ATTENTION: DYCD Young Adult Literacy Program

Mayor Bloomberg Kicks-Off Young Adult Literacy Program as First Component in Young Men’s Initiative

On October 11, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor Linda I. Gibbs and Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav announced the expansion of the Young Adult Literacy Program.

The program, developed and administered by DYCD, aims to improve literacy for disconnected youth who read between the fourth and eighth grade level. The Young Adult Literacy Program works to overall strengthen the safety net of services for black and Latino young men who have left high school without a diploma and may not be ready to take the GED exam. The program will receive $3 million over the next three years through the City’s Young Men’s Initiative.

The Program is now fully operational at 17 sites across all five boroughs and will serve nearly 1,000 participants this year. Sony has generously donated more than 1,500 Readers to assist with the City’s literacy effort and partnered with the public libraries to offer program participants free access to library book downloads.

CM James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 4, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith

(New York, NY)— After serving fourteen months with the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith today publicly announced his resignation from this position.

In this position, Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was integral to the development of “NYC Simplicity”, a comprehensive online system created to make City services more focused, innovative, and efficient. He was also involved with the updates to PlaNYC, the mayor’s comprehensive sustainability plan; as well as increased efficiency to the Department of Building’s construction approval process.

Deputy Mayor Goldsmith oversaw operational management during the Snow Blizzard of 2010, during which the administration failed to adequately respond to unplowed streets and overflowing garbage in many communities. At the time Council Member Letitia James, chair of the Council’s Sanitation Committee, joined many of her colleagues in chastising the administration for its poor response to the blizzard, as well as being out-of-touch with the conditions in outer boroughs. In April 2011, the City Council passed a legislative package with the intent of increasing intergovernmental communications and transparency during snow emergencies. Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was also heavily involved in the City’s contracting agreement, which has seen a number of high-profile errors related to poor management and insufficient oversight— the most visible being the CityTime disaster.

“I have always believed Deputy Mayor Goldsmith to be both hard-working and responsive,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I do not believe one man is responsible for the administration’s numerous blunders, and I sincerely hope he is not being punished for poor polling numbers. I look forward to working with Commissioner Holloway in his new capacity.”

Mayor Bloomberg has appointed Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Caswell F. Holloway to the Deputy Mayor for Operations position.

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CM James’ Response To Mayor Bloomberg's Efforts To Bridge Disparities Between Young Black/Latino Men

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 4, 2011

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES’ RESPONSE TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG’S EFFORTS TO BRIDGE DISPARITIES BETWEEN YOUNG BLACK AND LATINO MALES AND THEIR PEERS IN NYC

(Brooklyn, NY) Mayor Bloomberg's legacy will be defined by his victories and his failures. One of his major failures can best be illustrated by his lack of investment and focus on issues affecting urban youth. Black and Latino young men represent the most disaffected and disconnected constituency in the City.

Despite repeated warnings by members of the City Council, leaders and organizations… crying out in the wilderness of central Brooklyn and other urban settings urging investment; who for too long have been dependent primarily upon religious and civic volunteers and their individual small donations - the Mayor is finally showing up late to the carnage.

The mountain of disparity has consistently been dangerously trending upward. And unfortunately, the Bloomberg administration’s response has often been short-sighted, and more focused on policing youth. Bloomberg’s stop and-frisk policy has led to the systematic humiliation and harassment of Black and Latino residents who are innocent of any wrongdoing. That response was a band aide approach to deep structural inequities.

I applaud the Mayor; I guess this initiative is better late than never. But, it does appear to look like a major ‘mea culpa’ in the final leg of his term, as he finally turns his attention (and vast wealth) to probably the most marginalized and historically ignored group of individuals, who truly needed it, and could have benefited early on from his philanthropy and administration the most.

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CM James Commends Mayor Bloomberg On Demanding $600M Refund for Citytime Disaster

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 29, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Commends Mayor Bloomberg On Demanding $600M Refund for Citytime Disasterr

New York, NY— The charges against Citytime were outrageous— on December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80 million from the City of New York through steering public funds to consulting firms who funneled the money to shell companies controlled by the consultants and their families. By the time federal investigators and the NYC Department of Investigation began looking into the program’s payroll fraud and abuse, the list of crimes became more unbelievable. By February 2011, three upper-level Citytime officials employed by project contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) were dismissed from their positions.

