Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to support the 31st annual University of Notre Dame Bread of Life Food Drive during a press conference in Borough Hall yesterday.
This year's Bread of Life catchphrase "Fight Hunger, Not Each Other" gives students an extracurricular outlet and opportunity to contribute to the community in light of recent violence in schools. Students in both public and private schools collect food for the drive. At the end of the drive, the food collected will be distributed to 25 non-profit organizations on Staten Island that serve individuals and families in need of food. “The Bread of Life Food Drive is a Staten Island tradition that helps foster the good that we all find within the students of our local schools,” said Borough President Fossella. “There has always been a common theme with the Bread of Life Food Drive. It highlights the importance of working together for the greater good, helping so many Staten Islanders who experience food insecurity." In his remarks, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon addressed the theme. “This year’s theme, 'Fight Hunger, Not Each Other,' encourages Staten Island students from all backgrounds to unite under the common cause of ending hunger by working together," said District Attorney McMahon. "Just as importantly we are helping our students understand the hurt that violence against each other can cause, and that there are better, peaceful ways to resolve disagreements." Bread of Life Executive Director Joseph Delaney thanked Borough President Fossella and District Attorney McMahon for their participation. “The leadership of these two distinguished public officials can only serve to inspire our students to join together in a common cause that will lead to a greater unity of our young people, as they become a significant force for good within our schools and throughout the Staten Island community for years to come," Delaney said. He also praised the students who have participated in the Bread of Life Food Drive for the past 30 years. "For 30 years, all the students and the teachers that have gone through school on Staten Island are here helping us provide food for 25 non-profit organizations that serve people in need right here on Staten Island," he said. "Everything we collect here stays on Staten Island." Since its inception, the Bread of Life Food Drive has collected and distributed more than two million food items. This year, participating schools will collect non-perishable items between March 28 and April 9. The food will then be boxed at Monsignor Farrell High School and delivered to the recipient organizations. The incident yesterday at Port Richmond High School, captured on video, shows a student allegedly dropping a gun from his backpack, picking it up, and exiting the school doors unhindered. This represents the latest in a string of warnings to our school system, Staten Island, and our society.
Sadly, too many kids are being raised to believe there are no consequences for their actions, either in their school or on the streets. To these kids, unlawful behavior is acceptable behavior, because they can get away with almost anything. Do we have the courage to act and fix this now? Let me be clear – there are many good things occurring in Port Richmond High School, thanks to the hard work of its principal, teachers and students. That makes incidents like this all the more unfortunate. Recently, every elected official on Staten Island – Democrat and Republican – pledged to work together to establish clear rules and guidelines to keep our schools safe. Call me “old school” but something needs to be done to send a clear message: enough is enough. We pledge to work with our colleagues in government to help effectuate a change in the protocols that have allowed this type of activity to disrupt our schools. Educators, police officers, school safety agents, the court system, community leaders, innocent kids, and parents are all frustrated because these incidents are allowed to continue. We need the cooperation of our City and State to bring about the changes that are needed. Let’s end this frustration and take back our schools, once and for all. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil is an approach that ultimately hurts our kids. Statement of Assemblyman Mike Tannousis "Unfortunately, this is another example that demonstrates our need for increased safety in our schools. New York is in a public safety crisis and the situation is only getting worse. We need immediate action from all levels of government." Statement of Assemblyman Mike Reilly "This incident only highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in our public schools and greater support from the New York City Police Department. When are children are at school, their safety and security is the responsibility of the City of New York." Statement of Councilmember Kamillah Hanks "Parents send their children to schools expecting them to be safe. Gun violence is an immediate threat to our city and state. Incidents like this one should worry every member of our community. As Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety, preventing situations like the one that occurred at Port Richmond High School is absolutely a top priority. I fully intend to work with our local schools, NYPD, and city agencies to achieve that." Statement of Councilman David Carr “We have to keep guns out of schools and away from our children. Every parent in Staten Island and beyond should be able to have the confidence that their child is safe when they go to class for the day. It is unacceptable that someone can bring a gun to school and appear to suffer no consequences. The risk to students, faculty, staff, and visitors is too great, and the New York City Department of Education has to make the safety of those in its care the foremost priority.” Statement from Borough President Vito J. Fossella on the Lifting of Vaccine and Mask Mandates3/4/2022
This long-awaited day of lifting mask and vaccine mandates is music to the ears of so many parents, students, families, and business owners across Staten Island.
