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Volume XXI • Number 33 • August 14 - 20, 2014 •
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Charges fly in battle for Senate seat Charges and counter-charges are flying in the heated primary battle for the Democratic nomination to represent the 34th District in the New York State Senate. The Riverdale Review has learned that in March, 2007, an email soliciting campaign funds was sent to officers and directors of non-profit organizations on behalf of then-Councilman G. Oliver Koppell. The letter was signed by Mr. Koppell’s wife, Lorraine Coyle Koppell, and was clearly directed at those organizations that received “member item” funds from the city at the behest of Mr. Koppell. The letter was emailed from an address associated with Ms. Coyle’s law office. While the letter did not directly threaten the loss of such funding in the future to groups whose leadership did not support Mr. Koppell, such a threat could easily be construed by the tone of the letter and its context. It was emailed on March, 14, 2007, urging the recipient to buy tickets for a fundraiser to celebrate what was then 30 years of “public service.” “On Sunday, Oliver will be celebrating 30 years of public service. We are hoping that those people and organizations for whom Oliver has been so helpful will join us to celebrate this terrific day. “Since we haven’t heard from you or members of your board – we hope you will be attending. “Just a reminder – the party is on this Sunday, March 18 from 4-6 p.m. at the home of Dr. Jonathan and Alexandra Zizmor… “A sponsor is $500; Friend is $250; Supporter is $100 and Guest is $50. “Please send me an email or call me … to let me know how
many people we may expect.” It was not clear what election race for public office Mr. Koppell was raising funds for, since at the time it was expected that he would be barred from seeking reelection in 2009 due to term limits twice approved by city voters in a referendum. In 2009, Mayor Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mr. Koppell spearheaded the drive to overturn term limits through the passage of as bill in the City Council, but this was not yet anticipated as Mr. Koppell was raising funds two years earlier. Klein’s spokesperson, Candice Giove noted “this type of quid pro quo activity by an elected official’s wife is exactly the reason we passed sweeping ethics reforms this session. Ms. Coyle-Koppell’s actions prove that we need to continue the fight for tighter campaign finance reforms.” Meanwhile, in a letter to Tracy McCabe Shelton, Executive Director of the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation (KRVC), former Council Member Oliver Koppell said that he is “greatly disturbed” at the “use of the development corporation as a promotion and publicity vehicle for the re-election campaign of State Senator Jeffrey Klein.” Founded in 1981 by then Assembly Member Koppell, KRVC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was originally incorporated to support and encourage commercial development and community improvements. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the development corporation has tax-exempt status and, according to IRS rules, is prohibited from engaging in political activity. Koppell claims that Tracy McCabe Shelton, as Executive
New vendor at VC Park stables
The current concessionaire in charge of the extensive riding stables in Van Cortlandt Park has been terminated as a result of an investigation by the City’s Department of Investigation. A spokesperson for the Department of Investigation declined comment regarding the circumstances and specifics of the investigation. This necessitates that the Parks Department hire a new vendor, a process that has been accelerated, leaving the local community out in the cold, once again. This is reminiscent of the secret process that led to the construction of a controversial skating rink there two years ago. This doesn’t sit well with Dan Padernacht, the Community Continued on Page 15
Director, is using KRVC’s funds for blatantly political purposes by promoting events with her “close friend,” State Senator Klein, in which he is prominently featured. While Koppell has no objection to the Development Corporation sponsoring events to improve our communities, he does object to this blatant bolstering of Klein’s candidacy. “Senator Klein is always the focus of the publicity surround-
ing these events (on the KRVC website; on KRVC e-blasts) and the displays at the events themselves, which include huge placards with Klein’s picture. Further, at the recent movie nights in Seton Park and Van Cortlandt Park, staff members distributed refreshments, repeatedly identifying Senator Klein as having contributed the food for the event.” Koppell is demanding that Tra-
cy McCabe Shelton immediately stop using the development corporation as a vehicle to support Klein for re-election. Koppell said it is a violation of federal law to use a not-for-profit corporation for political purposes. Koppell also believes that monies from Klein may have been used to bolster the salary of McCabe Shelton. He has therefore demanded the following Continued on Page 2
Klein secures passage of new speed limit
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed State Senator Jeff Klein’s bill authorizing New York City to lower its speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour. Klein bill to lower city speed limit signed by Governor Cuomo State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced Monday that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed his bill authorizing New York City to lower its speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour. “With this new law we say to reckless drivers - enough is enough. By lowering the speed limit we remind speeders that our roads are not raceways and that in a city such as ours, streets are public, not private roads, and they must be respected,” said State Senator Jeff Klein. “This bill will save lives and it is an important step to making our streets safer. Without Senator Klein this bill would not have passed this session and we are
grateful for his leadership which we expect to continue in the months ahead as we continue to work for safer streets,” said Aaron Charlop-Powers, Families for Safer Streets Advocate. The Klein sponsored bill (S7892), which passed the State Senate in June, seeks to reduce the high number of vehicle and pedestrian accidents that occur every year throughout New York City by allowing New York City to lower its default speed limit in areas where the speed limit is not already posted from 30 to 25 mph. It also gives community boards input, a measure which community boards throughout the Bronx praised. Bronx Community Board 8 Chairman Dan Padernacht said: “As former chair of Community
Board 8’s transportation committee, and now as Chairman, I know the weight that traffic and pedestrian safety issues carry in our community. I thank Senator Klein for his leadership on this issue and for the urgency he had in getting this bill through the Senate this year. I have no doubt that this legislation will make our streets safer and protect Bronx families from traffic related injury or harm.” Bronx Community Board 9 Chairman William Rivera said, “As a longtime resident and now chairman of Community Board 9, I know the streets in our community inside and out and know the blocks and thoroughfares that experience the highest levels of speeding. With Continued on Page 2