District Leadership

Archive of NYS 66th Assembly District, Part A leadership and activities

2020 Officers; NYS Candidate Endorsements

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VID Elects 2020 Officers; NYS Candidate Endorsements at January 9th Meeting.

Full Meeting Minutes Here

David Siffert opened the 2020 Officers; NYS Candidate Endorsements meeting with a discussion about how to handle endorsing civil judge candidates in light of the fact that the County’s panel will not report out approved judges until the day after our February meeting.  He suggested three options:

  • One, to hold a special meeting on the Tuesday after the regular meeting to address the endorsements.
  • Two, to leave the endorsements to the Executive Committee.
  • And three, to hold an extra long meeting on the normal date, February 13. and allow Exec to re-endorse for any candidate the club endorses but who does not get reported out of the panel

It was agreed to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, February 18th.

As petitioning has already started and we have not endorsed, he advised the members that there were petitions present and could be signed.  He also brought everyone’s attention to a demonstration at Judson Church on January 16th to protest the deportation of Jean Montreville, a member of the church.  He also noted problems in the use of new BMD’s in the election, and their vulnerability to hacking.  Lastly, he promoted a demonstration in Albany on the 21st, to stop the use of solitary confinement and support taxing the rich instead of slashing social programs.

VID 2020 Officer Elections

David outlined the election rules for Judicial Delegates, and their duties, and an election was held.  The delegates were:  Jonathan Geballe (30 votes). Alison Greenberg (30), Ed Yutkowitz (29), Rick Braun (27), and Allison Stowell (27).  The Alternate Delegates were Irene Kaufman (26), Linda Jacobson (25), Karla Moskowitz (24), Lauren Esposito (23), and Kathy Slawinski (22).  Three other candidates – Lois Rakoff, Judith Jacobson, and Kelly Grace Price received fewer votes.

The election of VID Treasurer was next, with Mar Fitzgerald winning with the Secretary casting one unanimous vote in acclamation.

Kathy Slawinski won the Recording Secretary position by acclamation with one unanimous vote.

And the two Corresponding Secretaries were won by Jonathan Geballe and Ed Yutkowitz unanimously by acclamation.

Last was the election of the Executive Committee.   The winners were Lois Rakoff, Susan Gottesman, Frieda Bradlow, David Saperstein, Nancy Shamban, Linda Jacobson, Nadine Hoffmann, Lauren Esposito, Nat Johnson, Keen Berger, Erik Bottcher, Melissa Carty, Patricia Laraia, Alec Pruchnicki, and Patrick Doherty.

NYS Candidate Endorsements

 Assemblymember Deborah Glick opened her presentation by wishing everyone a happy new year and thanking everyone for supporting impeachment.  She asked for the club’s endorsement, touting bills for the Reproductive Health Act, banning conversion therapy, protecting artists living in lofts, and an annual donation of $5 million to the Humane Society.  She also spoke of a state education discipline bill and the “gig economy” bill.  After Q & A, she was endorsed by 31 votes to 5 “no endorsement” votes.

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman made his presentation, opening by saying VID was his home club, and it was a pleasure and an honor to be our State Senator for many years.  He spoke of his advocacy for voting reforms and Automatic Voter Registration, LGBTQ rights, battling child sexual abuse, removing dangerous chemicals from the environment, and banning ghost guns and robocalls.  He’s also taken the lead on tax equity, and passed legislation to require Trump release five years of his tax returns (in litigation), lead on tax equity, including carrying a pied-a-terre tax bill, and passed legislation to require affordable housing, and new tenant protection laws.  After Q & A, he won endorsement by 38 votes to one “no endorsement” vote.

Rachel Lavine, State Committeewoman gave her remarks, opening by saying she was a Warren delegate and had petitions to be signed.  She spoke of her history as a founding member of the progressive caucus in the State Committee, and the progress of the committee in leaving machine control.  The caucus proposals include a moratorium on fracking, marijuana reform, transgender rights, gender inclusive language, a minimum wage for farmworkers, ousting the IDC, and ethics.  She also mentioned the sexual harassment accusations against Jeff Klein.

Ben Yee, State Committeeman, now gave a capsulized version of his time on the committee.  It’s his third term and he’s written six resolutions which all passed, making him the most successful in that respect.  He spoke about promoting transparency and successfully getting bylaws and officers on the NY State website.  He also told of his resolution on how to choose DNC members, ethics reform for the State Committee, and efforts on handling sexual harassment.

After Q & A and discussion, both Rachel and Ben were endorsed by a vote of 36 in favor and 2 “no endorsement”.

