Case 1:15-cr-00093-VEC Document 262-9 Filed 04/20/16 Page 7 of 11
The Honorable Valerie E. Caproni United States District Judge Southern District of New York 40 Foley Square New York, New York 10007 Re: Sheldon Silver Dear Judge Caproni: I am a retired Special Education Teacher of New York City BOE/DOE with 35 years of dedicated service. I served on the Board of Directors of South bridge Towers for 12 years, on Community Board # 1 for 24 years (Chair of the Youth Committee and Member of the Seaport Committee), member of Manhattan Youth, Inc. Board of Directors, Member of the DOH 911 Advisory Committee, along with other community service initiatives. In each of the above capacities I had the pleasure of interacting and service with Sheldon Silver. Most recently, I served on his Overcrowding Task Force. It was responsible for the creation of at least 5 schools in CB#l. I am fully aware of the charges and conviction of same, which Mr. Silver has been found guilty. At the same time I would be remiss not to mention his service to our community. The creation of PS89 /IS289 was accomplished thru coordination of the Battery Park Authority, CB#1 and NYC administration. Mr. Silver's participation was invaluable. After the 911 attacks Mr. Silver also augmented the raising of capital funds for the creation of Millennium HS. His devotion to our families, schools and community has never waivered. Further examples ofCB#1 schools that owe their existence to him are PS 343, PS 276, PS 397 and the annex at PS 234. In know for a fact that parents at the Spruce Street School, PS397, were mortified that the DOE Chancellor intended to eliminate the middle school program. Mr. Silver intervened and the Chancellor relented to the cheers of these families and the community. Grants from his office help to fund Senior Programs at Southbridge Towers. In addition, Hearing test mobile units appear at Southbridge on a regular basis thanks to Mr. Silver. Along with other elected officials, BP BrewerI Assemblymember Glick/Senator Squadron/Councilmember Chin, Mr. Silver is responsible for the South Street Seaport Museum continued existence. Indeed, all involved are key to the withdrawal of a proposed tower in the South Street Seaport by Howard Hughes Corp strongly opposed by community and New York historic organizations. Indeed, I could go on and on citing his work, generosity, humanity and concern for our community. I understand the seriousness of the conviction. I ask you to weigh all he has done in the consideration of sent~ncing. I ask you to render as lenient a verdict as possible in consideration of his years of service that have resulted in immeasurable good. Respectfully subm 路 Paul Hovitz