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New York State Launches Statewide Donation Drive for Nonperishable Goods at Strategic Locations – Statewide Drop-off Sites Setup
Preventing a White Man from Speaking: Juanita Perez Williams Supporters Interrupt Walsh Campaign Event
Jennifer Lopez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Cesar Perales Serving as Co-Chairs of the Effort Governor Cuomo and the Partnership for New York City Launch the Puerto Rico Relief & Rebuilding Fund at New York Community Trust to Coordinate Donations from Business Community for Local Charitable Organizations in Puerto Rico
drew M. Cuomo today launched the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico. The effort brings together a wide range of civic, business and industry partners to provide needed services, goods and funds to help the people of Puerto Rico recover and rebuild, and provides opporFollowing his visit to Puerto Rico tunities for New Yorkers to conto deliver emergency supplies and tribute to the relief efforts. Attorsee firsthand the widespread ney General Eric Schneiderman’s damage and devastation from Charities Bureau will monitor the Hurricane Maria, Governor Anfund to ensure the organization
follows all necessary rules and regulations governing the solicitation of funds and distribution of resources. JetBlue has committed to $1 million as an in-kind contribution to transport the customers and cargo for relief efforts. Governor Cuomo is the honorary chair of the effort, with Jennifer Lopez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Cesar Perales serving as co-chairs. (Continued on page 2)
Ahmeed Turner Named Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse
Howie Hawkins Presents Progressive Tax Reforms Needed to Save City from Insolvency and State Financial Control Board
(Continued from page 1)
“After seeing the breathtaking devastation and unfathomable need for help firsthand in Puerto Rico, I am launching this effort to put the full weight of New York’s resources behind the Puerto Rican people,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York has a long and proud history of standing up to help those in need, and with millions of Puerto Ricans suffering, we must do everything we can to help our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters recover. I thank our partners who have already donated and encourage all New Yorkers to lend a hand as we work together to help this community rebuild.” “Puerto Ricans have helped make New York great — and we will not leave our family alone in its time of need. Our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters are Americans, and we must all do our part to help with the long recovery ahead,” Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to give through reputable charities and follow my office’s tips to ensure their dollars are put to good use.” “Given the loss and devastation, we need everyone to pay attention and to urgently support Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Mexico City with donations and contributions,” said Jennifer Lopez, Co-Chair of the Empire State Relief & Recovery Effort. “We know we must address the immediate needs and means of survival for the people while being focused on the long term rebuilding of the infrastructure of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Mexico City. I cannot tell you what it meant to me and to the people of Puerto Rico to see New York not only pledge support but Governor Cuomo to actually show up with resources and supplies. It is now time for all Americans to be front and center in helping to bring awareness and solutions to the task of rebuilding Puerto Rico.”
Puerto Rico Relief & Rebuilding Fund Governor Cuomo has engaged the Partnership for New York City, the city’s leading business organization, to establish the Puerto Rico Relief & Rebuilding Fund at New York Community Trust, a public foun-
dation, that will make grants to local charitable organizations in Puerto Rico that are helping with recovery and rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, focusing on the most needy households and communities. Funds and in kind contributions are being solicited from the business community, with a minimum donation of $10,000.