And it soon became clear why such steps were taken— two officials soon plead guilty to criminal charges, and SAIC found one senior projects manager erroneously billed overtime hours. In fact, TechnoDyne, one of the largest subcontractors of Citytime, saw its executives flee the country after receiving federal indictments for their crimes. All this brought the number of people allegedly involved in Citytime corruption since last December to a whopping eleven, with federal prosecutors seizing more than $38 million in stolen funds from over 100 bank accounts hidden in international shell companies.

It is no wonder Mayor Bloomberg— on the eve of the expiration of the SAIC contract— saw fit to demand a $600 million refund from SAIC on behalf of the City of New York!

“Mayor Bloomberg absolutely made the right decision in demanding a refund for this thief’s buffet,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I regret that he did not move to address this Citytime corruption when it first became apparent, perhaps it could’ve saved CUNY’s Vallone scholarship or DHS’ Advantage Program program, programs that offered options for low-income New Yorkers. Perhaps this money could’ve helped ease cuts to domestic violence services, criminal justice services, and city hospitals and health services. Allegations of greed and mismanagement were widespread for some time before the investigations proved them to be more than accurate.”

On September 2010, before any crimes were uncovered, Comptroller Liu announced his agreement with the administration to give SAIC a deadline of June 30, 2011 to complete all original work on the program. With the understanding that the delayed work would be completed, the program was allocated up to $32M for maintenance and support services alone. Around this time, Council Member Letitia James joined Local 375 (DC 37) in opposing the project. Council Member James cited what were at the time ‘accusations’ of administrative greed and mismanagement, as well as the ballooning costs of the program from an initial $68 million to what at the time was $700 million.

Council Member James has been a long-term opponent of the Citytime project, from her tenure of Chair of the Contracts Committee where she held two hearings on the project in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

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CM James Comments on City Jail Plan; Capital Cuts

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 15, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Despite Cut in Capital Spending, Mayor Bloomberg Plans to Build New Jail: Council Member James Dumbfounded

At this time, because of difficult fiscal times Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a 20 percent reduction in planned City capital spending, which translates to less money for building new schools, new construction of affordable housing, and upgrading public parks around the City.

I still ask why Mayor Bloomberg will not make big banks and millionaires pay their fair share to prevent the worst proposed cuts in this year’s budget? It is well known that real alternatives to these destructive cuts are possible! New Yorkers will continue to hold the Bloomberg Administration accountable, and we now demand that big banks and millionaires pay their fair share! We are all fighting for a City that works for everyone.

And, I along with other New Yorkers are surprised to learn this week that the Bloomberg Administration is still planning to commit more than $620 million in 2011 through 2015 for construction of a new jail on Rikers Island, renovation of jails in Brooklyn and Queens, and the closing of other facilities. Ironically, the system will have less capacity than currently when the changes are complete. The question remains: in the long run who really benefits from this jail construction and the millions of dollars spent – wealthy developers, or NYC constituents?

An alternative to cutting capital spending does exist! This funding is crucial - because it would benefit those who need it the most - the residents of New York City. I will say it again: it is simply time to eliminate unaffordable subsidies for the wealthy. Let’s stop cutting funding for financial institutions, and support the statewide Millionaires Tax. These are fair and just options.

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For more details, please read the article posted by Nashla Salas at:

http://ibo.nyc.ny.us/cgi-park/?p=357

ATTENTION: Big Apple RX Free NYC Prescription Card!

Recently, Council Member Letitia James along with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Deputy Mayor Linda I. Gibbs launched New York City’s first official prescription discount card – offering substantial discounts throughout the five boroughs. The BigAppleRx card will be one of the most widely distributed prescription drug discount cards in the nation, and is available to anyone regardless of age, income, citizenship or health insurance status. The cards will save an average of 47 percent on prescription medications and can be used by anyone who lives or works in the City.

All you need to do is print out the card (or card code), and use at participating pharmacies!

CM James Comments On Departure of Cathie Black as NYC DOE Chancellor

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 7, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments On Departure of Cathleen Black as NYC Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor

“As coverage develops surrounding the sudden exit of Cathie Black, it demonstrates the Mayor’s senseless appointment of Ms. Black as schools chancellor. According to reports, the decision comes just a day after Santiago Taveras, Deputy Chancellor for Community Engagement, quit the department to join the private sector. This is a total exit four high-level deputies since Black’s short tenure.

