The deaths of two Con Edison workers, who were severely burned in a manhole explosion in late June, came just five months after a woman walking her dog on East 11th Street was killed by electric voltage coming from a metal plate on the street.
These are just the most tragic incidents involving the city's electricity infrastructure, according to Mark Williams, business agent for Local 1-2, the Utility Workers Union of America, who cites a series of manhole explosions and underground fires, one of which forced several buildings in a Brooklyn neighborhood to be evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide. Last year, there were 4,602 manhole incidents according to the Fire Department, reportedly a surge from just 2,100 such problems in 2002.
Why do these dangerous incidents occur?
"Con Edison does not invest resources in its overhead and underground infrastructure, " Williams charges. "It tells union workers to cut corners and rush through jobs."
A report by New York City's chief lawyer to the State Public Service Commission, as explained in the New York Times, found that there are currently 5,700 street lights and signals waiting to be fixed, which reportedly cause dangerous "stray voltage." On average, the report found that Con Edison took two and a half years to repair broken street lights, and, often, they are fixed with temporary solutions, which make the problem worse.
For its part, Con Edison says the problem of stray voltage is as much the city's fault as its own; the city has the responsibility for inspecting broken street lights. The company also says it is in fact spending a total of $700 million in 2004 to improve the city's electricity infrastructure and meet high demand during summer months. The improvements include the construction of new substations, the installation of miles of new cables and the replacement of equipment damaged on September 11.
Testimony at a recent City Council hearing maintained that the problem is the poor maintenance and lack of inspection of the city's electrical infrastructure. In addition, it is difficult to track problems and complaints because calls to 311 are passed on directly to Con Edison, making it hard for the city to know whether problems are resolved. Susan Stetzer, a representative of Community Board 3 Manhattan -- the district in which the woman walking her dog, Jodi Lane, was killed -- said that, despite several calls to 311, a recent problem in the neighborhood went unresolved for weeks. When she called to follow up she found that the complaint had been completely lost.
At a February 12 hearing, which followed the death of Jodi Lane, the City Council's Transportation Committee was shocked to learn that neither the New York State Public Service Commission nor the City Department of Transportation regularly conducts inspections of the electrical infrastructure. In fact, the only time inspectors are dispatched is when a serious injury or fatality occurs. Con Edison also admitted that it does not routinely inspect its equipment.
Currently, the City Council's Transportation Committee has proposed a law which would require annual inspections, and periodic written reports to the council itself. The law would also require that underground and street-level electrical equipment be covered with non-conductive protective casing.
The proposed law has received widespread support by community leaders and public officials who say that it will make the city safer.
Such a law, though, would impose additional costs both on the New York City Department of Transportation and on Con Edison. That is one reason Con Edison opposes the law.
Over the past 10 years, Con Edison has reduced electric rates seven times, though their own costs have risen. During the same period, electricity use has grown by 20 percent and the company has spent $4.5 billion in upgrades and expansion.
So in April, Con Edison filed a request to increase electricity rates by an average of 6.7 percent beginning in April 2005 when the current rate agreement with the Public Service Commission expires. The increase would amount to about $5.40 for a typical residential customer and would affect the company's 3.1 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. According to Con Edison, the increase is necessary in order to raise a needed $550 million for future upgrades.
"We will be making some of the largest investments in our energy infrastructure that have been seen in decades," said Joan S. Freilich, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Con Edison. "We understand that no one likes to hear about increasing costs and how they impact monthly expenses, but the increases we are requesting will make possible the system upgrades necessary to provide the reliable and safe delivery of electricity required by the nearly nine million people we serve."
Over the next year, the Public Service Commission will hear from consumer groups, environmental organizations and elected officials on whether to approve the company's rate increase. During this time, the commission will take the company's safety record and the vital need for infrastructure upgrades into consideration.
Laura Forlano is a doctoral student studying communication technology policy at Columbia University.
Incumbent:
Adam Clayton Powell IV (Dem)
Challengers:
Eddie Baca (Dem)
John Ruiz (Dem)
Over two dozen reporters and cameramen surrounded the steps of City Hall in mid-July for a press conference held by Adam Clayton Powell IV, the member of the New York State Assembly representing East Harlem. "We all know why weĂre here," began Powell, who is running for reelection. "We have yet to pass a budget in Albany. I hope to do so soon. Thank you." He turned as if to leave, eliciting laughter from the reporters. Powell, aware of the real reason his press conference had drawn a crowd, then went on to address the allegations of rape that have placed him in the media spotlight.