District Leader Report

District Leader Jen Hoppe now gave her report.  She spoke of how she and Vittoria from DID had formed a progressive caucus in the County Committee and they were very opposed to the Chair being a lobbyist.  She spoke of how she and Melissa Carty were supporting Elizabeth Warren, and had a discussion about the Warren rally.

Committee Reports

David Siffert reported for the Animal Advocacy Committee, citing that Carlina Rivera and Corey Johnson had helped pass a suite of animal welfare bills with Erik Bottcher’s help, and the problem of city shelters not allowing pets.

Tony Hoffmann spoke for the Campaign Committee, reminding us that petitioning starts February 25 for Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, State Committee, Judicial Delegate, and Civil Court on the Congressional level.  He said he would inform members when to pick up petitions.  The Kickoff Breakfast will be February 29th at the clubhouse.

Tony also reported for the Out-of-District Elections Committee, saying they will be meeting to decide who to support, and getting other clubs and organizations involved.  He spoke of the difficulties in campaigning with this year’s demographics, requiring hiring two buses.  David noted the next meeting would be on January 11, followed by a clubhouse cleanup.

Rachel Lavine volunteered that there will be bakeoffs with volunteers to explain Ranked Choice Voting.  David solicited volunteers for the Gala Committee.

Mar Fitzgerald, of the Education Committee, said lots of things were in the works, with some resolutions coming.  She wants to meet at the end of the month.

Deb Sherman, of the Gun Reform Committee, said that Nick Smith, a Jumaane staffer, will speak on a more holistic approach to gun reform at a future meeting.  They want to raise awareness and funds for violence “interrupters”, and there will be two resolutions on ghost guns to include “80% receivers”, which are undetectable by metal detectors.

New Business

Katharine Wolpe spoke of an action on the 10th in front of the closed Nativity Church, sold for luxury housing–to protest luxury housing and instead promote affordable and senior housing.  Also, there will be an event on the 26th, an Evening of Interfaith Recitation and Music, involving thirteen different religious institutions.

David now synopsized the month’s events:

January 10, Nativity Church demo
January 16, the Judson Church demo
January 21, the Albany HALT/Solitary demo
January 22, DID will be hosting a forum on the Presidential candidates at the Gibney Dance School.

He reminded us that there were Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Young, and Amy Klobuchar petitions present.  Rachel said she will be petitioning at Abingdon Square for Elizabeth, and Cam Krause said he will have Andrew Yang’s petitions.

The meeting was adjourned.

 

 

November 2019 General Meeting

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The November 2019 General Meeting Gave Focus to NY County Committee, Surrogacy Legislation and the Productive Work of VID’s Committees

Full Meeting Minutes Here

President David Siffert reported that he had met with Keith Wright, who was nice and friendly, but not much concrete got done.  Keith said that Ben Yee wanted to activate the County Committee, but seemed hostile to Keith, so walls were built.  Keith said he doesn’t do anything without Barry Weinberg’s say-so.  David also said he was trying to set up a meeting with Greg Sumas, co-chair of the County Committee, and wondered if he should meet with Cynthia Dody of the Board of Elections.  A discussion followed.

District Leader Reports

District Leader Jen Hoppe reported that she had discussions with other District Leaders and club presidents, along with David and Ben Yee, about what we want the County Committee to be.  There definitely had to be a more progressive vision for the party.  To amplify, she suggested elected leaders need to adhere to a pledge.

On Election Day Jen went to all 16 poll sites, and was impressed with how seriously people take their jobs as poll workers.  She attended an early voting seminar and early voting went really well.  

She also mentioned that Jumaane was working on a bill, Intro 800, mandating paid vacation time for all NY workers.  She advised us to go the PaidTimeOff.NYC website to sign the petition.

District Leader Arthur Schwartz gave his report.  He touched on the County Committee anomalies, his lawsuit against the 14th Street busway, and the WBAI lawsuit.  He spoke of the City Council approval of the plan to shut down the East River Park for 5-7 years and said it should have been argued in court as “park alienation”.  He cited other lawsuits regarding Harvey the fruit man and a bike rider run over by a cab, in which the police did nothing.  His lawsuit regarding the removal of the 14th Street bus stops is still ongoing.  And he said if anyone was interested in being a Bernie delegate, please speak to him.  He explained the process of being a delegate for any candidate.

November 2019 General Meeting Speakers

Marc Solomon gave a report on surrogacy.  He said New York has virtually no laws regarding legal parentage or surrogacy, and NY laws needed to be modernized across the board.  He cited the bill S2071B/A1071C legalizing surrogacy agreements, and led a discussion on it.  President Siffert made an argument in for a resolution in support of the bill and it passed, with 30 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstention.