Statewide Donation Drive Across the state, New Yorkers are encouraged to drop off goods for donation at selected locations between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The drop off site for the Central New York Region: Central New York Senator John J. Hughes State Office Building 333 E. Washington Street Syracuse
Organizations that will receive support through this initiative include, but are not limited to:
Caritas de Puerto Rico, the Catholic Charities affiliate providing direct aid and services to low income households across the Island Center for a New Economy, a nonprofit economic development and policy organization that is working with local organizations to deliver humanitarian aid, help local government secure and use federal disaster aid, and develop rebuilding initiatives that incorporate objectives of resiliency and self sufficiency
Centro Para Puerto Rico, a foundation that operates programs dedicated to alleviation of poverty and helping poor communities improve their conditions
Foundation for Puerto Rico, a private foundation that works with local nonprofit groups and government to improve the economy of the Island. They are dedicating all their staff and facilities to establishing a center that is coordinating outside assistance that is coming into Puerto Rico and deploying this aid to relief and rebuilding efforts
Con PRmetidos, a nonprofit organization of young professionals that is delivering assistance to local groups and those most in need in communities across the Island
Para la Naturaleza, a trust that manages the natural and historic preservation resources of Puerto Rico that have been badly damaged by the hurricane
The drop-off sites will accept donations every day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. A full list of charitable organizations for financial contributions is available on ny.gov/Puerto Rico. Requested items include batteries, flashlights, portable lanterns, diapers, baby wipes, cases of water and feminine hygiene products. All items must be completely unopened and packaged. In coordination with this effort, the New York Mets are asking each fan attending games at Citi Field on September 25, 26 and 27 to bring donations for the relief effort to the ball game between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the Mets will collect supplies between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Seth Lugo, pitcher for the Mets, joined the Governor’s announcement today representing the partnership. Three-Pronged Medical Assistance Partnership with GNYHA, HANYS, NYSNA and 1199SEIU In response to growing medical needs in Puerto Rico, the Greater New York Hospital Association, Healthcare Association of New York State, the New York State Nurses Association and 1199SEIU will work together on a threepronged approach to provide medical assistance to Puerto Rico. The partnership will:
Identify teams of health care professionals, including bilingual professionals, to deploy to Puerto Rico (Continued on page 10)
Preventing a White Man from Speaking: Juanita Perez Williams Supporters Interrupt Walsh Campaign Event On Westcott Street, having been invited to an event scheduled at the Westcott Theater to hear the announcement that there are members of the Democratic Party who are supporting, Independent candidate Ben Walsh. The day was warm and tailor made for a campaign event. Ben Walsh and his supporters were assembled under the Westcott Theater Marquee. But across the street something more ominous was occurring. Supporters of Democratic Mayoral Candidate Juanita Perez Williams were carrying on an active, loud protest, shouting slogans in Spanish at times interrupting the proceedings. One protestor had walked across the street, and got my attention, while pointing across the street at a wall of people holding “Juanita for Mayor” Lawn Signs she said, “We have more people, than them.” The shouting continued for another 10 minutes. I don’t know Spanish, but I was informed that it was interpreted as some variation of “Yes, we can.” Being a believer in Dr. King’s concept of nonviolence and conflict resolution, Juanita Perez
Shouting in Spanish was also offensive, appearing to make a point about the heritage of their candidate. If you didn’t know Spanish, you had no idea what they were saying. Were they only speaking to Spanish speakers?
Williams’ supporters broke every rule in the Civil Rights Handbook. To make this clear, William’s supporters appeared at a rival candidate’s event protesting, shouting slogans in an effort to disrupt the proceedings. This amounted to an assault on the electoral process and an assault on the campaign of Ben Walsh.
In the meantime, Mr. Walsh was asked about the appearance of protestors from the Perez Williams campaign and he said, “You can see what they’re doing across the street, they’re trying to pull people apart, we’re pulling people together.”
This may hurt some progressive purists’ feelings, but the protest was an assault on free speech. Juanita Perez Williams’ supporters who participated are no different than the rabid Donald Trump supporters who disrupted Clinton’s campaign events, or when Tea Party supporters I’ve spent decades either covering politics or be- showed up at town hall meetings creating anaring a “serial” candidate. I’ve never seen the kind chy during the debate on the Affordable Care Act. of public demonstration displayed on Westcott Street, today at noon. It was clearly intended to This is a case of preventing a white man from be disruptive. speaking.
Governor Cuomo Orders Flags Lowered In Honor of Victims of Las Vegas Mass Shooting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at halfstaff today, October 2, until sunset on October 6, in conjunction with a federal proclamation, to honor the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. "Once again the nation mourns in the wake of yet another senseless and horrific mass shooting. New York stands with Las Vegas in the aftermath of this heinous and vile act of gun violence and my heart aches for its victims and their loved ones on this darkest of days.
"I have directed flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in the memory of the innocent lives lost and the others irreparably altered by this act of mass murder. How many more times must we see the effects of gun violence and feel the devastating effects of these shootings before we act as a country and as a people? "While facts continue to be gathered, I have directed additional security measures at key points around the state as a precaution. The safety of New Yorkers and our visitors is our number one priority, and we are remaining vigilant and in close contact with local and federal officials and our partner law enforcement agencies."
