100PercentBronx

2012-02-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

NYC COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU PUTS FORWARD NEW INITIATIVES FOR CUTTING WASTE, SPURRING INVESTMENT

City Comptroller John C. Liu today offered fresh ideas for cutting waste, spurring investment to ensure sustainable growth, and doing more to enhance the economic security of all New Yorkers – in a State of the City address delivered at the City College of New York.

In addition to highlighting the nearly $1 billion in savings his office has identified over the past two years, Comptroller Liu outlined proposals and put forth an ambitious plan to battle unemployment, increase oversight of City finances, assist small business, and create a more level playing field for all New Yorkers.

Among the proposals:
• Taking advantage of low interest rates to accelerate capital
construction projects, helping stimulate the economy and create 15,000
jobs.
• Working with telecommunications companies to offer low-cost internet access to more New Yorkers.
• Increasing the New York City Pension Funds’ economically-targeted investments by $1 billion, thereby putting money back into the local economy while at the same time generating solid returns.
• Enhancing the retirement security of New Yorkers in the private sector by having the same staff that manages the City’s pension system oversee a fund for private workers, leveraging their investment expertise and economies of scale.
• Slashing personal income taxes for 99 percent of New York City filers – joint filers with incomes below $500,000 – while nominally raising taxes on top earners.
• Establishment of a new government subcontracting system to finally track and monitor the billions of dollars spent on subcontractors each year.
• Introduction of Checkbook 2.0, the newest version of the Comptroller’s best-in-class website that gives the public the ability to see each agency’s budget, revenue, and contracts.
• A new 212-NO-WASTE hotline for New Yorkers to report waste.

2012-02-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

What You Should Know by Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz

Senator Dean Skelos should create a Senate Committee to investigate Senator Mark Grisanti.

There are too many versions of what happened the night of February 10, 2012 in the Seneca Niagara Casino. It is being reported that Senator Mark Grisanti was involved in an altercation that resulted in his wife being injured.

There is another story floating around where many people are claiming that Senator Grisanti threw the first punch and that he hit a woman. If this is so, these are very serious accusations.

I completely disagree with Senator Dean Skelos when he said “I believed Mark Grisanti when he said he was attacked. His wife was attacked. She was knocked down on the floor. They beat her head against the floor. She has a concussion. She has bruises, and I think that was an indication that she was attacked.”

I wish that Senator Skelos and the members of the Senate would have taken Hiram Monserrate and his girl friend Carla at their word and believed them, the same way they are believing Mark Grisanti.

You should know that during the Hiram Monserrate incident there were no witnesses present except Monserrate and his girlfriend Carla. Both of them testified under oath that it was an accident, but Senator Skelos and the members of the Senate did not believe them. They formed their own opinion and decided that they knew better and expelled Senator Monserrate from the Senate.

Today, my dear reader, you should also know that contrary to Monserrate’s case, in Grisanti’s situation there are many other witnesses that testified against Grisanti’s version. Yet Senator Skelos does not believe those witnesses who were not only present, but saw and heard every detail of the incident. Senator Skelos already has decided to believe Senator Grisanti’s account.

You should know, and I want to make it very clear, that I am not saying that Senator Grisanti is wrong or that he is right. I was not there. I am merely stating that justice has to be equal. If the Senate created a special committee to investigate Senator Hiram Monserrate, even when the only two witnesses said that it was an accident, why not create a committee to investigate Senator Mark Grisanti, when there are many witnesses and many different stories?

Justice is supposed to be blind, colorless, racially-less, culturally-less, and conveniently-less.

You should also know that it was the Democratic controlled Senate that created a commission to investigate one of their own (Senator Monserrate), regardless of the consequences to their own majority and party affiliations.

I am Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

2012-02-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program

Presents

CONNECTIONS

Building Positive Relationships

Between our youth and NYPD

Richard R. Green Middle School

3710 Barnes Ave

Bronx NY 10467

Monday, February 27, 2012

6pm

Interact with our officers

Get the information that will save lives!!!

Share your concerns

BE THERE!!!

For more information contact

Bronx Youth Empowerment Program

718-515-0822

bronxyep@gmail.com

The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program

Salutes Black History Month!

2012-02-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Accepts Invitation to Rally for Traditional Marriage in Trenton

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Accepts Invitation to Rally for Traditional Marriage in Trenton

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) and fellow Ministers from the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization have accepted an invitation to travel to the New Jersey State Legislature in Trenton to join New Jersey ministers in support of Traditional Marriage. The Pentecostal ministers will depart from the Bronx on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 9AM from the Christian Community Neighborhood Church located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue (between Jennings and Freeman Avenues).

Senator Rev. Diaz stated: “I am honored that Rev. Jose C. Lopez, the President of the Evangelical Pastors Association of Hudson County, has invited me and my ministers to join him along with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, to once again unite in prayer for the protection of the traditional family.”

Also From Senator Diaz The Following-

Senator Reverend Diaz Urges Decision on Congressional Lines

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has issued the following statement:

“They seem to be playing games about where New York’s Congressional lines should be drawn. When those lines are finally drawn, the opportunity will be open for many people to consider running for Congress. I wish they would hurry up and appoint a federal judge to draw New York’s Congressional lines because as soon as they do, many people like myself will make up their mind to run for Congress or not.”

According to the census, the Bronx has gained population and I as well as many others are on the waiting list to decide what our options are. A new congressional seat in the Bronx will give many of us an opportunity to consider moving up.