We have been saying for months that mask mandates should come to an end and that students in particular have suffered a detrimental consequence in their educational progress and mental health. Today, I had the chance to speak with a class of students at Monsignor Farrell High School on their first week learning in a mask-free environment. I asked how it felt. They answered “amazing.” We hope that all kids this coming Monday will feel the same way once the mask mandate ends for public school students. I want to applaud Mayor Eric Adams for taking this next step as we move forward with COVID-19 in the rearview. Statement from Borough President Vito J. Fossella Commending NYPD for Efforts in Carjacking Incident2/27/2022
Yesterday, a Staten Islander was carjacked at gunpoint while at a gas station in Richmond Valley. Due to the swift response of NYPD officers to the scene, a description of the criminal and the vehicle taken was shared with all Staten Island precincts and highway units.
It is important to note that within minutes, the NYPD were able to work with agencies across the bridge to track down the vehicle which was eventually recovered in Jersey City. This recovery also resulted in the arrest of one perpetrator involved. This situation follows the increasing trend of crimes committed throughout New York City, specifically the recent assaults on a bodega worker, and a police officer in a Manhattan subway station. These incidents endanger our neighborhoods and communities. We would like to take this opportunity to commend, and support, the men and women of the NYPD and surrounding agencies for their excellent work in this matter. Borough President Vito J. Fossella announced today that he is empaneling a committee of Staten Islanders to help begin planning for our borough’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Staten Island will join many counties across America that have already started planning for this milestone event, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. There is in fact a United States Semiquincentennial Commission helping to raise awareness about the anniversary which will officially be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
He has named Jessica B. Phillips, CEO of Historic Richmond Town, as Chairperson of the committee. He has asked that an executive committee be established followed by a larger committee enveloping a mosaic of opinions from elected officials, history teachers, civic leaders and historians. “Staten Island is a patriotic community with deep roots in our nation’s history,” said Borough President Fossella. “We remember that it was here, on September 11, 1776, that John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge met and negotiated with British Admiral Lord Howe, in a failed effort to stop the Revolutionary War. The Conference House is now one of the most celebrated historic sites in the United States. I am sure our borough will eagerly come together to plan ahead for celebrating this momentous and historic anniversary of our Nation’s birth.” “In 2026, the United States will see the 250th year of its founding. This anniversary will be celebrated around the country,” said Jessica B. Phillips, CEO of Historic Richmond Town. “Over a third of the battles of the American Revolution were fought in New York State. Staten Island was a key instrument in the fight for independence. Staten Island will build a historic commemoration and celebration for this milestone in American democracy. It's an honor and privilege to chair this committee.” Those who wish to submit comments and ideas to this committee can do so at [email protected]. "As the author of two history books on Staten Island, I am excited for this commemoration,” said Councilman Joseph Borelli. “Few Staten Islanders are aware that our borough served as the front line of the conflict from 1776 to 1783, as was the settling of an intense political drama during its buildup. It is a story I enjoy telling, and a worthy milestone to celebrate." “I applaud Borough President Fossella for organizing the committee celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial,” said Councilman David Carr. “Staten Island played an integral role during the Revolutionary War. Our Borough is deserving of having festivities commemorating the Declaration of Independence.” "Love of country is at the very core of our borough and our great City,” said Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks. “I commend Borough President Fossella for taking charge in the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States and I am confident that Jessica B. Phillips will lead the Committee successfully to celebrate this significant occasion." “Staten Island is a microcosm of America in so many ways. We are a diverse borough, with people from across the globe calling Staten Island home. We have urban centers and we have rural landscapes. We are a borough of tradition and also a borough where new cultures and celebrations pop up each year,” said District Attorney Michael McMahon. “Yet perhaps most importantly, we are a borough of patriots, who have an unbridled passion for all that America has been, continues to be, and for the promises still unfulfilled. From the infancy of our nation, Staten Island has played a role in shaping America into what it is today, and I could not be more proud that our ever-spirited borough is embarking on a mission to make sure we celebrate a quarter millennium of the United States of America in true Staten Island fashion.” “I am excited for the formation of this committee as we prepare for this momentous anniversary,” said Assemblyman Michael Cusick. In a quarter of a millennium, the United States of America has become a global leader and a symbol of the free world. I look forward to celebrating both our past and our future as a nation.” “Staten Island is rich with Revolutionary War history, from its British occupation to the American patriots who worshipped at the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Port Richmond, to the peace talks that occurred at the Conference House in Tottenville,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Staten Island is a deeply patriotic community with a strong love for America. I can think of no better place, or people, to help commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence, celebrate the present day, and look forward to a more prosperous future." “With the Governor of New Jersey announcing that he is removing the mask mandate for school children in his state as of mid-March, I am once again urging New York State & City leaders to follow suit and eliminate the mask mandate for our school children, and allow parents to make the choice for their child.
