The September Meeting Covered Many Topics…
The audience at the Judicial Forum held at Judson Church, Sept 20
September was a busy month: leafleting, poll watching, campaigning, judicial candidate selections, forums, vigils, the Judicial Delegates Convention and more. Following is a brief summary of the General Membership Meeting with a link to the full minutes.
- Tim Wu will be working for the NYS Attorney General, specializing in technology.
- The Executive Committee had voted to donate $225 to the Cooper Square Committee for an ad in their journal, it was approved by the Membership.
- Terri Cude and Dennis Gault won by a large margin, and
- All six of our judicial delegates won.
- VID will be working with Food and Water Watch regarding regarding the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in raising livestock and its role in causing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. VID has already passed a resolution on the topic.
- Keen Berger began the District Leader Report by speaking on the battle over the Elizabeth Street Garden. She also brought up two races, those of Donna Edwards and Sheldon Whitehouse, whom she thought were worthy candidates.
There was a presentation on the Lenox Hill Emergency Center, made by Alex Hellinger, Executive Director and Wayne Kawadler, Director of Community Relations. They brought out many points like the number of patients treated (24, 996), the speed and quality of care involving the very latest high tech equipment, and the impact on the community. It is important to note that they are not an urgent care center and should only be used in critical cases except for traumatic heart problems or blocked airways.
- After the presentation Tony Hoffmann discussed the Candles for Clemency vigil to be held Saturday the 26th. The emphasis will be on clemencies for longtime, elderly prisoners who are rehabilitated and need to go home before death. See coverage here.
- Eric Coler reported on his Young Voter Outreach project, held in Union Square and Washington Square Parks. He has some more strategies for reaching prospective voters, reaching out to political groups in colleges and supermarkets. He plans his next event for the VID Street Fair on October 3.
- Nadine introduced a resolution in support of A617, requiring the labeling of GMO foods in New York, to be addressed to Senators Schumer and Gillebrand. This was unanimously approved.
- Marti Speranza was recognized for her work in organizing ten local clubs to participate in a Presidential Forum, to feature representatives from each campaign and to be held November 1 at the School of Visual Arts Theater.
- Nadine will be working with Kate Linker on a resolution in support of Letitia James initiative to divest from Walmart, Dick’s and other large gun sellers.
- Sharon Woolums announced another Small Business Forum to be held September 30 in the Bronx.
- Bruce Farrands and two other representatives from UFCW Local 1500 made a presentation on Mrs. Green’s new store in the Village. He had participated in a previous battle at a Mrs. Green’s upstate, where when employees tried to organize they were fired. There was general agreement that local electeds should be notified and involved. Barbara Ruether volunteered to write a letter to this effect.See the Full Meeting Minutes Here