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Ahmeed Turner Named Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse SYRACUSE, NY, Sept. 28 -- Ahmeed Turner, the scholarship director of Say Yes Syracuse since 2012, has been named the chapter’s executive director, the Say Yes to Education national organization announced today. Launched in 2008, the Say Yes Syracuse partnership has marshaled an array of public and private entities – including the Syracuse City School District; the city of Syracuse; Onondaga County, and the Central New York Community Foundation, as well as nonprofit organizations, local businesses and higher education institutions – around the goal of all public and charter school children in the city not only graduating high school, but doing so ready for college or other postsecondary education and with the wherewithal to afford it. “As the scholarship director of Say Yes Syracuse, Ahmeed Turner has made a difference in the lives of families across the city,’’ said Gene Chasin, the president and chief operating officer of Say Yes to Education. “Those of us who have been fortunate to work closely with Ahmeed know that he combines a life-long, firsthand knowledge of Syracuse with an encyclopedic understanding of college access — all of which he brings to bear in support of instilling hope in young people and helping them maximize their gifts and talents.”
cost of tuition (after Federal and state aid has been applied) for qualifying SCSD graduates who attend public colleges and universities in the SUNY and CUNY systems. Since 2009, more than 3,800 Syracuse City School District graduates have gone off to college with scholarships or other support from the Say Yes Syracuse partnership. Over that same period, the high school graduation rate in Syracuse has risen 12 points — from 52 percent (in 2008) to 64 percent (2016), according to New York State figures, and the high school graduation rate of African American students in particular has climbed 17 points, from 49 percent to 66 percent, and is now effectively comparable to that of white students. Turner, who joined Say Yes Syracuse in 2009 as a site coordinator at Bellevue Elementary School, is a graduate of Nottingham High School in Syracuse. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cheney State and a master’s degree, in marriage and family therapy, from Syracuse University. “I’m excited to continue to build on the momentum of the Say Yes Syracuse partnership,” Turner said. “Working together, we are not only supporting the children of Syracuse and preparing them for adult success, but elevating the community as a whole.”
About Say Yes Syracuse Say Yes Syracuse is a landmark collaboration that brings together the Syracuse City School District, Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, the member colleges and universities of the Say Yes Higher Education Compact, the Syracuse Teachers’ Association, the Syracuse Association of Administrators and Supervisors, the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, the The Say Yes Syracuse Scholarship Board has raised American Institutes for Research, the national Say Yes more than $30 million – including through a $20 mil- organization and a diverse group of Syracuse area lion grant from New York State’s Upstate Revitalizacorporate, non-profit, and philanthropic organization Initiative — for a scholarship fund that covers the tions. Say Yes Syracuse seeks to develop the full po-
tential of every child, particularly students from lowincome and other backgrounds historically underrepresented on the nation’s college and university campuses. In the long run, Say Yes believes its efforts will have a positive impact on the local economy, including by arming the program’s students with a postsecondary degree or certificate — and the qualifications to excel in a range of occupations. Say Yes provides comprehensive support (including academic, social-emotional and medical services) to Syracuse City School District students to eliminate predictable barriers to academic achievement. Syracuse City School District graduates who meet residency and other requirements, and who have been admitted to an in-state public college or university, are eligible to receive “last dollar” tuition scholarships (after Pell Grants and state aid) to that institution, from the local Say Yes Scholarship Fund, regardless of annual family income. In addition, depending on family income, Say Yes Syracuse Scholars may be eligible to receive scholarships to one of the more than 100 private colleges and universities in the Say Yes Higher Education Compact. www.sayyessyracuse.org About Say Yes to Education Founded in 1987, Say Yes to Education is a nonprofit that partners with communities around the goal of every public school student not only graduating high school – but doing so with the preparation to complete a college or other postsecondary education, and with the wherewithal to afford it. Say Yes works with its community partners to bring together local stakeholders and arms that coalition with the tools to boost postsecondary participation and success. Those systems and structures enable the work of the local Say Yes partnership to be sustained through predictable transitions in leadership, and historically unpredictable funding from state and local sources. The organization’s support services are available to tens of thousands of public school students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Most are in communitywide chapters in Syracuse and Buffalo, NY, as well as Guilford County (Greensboro-High Point), NC. Say Yes, which has begun the search for its next community chapter, has smaller chapters in Harlem in New York City and Philadelphia. www.sayyestoeducation.org
Farm Fresh Mobile Markets October2017 Schedule The Farm Fresh Mobile Market brings fresh produce to locations where people live, work, and play! The goal of the FFMM is to increase access to healthy foods in high need area. The Farm Fresh Mobile Market offers healthy vegetables and fruits as well as education, samples, and food demonstrations at select sites.