For the last three years, Staten Islanders have gone to New Jersey for restaurants, to play youth sports, for entertainment, and other activities where there are less restrictive measures - taking their spending dollars with them which can be better spent on Staten Island. COVID cases in New York have declined dramatically. We’ve passed the point where New York can eliminate the mandates, make masks optional, and give our kids back the freedom to learn, socialize, and enjoy being kids.” BP Fossella, S.I Delegation Support Mayor's Position On Bail Reform
Borough President Vito J. Fossella and a bipartisan group of Staten Island elected officials announced, at a press conference Tuesday on the steps of City Hall, a united show of support to fix and improve the bail reform laws of New York State and work with Mayor Eric Adams to make the city safer. Joining BP Fossella in giving remarks were District Attorney Michael McMahon, Councilman Joe Borelli and Councilman David Carr who all specifically addressed the provision that would grant judges the ability to consider public safety and the dangerousness of an offender when deciding whether to remand or set bail in their case. Several Staten Island elected officials who could not attend in-person offered comments in support. New York is the only state in the nation where judges are not permitted to consider these factors when making this crucially important decision. The following are their full statements: Borough President Vito J. Fossella "We’re standing together as Democrats and Republicans, representing half a million people on Staten Island. We are sick and tired of seeing dangerous criminals being let go and end up back on our streets to commit more violent acts. We are symbolically bringing the borough of Staten Island to the doorstep of City Hall -- to give our full support to Mayor Adams' urgent plea to our Albany leaders -- give discretion to judges on potentially dangerous suspects. That singular change in the bail laws could help save lives. In neighborhood after neighborhood, in small businesses and schoolyards, in homes and apartments, it could help save lives. How many more must die? How many more widows shall we create? How many children must lose a parent? How many innocent people must be sacrificed? That is why we are compelled to speak out." District Attorney Michael McMahon "As Staten Island's highest ranking law enforcement officer, it is my duty to pursue justice and safety for the people of Staten Island. Yet our current bail system is wholly and uniquely inadequate in allowing law enforcement across this state to do our job as effectively as possible. When coupled with unduly burdensome and dangerous discovery laws, and the enormous flaws in the 'Raise the Age' law that allow young people to carry weapons without real consequences, it is a cocktail for chaos. It is long past time for New York to join the rest of the country in allowing Judges the discretion to consider public safety when deciding whether to set bail or remand a defendant facing charges, and long past time for the decision-makers in Albany to work with law enforcement professionals to construct a criminal justice system that is both fair and protects the law-abiding public. I commend Mayor Adams, Borough President Fossella, and my colleagues in government for raising their voices and that of our constituents on this critical issue.” Councilman Joe Borelli, the Minority Leader “A very small number of New Yorkers are committing the same violent crimes over and over again. And we know who they are, because we have the data, because they are arrested over and over again and they have criminal records a mile long. In these cases, we need judges to have the discretion to determine whether these individuals are too dangerous to allow back on the street. It’s way past time to change the laws in this state that restrain our judges, rather than violent criminals." Councilman David Carr “When laws do more to protect criminals than they do to protect the people who they victimize, there is something really wrong with the laws, and they have to be changed. Albany legislators must fix their mistakes and give our judges -- who the people elect -- the discretion to determine whether a defendant is too dangerous to be granted bail. We cannot allow the same violent criminals to victimize our residents again and again." Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis “We are ready to work with Mayor Adams to restore public safety and are happy that he’s already reinstating the NYPD’s plainclothes unit to go after gangs and illegal guns, adding more cops to patrol our subways, and seeking changes to Albany’s botched bail law. This failed policy has led to tens of thousands of criminals being released back onto our streets to commit more crime and Governor Hochul and the state legislature must take immediate action to fix it.” State Senator Diane Savino "Mayor Adams has put forward a comprehensive plan to combat gun violence and reduce crime. We all have a part to play and as legislators we have a responsibility to review our laws and make changes when it is clear that public safety is at risk.” Assemblyman Michael Cusick “I am glad to see that Mayor Adams has made crime and public safety across the city his top priority from his first day in office. I will continue to work with the Mayor, Borough President Fossella, and the rest of my colleagues at all levels of government to address these issues together. On the state level, I have introduced legislation in the State Assembly, A6536, which would increase judicial discretion for crimes involving