2012-02-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

COMPTROLLER LIU"s STATEMENT ON EDC’S $100 MILLION SUBSIDY TO FRESH DIRECT

“Today’s $100 million subsidy to Fresh Direct was already a done deal from the moment it was announced last week and the reality is that my vote today does not change the outcome. Nonetheless, I cannot vote for this subsidy in good conscience. There may be more ways to ensure a better return on this investment.

“For the cost of this benefits package the city could give 4,385 students full, four-year scholarships to CUNY or hire 1,458 new teachers or pay for 350,000 GED test-prep programs or launch a micro-lending program for minority and women entrepreneurs.

“The EDC has not clearly justified why this much money should be used to subsidize this company. This subsidy seems to give away too much in exchange for the jobs and economic development it promises, despite the rosy numbers provided by the EDC.

“A few months ago, the EDC attracted a world-class university by promising $100 million in capital for a project that by their own estimate will generate 30,000 jobs. Now the EDC is giving close to $100 million to create 962 jobs. The cost to the City is $93,000 for each new job.

“Fresh Direct does appear to have support from elected officials, labor leaders, and the workers and we understand and concur with the sentiment that to keep jobs in New York City and create jobs in the Bronx are high-priority objectives.

“This agreement comes on the heels of the city’s decision to have taxpayers fund the estimated $180 million Ferry Point golf course. That the Fresh Direct deal was announced before the public even had a chance to comment is symptomatic of this badly flawed process.”

2012-02-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Elected Officials And Locals Will Gather At Transit Town Hall In The Bronx

Assembly Member Marcos Crespo Sponsors Forum With Transit Advocates & Riders

Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

WHAT         A community forum on public transportation.

WHEN         February 16, 2012, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

WHERE       Bronx River Community Center
                   1619 East 174th Street
                   Bronx, NY

WHO          Assembly Member Marcos Crespo
                   Assembly Member Carmen E. Arroyo
                   Assembly Member Jose Rivera
                   Assembly Member Vanessa L. Gibson
                   Assembly Member Nelson Castro
                   Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo
                   Picture The Homeless
                   Youth Ministries For Peace And Justice

Transportation Alternatives & Local transit riders

WHY To discuss the challenges facing transit riders in an
underfunded system and to identify solutions.

Background
This forum will be an opportunity for transit riders to talk with elected officials and community leaders about solutions for improving their quality of life through reliable, affordable and efficient transit.

In the Bronx River/Soundview area, 63 percent of local residents use public transit. More than 43,000 daily riders start their commutes at the eight subway stations in the neighborhood, and these numbers don’t include the tens of thousands of riders who rely on local and express bus service.

2012-02-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

JASA Annual Event

2012-02-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, BOEDC & FRESHDIRECT REACH AGREEMENT ON NEW FACILITY

Today, in advance of a vote at the Industrial Development Agency on FreshDirect’s proposed relocation to the Harlem River Yards in the Bronx, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and FreshDirect have reached an agreement on best practices to address a number of the concerns that have been raised since FreshDirect’s proposed relocation was made public.

The “memorandum of understanding” includes agreements between the three parties on local hiring, vendor referrals, expanding FreshDirect’s services to new Bronx neighborhoods, accepting EBT benefits, and decreasing the company’s reliance on fossil fuels through the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.

“I am very excited that FreshDirect will make the Bronx its new home, and that we have come to an agreement with the company that will ensure their commitment to the Bronx for decades to come. FreshDirect’s decision to stay in New York City, right here in the Bronx, is a win-win for everyone. FreshDirect is a real home-grown success that will now continue to grow, creating almost a thousand new jobs in our borough, which is not only a victory for the Bronx but also the entire City,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“We welcome FreshDirect to the Bronx and know that our collaboration will result in a rich environment for them, our residents and the other Bronx businesses that are anxious to provide their growing customer base with additional products made in our Borough,” said Marlene Cintron, president, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“We're thrilled by the opportunity to be a part of the Bronx community. We have historically created a large amount of new jobs and look forward to creating many more hand-in-hand with our new neighbors. Also, we take seriously our shared responsibility to the environment,” said Jason Ackerman, CEO of FreshDirect.

In addition to the MOU, Borough President Diaz’s office has also created a new Facebook group, “Bronxites for FreshDirect,” designed to illustrate to the company just how many Bronx residents are willing to not only use their service, but have the technical capabilities to do so.

“A critique of FreshDirect has been the company’s unwillingness to deliver to most areas of the Bronx. Through this Facebook page, we are prepared to show FreshDirect that Bronx residents are ready to use their service, if it is offered to them,” said Borough President Diaz.

That page can be found at facebook.com/BronxitesForFreshDirect.

2012-02-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU APPOINTS RICARDO MORALES AS FIRST DEPUTY COMPTROLLER

- Promotes Valerie Budzik to Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel -

City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced the appointments of Ricardo Elias Morales to the position of First Deputy Comptroller and Valerie Budzik to the title of Deputy Comptroller / General Counsel. Morales will be replacing current First Deputy Eric Eve as he departs the office to join strategic global communications firm RLM Finsbury as Partner, while Budzik assumes the role currently held by Morales.

Morales and Budzik will begin their new responsibilities immediately. First Deputy Comptroller Eve will depart the office effective February 24th, and will work with Morales closely to ensure a seamless transition.