Nominations Sought for Martin Luther King Jr. 2018 Celebration Unsung Heroes Awards The Syracuse University Martin Luther King Jr. 2018 Celebration committee is seeking nominations for the Unsung Heroes Awards, which will be presented during the evening celebration in the Carrier Dome on Jan. 28, 2018. The awards are presented annually to people who, in the spirit of King’s “beloved community,” have made a positive difference in the lives of others, but who are not widely recognized for their
efforts. To be eligible for this award, nominees should not have received widespread recognition or been previously honored for their efforts, and their work should be ongoing and outside their normal job/student expectations. Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:
• student at Syracuse University or SUNY-ESF • faculty or staff from Syracuse University or SUNY-ESF The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, Oct. 10.
Information and nomination forms are available • youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, at http://mlk.syr.edu. Cayuga or Cortland counties Contact information: Sylvia Langford, • adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, CayuUnsung Heroes Award Committee, ga or Cortland counties stlangfo@syr.edu
Elevator Constructors Recruit Apprentices The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for The International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local Union #1, will conduct a recruitment from October 28, 2017 through November 11, 2017 for 100 elevator-escalator constructor and modernizer apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. The recruitment for Local Union #1 will be offered online only, beginning Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. November, 11 2017 (24 hours per day), during the recruitment period or until 1,250 applicants are reached, whichever comes first. A notice will be posted on the Local Union #1 website at www.localoneiuec.com once they have received 1,250 applications. Applicants who do not have Internet access may visit their local library, Local One Education Facility, or their nearest New York State Department of Labor Career Center. If they receive 1,250 applications a notice will be posted at the facility and on the Local Union #1 website at www.localoneiuec.com.
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Climbing and working off of scaffolds, stairs, and ladders at various heights.
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Standing for at least 90% of the time.
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Reading small numbers and/or markings.
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Working and communicating in loud working conditions.
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Working in confined and dark spaces.
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Working in extreme temperatures. Application Instructions:
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Go to www.neiep.org/careers.aspx
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Scroll to the bottom left of the page under “apprenticeship.”
• At a future date, applicants must take and pass the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test with a score of at least 70. A $25.00 testing fee is required on the testing day. Payment must be in the form of a money order or certified bank check (no cash or • personal checks will be accepted). Please note, you may request that this fee be waived. Fee waivers will be approved upon showing verifiable proof of financial • need. The Committee requires that applicants: •Must be at least 18 years old. •Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
Click on the link for “US-NY-New York recruitment” with a posted date of 10/28/17. You will see information about the job. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “apply for this job online.” Then, start your application.
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Fill out the required fields marked with an asterisk (*).
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You will be required to create a login and password.
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It is optional to upload a resume, enter professional licenses, registrations, certifications you possess, education information, professional references, and employment history.
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After completing, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “submit profile.”
•Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture. •Must pass a post-offer physical, administered by a physician, at the expense of the signatory contractor.
Click on “current apprenticeship opportunities,” which will bring you to the “Job Listings.”
•Must take a tool assessment designed to assess knowledge of basic tools and their use, as well as basic measuring skills.
Please understand that more applicants will apply than can fit in the pool of candidates. Applicants may not get through this time, but they should bookmark the NEIP website and check back for upcoming recruitment opportunities.
•Must have reliable transportation to and from job sites and related instruction.• Must be physically able to perform the work required of an elevatorescalator constructor and modernizer, which may include:
For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office Monday through Friday or Local Union #1 at (718) 707 -9450 or rloeb@neiep.org.
o Working in environments that could cause exposure to dust, chemical odors, and hazardous materials, such as asbestos.
Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national o Wearing personal protective equipment, such as respirators, ear protecorigin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encourtors, and face shields. aged to submit applications for apprenticeships. Sponsors of programs are reo Performing repetitive motions, such as stooping, kneeling, forward bend- quired to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities. ing and heavy lifting for at least 75% of the time.
Varekai Falls From The Sky and Into The Oncenter War Memorial Arena A classic Cirque du Soleil production—Seven Performances Only From November 15 To 19, 2017 Show Schedule November 15 - 19, 2017 Wednesday, November 15 7:30pm Thursday, November 16 7:30pm Friday, November 17 at 7:30pm Saturday, November 18 4:00pm and 7:30pm Sunday, November 19 1:30pm and 5:00pm
(Syracuse) - This fall, Cirque du Soleil is returning to Syracuse with one of its signature productions - Varekai. The seven performances will take place from November 15th to 19th, 2017 at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. The jaw-dropping and mind-blowing Varekai showcases an acrobatic extravaganza which will take audiences on an extraordinary journey. Under the “theme of Icarus”, fans will see an amazing display of high level acrobatics and performers ready to accomplish perfectly skilled and gravity-defying feats. All of Cirque du Soleil’s productions are unique, and Varekai is absolute proof of that. Piecing together all possible genres, arts, and disciplines – original music, costumes, set design, choreography, live vocals, video -art, and make-up solutions – at their heart, these shows maintain circus arts in all their manifestations, starting from street performances to high-tech and awe-aspiring aerial acts. This is how Cirque du Soleil invokes the imagination, provokes the senses, and evokes the emotions of people around the world. The international cast of Varekai consists of 50 performers coming from 13 countries, including 6 musicians and two singers. In addition, there are 50 crew members on tour – coaches, performance medicine therapists, wardrobe employees, stage managers, technical specialists and administrative personnel – who support the tour on a daily basis. About Varekai Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world - a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a
life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind. The word Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.
What is Cirque du Soleil? From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 400 cities in over sixty countries on five continents. Show Information:
Advance tickets for Varekai are available now online exclusively to Cirque Club members through August 25. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to www.cirqueclub.com. Tickets for the general public are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai
What’s the show about? Meet Christopher John Wednesday @1 Francis Boone. At 15 years old, he knows all the Lecture Series capital cities in the world and every prime numWednesday, Nober up to 7,507. But he struggles to understand vember 1 @ 1 p.m. the world around him. When Christopher is suspected of murdering his neighbor’s dog, he sets "Narrating Autism: out to find the real culprit. His investigation will The Curious Questake him on a journey to a past he never knew tion of Representaand a future he never imagined possible. Based tion" Christine Ashon Mark Haddon’s international best-selling novby, Ph.D. is an Assoel and winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, ciate Professor in the Teaching and Leadership this show is a thrilling and touching theatrical Department of the School of Education at Syraevent. cuse University and Director of the Institute on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Communication and Inclusion, a research and training institute focused on supporting the Time communication and inclusion of inclusion of inBy Simon Stephens dividuals with autism and other developmental Adapted from the novel by: Mark Haddon disabilities that do not demonstrate reliable verDirected by: Risa Brainin Co-produced with: Indiana Repertory Theatre bal speech.
A reading series that connects the literary arts to the work on our stage. Local writers share original works of poetry and prose prompted by themes, ideas and images in selected season offerings. Free to ticket holders, light refreshments. Dinner & Show
October 25 - November 12, 2017 Happy Hour Thursday, November 2 @ 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a free pre-show Murder Mystery happy hour party with half-priced drinks, complimentary light fare. Opening Night Party
Poetry & Play
Friday, October 27 @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 5 @ 12:30 p.m. (2 p.m. performance)
Join the cast for a free post-show celebration with food, drinks, and good times.
Wednesday, November 8 @ 6 p.m. The perfect date night? This may be it. For just $50 enjoy a buffet dinner catered by Phoebe's Restaurant & Coffee Lounge in our lobby followed by THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Dinner at 6, show at 7:30. Simply select "Dinner and Show" when checking out.
