program under the auspices of NYU Law School became the basis for Mayor Dinkin s free clinic for workers. Union Democracy is an issue both Marilyn and Jim have been involved with; especially as Unions unfortunately become smaller and less transparent. Jim was the Secretary of Local 382 of SEIU, which became one of the founding locals of the Public Employee Federation. She was involved with Local 1707, Community and Social Agency Employees fighting to organize Day Care workers. He was also treasurer of their Licensed Rep. Association. Both were early S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 4

5 members of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health and both served on the Workers Compensation Chairperson s Advisory Committees-- seeking benefits that that would help in particular, those most needy. Both have been concerned with the recent promulgation of medical guidelines that limit treatment to those most in need, in exchange for higher monetary benefits to the most well-paid of workers. Also, they have fought to stop the cut back of administrative hearings before Judges, ultimately denying workers their day in court. March 2016 Minutes P General Meeting March 15, 2016 resident Olbrich called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. President Olbrich announced that the April 19 General Meeting has been moved to April 26 because of the NY Presidential Primary. She also mentioned that we will have the Presidential Endorsement vote this evening. Presidential Endorsement Vote Jill Latman made a motion to close ballots for the endorsement vote at 9:30 p.m. The motion carried. President Olbrich mentioned that only members in good standing can vote. President Olbrich told members that Bonnie Rothman and Susan Chew will be giving out the ballots. Sharon Santana, Helen Settles and Jill Latman volunteered to count the ballots. President Olbrich congratulated Club Vice President Bobby Digi on the success of his recent Youth Summit event. Vice President s Report Vice President Bobby Digi presented highlights from the recent Executive Committee meeting. February Minutes Joy Robins made a motion to accept the minutes as published in the newsletter. Susan Chew seconded the motion. The motion carried. Social Secretary s Report Social Secretary Bryan Ellicott reported that he has started to use Mail Chimp to members about community events and he will also use it to send the club newsletter and other information. He mentioned that the Twitter handle is demsinyc and that the QR code has to be re-sized. Bryan asked members to with thoughts and suggestions for honorees for the upcoming annual dinner. He is also looking for volunteers to assist at the summer picnic. Treasurer s Report Treasurer Bonnie Rothman reported a balance on February 25 of $9, and a balance on March 15 of $8, S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 5

6 Executive Secretary s Report Executive Secretary Dennis Brown mentioned that Richard Reichard candidate for Congress will be speaking tonight but we cannot hold the endorsement vote yet. He also mentioned that he is hoping to re-invigorate the S.I.D.A. Election Committee. David Jones made a motion that since Rich is county s official candidate for Congress and in the interest of expedition the club should set aside the by-laws that require that the candidate speak one month and endorse the next month and instead hold endorsement vote tonight. Dennis read Section 9 of the club s by-laws that state that if we are going to hold an endorsement vote members must be notified in writing prior to the meeting. President Olbrich added that it is a custom of the club that we don t endorse on the same night as the candidate speaks. David withdrew his motion. Dennis mentioned that he would like to get at least 5-6 members together to form a campaign committee for Richard. Members that are interested in volunteering should contact Dennis. Dennis reminded members about the memorial service for Mark Herman scheduled for Saturday, March 19, noon to 2:00 p.m. at Harmon s Funeral Home. Prisco Essay Competition Committee Chair Susan Chew reported that money for the Essay Competition is being held in S.I.D.A. s account for now. She said that letters went out to the schools. Six Awards of $100 each will be given out with certificates. She also mentioned that the committee will continue selling 50/50 to raise seed money for the event. First Guest Speaker Bobby Digi introduced Len Duran Garcia from Bay Street Corridor. The Bay Street Downtown Staten Island Neighborhood Planning Study aims to include strategies for Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Community Resources and Land Use and Zoning. Mr. Garcia brought literature for members, answered members questions regarding various issues. He asked members to sign a petition that he was circulating. He also invited members to attend one of the workshops where representatives from various city agencies will be present. President Olbrich asked Mr. Garcia to send the schedule with dates of the worskhops. Second Guest Speaker President Olbrich introduced former S.I.D.A. President and longtime member Richard Reichard who is running as the Democratic candidate for Congress. Richard spoke to members about the loopholes in corporate taxes, and that he thinks we need to invest in new technology and education, change tax laws to make it more fair and spoke about the importance of preserving the two Democratic program, Medicare and Social Security. He spoke about the differences between his ideology and that of the current Congressman Dan Donovan. Rich plans to run on the issues and is running to get things done in Congress. He said that the Democratic Party is the party of the future and it is the party that has made America great. Rich answered questions on an array of issues including women s rights, equal pay for women, closing loopholes on gun violence, funding for drug treatment centers and changing the tax codes. S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 6