the possession of a firearm in New York State and allow judges to consider multiple factors when making pre-trial determinations, in an effort to address incidents of gun violence plaguing our city and state.” Assemblyman Michael Tannousis "Bad policy and lack of enforcement by tying the hands of our police has resulted in a public safety crisis in New York. Our skyrocketing crime and murder rates are absolutely unacceptable. As a prosecutor, I saw first hand what it takes to keep our communities safe and it starts with returning to common sense public safety policy and holding criminals accountable for their actions." Assemblyman Charles Fall “Legislating is all about trial and error -- especially when introducing new concepts/laws in our state. There was a need for bail reform in our state, being that black and brown communities were unfairly penalized by our criminal justice system without due process. After the implementation of bail reform, we have identified some adverse impacts and the state legislature needs to acknowledge and act in order to make sure we mitigate any possible reoffenders from being released back into our communities.” Assemblyman Michael Reilly “Far too often, Albany lawmakers are concerned with making New York the 'first in the nation,' but I’ve maintained from the beginning that we ought to be passing laws that make New York the 'best in the nation.' Criminal Justice Reform, which included the elimination of cash bail, is a product of that 'first in the nation' mentality. As a former Lieutenant with the New York City Police Department, I understand the consequences of Albany’s weak-on-crime policies far too well. This is what they’ve sacrificed public safety over. I’ve joined many of my colleagues over the past two years to advocate for the restoration of public safety. In fact, I’ve even introduced legislation that would address these concerns. If passed, these bills would allow judicial discretion based on dangerousness, extend the discovery period, permit immediate bench warrants for failure to appear for hate crimes, place restrictions on desk appearance tickets, and increase penalties for adolescent offenders caught in possession of a loaded gun. Each day that passes without action to address the matter at hand is a failure of this government’s primary responsibility to protect its citizens.” Four new members join the Borough Hall team
Borough President Vito J. Fossella is pleased to announce the addition of four members to his staff. William Beale will serve as Director of Emergency Management, Public Safety & Veterans Affairs; Daniel Master will serve as Legal Counsel; Dr. Ram Raju will serve in a voluntary position as Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs and Health; Sia Sipp will serve as Special Assistant to the Borough President. “As a retired NYPD sergeant, William will be instrumental in responding to public safety issues, as well as act in support of our U.S. service men and women. Sia will bring a depth of knowledge on local issues, having worked with me in our Congressional office,” said Borough President Fossella. “Dan Master returns to Borough Hall and brings his vast experience both in legal matters and Staten Island affairs. For example, Dan was instrumental in the closing of the Fresh Kills Landfill. I’m also proud to bring on Dr. Ram Raju who will be helping to advise me on all healthcare issues and quality of life matters on Staten Island.” William Beale joined the New York City Police Department in 1991 and retired as Sergeant in 2011. As a retired police officer, his role within the Borough President’s office will allow him to address issues of public safety that come through the office, and serve as a liaison to the borough’s Veterans. Upon his retirement, he returned to school where he earned his certification from The Christ Hospital School of Radiography and is now certified in both X-Ray and Computerized Tomography. William, a Brooklyn native, lives in Great Kills with his wife Kera and three children. Daniel Master returns to the role of Legal Counsel to the Borough President, a position he held under former Borough Presidents Guy V. Molinari and James P. Molinaro. He has also served the Borough as Chief Assistant District Attorney and Acting District Attorney, Richmond County. Dan holds law degrees from Georgetown Law Center and Columbia Law School and a graduate degree in Criminology from the University of Cambridge. He was a litigation Associate at the law firm of Shea & Gould and has served on the full-time law faculties at NYU School of Law, UC Berkeley School of Law, and Boston College Law School. Dan and his wife Angie have two children, Emma and Trip, currently at Stanford University. “I enjoyed my time in local government working on projects such as closing the Fresh Kills Landfill and bringing minor league baseball to Staten Island. Improving the quality of life for all Staten Islanders is my lodestar,” said Master. “I was fortunate to have Borough Presidents Jim Molinaro and Guy Molinari as my mentors, and I’m thankful to Borough President Fossella for affording me this opportunity to reprise my role as Borough Hall Counsel.” Beginning his medical career at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, Dr. Ram Raju has a 40-year career as a healthcare provider, teacher, researcher and community organizer. He formerly held executive positions at Northwell Health, NYC Health and Hospitals, and the Cook County Health System in Chicago, and will now serve as Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs and Health to BP Fossella. Among his many accomplishments include improving