“Ricardo and Eric have been key advisors and close confidants, and they have opined on nearly every decision we have made over these past two years,” Comptroller Liu said. “I wish Eric the best and thank him for his countless hours of work as the chief of my leadership team and look forward to seeing the great things that Ricardo will bring to the table as he assumes this new role.”

“I look forward to using my expanded role and experience in government to build upon the significant achievements of Comptroller Liu’s administration,” Morales said. “I am deeply honored to have Comptroller Liu’s continued trust and confidence, and am proud to undertake this new role.”

Prior to joining Comptroller Liu’s administration, Ricardo Morales served as General Counsel and Interim Chairman to the New York City Housing Authority, the largest public housing authority in North
America with a $3.2 billion annual budget and 11,600 employees. At NYCHA, Morales was the principal architect of the NYCHA Audit Committee and was selected to receive the Ethics in Government Award by the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board for establishing a model ethics program.

Morales holds a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and received his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College. He and his wife reside in the Bronx.

“Ricardo has served as a linchpin of my administration since I first took office and continues to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and keen guidance,” Comptroller Liu said. “His new role will further leverage his deep knowledge of City government and enable our office to deliver on the commitment I made to City residents early on: to expand opportunity, increase transparency and root out waste, fraud and abuse.”

In elevating Valerie Budzik to Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Liu said “Valerie has been integral to the smooth and efficient functioning of this office. I know she will continue to perform at the very highest levels and move our vigorous agenda forward.” Ms. Budzik holds a J.D degree from Fordham Law School and received her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. She and her family reside in Brooklyn.

Background:
As Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Morales currently oversees the Bureaus of Legal Affairs, Law and Adjustment and Labor Law. In this capacity he also serves as advisor to the Comptroller on all legal matters that impact the mission and operations of the Comptroller’s office. In the Comptroller’s role as investment advisor to the City Pension Funds, Morales provides legal advice and support on issues such as proxy solicitation matters, shareholder initiatives and securities litigation. In addition, Morales works with Bureau of Contracts to ensure city agencies are in legal compliance for contract registration, the Bureau of Public Finance in structuring and negotiating bond sales, as well as the Bureau of Audit to review any legal issues or findings that may emerge as a result of ongoing audits. Ms. Budzik will now assume these responsibilities.

As First Deputy Comptroller, Morales will now be responsible for managing a staff of more than 700 employees and an operating budget of $74 million.

In addition to overseeing the day to day to operations of the Comptroller’s office, he will supervise the City’s audits of municipal agencies, its settlement of claims, accounting procedures and contracts, and its enforcement of prevailing wage laws. He will also act as the agency’s Chief Procurement Officer.

2012-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

State of the Borough Address - Thursday , February 23, 2012 - 11:30am -

Please join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for the 2012

State of the Borough Address on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:30am at

Harry S Truman High School.

RSVP to sotb@bronxbp.nyc.gov or 718-590-6116

2012-02-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32^nd Senatorial District Bronx County, New York

It is a never-ending story. All we need to do is open a newspaper to find that bad news is being reported everywhere. Here are some highlights from the past two weeks:

In the Bronx, a defenseless 18 year-old man, Ramarely Graham was fatally shot by a New York City Police Officer. Mr. Graham was cornered in his bathroom in his own home. You should know, dear reader, that Mr. Graham’s case is regrettably similar to the case of Amadou Diallo, another unarmed Bronx resident who was shot and killed by four NYPD officers thirteen years ago. And like the fatality of Amadou Diallo, elected officials, religious and community leaders, friends and neighbors continue to offer sympathy and support to Mr. Graham’s family. You should know, dear reader, that we also continue to demand justice in our communities.

President Obama has mandated under Health and Human Services regulations that Catholic churches and religious institutions throughout the United States must provide and pay for abortion services, sterilization and birth control devices. You should know that by doing this, the President of the United States is strangling religious liberty by mandating policies that violate some core religious principles.

The Ninth Circuit Court in California has decided to overrule Proposition 8, a ballot measure that added a provision to the California Constitution that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”. You should know that this Ninth Circuit Court panel of unelected judges has decided that they know better than the will of more than half of California’s population.

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expelled churches from worship services in public school buildings when the schools are empty. Naysayers insist that religion has no place in school buildings - even empty ones. You should know that this same Mayor prevented any member of the clergy from participating at the official 10 year Memorial Service of the 911 World Trade Center Terror Attacks.

The Susan B. Komen Foundation – famous for their pink ribbon to support breast cancer awareness - has bowed to the intense political and reflexive media pressure on behalf of Planned Parenthood and reversed their decision and will again contribute money to America’s largest abortion providers. The original reason the Komen Foundation gave to bar funds to Planned Parenthood this year was because their by-laws disallowed funding groups under federal investigation.
You should know that Planned Parenthood is under federal investigation by a Florida Congressman. You should also know that Planned Parenthood refers much of their breast cancer screening requests instead of providing those services themselves.

These are just some of the more publicized injustices from the past two weeks. People often ask me how I cope with all of the chaos that surrounds us. I tell them that as a Christian, I am not afraid. I know that no matter whatever trials and tribulations life presents to any of us, I trust the Lord.