Jim Yates, former judge and member of JCOPE, made a presentation on the repeal of Section 50-a of New York Civil Rights Law, providing confidentiality for personnel records of police officers maintained by the NYPD.  He provided a history of the law and the fact that until 2016 these records were publicly available and argued they should be again, especially because this new interpretation of the law was used to shield Officer Pantaleo after the death of Erroll Garner.  After this speech, a resolution in favor of repeal of Section 50-A was passed with 29 in favor and one abstention.

Committee Reports

Nat Johnson, of the Environmental Committee, gave a report on a letter President Siffert had written to the Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan of the Brownfield Cleanup Program at 240 Water Street.  This letter, to Project Manager Rafi Alam, asked that the public comment period be extended to March 1st to allow the community more review time.  (250 Water Street is the former site of three mercury thermometer factories, a mercury warehouse, and a gas station.  The proposed luxury tower could expose the community to the toxic chemicals currently underground.)

After this report, it was decided that VID would send the letter, with 22 in favor and none opposed or abstained.

Nat then gave a report on the Environmental Committee, saying the committee will be discussing the NYS Green New Deal bill S2878B at their next meeting and will ask the club to support it.  He also distributed a ten point holiday statement flier advocating a more eco-friendly recycling plan.  Deb Sherman advocated for Tru-Earth, an eco-friendly laundry detergent, available on Amazon or the Tru-Earth website.

David Siffert gave an update on the Animal Adocacy Committee, noting that the bill banning foie gras in NYS passed.

Tony Hoffmann of the Campaign Committee stated that the VID visibility campaign went really well on both the east and west sides, and it will resume in the spring.  He also gave a calendar of the elections and endorsements of the next three VID meetings.  

Grace Price, of the Campaign Finance Committee, said she was focusing on Cy Vance and had sent out a draft of egregious campaign violations.  She said Vance had run out of money but had created 12 new positions, and she asked if anyone was interested in writing a letter to the Comptroller.  This spurred a discussion.

Mar Fitzgerald of the Education Committee spoke on bills for lead testing and diversity plans.  A schools diversity advisory group was formed and Jumaane wanted to make it permanent.  She noted that CB2 had passed a resolution for screening for dyslexia, and said she would introduce a school bus resolution to make mileage shorter for buses to qualify.

Allison Stowell and Deb Sherman started their Gun Reform Committee report by speaking on the shooting in Santa Clarita in which two students were killed.  They reminded everyone of their upcoming forum in which Rebecca Fischer of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence would appear along with a panel of community activists devoted to mitigating gun violence.  They also said their post card campaign was going well.

New Business:

David noted that State Committeewoman Rachel Lavine was hosting a fundraiser for Amanda Farias, running for City Council, on December 10.

Libby (last name?) spoke on the Commission on Campaign Finance Reform with a deadline of December 1.  She said activists were coming to meetings to get action and get the Commission to change course.  She said a phone relay would launch Monday to get it done in 2019.

Keen Berger cited her book launch–a book on grandmothering–at Judson on Sunday the 24th.

Grace Price said Close Rosies is suing the mayor.

Our new members, Analise, Barbara Good, Liz Crotty, and Carol Yost, announced themselves and their reasons for joining.

And Jen Hoppe announced a candidate forum for all women running for office sponsored by Amplify Her.

July 2019 General Meeting

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The July 2019 General Meeting covered planning for Primaries, affordable housing, the recount in Queens, the proposed 45 story prison construction at 124 White Street…and pidgeon kidnapping.

VID at Lenox Hill Greenwich Village Healthplex

VID’s July Meeting held at Lenox Hill Greenwich Village Healthplex

Full Meeting Minutes Here

President David Siffert opened the July 2019 General Meeting by citing the successful Primary, in which Jen Hoppe won the District Leader position unopposed, and the Judicial Delegates also won unopposed.  Among his announcements:

  • A Judicial Candidates Forum in Soho on August 5,  set up for the delegates, but anyone is welcome to attend. 
  • A call to attend  the July 12 protest of the border camps, at Broadway and Reade Streets
  • The VID picnic on July 17 at Hudson River Park
  • The Andy Kim fundraiser on July 19 at Frieda Bradlow’s house.