Cathleen Black has no educational experience in relation to the nation’s largest public school system, which demonstrates that she was ill-suited for this position. It is my opinion that as a result of the changing faces at the DOE, all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a full assessment of the impact of these shifts on the school system has been made. Additionally, the DOE Preliminary Budget Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in front of the NYC Council should be postponed, particularly in light of the proposed budget cuts.

The city has been plagued with incompetent administrators, which weighed heaviest on the children of this city. I am confident that Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott will work closely with all elected officials and communities to adequately assist our schools as Ms. Black’s replacement.

The Blizzard of 2011, CityTime, the Atlantic Yards project, and now this; many would consider this the third term curse.”


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CM James Suggests Early Retirement Incentive for City Employees

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** March 30, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SUGGESTS MAYOR BLOOMBERG RECONSIDER AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE (ERI) FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES TO LOWER COSTS

(Brooklyn, NY) According to research and expert advice, I agree that a buyout or early retirement incentive is a tried and proven method to get salaried workers to voluntarily step aside, saving jobs of younger workers who can least afford to be out of work.

Simply put, it's the least painful way to reduce the work force. If Mayor Bloomberg is so adamantly opposed (at present, when he previously endorsed such a plan in 2002) to an early retirement incentive, let him release a detailed financial analysis as to why it is not viable option to be explored with the public and the unions. NYC employee's financial and emotional lives hang in the balance and all options should be aired openly and honestly to find the most effective way of dealing with the fiscal problems of today.

In a buyout, the rate of “back filling” or rehiring is the most crucial determinant for success or failure. At present, if a City worker leaves or retires the position or line is lost, there is no rehire, hence a shrinking workforce. Combined with hiring freezes controlled by the Mayor - who has strict governance over the city’s workforce and therefore payroll expenses - he could employ an early retirement incentive to maximize payroll savings, ASAP.

Unemployment insurance for up to 99 weeks for laid off workers, loss of city and state tax revenue, loss of health insurance for many families, possible foreclosures etc., as well as the emotional upheaval that ripples outward is a huge avoidable cost. This type of information (overall social cost) is rarely addressed when quantifying the overall success or failure of an early retirement incentive. For example, simple math - layoff teachers verses an early retirement incentive for all agencies: if you lay off 4,600 workers (teachers) and pay each unemployment insurance of $400 per week for 99 weeks that’s 400 x 4,600 = 1.84million x 99 weeks = a potential $182 million dollars. This does not include driving current and potential teachers from the profession, and the 4,600 former professional middle class New Yorkers who would join the expanding pool of the 9% unemployed.

In summary, an early retirement incentive would continue to reduce the City work force with immediate cost savings (rather than pension relief that would take decades to materialize and that the NYS Legislature appears reluctant to overturn), and have a lesser impact on career civil servants. It forces NYC agencies to do more with less, while negatively impacting society to a lesser degree, as opposed to sending thousands of workers into a very poor job market.

I ask the Bloomberg Administration to address this viable alternative and statistically explain the resistance to such a course of action. There appears no opposition from the workers, the unions, the City Council, the NYS Legislature - only the Mayor stands opposed.

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CM James Responds To Deputy Mayor Goldsmith Daily News Op-ed; Outsourcing IT Jobs

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

March 25, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Releases Statement In Response To Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith's Daily News Op-ed On Outsourcing IT Jobs

Commends Efforts to Increase Positions for City Workers, Cites Additional Need for Oversight

New York, NY— “On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the New York Daily News covered an op-ed by New York City Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith concerning the outsourcing of IT positions to private contractors.

Deputy Mayor Goldsmith asserted that the issue at hand was not the outsourcing itself, but rather that the administration needed to place more attention towards employing City workers to perform IT duties. It seems plain to me that if City workers could be trained to perform these IT duties for less money, then much of this outsourcing constitutes unnecessary and wasteful spending.

That said, training City workers to perform contracted IT duties, and strengthening oversight of contractors, are excellent steps to addressing the ballooning costs of City contracting positions well within the scope of municipal workers. I commend the administration for taking positive steps in centralizing the City’s data server, as well as using public workers to manage the City’s wireless network and Business Express tool.