This does not give me nor anyone else the right to sit back and do nothing. We live in a participatory democracy, and we have a responsibility to raise our voices, fight for justice, fight for our religious beliefs and use our right to vote and elect public officials that will represent us.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

2012-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Senator Rivera Hosts Community Meet and Greet with Other Bronx Elected Officials
Assembly Members Gibson, Castro and Stevenson as well as Council Member Joel Rivera will Attend

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) is hosting a community meet and greet tomorrow, Saturday, February 10^that 11:00AM, with Assembly Member Vanessa Gibson (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Nelson Castro (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Eric Stevenson (D-Bronx) and Council Member Joel Rivera (D-Bronx). This meeting is an opportunity for members of the East Tremont, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights and Bathgate areas of the Bronx to meet and talk about concerns and ideas about how to make the Bronx better directly with their local and state representatives.

WHO: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Member Vanessa Gibson, Assembly Member Eric Stevenson, Assembly Member Nelson Castro and Council Member Joel Rivera

WHAT: Community Meet and Greet with representatives from the East Tremont, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights and Bathgate areas of the Bronx

WHERE: St. Simon Stock Church, 2195 Valentine Avenue, Bronx, NY

WHEN: Saturday, February, 10^th from 11:00AM – 1:00PM

*Refreshments and snacks will be served.

2012-02-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

LIU, PENSION FUNDS DEMAND TECH GIANTS HOLD SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBLE

LIU, PENSION FUNDS DEMAND TECH GIANTS HOLD SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBLE
Unprecedented shareholder proposal has already increased transparency of global suppliers to consumer products from iPhones to Xboxes
******************************

Comptroller John C. Liu and the New York City Pension Funds called on Dell, Intel, and Motorola to follow the example set by other tech giants who have adopted their shareholder effort to increase their suppliers’ compliance with internationally-recognized standards of human and worker rights. Apple, Hewlett Packard, and Microsoft all recently adopted new policies after discussions with the Comptroller’s office and the Pension Funds.

Reports last year of a rash of suicides at Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a major supplier to Apple and other companies, focused the Comptroller’s attention on technology companies in which the Pension Funds are invested. The technology firms that rely on Foxconn and other global suppliers have increasingly been made aware that responsible business practices are
vital to their future success. Although some companies have internal “codes of conduct” for their suppliers, it is clear that this is not sufficient and has not curbed abuses.

“Violations of human and workers’ rights, even if by their suppliers, pose operational and reputational risks that these companies cannot ignore,” Comptroller Liu said. “As long term investors we must be concerned about financial risk as well as alignment with basic values. We have a responsibility to ensure that the profits and products that result from free trade are not created by the exploitation of workers in sweat shops, child labor, indentured slavery or other violations of human rights.”

The Comptroller’s office has engaged in a dialogue with many of the companies starting late last year when it began submitting the proposal to them. The proposal was subsequently withdrawn from Apple, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft after they agreed to launch new programs under which key portions of their supply chain would begin publishing annual sustainability reports.

The proposal will be subject to a shareholder vote at the annual meetings of Dell, Intel, and Motorola this spring if those companies do not agree to adopt the request. The Comptroller’s office expects to file the proposal at additional companies in the coming months.

“Microsoft, Apple, and Hewlett Packard have taken concrete steps to uphold international standards of workplace safety and human rights in their supply chains,” Comptroller Liu said. “They have set an example
that we expect other companies will follow as we expand this effort.”

Background
Companies’ supply chains are the area of their operations that are most vulnerable to labor, human rights and environmental abuses, creating both reputational and operating risks. Current best practice is to conduct independent supplier audits, but audits alone have proven insufficient. Therefore, increasing daylight on tech
suppliers is not only a global moral imperative but the basis of sound
business.

The proposal calls on the companies to have their suppliers track workplace safety and human and worker rights based on international standards. The suppliers should then publish their findings in independently verifiable reports. The proposal asked that the companies use the internationally recognized Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Companies That Have Adopted Shareholder Proposal
Apple
As a result of extended discussions with the Comptroller’s office, Apple agreed to increase the transparency of its suppliers on December 19. This year Apple will require 90% of the companies it hires for final assembly of its products to publish annual sustainability reports based on the internationally recognized standards set out by the GRI. The reports will describe the suppliers’ ability to comply with international standards of human and workers’ rights. As a result of Apple’s changes, the shareholder proposal was withdrawn.

Hewlett Packard
On November 14, Hewlett Packard agreed to “encourage” its suppliers to demonstrate “continual improvement” by publishing annual sustainability reports based on GRI standards. HP stated that it would show preference to suppliers that “meet or exceed” its expectations. As a result the shareholder proposal was withdrawn.

Microsoft
Following discussions with the Comptroller’s office, Microsoft announced on October 13, 2011 that it would require its key hardware suppliers — including all suppliers for the Xbox — to prepare annual sustainability reports. In addition, starting in 2013, Microsoft will require a cross section of its suppliers to provide reports on their adherence to the requirements listed in the existing Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct. The code of conduct sets standards for legal compliance, business ethics, labor and human rights standards, environmental protection, and respect for intellectual property. As a result, the Pension Funds withdrew the shareholder proposal.