Howie Hawkins Presents Progressive Tax Reforms Needed to Save City from Insolvency and State Financial Control Board That could bring a stateappointed financial control board that could impose austerity budgets, or even push for dissolution of the city into a countywide metropolitan government on terms unfavorable to city residents along the lines proposed by the Consensus Commission. “I want to be the next mayor of Syracuse, not its last mayor,” Hawkins said referring to the city’s fiscal crisis. Howie Hawkins presented his proposals for creating a broader, fairer, and sustainable tax base for Syracuse on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 1:00 pm, at Green Party Headquarters, 2617 South Salina, Syracuse. With a recurring structural deficit of $15-20 million and a fund balance projected to be about $20 million at the end of the current budget year, Syracuse is on the brink of insolvency.
“The first priority of the next mayor must be to secure additional revenue for the city. If that is not done, all the other ideas and proposals we hear from the mayoral candidates are moot,” Hawkins added.
candidates for mayor of Syracuse in the Nov. 7 general election. Hawkins was the Green Party candidate for Governor of New York in 2010 and 2014. In both races, he secured the Green Party a ballot line for the next four years by receiving over 50,000 votes. In the 2014 campaign, he received 184,419 votes for 5% of the vote, enough for the Green Party leap over the Independence and Working Families parties to take the fourth line on New York ballots. Even though Governor Andrew Cuomo as a candidate opposed or would not take a position on many policies Hawkins championed, Cuomo has since adopted several of them, including the millionaire's tax, the ban on fracking, the $15 minimum wage, and tuition-free public universities.
Hawkins received 48% of the vote in his 2011 run For more information Howie Hawkins for Mayor for 4th district councilor and 35% citywide for www.howiehawkins.org city auditor in 2015. He is one of the “Final Four”
Governor Cuomo Announces Alliance for Economic Inclusion Anti- Poverty Initiative Is Seeking Request for Proposals Newly Created Alliance Supports Anti-Poverty Efforts in Central New York Initiative Aims to Address Poverty in Five County Region as Outlined in the "CNY Rising" Plan - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Request for Proposals have been issued for the $30 million Alliance for Economic Inclusion anti-poverty initiative in Central New York. The AEI is a product of the successful CNYRising Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan submitted by the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council which was tasked with addressing poverty in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga Counties.
issued by the Onondaga County Division of Purchase. "Fighting poverty is an essential element of bringing back our Upstate communities," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Statewide Chair of the Regional Economic Development Council. "Through this plan, the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council is ensuring its economic revitalization initiatives know no bounds and that every family in every county throughout Central New York has an opportunity to prosper from its successes."
The AEI is comprised of a group of 24 community leaders from each of the five counties selected to represent the diversity of governments, businesses, schools and economic opportunities and challenges as identified by the community. Onondaga County will fund the chosen projects and then be reimbursed by the state. The county will allocate $6 million annually over five years Onondaga Counfor the initiative. That fundty Executive Joaning will be made available ie Mahoney said, "Congratulations to the memthrough a CNYRising Upstate Revitalization Initiabers of the AEI on this important milestone! The tive Grant. collaborative work from our neighbors in Cayuga, The $30 million for anti-poverty efforts through Cortland, Madison and Oswego Counties will the AEI will complement $20 million the state has mean that our communities can start to see sigalready awarded for the New York State Syracuse nificant change ocPromise Scholarship Fund which will provide cur and real soluscholarships to Syracuse city school graduates. tions to the problems we have only "New York is focused on building up local comdiscussed for too munities from the ground up and with this initia- long. I am grateful tive, we expand economic opportunities for the to Governor Cuomo entire region," Governor Cuomo said. "By infor his continued vesting in our most vulnerable communities, we partnership on this can ensure that New Yorkers from all economic important issue and backgrounds have the opportunity to pick them- Onondaga County is selves up out of poverty while helping Central proud to be a leadNew York continue to rise." er in this effort and The RFP is seeking proposals that; create career look forward to working with all of these partpathways for adults and youth in distressed com- ners in the coming months." munities; develop access to economic opportuni- The regionally focused initiative will tackle health ty and wealth by intentionally attracting and and safety issues, secure affordable housing for growing jobs in low income and distressed com- those who need it and increase career and techmunities; create tools and incentives for educanical educational opportunities. Priority will be tional attainment and build wealth and nextgiven to initiatives that incorporate features such generation community leadership. The RFP was as addressing systems change, offer cost-