population health at Northwell by finding ways to meet the needs of its most vulnerable communities through public/private partnerships, and turning the financial status of the Cook County healthcare system around that expanded healthcare coverage to thousands of its residents. He attended Madras Medical College for his medical diploma and Master of Surgery degree and underwent further training in England. Dr. Raju is also a physician executive, having obtained an MBA from the University of Tennessee and CPE from the American College of Physician Executives. He was also president-elect of Asian HealthCare Leaders Association (AHCLA), board trustee of the NYS Office of Professional Conduct, and serves as a member of Community Board 2 and the Iron Hills Civic Association. Dr. Raju says he is excited to work with BP Fossella to improve the quality of life for all Staten Islanders. A graduate of Fordham University, Sia Sipp earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and proceeded to work in advertising sales at Blair Television in Manhattan until she left in 1997 when BP Fossella was first elected to Congress. She was an Executive Assistant in his Congressional office throughout his entire term, working on the Readers Are Leaders Program, and working closely with the Congressman’s United States Service Academy Selection Committee. After leaving Fossella’s office, Sia stayed home and raised her three children. Sia will report directly to Borough President Fossella and provide guidance on administrative, staff and policy decisions, advise the borough president on government and community issues, and serve as confidential assistant and manager of the borough president’s daily schedule. She looks forward to working for him again as he continues to serve the people of Staten Island. She lives in Randall Manor with her husband Thomas Sipp and their three children. These staff changes are effective immediately. Patrons are asked to dine in or take out on Jan. 29th
Borough President Vito J. Fossella and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Linda Baran want to remind Staten Islanders to support their favorite local bar or restaurant this Saturday, January 29th for a New Year’s Eve Part II. Diners who take a photo of their table/food and tag @sichamber and the restaurant on Instagram will be entered to win one of the prizes listed below. There will be 12 different winners. All tagged posts/stories must be posted and submitted by 11:59pm on Saturday, January 29th.
Due to a large number of patrons canceling their reservations last New Year’s Eve, Staten Island restaurants were faced with an over-order of food supply, loss of wages for workers, and overall loss of revenue for their establishment. That was the impetus for BP Fossella and the SI Chamber of Commerce to create New Year’s Eve Part II. To enter the contest, Instagram accounts will need to be set to public (not private) in order for entries to be accepted. On Monday, January 31st, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce will enter all of the entrants’ Instagram handles into a randomizer to pick the winner, who will be notified through Instagram direct message. "Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the mandate that masks be worn in all indoor spaces except your home, or where proof of vaccination is already required, until February 1, 2022.
The governor has left the responsibility of enforcement of this mandate to the individual counties, and I agree with this approach. The time for masks and mandates has passed. Accordingly, on Staten Island, the use of masks should be made entirely optional. Only by making this a personal decision are we respecting our individual freedoms, and trusting ourselves and our neighbors, to carry out these responsibilities with common sense. Not only do we have limited resources, but also possess freewill. Staten Island has much better uses for our limited resources than citing individuals who are exercising their personal rights and beliefs. Business owners, too, should not be punished for making choices of their own free will, or if they fail to follow seemingly arbitrary and ever-changing government mandates. They should be able to exercise their right to make common sense decisions, do whatever they believe is best for their businesses, and trust that customers will make their own personal choices. Masks and a myriad of COVID restrictions have taken a toll on too many businesses and families, including school children. Children who have not been vaccinated have been and will be denied the opportunity to play indoor sports, or use their local athletic centers, community centers, and more. Some are being made to spend many days home from school learning remotely, if they are learning at all. I am convinced that such severity is not only unjustified by “the science” and statistics, but also harmful in ways we are already seeing, and which will continue to manifest themselves later. Should these mandates continue, the toll taken on everyday life and the mental health of many will be significant. There needs to be a better balance. That balance should be determined by each of us individually. "Finally, there is a little dose of sanity coming out of Washington with the Supreme Court's ruling today striking down the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate for most private employers. This is the refreshing change of pace that we've been waiting for. The vaccine mandate was a clear overreach by the Administration. The Court's decision brings a level of common sense to this issue. I hope it's a bellwether for things to come.