Our new District Leader, Jen Hoppe announced she had been in Queens helping with the Tiffany Caban recount.  She said Democratic Socialists of America and other groups had done a tremendous job with data mining and that supervising the recount was costing money, recommending donations online.  Jen also asked VID members for issues needing her attention; among the mentions were tenants rights, the census, and problem landlords. On a similar note, David Siffert mentioned he had met with Andrea Shapiro of Metropolitan Council on Housing and was trying to set up a forum on the tenant legislation already passed and possible future legislation. 

District Leader Arthur Schwartz‘s lawsuit obtained an injuncion with DOT on the 14th Street busway.  

Guest Speaker

Chris Marte on new PrisonChris Marté, State Committeeman, gave a talk on the proposed 45 story prison construction at 124 White Street.  He brought a model of the prison and emphasized that Chinatown already has three jails, and more jail beds than any other borough outside of Rikers.  The community feels it is being taken advantage of, and the Community Board voted no.  Neighbors United Below Canal Street is an organization leading the fight against the project.

Committee Reports

Nat Johnson, Chair of the Environmental Committee, opened with a discussion of the NYC Council Resolution 0864A-2019, which declares a climate emergency and calls for immediate mobilization for restoring a safe climate.  He proposed sending a letter to the sponsors expressing gratitude and support; the letter passed unanimously with 26 in favor. 

Also, Nat reported that the committee met last month with Brad Hoylman and Deborah Glick and expressed concerns about three issues: 

  • the Williams Natural Gas Pipeline, previously stopped by the Governor, which needs to be stopped permanently; 
  • the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which passed but failed to include labor provisions; 
  • HR 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019, which pretends to be climate positive but subverts the process of climate change.

Additionally, Anne Heaney and Nat met with Grace Lee of Children First, which is fighting to clean up a toxic waste site at the Seaport.  Grace would like to speak at VID in September or October.

David gave the report for the Out-of-District Campaign Committee.  In a nutshell, Dustin Reidy and Grace Park won, Tiffany Caban’s election is in a recount, and he reminded us about the Andy Kim event.

Cameron Krause spoke for the Gun Reform Committee. They’re working on a Gun Reform forum for next year.

July 2019 Meeting_Campaign CommitteeTony Hoffmann reported for the Campaign Committee along with Erik Bottcher.  The Presidential Primary will be at the end of April, and petitioning starts December 31.  There will be a forum downtown with the downtown clubs.  There was a discussion about the calendar and when to endorse.  Anne Heaney emphasized the need for a climate discussion.  The state elections are in June, with petitioning beginning in February; VID will hold an endorsement meeting in January.  The Judicial Convention is August 12 and the County Committee will meet in October.

David reported for the Animal Advocacy Committee, with the latest on the declaw bill, the fur bill, banning foie gras and pigeon kidnapping.  

New Business

Jon Verbalis again emphasized a need to enforce the laws and rules currently not being enforced by city agencies.

David said he was waiting to hear from the Christopher Street Pier for the VID picnic.

Katharine Wolpe mentioned the Elissa Stein Guest Editorial in the Villager, which prompted a discussion about the Gay Marches.

Alec Pruchnicki announced an October 6 Healthcare Forum on the NYC Healthcare Act, to be hosted by Richard Gottfried and Gustavo Rivera.  He will get the details out to the membership.

April 11 General Meeting

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April 11 General Meeting_Williams

Jan 6, 2019 at the LGBT Center, Public Advocate Candidates Forum – Jumaane Williams

The April 11 General Meeting Celebrated a Birthday, Two Unapposed District Leader Nominations and an Endorsement for Jumaane Williams

The April 11th General Meeting also welcomed State Legislators Brad Hoylman and Deborah Glick and heard updates from seven committees.

FULL MEETING MINUTES

The meeting opened with President David Siffert blowing out the candles on his vegan birthday cupcake–Happy Birthday, Dave!   Then the agenda was unanimously adopted.

State Legislation

Assemblymember Deborah Glick gave a speech on the passage of legislation in the Assembly, including the plastic bag ban, and a panel to determine the details on congestion pricing, with funds going to the MTA.  Funding for electronic pollbooks passed, and funding for early voting sites, mostly upstate.  Most importantly, some significant criminal justice reform was passed, including measures to ensure speedy trials and bail reform.  Unfortunately, the pied-a-terre tax did not pass, but the millionaire tax was extended, and a mansion tax, with funds going to the MTA.  The MTA made a commitment to 50 new accessible stations to be built over the next ten years.

State Senator Brad Hoylman appeared to speak on the budget.  He opened by saying he was happy to be back at VID.  Hoylman said the outcome was better than last year’s:  a $100M program for nurse-family partnerships, services for homeless youth and LGBT organizations like the Center and GMHC, and transgender legal defense and education funds.  The Senator was disappointed with the lack of improvement in the public financing of elections.