effective solutions that are scalable to a larger audience, collaboration, partnership and/or coalition based solutions and to sustainable solutions that will exist after the funding period has ended. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Governor Cuomo's support of impactful anti-poverty initiatives such as the Alliance for Economic Inclusion is providing New Yorkers with access to the tools they need to succeed. The AEI investment will create a partnership between New York State and regional stakeholders to work together to combat poverty in the region, helping Central New York to continue to rise." "We as a community cannot experience real and true economic growth until we fully address the systemic poverty issue in our community and our region. This process allows the community and region to come together and offer real and substantive ideas that prepare our people for their financial future. Thank you to Governor Cuomo and Onondaga County for leading the way." said Sharon Owens, Co-Chair of Greater Syracuse HOPE and CEO of Syracuse Community Connections. "We are very grateful that Governor Cuomo and to Onondaga County for establishing a mechanism for getting these much needed funds out into our communities," said Tim Penix, VicePresident and Director of Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center and member of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council and Alliance for Economic Inclusion. CNYREDC Co-Chairs Upstate Medical Center President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena and CenterState CEO Robert M. Simpson said, "Access to economic opportunity is a top priority for the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, and one that requires a robust system of partners and solutions. The Alliance for Economic Inclusion will support and help affected communities work together to identify options that will assist in ensuring that everyone in the region has a solid path towards prosperity. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Cuomo for his continued support for our targeted efforts."
Puerto Rico are inextricably linked. For New Yorkers, Puerto Ricans are family – for some figura Provide logistical support to assist in obtain- tively and, for many of us, literally. New Yorkers ing and delivering medicine and medical sup- take care of their family and this newest effort plies. will help channel additional help from our state to the Island. This is a catastrophe of historic pro Develop sister relationships between health portions that will require coordination at all levcare facilities in New York and those in Puer- els of government. I will be advocating at the to Rico to provide comprehensive support federal level for additional efforts, including during the long term recovery of Puerto swiftly repairing and rebuilding Puerto Rico’s Rico’s health care system. electrical grid, helping small businesses recover and addressing the looming Medicaid cliff.” Port Authority Emergency Personnel (Continued from page 2)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Co-Chair of the Empire State Relief & Recovery Effort, said, is preparing to deploy emergency personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the coordinated recovery “Hurricane Maria brought devastation to the communities, homes and lives of our families, efforts. The Port will assign 45 aviation staff to brothers and sisters in assist at San Juan InternaPuerto Rico, and as we tional Airport and other only just begin to grasp airports in the Commonthe destruction Mother wealth, 11 Port staff to Nature as wrought, it is assess damage and assist with hope – thanks to with re-establishment of the leadership of GoverPort of San Juan operanor Cuomo, that our tions, and 10 members of families will receive the the Port Authority Police help and resources they Department are available need to rebuild and refor search and rescue as cover stronger than evwell as support to airport er before. Through the security. In addition, the Empire State Relief and Office of Emergency ManRecovery Effort, New York is one again providing agement will provide support equipment a platform for residents across this state to lend and four EMTs to assist. The Port Authority team a helping hand. We are providing medical assiswill be an entirely self-sufficient operation. tance and personnel on the ground, and a food and water supply critical to ensure the safety of Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Co-Chair of the Empire State Relief & Recovery Effort, said, “I people of Puerto Rico. We remain committed to commend Governor Cuomo for the actions he’s helping P.R. build back better than ever. To our taking. On Friday we traveled to Puerto Rico to- families in Puerto Rico: New York is with you, gether to assess firsthand the damage from Ma- shoulder to shoulder, every step of the way.” ria and deliver supplies, personnel and assisThis relief effort follows Governor Cuomo’s trip tance. The launch of this effort is another imto Puerto Rico on Friday, when he and a delegaportant step that demonstrates New York’s com- tion of administration and emergency response mitment to helping our Puerto Rican brothers officials brought the following supplies: and sisters in their time of need. New York and
More than 34,000 bottles of water donated by The Coca-Cola Company;
9,600 ready to eat meals;
3,000 canned goods donated by the National Supermarket Association;
1,400 cots;
1,400 blankets;
1,400 pillows;
500 flashlights; and
10 10kW generators.