Some people who make health policy declarations have to understand the disastrous impact their rules have on business and the economy, and that when they make healthcare policies, they are, often, simultaneously making economic policy." Staten Islanders are encouraged to dine in or take out from a local restaurant Jan. 29th
Borough President Vito J. Fossella, along with Staten Island Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Linda Baran and other elected officials, announced yesterday a new initiative that will support local restaurants which suffered a financial loss during the New Year’s Eve 2022 holiday. Due to a large number of patrons canceling their reservations, Staten Island restaurants were faced with an over-order of food supply, loss of wages for workers, and overall loss of revenue for their establishment. This initiative, New Year’s Eve Part II, encourages residents to patronize local Staten Island restaurants on Saturday, January 29th by dining in or taking out. Diners who take a photo of their table/food and tag @sibpvito, @sichamber, and the restaurant on Instagram will be entered to win various prizes. Details of prizes will follow. “We are here for the restaurant owners, we are here for the small business owners, we are here for the bar owners, we are here for the tavern owners, we are here for the catering halls who suffered and perhaps felt like they didn’t have a voice for the last couple of years,” said BP Fossella to a room of over 20 restaurant owners. “But, we’re here to say you have a voice and we want to be supportive of you. We want to be there for you. The New Year’s Eve that came and went was hurtful for many of you. It’s typically a big day for restaurant owners." Borough President Fossella offered these words to Staten Islanders. "Please think about showing your support by going to your favorite bar or restaurant, and if you want to say thanks for sticking it out these last couple of years, come out on Jan. 29," he said. "It’s a fun way to say New Year’s Eve came and went, but we can do it again.” “I want to acknowledge the many restaurants in the room today that for the last two years have been experiencing one thing after another, adapting to closures, mandates, outdoor dining and more,” said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the SI Chamber of Commerce. “It’s really important that we all support our community and we support people that risk their livelihoods to stay in business, and the workers who really need these jobs. Let’s all come out on Jan. 29 and let’s celebrate New Year’s Eve.” “We stuck it through and we came together as a community,” said Max Calicchio, owner of Max’s Es-Ca, who described the challenges restaurateurs faced as they tried to navigate the changing regulations. “When one of us was down, we went to help them. And that’s the way we survived -- and I think we’re stronger for it.” To enter the contest, Instagram accounts will need to be set to public (not private) in order for Borough Hall to accept entries. On Monday, January 31st, we will enter all of the entrants Instagram handles into a randomizer to pick the winner, who will be notified through Instagram direct message. A Statement from SI Borough President Vito Fossella Concerning Non-Citizen Municipal Voting in NYC1/10/2022
"In light of non-citizen voting now becoming law, I have filed a lawsuit today in New York State Supreme Court, Richmond County, seeking to declare that the law violates the New York State Constitution.