In fact, the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) project, and the $286M contract that was originally proposed to New York City Comptroller John Liu, is a fair example of where the administration needs to increase oversight. The ECTP project seeked to upgrade the City’s 9-1-1 system by establishing two unified 9-1-1 emergency call center systems.

As was the issue with the Citytime contract, the cost of the ECTP project mushroomed from an initial $380M to $666M without significant changes. In fact, six years after the ECTP contract was originally awarded, the Brooklyn 9-1-1 Center was still not fully operational and one year behind schedule. For these reasons, Comptroller Liu’s rejected renewal of the contract for $286M, citing such issues as lack of transparency over time and expense billing arrangement, multiple layers of subcontractors, and significant cost overruns. On March 15, 2011, Comptroller Liu registered a $95M fixed-price contract for the project, with an agreement of increased communication with his office on ongoing budget matters.

If the administration is truly committed to addressing the oversight and management of private contractors, then there must be a mechanism in place to examine these contracts before they reach the Comptroller’s desk.

Again, I commend the administration on taking initial steps to address the fiscal and transparency issues associated with private contractors, and I hope that the outsourcing of positions other than IT will be addressed. I also hope that these administrative changes will include the recommendations of the Council’s Committee on Contracts as well as unions. I look forward to working together to address these issues.”

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CM James and Elected Officials Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings

STATE AND CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS HELD RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTERS CLOSING– FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11AM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urged the community, all seniors and advocates to mobilize against severe threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to cut funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “Our Seniors built this country and this city with their work and dedication, and we will not balance the budget on their backs. The Legislature has identified funding for these programs, and these programs will be saved!”

“The reduction in state funding for ‘mandated’ services and the consequent diversion of financing used for ‘discretionary’ services will drastically weaken a necessary support system for our seniors that has been in place for more than twenty years,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “After decades of hard work providing for their families, senior citizens deserve fundamental services and protections so that they can continue to lead healthy and active lives. The dire economic condition of the State of New York requires severe budgetary constraints, but it is imperative that our senior citizens do not bear the brunt of this fiscal retrenchment.”

“Long before I was old enough to use one, I was the president of a senior center from 1973 to 1978,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, I know firsthand the central role they play in seniors’ lives. Cutting $25.2 million of funding would force 105 centers to close in New York City, 31 in Brooklyn alone. With our economy and aging population, not only is this the wrong time to cut funding we should be increasing funding for senior centers. For seniors, the ‘social network’ isn’t about Facebook or Twitter—it’s about the people they meet and socialize and interact with at the neighborhood senior center.”

“I believe there are only two reasons that any of us are here, God and our seniors, and we’ll be judged by how we treat them. The State wants to close two out of the three centers in my district. How can one center serve all of my seniors? What about the millionaire’s tax extension or the "421A" tax abatement program? Yankee’s player, Alex Rodriguez, practically gets a free ride while our senior centers are decimated,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, Council of Senior Centers and Services, CSCS, said: “On behalf of thousand older New Yorkers, we are proud that Brooklyn’s elected leaders are standing with them to protect senior centers. However, the fight is not over until it is over. Senior centers are still in danger of closing by April 1. Older New Yorkers, elected leaders, service providers, and advocates must continue to place pressure on the governor and tell him to stand up for seniors by standing with Brooklynites. Our elected leaders must make senior center funding mandatory so that older New Yorkers and their senior centers are not faced with this devastating cut every year.”

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of society and I’m going to fight this with every fiber of my being,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines will not close on my watch. New York City senior centers are a vital source of community life.”

WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYS Senator Eric Adams

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Lew Fidler

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

WHAT: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan

WHEN: Friday, March 18
11:00 AM

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CMs Hold Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings; 3/11; 1PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 8, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HOLDS RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTER CLOSING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH, AT 1PM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urges the community; all seniors and advocates to mobilize against threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to decrease funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of our community. These parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines – New York City senior centers will not close without a fight,” said Council Member Letitia James.

What: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City
Where: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan
When: Friday, March 11
Time: 1pm

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ATTENTION: Rally To Stop School Budget Cuts; 3/17; BK Boro Hall

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will join New York Communities for Change, Alliance for Quality Education, and New York Charter Parents Association at "A Rally To Organize: No Budget Cuts to Our Schools" at Brooklyn Borough Hall. All Brooklyn parents (and advocates) are invited.

