I on politics
By John Toscano
Maltese Credits Mayor, Others With Engine 293 Save

SERPH SHARES CREDIT: Despite one newspaper’s assertion that state Senator Serphin Maltese was the driving force in saving the Woodhaven firehouse that is home to Engine 293 from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s budget axe, Maltese diplomatically shared the credit with other legislators and community leaders in a mailing to the district.

"I commend Mayor Bloomberg for working with Senate [Republican] Majority Leader Joe Bruno, Assemblyman Tony Seminerio and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer [both Democrats] and myself to insure that Engine Company 293 will not be closed," Maltese wrote.

Engine 293, known as the "Woodhaven Wild Cats" has protected the community for nearly a century.

He also acknowledged the efforts of City Council Speaker Gifford Miller and Ozone Park Councilmember Joseph Addabbo Jr., both Democrats, and Councilmembers Dennis Gallagher (Middle Village) and James Oddo (Staten Island), both Republicans.

Finally, he extended profound appreciation to Woodhaven civic leader Maria Thomson and other community leaders in Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and surrounding communities.

FIGHT CUTS TO VETS’ HOSPITALS: United States Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, (both D-New York) have protested to U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi his request to the St. Albans Veterans Hospital Center to re-evaluate its long-term plans under the CARES initiative with a view to closing beds, cutting hours and reducing staff.

Both said they strongly oppose the attempt to force reductions in service to veterans. "At this critical time in our nation’s history, we must show our veterans—not just tell them—that we are grateful for their service to our country," said Clinton. Schumer stated, "Providing our military heroes with the medical care they need has to be a priority."

The lawmakers explained that the VA CARES process is designed to encourage the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VINS) to develop plans for the more efficient use of VA facilities. The St. Albans facility was one of 20 that recently submitted recommendations to the VA, but were subsequently requested to re-evaluate them.

In a letter to Principi, Schumer and Clinton complained, "We are troubled by this latest development, as it will likely result in the closure of thousands of long-term care, domiciliary and psychiatric beds—not only in our home state, but all across the country."

GOP EYES NYS IN 2004: Officials of the President George W. Bush re-election campaign held a luncheon meeting here last week. They told major campaign contributors that they think the president has a good chance of carrying New York state in 2004. The luncheon was to set the stage for a major Bush fundraiser next Monday with an official goal of raising $2 million. Some observers, however, are predicting $4 million or $5 million will be raised. It will be the president’s first fundraising foray outside Washington and is one of seven such events planned to take place before the June 30 deadline for reporting contributions received.

Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki were among those present at the 21 Club, scene of the luncheon. Speakers said campaign plans in New York call for major attention to Latinos, women and labor unions and a major thrust will be made when the GOP national convention is held here in August for the first time.

Bush raised a record $100 million plus in 2000, but prospects are he could go as high as $250 million in 2004 because donors can give $2,000 instead of $1,000. the goal is to swamp the Democratic candidate.

DOING BIZ WITH UNCLE SAM: Congressmember Carolyn Maloney has extended an invitation to companies in New York City and adjacent areas to attend a federal forum on how to do business with the federal government which will be held next Monday, June 23 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Manhattan.

Maloney (D–Queens/Manhattan) said, "Given the tough economy, especially in New York City, area businesses might want to look at procurement opportunities with the federal government, which authorizes about $250 billion in contracts annually."

There will be presentations by the General Services Administration, a co-host of the forum, and the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security and other federal agencies. There are a limited number of seats available. Contact Phil Craft at Maloney’s office at 212-860-0606, Dave Marin, Government Reform Committee at 202-225-5074, Bob Cohen at the Information Technology Association of America at 703-284-5301 or Tinabeth Burton, also at ITAA, at 703-625-6187.

NAME COURTHOUSE FOR D’AMATO: Former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato, a Long Island native, was honored Monday when the United States Courthouse in Central Islip was named in his honor. Two former D’Amato foes, incumbent Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton were among several speakers at the event.

GIOIA PRAISES VERIZON: A $15,000 grant by Verizon to the Queensbridge Jacob Riis Settlement House in Long Island City for a jobs program won Councilmember Eric Gioia’s praise last week. Declaring he was "thrilled" by the grant, Gioia (D–Woodside) said the funding would provide the technology that will enable people to help themselves. He said it was especially important in that community but also for the general economy.

Settlement house officials said the funds would be used to purchase office equipment for its job search assistance center, which provides free resume workshops, job referrals, computer training and information on public assistance.

PERALTA HELPS SECURE JOBS: Assemblymember Jose Peralta (D–Corona) tried hard to save the jobs of workers at the Scharf Manor in Rego Park when the facility was taken over by the Madison York Assisted Living Center recently. Even so, 40 people lost their jobs. But Peralta persisted and was able to get nine fired workers hired by the new owner.

COHEN REPORTS ON LEGISLATION: New York City would be reauthorized to enact its own rent laws under a bill which has passed the Assembly. If it becomes law, Assemblymember Michael Cohen (D–Forest Hills) says, the City Council would be more considerate of tenants’ needs than state senators from rural and suburban areas. The Republican controlled state senate is siding with landlords in the current dispute on renewing rent controls, although New York City senators have been trying to keep the controls more disposed toward tenants’ interests.

E-911 LEGISLATION INTRODUCED: Clinton has introduced legislation that guarantees funding for localities to give cell phone centers the equipment, technology and resources to respond to emergency calls made from cell phones. Sponsored jointly with Senator Conrad Burns, a Montana Republican, the bipartisan bill was filed in the context of strengthening homeland security as well as protecting communities and individuals in everyday emergencies.

Local lawmakers Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., both Astoria Democrats, have been pushing hard for an E-911 system since a young Bronx resident tried to get 911 assistance with his cell phone, but was unsuccessful. He and three friends from City Island subsequently drowned in Long Island Sound when their rowboat capsized.