7 Presidential Endorsement Vote Results Helen Settles delivered the results of the club s Presidential Endorsement vote: Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders No Endorsement... 1 Since Hillary Clinton received over 50% of the votes, S.I.D.A. has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. President Olbrich mentioned that March 25 is the deadline to register to vote in the NY Primary. She also mentioned that petitions for Richard Reichard came out on March 8 and they are due back to County on April 9. She urged county committee members to pick up their petitions and said that you can get signatures even if you are not a member of the County Committee. Richard Reichard mentioned that he needs people to campaign with him as well as volunteers especially a scheduler and volunteer coordinator. He also mentioned that he needs to raise money. Roy Moskowitz announced that anyone wishing to donate to Richard s campaign can go to tinyurl.com/richardreichard. New Business President Olbrich mentioned that Mark Herman, the last founding member of S.I.D.A., recently died, and his children would like to toak about the scholarship in his name and will update club members. Susan Chew made a motion to take a ½ page ad in the DORC journal for $75 and purchase one ticket for President Olbrich for $100. Helen Settles seconded the motion. The motion carried with 13 in favor and 2 opposed. President Olbrich announced that the next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for March 24. The winner of the 50/50 was President Olbrich. She donated the money back to the Essay Competition. The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 pm Respectfully submitted Marie Dwyer Corresponding & Recording Secretary S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 7

8 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 Unless explicitly stated, the views herein are those of the authors and are not the views of S.I.D.A. On-line March 28, 2016 Printed April 3, 2016 Donovan Lacks the Guts to Denounce Trump D an Donovan ran for office as a man of integrity, an independent voice. That's not what we got. We got a sheep instead of a shepherd. Among other bad votes, Donovan voted to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, voted to table legislation that would keep guns out of terrorists hands and voted to weaken Dodd-Frank to make it more difficult for the government to regulate derivatives and swaps, which are part of what brought on the great recession of And now the former District Attorney, the former chief law enforcement officer, says he would support a bully for president who incites his followers to violence, who threatens the GOP with riots at the convention if he is not nominated, who engages in hate speech, hurls insults at everyone and who would be a disaster for this great country of ours. Kudos to Guy Molinari. He has the guts to denounce Trump. Sadly, Dan Donovan doesn't. - Susan Rappaport QR Codes S.I.D.A. s Twitter account: S.I.D.A. s website: S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 8

9 T Prisco Essay Contest o honor of our dear friends and fellow-staten Island Democratic Association members, SIDA is conducting the Loretta and Gene Prisco Memorial Essay Competition. This year's essay title is My Favorite Subject: How Will This Subject Help Me Reach My Life's Goals. We feel that interacting in this manner with public school students is one of the best ways to keep Loretta and Gene's invaluable work as educators, as well as advocates of public education, alive. Of course, their daughter, Gabrielle Prisco-Horowitz, will take part in this committee. As we would like to present a monetary award, as well as a certificate, to the winners of this competition, we are asking if you would like to contribute to help us honor the Prisco's memories. Please send your contribution to: Staten Island Democratic Association Essay Competition P.O Box Staten Island, NY Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance, I remain Sincerely, Susan Chew Committee Chairwoman S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 9

10 Bulletin Board We would love it if you would donate now AND come to our party. You can donate at the Act Blue site. Or you can send the campaign a check. The link below has the form to fill out and the address where to send it: Richard has a website 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. S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 10

11 Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship Fund Brunch S.I.D.A. April 2016 Page 11

12 April 26, 2016 Genera l Meeting 8:00p.m. Charlie Brown s Steakhouse 1001 Goethals Road North Discussion on Labor with Alex Gleason, James Franz, & Marilyn Brook Congressional Endorsement Vote May 17, 2016 Genera l Meeting 8:00p.m. Charlie Brown s Steakhouse 1001 Goethals Road North 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) , or complete and return the coupon. Voting privileges begin 45 days after joining 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 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. April 2016 Page 12