The race for Adam Clayton Powell's seat has so far featured little discussion of the issues affecting East Harlem. The candidates in the Democratic primary -- Adam Claytotn Powell, District Leader John Ruiz, and former chair of Community Board 11 Eddie Baca -- agree that the neighborhood needs more affordable housing, improved education, and greater attention to health issues, such as East Harlem's high rate of asthma. Each candidate is running on his record, and attacking the record -- and character -- of his opponents. A fourth candidate, Rubye Wright, declined to be interviewed for this story.
Adam Clayton Powell has had to defend not only his public record, but also allegations regarding his personal life. On July 3, Powell was accused of rape for the second time in less than two months. The first alleged victim, a 19-year-old Albany intern, later changed her story, saying that what took place between herself and Powell was consensual. The second, a 38-year-old acquaintance of Powell's, plans to press charges. Powell maintains his innocence on both counts. Following the second accusation, John Ruiz held a press conference on the steps of Powell's office calling for his resignation. "With all the problems he is having right now, he should take time to address those problems," said Ruiz. Eddie Baca said he would not comment on the charges against Powell until the legal process had run its course.
John Ruiz and Eddie Baca have both focused on what they see as PowellĂs failure to adequately represent the district. Both claim that Adam Clayton Powell is inaccessible, and that his office is not helpful to East Harlem residents.
Eddie Baca says that Adam Clayton Powell "has just not been present. ThereĂs a lack of interest. There has been no initiative, or anything of significance that you can point to as his."
"Being visible here in the street is so important," says John Ruiz. "If people have an issue, they want to know someoneĂs listening. We have had to scream and holler at Powell just to get him to come to cultural events."
Others in the community share similar sentiments. Melissa Mark-Viverito, who ran for City Council in 2003, has endorsed John Ruiz. "We need representatives that will be able to bring resources into the neighborhood," she said. "It's not happening."
Some in East Harlem say that Adam Clayton Powell has won more on the basis of his famous name than because of what he has done for his constituents. Powell is the son of former U.S. representative and famous civil rights activist Adam Clayton Powell Jr. "The unfortunate thing about him is that a lot of our people vote for the name, and he plays that up," said District Leader Keith Lilly. "If people actually looked at the record, they might make a different decision."
Adam Clayton Powell dismisses claims that he neglects the East Harlem community. He said in an interview that, while in the Assembly, he has secured funds for East Harlem senior citizen centers and basketball leagues, and has brought new housing to the neighborhood. He said he is most proud of his Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption legislation, which limits rent increases for seniors. He also claims to be "the most visible elected official in East Harlem." "People see me, and they know me," said Powell. Candy Vazquez, a district leader in East Harlem who has endorsed Powell, says she has seen him at several functions and events with seniors.
John Ruiz had originally planned to run for State Senate, but switched to the Assembly race after the second rape allegation against Powell. Eddie Baca said Ruiz only entered the Assembly race because "he was smelling blood." And Geoffrey Eaton, chief of staff for East Harlem city councilmember, Philip Reed, says John Ruiz switched to "save his own face" after a poor start in the Senate race.
John Ruiz, though, says he made the switch in response to requests from the community. "If I was an opportunist, I would have been in the first time Powell was accused," he said. "The first time, we gave him the benefit of the doubt. The second time it happened, you start to think 'there's a pattern here.' I stepped in to provide a choice."
If elected, John Ruiz says he will work for affordable housing and job training in East Harlem, as well as to provide senior care, obtain a living wage for workers and address the neighborhood's health issues. Ruiz points to his record of community service and his nearly 20 years as a New York City firefighter. For over ten years, Ruiz educated children and seniors about fire safety as "The Rappin' Fireman," for which he received several community service awards. Since becoming a district leader, he has worked to make his office accessible to constituents, and says the club will host community meetings once construction on its conference room is complete.
Baca says his top priority if elected will be reforming the foster care system. He plans to "put a spotlight" on the city Administration of ChildrenĂs Services, which, he says, does not put a "serious effort" into keeping families together or providing appropriate care for children. He said he has already dealt with the agency as chair of Community Board 11. He also wants East Harlem's new developments to be built by companies located in the area and to ensure that East Harlem's HIV positive residents and teen parents receive the proper attention.
It is unclear how East Harlem residents view the rape allegations against Adam Clayton Powell. John Ruiz believes that residents are outraged and want Powell out. Candy Vazquez says most of the people she has spoken to "believe the assemblyman has been set up."
