Vol. 55 No. 48
Saturday, November 28, 2020
$1.25
Co-op City’s African-American Association’s Candidates’ Forum Special Election scheduled for Dec. 22, 2020
BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
The African-American Association of Co-op City presented a forum for candidates running during the upcoming special election to replace former councilmember Andy King. The special election will take place on Tuesday, December 22. The virtual forum, which took place on Friday, November 20, over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was attended by three candidates in an effort to win over Co-op City voters. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams videoed in, wishing everyone a great deal of luck. He said, “This is a very important time… the Bronx is an extremely important area for a lot of us. Let’s make sure we have important issues on the forefront…” Shortly following was an introduction from Mayoral candidate Diane Morales, a lifelong New Yorker, educator, and advocate.
Vigilant Public Safety officers thwart car thieves
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, between 2 – 4 a.m., auto thieves removed two sets of tires from a 2019 and 2008 Acura in front of Truman High School on Baychester Avenue (off property). Public Safety became aware of these incidents when CCPD patrol officers on routine patrol noticed a distraught female standing next to a third vehicle – a 2018 Honda Civic. The lug nuts on all four wheels had been removed, however, the wheels were askew but intact. Evidently, the thieves were interrupted by a passing patrol vehicle, either CCPD or NYPD. Assistance was called on behalf of the victim and the wheels were refitted on her vehicle. All other owners were contacted and NYPD was notified.
US Secretary of Treasury and MTA Chairman see different solutions to solve budget crisis BY BRANDON ORTIZ
US Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin gave some insight into how the federal government may view the MTA budget crisis when he appeared last Friday on CNBC’s “Squawk On The Street” with Jim Cramer. Mnuchin was discussing the plausibility of another stimulus bill when the dire situation of the MTA was mentioned as a possible agency that could benefit from federal government assistance. The MTA has asked for $12 billion in emergency grant aid to offset the consequences the pandemic has had on ridership. However, Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin feels the MTA could borrow out of its problem instead. “The MTA has a real revenue problem, obviously. And you know, the MTA would like to get grants from the government. They really don’t want more debt. But again, the MTA can borrow in the market, they’ve borrowed some money from the facilities, they’ve borrowed money outside of the facilities,” Mnuchin said when asked how the MTA should address their issues. “The markets are open for them. And again, I don’t expect that to be a problem. But again, let me just say, there is a big difference between grants and loans. And the areas of the economy right now that are really hard hit, like the MTA, you know, they need to work with (Continued on page 4)
After brief introductions from committee members of the African-American Association and its president, Michelle Marbury, the forum began with candidates having one minute and thirty seconds to introduce themselves. Candidates in attendance included Bernie Cylich, a Co-op City shareholder and write-in candidate; and Pamela Hamilton-Johnson and Kevin Riley, who are currently on the ballot. Candidate Neville Mitchell was unable to attend. Bernie Cylich introduced himself as a leader in the Co-op City community for over 50 years and led the neighborhood in combating important issues, including an historic rent strike. Pamela Hamilton-Johnson is a former Community Board 12 member, president of her school board, and looks at herself as a “different” candidate. Her goal is to be the first woman and African-American woman in the seat. She said, “I want to advocate for the community, no strings attached.” Born and (Continued on page 4)
How the MTA budget cuts could affect you BY BRANDON ORTIZ
$12 billion in federal aid could mean the difference between avoiding drastic service changes and possible workforce cuts for the MTA. Should the MTA not receive the critical help it needs, the current version of the 2021 budget will have rippling effects for subway and bus riders across the city. Commuters who use any of the city’s bridges or tunnels would feel the effects as well. Below are some of the proposals that could affect subway and bus riders: Eliminations of Time-Based passes: This proposal would either eliminate the 7-day and 30-day passes entirely or keep the two time-based passes but increase the price of both. Notably, the base fare of $2.75 for the subway and local buses would not change in either version of this proposal. Increase fines and tickets: Tickets and fines would increase to generate either a goal of 2% or 4% more revenue. Elimination of Bus Coinage: Coins will no longer be accepted on buses in preparation of touchless OMNY machines being implemented in buses. Simplification of Reduced Fare Program Application: This proposal would resume the Reduced Fare Program, which has been suspended during the pandemic. Additionally, the application process to qualify for the program would be simplified. (Continued on page 2)
Local elected officials react to passing of former Mayor David N. Dinkins Former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins, the city’s first Black Mayor, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the age of 93.
On January 1, 1990, Mayor Dinkins took office as the 106th Mayor of New York City after unseating former Mayor Ed Koch who served three terms in office. Following announcement of former Mayor Dinkins’ passing, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio posted on Twitter: “Chirlane and I are mourning a truly great man. David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path. He was my mentor, he was my friend, and his steadfast commitment to fight for that ‘gorgeous mosaic’ inspires me every single day. We’ll keep up his fight.”
(Continued on page 3) Former Mayor David Dinkins
We wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Please celebrate safely & responsibly.