Criminal justice reforms in discovery, bail reform and speedy trial guarantees are areas of improvement.  Sen. Hoylman spoke of subway funding and the lack of a pied-a-terre tax.  On a happier note He spoke of a process bill, with Liz Krueger chairing the Finance Committee.

On Trump’s taxes–he introduced legislation to authorize the NY State Tax Department to provide the tax returns as soon as requested.  A spirited discussion ensued when he spoke about the measles epidemic.

In his President’s Report, David mentioned that Jen and the County Committee candidates were running unopposed and had the required signatures.

Committee Reports

Sara Kimbell of the Gala Committee reported they were in the final planning stages, with Honorees being Corey Johnson, TrueBlueNY and noIDCNY, and longtime member Frieda Bradlow.  The event will be held at Tio Pepe and Sing Out Louise will perform.

Nat Johnson of the Environmental Committee announced the next meeting on April 24 at Frieda’s house, with issues to be discussed for the next year.  Anne Heaney announced a rally on April 18 to oppose the Williams Pipeline, an entirely unneeded project.  There was a discussion about the bag fee.

The Gun Reform Committee, with Sara and Deb Sherman, started their report by quoting statistics–last year there were 772 gun-related deaths in New York State.  In the nation, 100 people a day die, with 262 schoolchildren killed.  Comptroller Tom DiNapoli agreed that NY State will divest from companies that invest in guns.  He sent letters to Wells Fargo and the credit card companies explaining the risks in investing in guns.  Six anti-gun bills were not signed by the Governor, making it important to pass ERPO in more states in order to pressure him.  The next general meeting will have a speaker from Gillibrand’s office on gun issues.

Tony Hoffmann of the Campaign Committee congratulated everyone on their petitioning efforts.  The club got 1600 signatures, which is fabulous.  He especially commended Ed Yutkowitz and Jen.  There was a discussion about this year’s primaries.  Jen thanked everyone for carrying her name on petitions and announced her engagement to Cameron Krause!

Mar Fitzgerald, of the Education Committee, said she had created an agenda and will notify members about a venue.  She discussed dyslexia, asserting that it’s a social justice issue, where many children who have it are labeled disruptive.  She outlined some future events regarding schools.

David Siffert spoke for the Animal Advocacy Committee, saying that Linda Jacobson had provided lots of information regarding neutering and spaying.  Fur and foie gras are issues coming up.

David Siffert made the report for the Out-of-District Campaign Committee, as Laurie Hardjowirogo was not present.  Two candidates being considered were Jahana Hayes and Dustin Reidy.  Sara made a list of possible candidates and spoke briefly.

District Leaders

District Leader Keen Berger opened her report saying she was happy the club got many signatures on the petitions and that Jen (Hoppe) will be the next DL.  A presentation on dyslexia was made to CB2, and the Community Board will pass a resolution.  

Arthur Schwartz, male DL, was next, announcing that even though he was not endorsed by the club he had carried petitions for Jen, Jumaane, and about a dozen County Committee candidates.  The lawsuit against the closure of Beth Israel Hospital prevailed, with the hospital to file a new plan in June.  They have already closed their maternity, cardiac, and neo-natal departments.  He will be in court Thursday, and there will be a Town Hall sometime in May.  The coalition is currently working with Harvey Epstein.

Someone is trying to stop the Halloween parade, and Arthur will be representing the parade.  He’s working for Bernie, and expecting to petition next year in the Presidential primary–delegates must petition also.  Arthur will also get involved in Trader Joe’s stopping its delivery service.

Public Advocate Endorsement

Jumaane’s Campaign Manager, Trip Yang, gave a history of Jumaane, and outlined issues for the Public Advocate like affordable housing and providing a constituent services desk–he’s currently hiring more people.  There was a discussion about the SHSAT test and the problem of providing more diversity.

An election was held on whether to endorse Jumaane for the next Public Advocate term, and he won the club’s endorsement, 30 to 2.

New Business

Marlene Nadle distributed a flyer urging the members to take a strong stand against Trader Joe’s decision to no longer deliver groceries, which will negatively impact seniors and the disabled.  She urged members to write the CEO Dan Bane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Trader Joe’s Company, 800 South Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia, Ca. 91016.  Call 626 529-4629, or go their web site, traderjoes.com.  Through the help of VID member Erik Bottcher, Corey Johnson has sent a protest letter to the CEO, and the Villager has written about it, but more is needed.

Sharon Woolums mentioned her new article on the SBJSA in the latest Villager.