Adam Clayton Powell, for one, is confident about his prospects in September. "There is a better chance of us getting a blizzard on primary day than me losing," he said.
Until then, predicts District Leader Bill Moore, "There will be plenty of mudslinging."
Candidate Biographies:
Eddie Baca is director of the Association of Community Architecture and Businesses, an organization that develops low-income housing. He served as chair of Community Board 11 from 1994 to 1997
and was co-chair of Mayor David Dinkins's Task Force on La Marqueta in 1994.
Adam Clayton Powell IV has represented the 68th Assembly district in the New York State Assembly since 2000. From 1992 to 1997, Powell served as a New York City Council member representing East Harlem and parts of the Upper West Side and the South Bronx.
John Ruiz is a Democratic district leader in the 68th Assembly district, a position to which he was elected in 2003. He served as a firefighter for nearly 20 years in East Harlem, Washington Heights, and Lower Manhattan. While a firefighter, Ruiz founded the Rappin' Fireman Safety Program to educate children about fire safety. He also founded Our Firefighter's Children's Foundation, which provides food and gift to low-income people.
10/21/04
Harlem Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, accused by two women earlier this year of alcohol-related sexual assaults, is holding a "tequila shots" fund-raiser next week with contributors asked, "How many can you
do?" When told of the event, a law-enforcement official familiar with the charges leveled against Powell said, "Are you kidding?" (NY Post)
7/28/04
Manhattan state Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, dogged by scandal, will not mount a previously expected primary challenge to veteran U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of Harlem, according to election documents released
yesterday. The Rangel race had been touted more than a year ago as a potential clash between an older Democratic stalwart and Powell, whose preacher father lost the seat three decades ago to Rangel and who had the support of the Rev.
Al Sharpton. (Newsday)
7/15/04
Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell 4th publicly acknowledged yesterday having sex with the two women accusing him of rape - but said they agreed to it. "The sex was consensual," the 42-year-old Harlem lawmaker declared
at a contentious news conference on the steps of City Hall. (Daily News)
7/14/04
Assembly member Adam Clayton Powell IV - who is accused of raping a Manhattan woman - passed two lie detector tests, the politician's lawyer said yesterday. Powell, who has called the allegation "outrageous," was
given separate examinations last week by Richard Arthur, who once gave a test to Jack Ruby after Ruby killed JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. (New York Post)
7/10/04
Keith Wright, a former chair of the State Legislative Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Caucus, has denied allegations that he is actively working behind the scenes to have his colleague Adam Clayton Powell IV ousted.
Wright's involvement in the alleged scheme came to light at a press conference held in front of Powell's East Harlem district office to demand his resignation stemming from two back-to-back rape allegations. (Amsterdam News)
7/08/04
Embattled state assembly member Adam Clayton Powell IV won't meet with prosecutors probing rape allegations against him unless he has to, his lawyer said yesterday. (New York Post)
7/07/04
Adam Clayton Powell IV is scheduled to meet with Manhattan prosecutors as soon as today, to respond to allegations that he raped an acquaintance in her Central Park West apartment late last week. (Daily News)
07/04/04
Manhattan assembly member Adam Clayton Powell IV yesterday strongly denied allegations that he raped a woman last week at a West Side apartment. Powell issued a brief written statement a day after law enforcement sources said that police were investigating him in a sexual assault case for the second time in two months. (Daily News)
07/03/04 Manhattan assembly member Adam Clayton Powell IV is being investigated on a rape accusation for the second time in as many months, law enforcement sources said yesterday. A woman told police that after meeting Powell at a party Thursday night, they went to her West Side apartment, where he raped her at about 8:30 p.m., police officials said. After he left, she called 911. (Daily News)
05/12/04
Top state lawmakers yesterday expressed dismay and concern that an East Harlem assembly member from an esteemed political family has been accused of providing alcohol to a 19-year-old intern during an alleged sexual
encounter at a capital-area hotel. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D- Manhattan) said the allegations against Adam Clayton Powell IV, son of former U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., were "deeply upsetting and troubling" and vowed
to review a 28-year-old program that brings interns to the Capitol. (Newsday)
03/11/04
Adam Clayton Powell IV, an assembly member from East Harlem with longstanding congressional aspirations, has formed an exploratory committee, conducted several fund-raising events and met with supporters and advisers
throughout Harlem. But he still seems somewhat tentative about whether he will run in this year's Democratic primary against Representative Charles B. Rangel, the dean of New York's congressional delegation. (New York Times)
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Alfred B. Curtis (Rep/Ind/Con)
Diane Savino (Dem/WF)
PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS: Winner - Diane Savino
Kelvin Alexander (Dem)
Alfred B. Curtis (Rep/Ind/Con)
Cole Ettman (Dem)
Rodney Knight (Dem)
Diane Savino (Dem/WF)
CAMPAIGN FEATURE:
The two ends of State Senate district 23 face very different problems. Forty-five percent of the district's area lies on the North Shore of Staten Island, where residents worry that overdevelopment threatens their quality of life. The remaining 55 percent of the district lies on the other side of the Verrazano Bridge in southwest Brooklyn, where most residents would like to see more development, not less.