The New York City Comptroller serves as the investment advisor to, custodian and trustee of the New York City Pension Funds. The New York City Pension Funds are composed of the New York City Employees’
Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System, New York City Police Pension Fund, New York City Fire Department Pension Fund and the Board of Education Retirement System. The New York City Pension Funds as of 2/6/2012 held a combined 46,272,577 shares at the six firms valued at $2,299,946,740.50, which includes 2,326,561 shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) valued at $1,079,454,507; 5,019,990 shares of Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) valued at $88,602,823.50; 5,034,585 shares of Hewlett Packard (NYSE: HPQ) valued at $144,794,664.60; 13,891,735 shares of Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) valued at $371,187,159.20; 19,277,496 shares of Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT) valued at $582,180,379.20; and 722,210 shares of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) valued at $33,727,207.00.

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TEXT IN FULL OF THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL:

Encourage Supplier(s) to Publish an Annual Sustainability Report

WHEREAS, increasingly, multinational companies are realizing that their suppliers’ impacts and sustainability are inextricably intertwined with their own; and
WHEREAS, the UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study 2010, “A New Era of Sustainability”, found that 93% of surveyed CEOs believe that sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of their
business, and 88% believe that they should be integrating sustainability through their supply chain, where the most significant performance gap is seen; and
WHEREAS, a study by Aaron Bernstein and Christopher Greenwald, “Benchmarking Corporate Policies on Labor and Human Rights in Global Supply Chains,” (Pension and Capital Stewardship Project Labor and Work-Life Program Harvard Law School, Nov. 2009), found a significant gap between general policies against labor and human rights abuse and more detailed standards and enforcement mechanism required to carry them out; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, PUMA, the Sport lifestyle company, in cooperation with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI’s) Global Action Network for Transparency in the Supply Chain, which provides GRI certified training on transparent measurement and reporting to supplier factories, expanded its strategic suppliers sustainability reporting project with commitments from 20 suppliers in South East Asia and
other major sourcing regions that they will issue their own sustainability reports from 2011 on; and
WHEREAS, given the merit of the old adage, “What Gets Measured Gets Done”, the long-term interests of multinational companies and their shareholders would be enhanced if companies were to urge their suppliers to establish performance goals on human and worker rights, and to measure and publicly report on performance using internationally recognized standards and measurement protocols;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: the shareholders request that the Board of Directors, using a phased, tiered approach that the Company deems reasonable and practical, take the necessary steps to help move the
Company’s supplier(s) to begin publishing annual, independently verifiable, sustainability reports. Among other important disclosures, reports should include the suppliers’ objective assessments and measurements of performance on workplace safety, and human and worker rights, using internationally recognized standards,
indicators and measurement protocols. In addition, reports should include incidents of non-compliance, actions taken to remedy those incidents, and measures taken to contribute to long-term prevention and mitigation.
Statement in Support
A company’s best opportunity for early identification and mitigation of the risks posed by the human and labor rights violations of its suppliers is the development and rigorous implementation of a risk-management framework to enable its monitoring and verification of its suppliers’ performance against internationally recognized standards of human and labor rights, using measurable and verifiable indicators of performance. Annual sustainability reporting by its supplier(s) would strengthen the company’s ability to assess its suppliers’ performance, to hold its suppliers accountable, help to drive performance improvements, and enable investors to better understand and assess potential reputational and /or operational risks.

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In addition to Comptroller Liu, the New York City Pension Funds trustees are:

New York City Employees’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio; Borough Presidents: Scott Stringer (Manhattan), Helen Marshall
(Queens), Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn), James Molinaro (Staten Island), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (Bronx); Lillian Roberts, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Samuelsen, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

Teachers’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative; Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, New York City Department of Education; Mayoral appointee Lisete Nieves and Sandra March, Melvyn Aaronson (Chair) and Mona Romain, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Police Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly (Chair); Patrick Lynch, Patrolmen’s
Benevolent Association; Michael Palladino, Detectives Endowment Association; Edward D. Mullins, Sergeants Benevolent Association; Thomas Sullivan, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; and, Roy T. Richter, Captain’s Endowment Association.

New York City Fire Department Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano (Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; Stephen Cassidy, President, James Slevin, Vice President, Robert Straub, Treasurer, and John Kelly, Brooklyn Representative and Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; John Dunne, Captains’ Rep.; James Lemonda, Chiefs’ Rep., and James J. McGowan, Lieutenants’ Rep., Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and, Sean O’Connor, Marine Engineers Association.

Board of Education Retirement System: Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott; Mayoral: Eduardo Marti, Gitte Peng, Jeff Kay; Tino Hernandez, Judy Bergtraum, Freida Foster, Linda Laursell Bryant, and Lisette Nieves; Patrick Sullivan (Manhattan BP), Gbubemi Okotieuro (Brooklyn BP), Dmytro Fedkowskyj (Queens BP), Wilfredo Pagan (Bronx BP) and Diane Peruggia (Staten Island BP); and employee members Joseph D’Amico of the IUOE Local 891 and Milagros Rodriguez of District Council 37, Local 372.

2012-02-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Thursday, February 16, 2012 – 7:00 PM

DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467

Agenda

I Welcome & Remarks of New Chair        Paul Foster, Chair

II Consider, Adopt This Meeting Agenda        CFMC Representatives

III Consider, Adopt 1/12/12 Meeting Minutes    CFMC Representatives

IV Continuation, Further Discussion about Croton Hector Aponte, DPR & CFMC Funded Parks and Costs Representatives

V Construction Update, Schedule & Costs         Bernard Daly, P.E., DEP


VI Explanation of Croton Design Contract        Lauren Competello, P.E., DEP
    Increases & Change Orders

VII Croton Jobs & Bronx Purchases Thomas Farrell, P.E., Construction Manager

VIII CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting CFMC Representatives

IX Adjourn

2012-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Santorum Three for Three Last Night

Last night the states of Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota all held caucuses to determine their Republican choice for President. Mitt Romney the front runner lost all three races to Rick Santorum. We had no prediction in these three races, but if you check our blog archive of January you can find under the title "Gingrich wins South Carolina", that we predicted then and still believe that Rick Santorum will be the Republican candidate to challenge President Obama.