Brooklyn Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, NY.

Please call (347) 410-6919 x240 for more information.

CM James Comments On Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Cuts To Childcare

**For Immediate Release**
February 17, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Statement by NYC Council Member Letitia James about Mayor Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts to Child Care

“The Administration of Children’s Services plans to eliminate 16, 624 child care slots, apparently due to a loss of federal funds, which will hurt low and moderate income families. Children may be put in unregulated care, and/or parents may have to stay at home to care for them. Also, thousands of child care workers will lose their jobs, and the majority of these employees are women.

The hypocrisy of this administration is baffling; Mayor Bloomberg talks about importance of early education, yet eliminates these crucial childcare slots for children. The New York City Council was able to restore $6,682,247 in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which gave a 3-month reprieve for six child care centers, and 12 months for seven other centers. At this time, additional funding is needed in FY12 to save these centers from closing.

My office has also become aware that District Council 1707, the union representing public center-based employees, was not officially informed of the possibility of New York City’s day care centers being hit with these deep cuts. And, at this time, still only 27% of eligible children are able to attend public center-based day care. Thousands more of the city’s youngest residents, toddlers, and infants will lose funding for learning opportunities within daycare centers, if the Mayor has his way. Again, these budget cuts specifically hurt the developmental progress of the least among us- working and poor families.

On the back of these cuts is the recent elimination of Priority 7 vouchers that serviced 2,200 children, (and most of these families heavily relied on the subsidy for their after-school care). Due to this cut, hundreds of eligible children may be added to Priority 5, which may be cut in the near future as well. Why does it seem that when it’s not an election year, the Administration takes funds away from those New Yorkers who depend the most on the services provided by the City?

Public and children’s advocates are adamant: the Bloomberg Administration’s plan to eliminate child care slots is illogical, and the money saved (ironically) will be at a huge expense for our children, and the future of New York City. The impact of eliminations of public center child care slots and day care centers will devastate our communities. Every Parent deserves quality day care that’s affordable. Let’s remember that these New Yorkers contribute greatly to the City’s overall economy as well.”

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ATTENTION: CM James Joins Advocates and Officials To Rally Against Proposed DOE Phase-Out of MS 571; Co-Locations of Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 27, 2011


Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081, and Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, ALONG WITH PARENTS, STUDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, AND ADVOCATES RALLY AGAINST DOE PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF M.S. 571, AND CO-LOCATIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS AT P.S. 9/M.S. 571 & P.S. 316/M.S.353 -- PROTEST THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH, AT 1:00 PM IN THE BASEMENT OF DURYEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 362 STERLING PLACE

Last Month, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement proposing the phase-out of M.S. 571 - The Bergen Upper School and a re-siting and co-location of Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the 13K009 building. The DOE claims M.S. 571 “lacks the capacity to turn around” and there’s a need of high-quality options in school district 13. Much like P.S. 316 and M.S. 353, the DOE is not allowing the possible expansion and growth of P.S. 9.

The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!

WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-out of M.S. 571 and co-locations of charter schools
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Duryea Presbyterian Church - 362 Sterling Place (corner of Underhill Avenue), Prospect Heights, Brooklyn - (718)783-2451

Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered at the February 3, 2011 Panel for Educational Policy meeting - at Brooklyn Technical High School located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing and the press conference held prior to the hearing.

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NYC Weather Emergency Declared

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg has declared a weather emergency for the City.

CM James Comments On Replacement/ Co-Location of Traditional Public Schools With Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 24, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Statement from Council Member Letitia James regarding the Perpetual Replacement and Co-location of Traditional Public Schools with Charter Schools

“The recently leaked document from the Department of Education is causing reasonable uproar from parents and schools throughout New York City. The DOE’s outline to replace twenty-six schools this year - with mainly charter schools - proves that no neighborhood is safe from the unilateral decision making of Mayor Bloomberg and now, Chancellor Cathie Black.