More specifically, the new law violates Article II, Section 1 of the New York State Constitution which clearly states the three necessary “qualifications of voters.” These include citizenship, to be at least 18 years of age, and to have residency in the state for at least 30 days. As the lead plaintiff of this lawsuit, I seek to prohibit the Board of Elections from implementing the new law. The new law will require the creation of two different ballots for municipal races to prevent non-citizen voters from participating in federal and state elections, which in reality, opens the door for error. Potentially adding 800,000 new non-citizen voters to a system that has been made more complex by rank choice voting will increase concerns over fraud, and undermine faith in the system while diluting the voice of our citizens in selecting their local leaders. One of the great privileges of being a United States citizen is the right to vote. To extend that right to non-citizens is unconstitutional and simultaneously dilutes the votes of and devalues what it means to be a citizen of New York State. While the provisions of the new law would first be implemented in the 2023 elections, the time is now to protect the rights of all New York citizens, including those Staten Islanders who elected me to be their Borough President." Sites will help mitigate historically long COVID-testing wait times
Borough President Vito J. Fossella, in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, has announced an additional testing site at Great Kills Park which builds on the other three sites secured earlier this week. All mobile vans will be able to serve 250 to 300 people a day and are open from 8a.m. - 7p.m. Here are the locations and schedules for next week as the sites will rotate:
“These new locations for the South Shore will fill a gap that we’ve seen over the past few weeks as there has been a higher demand in testing as the new variant continues to spread,” said Borough President Fossella. “I am hopeful these locations will also reduce the long wait times that Staten Islanders have endured over the past month. I want to thank the city for their partnership in making Staten Island a priority.” From Monday through Wednesday, the vans will be at Great Kills, Conference House, and Wolfe’s Pond Park. From Thursday through Sunday, the vans will be at Brookfield Park, Charleston Shopping Center and Wolfe’s Pond Park. Ask that no discussions be held with Citi Bike on electrifying docking stations until S.I. Gets Service
Borough President Vito J. Fossella and Assemblymember Michael Cusick have requested that the New York City Department of Transportation and Con Edison cease any further discussions with Citi Bike about electrifying docking stations and expanding service until Staten Island can be included in the program. Recently, DOT and Citi Bike have been discussing ways to connect Citi Bike docking stations to the City’s electrical grid. This would be an expansion of the Citi Bike service. “How can a program be called “Citi Bike” when only four/fifths of the City is served by the Citi Bike program?” Borough President Fossella and Assemblyman Cusick asked. “This is a matter of equity and it troubles me to see Staten Island excluded from such a positive city-wide transportation program,” said Borough President Fossella. “By requesting that the DOT and Con Edison stop any further conversations with Citi Bike, we hope to trigger an action plan to bring Citi Bike service to this borough. I thank Assemblymember Mike Cusick for recognizing the importance of this issue and supporting this endeavor for Staten Island.” “Staten Island is just as much a part of this city as every other borough. There is no reason why Staten Island should be excluded from the Citi Bike program while the rest of the city gets to enjoy the benefits,” said Assemblymember Cusick. “As the borough with the least transportation alternatives, the Citi Bike program would be especially beneficial for Staten Island. I am glad to be working with Borough President Fossella to bring Citi Bikes to Staten Island.” “We would greatly appreciate DOT and Con Edison’s support in this matter. It’s time that Citi Bike lives up to its moniker and includes all five boroughs of the City in its service area,” said Fossella and Cusick. Several previous attempts have been made to bring dockless bike share to Staten Island. The companies Jump and Lime, now owned by Uber, proved successful in the spring of 2019 but the program was discontinued by the end of that year. Beryl, a UK-based company, was expected to launch a dockless bike share program in 2020 but pulled out of the deal due to logistical complications and other considerations relating to COVID-19. Citi Bike, established in 2013, has never been offered on Staten Island. A Statement from Borough President Fossella on Mayor Adams' “Small Business Forward” Executive Order1/6/2022
I commend Mayor Eric Adams for his recent executive order. He is now requiring city agencies to scale back on what might be described as the unnecessary harassment of New York’s small businesses. It is refreshing to know that our city is moving in the right direction by aiding these hard-working men and women. Too many businesses have been unexpectedly hit with fines so excessive, often for innocent mistakes, that they have been forced to close their doors.
Announcements of this nature are what our small business owners want and need to hear. For too many years they have been burdened by overly aggressive enforcement. By reducing fines, issuing warnings, and allowing for cure periods, our city will no longer impose anti-business rules and regulations. This will allow us to show support of small businesses, not present, as the mayor said, “an obstacle.” As Staten Island Borough President, I will take this opportunity to assist the mayor by having my staff compile data from our borough’s small businesses about some of the fines they have received. It is my hope that these examples will underscore the importance of these efforts. In closing, I am so pleased that Mayor Adams has taken such an important step. He believes, as I do, that we should promote and support small businesses. This executive order represents a refreshing policy change and a new era of cooperation. The mayor is modifying a policy that not only drained them of their dollars, but drained their spirit as well. |
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June 2024
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