We now believe that Newt Gingrich will drop out of the race sometime soon to endorse Rick Santorum as the choice of the Republican Party for President of the United Stated.

Santorum won Missouri with 55% to Romney at 25+%, with Paul getting 12+%, and 7+% to others. Newt Gingrich was not on the Missouri ballot.

Santorum won Minnesota with 45% to Paul's 27%, with third place finisher Romney at 17%, and Gingrich at 11%.

Santorum Won Colorado with 40% to Romney at 35%, Gingrich at 13%, and Paul at 12%.

2012-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

GOVERNOR CUOMO, MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ANNOUNCE FRESHDIRECT TO OPEN NEW HEADQUARTERS IN THE BRONX CREATING NEARLY 1,000 NEW JOBS

Company to invest $112 million to build a state-of-the-art facility at the Harlem River Yards that will employ nearly 3,000 workers and serve as its center of regional

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., today announced that FreshDirect, a leading fresh food internet grocer, will invest $112.6 million to build its new headquarters and operations center at Harlem River Yards, retaining nearly 2,000 existing jobs and creating almost 1,000 new jobs. The construction of the new facility will also result in the creation of approximately 684 construction jobs in the City.

“FreshDirect is a home-grown success that will now continue to grow and create jobs in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Creating almost a thousand new jobs is a real victory for the Bronx and a clear sign that leading New York companies see this state as the place to start, stay and strengthen their businesses.”

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, “Making sure that companies like FreshDirect can grow and invest in New York City is a key part of our strategy to rebuild and diversify our economy. A thousand new jobs at the Harlem River Yards is great news for the Bronx and a welcome boost to our City’s economy.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “I welcome FreshDirect to the Bronx with open arms. This iconic company will not only stay in New York where it belongs thanks to this deal, they will bring 1,000 new jobs with them to our borough. More and more companies are discovering that the Bronx is a great place to do business, and FreshDirect’s move to our borough is a major positive step forward for our economy.”

FreshDirect Chief Executive Officer Jason Ackerman said, “From day one, New York has been our home, and we are grateful for the support of Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg in making New York a place FreshDirect wants to stay and grow in, and for Bronx Borough President Diaz welcoming us. With significant growth in our customer base, we need to expand our operations. A new state-of-the-art facility at the Harlem River Yard in the Bronx would allow us to operate more efficiently, maintain our relationships with NYS vendors, local farmers and purveyors and continue our long track record of growth and job creation in New York.”

FreshDirect, founded in 1999 and currently based in Long Island City, New York, purchases produce, meat and dairy from over 60 New York State-based farms and serves a customer base of over 100,000 people with 97 percent of their employees coming from New York State. To meet the needs of its rapidly growing customer base, FreshDirect will invest $112.6 million to construct a state-of-the-art 500,000 square foot facility on a 16 acre parcel at Harlem River Rail Yards in the Bronx. From its new headquarters and operations, the company will dramatically expand its service area to regions surrounding New York City, as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.

To encourage FreshDirect to retain and expand their operations in New York City, a package of state and city incentives valued at over $100 million is being provided to augment the company’s private investment including:

New York State:

· $18.9 million in Excelsior tax credits (ESD)
· $9 million capital grant (ESD)
· $4 million in energy grants and incentives (NYPA/NYSERDA)
· $1 million loan (ESD)
· Up to $1 million in vouchers for the purchase of electric vehicles (NYSERDA)

New York City:

· Approximately $74 million in sales tax exemptions, mortgage recording tax deferral, and real estate tax exemption spending approval (NYCIDA)
· $9.5 million to acquire assets to be used at the new facility at Harlem River Rail Yards pending approval (NYCIDA)
· $4.9 million in energy benefits (NYCEDC)
· $1 million loan (NYCEDC)

Bronx Borough President:

· $1 million capital grant

Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation:

· $3 million loan
· $500,000 capital grant

FreshDirect plans to purchase 10 electric refrigerated electric trucks from Smith Electric Vehicles, and five additional electric refrigeration units that can be placed on existing trucks. Smith Electric is a leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles, which – through a federally-funded program and with assistance provided by New York City and State - recently announced plans to establish a clean technology manufacturing facility in the South Bronx that will create more than 100 new direct jobs.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, a true New York success story is staying in New York. This is another strong signal of how the Governor’s efforts to create a better business environment are paying off in the form of more jobs for New Yorkers."

New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky said, “While New York City is the home to some of the most innovative companies in the world, there are few that have impacted the daily habits of New Yorkers like FreshDirect. Over the next decade, this project will lead to significant investment in the South Bronx, creating thousands of jobs for New Yorkers, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in overall economic activity, and ensuring that this hometown success story is able to continue its tremendous growth right here in the five boroughs where it belongs.”

NYC Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steel said, “FreshDirect’s decision to expand in the Bronx is a strong statement of confidence in New York City's future. Today’s announcement is the latest sign that more and more businesses want to be in New York City.”

Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation President Marlene Cintron said, “FreshDirect's move to the Bronx will bring much needed jobs to the borough, along with additional business opportunities here and across the region for companies of all types. I look forward to working with them to expand the borough’s economy for years to come.”

2012-02-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Klein Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Victims Passes Senate

Important legislation by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), that would protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers passed unanimously today in the State Senate.

The measure, (S.1031B), requires insurance companies to give domestic violence victims the option of registering an alternative address, phone number, or any other contact information needed to receive bills and claims. In many cases, when a victim seeks medical attention, their insurance policy is under their abuser’s name.

“Divulging details of a domestic violence victim’s whereabouts and sending it straight to their abuser’s mailbox is an unacceptable and avoidable recipe for tragedy,” Senator Klein said. “My legislation closes this dangerous loophole and helps these victims escape the cycle of abuse.”

Senator Klein’s bill would prevent claims and bills from being mailed to an abuser's address and instead be mailed directly to the victim. The bill would allow victims to provide an address where they feel safe such as a family member or friend’s home, a post office box or shelter.

The bill is pending in the Assembly.

2012-02-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

HDC, HPD & NYCHA JOIN MACQUESTEN DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERS TO CELEBRATE REV. DR. FLETCHER C. CRAWFORD APARTMENTS

An 84-unit Multi-family Development Opens in the Crotona Park East Neighborhood of the Bronx

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), The NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and NYS Department of Homes & Community Renewal (DHCR) were recently joined by MacQuesten Development and the Union Grove Baptist Church to celebrate the grand opening of the Reverend Dr. Fletcher C. Crawford Apartments, an 84-unit low-income development in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of The Bronx, located at 1468 Hoe Avenue.

The completion of this development is a positive step for quality permanent rental housing for working families in the Bronx," said Rella Fogliano, President of MacQuesten Development, LLC. "During this project, we provided much needed construction jobs and vital skill development to local residents for future employment opportunities.

The Rev. Dr. Fletcher C. Crawford Apartments were created under the Bloomberg Administration’s New Housing Marketplace Plan. The plan, launched by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003, is a multibillion dollar initiative to finance 165,000 units of affordable housing for half a million New Yorkers by the close of the 2014 fiscal year.

The development is an 82,891 square-foot, eight-story masonry elevator building, constructed on formerly City-owned land that was conveyed by NYCHA to the developer. The building includes seven studio units, 29 one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedroom units, seven three-bedroom units and one superintendent unit. Seven of the apartments have been set aside for people with impaired mobility, hearing and vision. Additionally, 20% of the units were set aside for formerly homeless households. Another 25% of the units have been reserved for households referred to by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) from its waitlist. The 84 units are affordable to tenants who earn less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) or what is equivalent to not more than$46,080 (for a family of four).

You can call Cornell Pace at 914-380-8220 for more information.

This came to us from from MacQuesten Development.

2012-02-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

What You Should Know by Senator Ruben Diaz
32nd Senatorial District Bronx County, New York

The government is cutting social services for the poor, to the elderly they are reducing their meals and closing their senior centers, they are cutting our children’s education and turning their backs on the needy… all of this to balance the state’s budget.

My dear reader, you should know that all these aberrations are happening to the poor in our communities and the governor continues to cut their services. At the same time there are certain institutions that receive billions of dollars at the expense of the suffering poor.

Our hospitals and medical centers receive billions of dollars of public funds through Medicaid and Medicare in order to improve the health of the poor and the needy throughout the State. They pay the CEOs of these hospitals an exorbitant amount of money, while at the same time they cut important programs and offer terrible services to the poor.

You, dear reader, should take a little walk around the emergency room, that is if you have not done so already, and you should ask the patients the following questions: how long have you been waiting here? Do you think the hospital is clean? What do you think about the services that are being provided? And above all else, you have to ask them about the treatment they receive from the staff.

Meanwhile these abuses get worse each day and medical centers are more abusive towards the poor population. Medicaid funds, as well as public funds, are paying administrative salaries, in order to supposedly alleviate patients’ pain and suffering. Instead, what they are doing is inflicting pain by providing poor services.

You should know that according to the New York Times, Bronx Lebanon Hospital paid the chief executive an annual salary of 4.8 million dollars in 2007 and 3.6 million in 2008. At New York Presbyterian Hospital, the chief executive was paid 9.8 million dollars in 2007 and 2.8 million dollars in 2008. Mount Sinai Hospital paid its chief executive 2.7 million in 2008 and North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System paid its chief executive 2.4 million dollars in 2008.

These hospitals serve the State’s poor communities and they receive billions of dollars to take care of them. How is it possible to cut service and criticize our people for receiving Medicaid and Medicare, while at the same time they are paying the chief executives these exorbitant salaries?

For example, Bronx Lebanon Hospital mainly serves Hispanics and African-Americans of the South Bronx, who stand in lines and wait all day to be treated; meanwhile the CEOs have tremendous offices with air conditioners, secretaries, and limousine services at their disposal.

My advice for these hospitals and medical centers is that instead of paying huge salaries to these CEOs, they should use the money to hire more nurses, personal care assistants, primary care doctors, and janitors in order to help the patients. Then the patients won’t have to wait so long to be
served and their waiting rooms would look and smell more decent.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

2012-02-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

Do Our State Legislators Know The State Boundaries?
Or: When Did Secaucus New Jersey Become Part Of New York State?