The 26 schools recommended for closure due to poor performance has received little to no support from the DOE for restructuring or developmental purposes. P.S. 9 – Teunis G. Bergen/M.S. 571 and P.S. 316 – Elijah Stroud/M.S. 353 – Elijah Stroud Middle School – all in my district – are being threatened with a co-location of charter schools, in addition, to a proposed phase-out of M.S. 571. Also, P.S. 11 – Purvis J. Behan seems to be targeted by the DOE as a possible place for co-location due to their outdated underutilized space report. Although these decisions are subject to public hearings and a vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, these students and their families are losing confidence in the NYC public education system.

I propose that the DOE allow restructuring of the M.S. 571 administration as it is necessary to maintain middle school options in school district 13. P.S. 316 has grown tremendously over these years under the great leadership of Principal Elif Gure-Perez and M.S. 353 is now a part of the Middle School Choice process of which will attract at least 100 additional students for the 2011-2012 school year. Both schools maintain levels of proficiency and received an “A” grade on their DOE 2009-2010 progress reports. Allow these schools to blossom in a time when they are both exceeding expectations and gaining community support.

The charter revision and expansion for Community Roots Charter School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for example, is one well deserved. However, the placement of the school in a separate building with another traditional school will only invite further public scrutiny. It is undoubtedly irresponsible for the DOE to take it upon themselves to create such documents without the input of the adjoining communities.

Once a phase-out is fully implemented, the DOE will cease to allocate funds to the closing school and repurpose all remaining funds to the incoming school. The Fair Student Funding (FSF) covers basic instructional expenses and may be used to hire staff, purchase supplies and materials, or implement instructional programs. As a result of the phase-out, the total number of students enrolled at the closing school will naturally decline each year resulting in fewer teachers and supplies to meet the needs of the remaining student population. The DOE needs to understand that many of these existing schools are community staples. It is without argument that many need support to maintain desirable proficiency and retention rates. Nevertheless, replacing them and reallocating resources to new charter schools is NOT the solution.”

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NYCC Sanitation Hearing Discussed at Good Day NY; CMs Crowley and Williams Interviewed

Following CM James' appearance on Good Day NY to discuss the New York City Council's hearing on the December 26, 2010 snow blizzard, which took place yesterday at the Council's temporary hearing hall, CMs Crowley and Williams again joined Good Day NY to discuss what happened.

Council Member James regarding some of the comments made: "It is important to remember that there is a federal investigation happening at this time, and that it is not the duty (or within the jurisdiction) of the New York City Council to perform any criminal investigation of events. Nor would it helpful to feed into unsubstantiated claims."

"Instead, the goal of the Council hearing- laid out by myself before the hearing began- was to look into whether the Department of Sanitation failed in meeting its goals for snow management, and if so how the department and administration can ensure those mistakes are not repeated. It is imperative that in order to address those issues, comments and testimony be as focused as possible. In light of the administration's surprising admissions yesterday, and recent attempts to strengthen service, I feel as if yesterday's hearing was successful."

Blizzard City Council Hearing: MyFoxNY.com

Video borrowed from MyFOX 5.

CM James On Good Day NY!

Councilwoman James On Cleanup Investigation: MyFoxNY.com

Council Member James joined the hosts of Good Day New York on January 7, 2011 to discuss the administration's response to the December 26th snow blizzard.

Video borrowed from MyFOX 5.

ATTENTION: CM James Joins Fox 5's Good Day NY!

Please check-in with Fox 5's Good Day New York tomorrow (Friday) morning at 7:15AM to watch Council Member James discuss the City's snow blizzard response, expectations about tomorrow's snow, and the upcoming Council hearings.

More information about the City Council hearings will be posted shortly.

CM James Shares Predictions for 2011!

Council Member James on steps of City Hall at CityTime Press Conference.

"Now that 2011 has ushered in, the following are a few predictions for the New Year--

Number one: the amount of theft related to the CityTime scandal will exceed $100 million stolen from New York City taxpayers, and will be the largest fraud on record in the City’s history (I first sounded the alarm two years ago as Contracts Committee Chair).

Number two: within the 35th Council District we are members of a united community, and therefore will provide even safer, more nurturing and stimulating environments for children, both at home and within schools. We will help the least among us, and when we see something, we will always say something in an effort to protect neighbors and ourselves.

Number three: dancing will remain in my life, for exercise purposes and as an artistic outlet. I truly enjoyed dancing to raise funds for arts education in December - http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2010/12/cm-james-dances-at-stars-of-ny-dance.html."

Council Member Letitia James

35th District, Brooklyn