Additionally, 60 members of the New York Army National Guard, four Black Hawk helicopters and 50 State Police are on standby. New York State shares many deep ties with Puerto Rico, with many New York-based companies employing thousands in Puerto Rico at locations across the island. In addition, 1.2 million New Yorkers, or 5.7 percent of the population, are of Puerto Rican ethnicity. This means that more Puerto Ricans live in New York than anywhere else outside the island. According to estimates in the 2016 American Community Survey, there are 280,904 residents in the State of New York who claimed Puerto Rico as their place of birth. This trip was not this first time that Governor Cuomo’s has visited Puerto Rico either. In 1998, as Secretary for Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, then-Secretary Cuomo traveled to the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Georges to assess damage and speed up the delivery of federal assistance. Further, in 2015, Governor Cuomo traveled to Puerto Rico twice as part of solidarity missions to assist the island with its ongoing healthcare crisis and economic challenges
Visit ny.gov/PuertoRico to Learn More and Take Action
Jubilee Homes Hosts ‘Build to Work’ Job Fair at South West Community Center Are you work ready? Are you looking for a job/career opportunity? We have several employers that could be looking to hire you! Attend our upcoming Job Fair at SW Community Center at and customer service to foodservice and many 401 South Ave from 9:30 am to 2:30 p.m. Friday, other service careers. October 13, 2017. We also have occupational education opportuniThis job fair will provide jobseekers with access ties in manufacturing, healthcare and technoloto employers seeking talented candidates across gy. Registration is required for jobseekers via industries and careers, from retail to hospitality Eventbrite.
“In addition to bringing in employers from throughout Onondaga County area, we are providing resources for jobseekers to assist them in preparing for their career goals. “Jubilee Homes of Syracuse Inc. Build to Work Program continues to provide resources and to respond to the needs of its business community and the jobseekers,” “This job fair is one way Jubilee Homes B2W helps residents and helps strengthen the business.” There will be a variety of employers at the job fair from different fields of employment.
Lori Tape Joins Gifford Foundation Staff (Syracuse, NY) In late August the Gifford Foundation welcomed Lori Tape as the new Office Coordinator. Lori has worked in the nonprofit arena since 2000, specializing in
Office Administration, Special Project ManageLori attended Norfolk State University where she ment, Fundraising, and Volunteer Management. studied Computer Science. She holds a Degree in Business Management/Convention Sales and She has worked on Urban Renewal projects and Service from Bryant and Stratton College as well various programming for “At-Risk” Youth and as numerous certifications in Travel and Tourism, Young Adults. Lori currently works with issues Life Coaching, and Event Planning. Lori is a nathat affect Youth and Women through various tive of Syracuse, but travels as often as possible Church and community organizations. with her husband and four children.
Counsel to the Governor Alphonso David Issues Letter to PSC Chair and CEO Raising Concerns Regarding Charter Communications Dear Mr. Rhodes,
represented to the Commission that it would maintain its skilled and exI write to raise pressing concerns perienced customer-facing workregarding Charter Communicaforce. However, I understand that as tions ("Charter") that require your a result of the current strike, Charimmediate review. ter's employee workforce has been diminished in size and skill, leaving First, I have learned that Charter is customers vulnerable to poor sernot providing broadband service vice. Charter's actions therefore conto areas without access, which Counsel to the Governor Alphonso David today tradict the representations it made appears to violate the essential issued a letter raising concerns regarding Charter terms and conditions of Charter and Time Warn- to the State's regulator. Communications. er Cable's merger agreement with the State of Charter provides an essential service to New New York. Providing broadband access through- York citizens, and these issues cause deep conThe text of the letter is below: out the State is one of Governor Cuomo's major cern over its willingness to deliver those services October 2, 2017 initiatives. For Charter to have failed to comply as represented in its merger agreement. Please with the terms of the merger agreement so early review these matters immediately and take all John Rhodes in the process raises significant concerns about necessary action to ensure that New Yorkers reCharter's ability to meet its obligations moving Chair and Chief Executive Officer ceive the services and actions promised under forward. the merger agreement. New York State Public Service Commission Second, I have been advised that Charter emEmpire State Plaza Sincerely, ployed 1,700 experienced employees when the Agency Building 3 Public Service Commission approved the Charter Alphonso David Albany, NY 12223-1350 merger. I have also been advised that Charter