   Here is a resolution to be voted on Tuesday February 7th in both houses of the state legislature. Please note that the state legislators have the name the state of the football team named the Giants who play their home games in the state of New Jersey as a New York team. Is it any wonder why our school children get answers wrong when their elected officials don't even know their own state boundaries.
   New York City School Children must think That the mayor of New York City is Corey Booker, who just happens to be the mayor of Newark, which is in the same state as the Giants. New York State School children must think that the governor of New York is then Chris Christie. I wonder how many school children even know the names of their state assembly member or state senator?
   It was a great win for the New Jersey Giants!

2012-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

Heastie Holds Closed Door Public Meeting
Re: Ramarley Graham Shooting

On Saturday February 4^th local elected officials and the Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson held a closed public meeting at Community Board 12 on White Plains Road one block from the shooting of Ramarley Graham in his home. The meeting was open to the public, but members of the press were bared from the meeting in what Assemblyman Carl Heastie would say later that he did not want to create a media circus. I was able to get in for a brief while to see Assemblyman Heastie, Bronx DA Johnson, and the Bronx Borough Police Commander on the stage set up, with other local elected officials in the front row. Once I was recognized by Assemblyman Heastie, he said that he would end the meeting unless I left. Since I left the meeting willingly I can not tell you what went on inside, only what I was told afterward by Assemblyman Heastie.

After the meeting Assemblyman Heastie came outside to take questions from the reporters that were assembled. I was able to ask DA Johnson how his office is going to handle the case, but he answered that he would not comment about the case leaving after my question. Assemblyman Heastie answered questions by saying that the police were forthcoming with their answers to the questions from the people, there is an investigation by the DA and police Department, and Heastie added that maybe more sensitivity training is needed not going into any details on what the police department might do. Heastie added that there are many concerns by residents that this could happen again in the community.

Assemblyman Carl Heastie with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who is in front of Councilman Larry Seabrook and State Senator Ruth Hassal-Thompson speaking to reporters after the meeting that was held inside of Community Board 12. Also in the picture is Father Richard Gorman, Chairman of Community Board #12 with other Community Board 12 members.

2012-02-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ INVITES YOU....

"State of the Borough Address".

The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr. President, Borough of the Bronx
cordially invites you to
The State of the Borough Address
Thursday, February 23, 2012
11:30 a.m.
Harry S. Truman High School Auditorium
750 Baychester Avenue
The Bronx

RSVP
sotb@bronxbp.nyc.gov or 718-590-3547

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANK

Customer Appreciation Day Feb. 14

NorthEast Community Bank’s Arthur Avenue Branch at 590East 187^th Street (@ Arthur Avenue) will hold its annual customer appreciation day this February 14, Valentine’s Day.

Light refreshments will be served from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come in, have a snack, and chat with their local bankers.

“We’ll have hot drinks and eats for our customers and look forward to speaking with them individually. This gives us a chance to say thank you to our customers and ask what more we can be doing to serve their needs,” said Betty Giordani, Branch Manager.

The website for NorthEast Community Bank which include branch hours is www.necommunitybank.com

2012-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Black History Month Celebration

Celebrating African-American Culture

Black History Month Celebration

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

5:30 pm

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse at East 165th Street

Keynote Speaker

Carolyn Carter-Kennedy

Author of "The Lucille Armstrong Story"

2012 Honorees

Leroy "Archie" Archible

Korean War Veteran & Community Leader

Reverend Frederick Crawford

Pastor Union Grove Baptist Church

Bernel Arthur Richardson

Chairman United Leadership of the Bronx

Hon. Elizabeth Taylor

Justice. Bronx County Supreme Court

Enjoy an evening with

musical entertainment provided by the Karl Browne's Smooth Improvisation Band,

a special performance of the "The Creation" by JASA's Drama Bunch Co-op City Seniors and delicious dishes provided by Chef Paul of Z'Novia

Seating Limited. RSVP required. Please call 718-590-3522

or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

2012-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Police Shooting in the East Bronx

“We have a problem, not just in the Bronx but across the City. In the past week we have seen a well-publicized video documenting apparent police brutality, the attempted murder of a police officer in Brooklyn, and, this afternoon, a young, unarmed man saw his life end by a police officer’s bullet.

“I’ve had enough, on all sides. I cannot and will not tolerate incidents of police misconduct. It is especially disturbing that a young man, who did not have a gun and was in his own home, could see his life end in such a sudden manner at the hands of those charged with his protection. This is especially disturbing given that we are approaching the anniversary of the unfortunate death of Amadou Diallo. A great deal of work has been done since that time to improve police-community relations, and tragic incidents like this have the potential to undo years of good work. A full investigation into this incident must occur, and immediately.

“Our police officers must be better trained to deal with the communities they work in, to better respect the lives of those they are charged with protecting and serving. We can no longer tolerate our young men and women falling victim to excessive violence at the hands of our police, or worse yet, lose their lives unjustly.

“At the same time, Police Officer Kevin Brennan lays in a hospital after a gun-toting thug attempted to take his life. The violence on our streets must come to an end. We must respect the hard work of our police department, those men and women who put their lives on the line to protect law-abiding citizens each and every day, and continue to fight to curb illegal gun violence in our streets. I myself have been harassed by the police. I am also the brother of an NYPD sergeant. I understand both sides of this issue, and I know that something must be done to put an end to this violence,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.