But complaints about overcrowded schools and the quality of education unite both boroughs. According to the New York City Department of Education, the public high schools have far more students than they were intended for, with the St. George School operating at 171 percent of capacity. Schools in the southwest Brooklyn do not have it any better. A low graduation rate is another concern.
During his eight years in Albany, retiring four-term Democratic Senator Seymour Lachman often focused on education. He pushed for more money for public schools, promoted bilingual education and started the National Collaborative of Public and Nonpublic Schools, a group of educators from public and private schools who meet to coordinate programs and policies. With Lachman retiring to become a professor at Adelphi University, one Republican and four Democrats are vying to succeed him - and many share his interest in education.
One of the Democrats, Cole Ettman, said that installing air conditioning in classrooms, reducing class size and giving teachers more training and guidance will help improve schools.
Two other Democratic candidates, Kelvin Alexander and Diane Savino, want to improve opportunities for residents who do not go on to college. Alexander proposes an apprentice program to train youths in skilled labor like plumbing and carpentry. Savino wants to protect industrial zones from housing developers to preserve manufacturing jobs.
Republican Alfred Curtis and Democrat Rodney Knight could not be reached for this article.
Three of the candidates - Kelvin Alexander, Diane Savino and Alfred Curtis - live on Staten Island, while Cole Ettman and Rodney Knight reside in Brooklyn. But all the contenders will have to discuss development on Staten Island during the campaign.
Between 1990 and 2000, Staten Island's population rose by 17 percent, the most of any borough. This has caused overcrowding in schools, sent rents soaring and led to traffic gridlock. "It used to take me five minutes to drive down the road," said Kelvin Alexander. "Now I'm lucky if it only takes me a half hour."
This year, the Mayor's Staten Island Growth Management Task Force instituted a number of regulations to control development, such as requiring bigger parking spaces and yards for private residences, more plants and greenery on private roads and a limit on the size of row houses. But Diane Savino thinks more needs to be done. "The mayor's zoning laws prevent huge housing developments, but now we have to enforce those rules," she said. "If someone sees a developer building three houses instead of the two he's supposed to build, they should be able to call someone to report that." Savino proposes that there be a state-funded mechanism for residents to report zoning infractions.
Kelvin Alexander wants to prevent any additional development on the North Shore unless a new public facility, such as a school, hospital or community center, is also built. "I have a more holistic approach," he said. "I don't want any more houses being built when our schools are already overcrowded and our hospitals are closing." If elected, Alexander would also lobby for more money to fix the pothole-ridden roads he drives on every day.
Rather than restrict the development, Cole Ettman would like to ease its effects. "People have a right to build houses, and in the city there are not too many places left to build," he said. "Everyone has the right to move and live where they want to." But he would spend money to improve and maintain streets and sewers while the developers build.
Many Staten Islanders worry that health care has not kept up with the growth in their borough. In fact, one hospital - Bayley Seton - recently announced it would close. Rather than trying to force the Health and Hospitals Corporation to build a hospital on Staten Island, Diane Savino proposes that there be more funding for existing clinics to provide free walk-in programs. Kelvin Alexander wants money to build another hospital on the North Shore.
Increased industrial development on the North Shore has provided more job opportunities. Between 1994 and 2001, the governor's office reported, the number of jobs on the North Shore increased by 1,500.
But things are different in southwest Brooklyn. Overall, the number of manufacturing jobs in the borough dropped by almost 20 percent between 1995 and 2000, with the number of all jobs decreasing by 4.3 percent between 1987 and 2001. While Coney Island has new superstores like Toys "R" Us and Home Depot, the jobs they provide pay lower salaries and offer fewer benefits than manufacturing jobs.
To help the economy, Cole Ettman believes the government should foster "mom and pop" businesses, sheltering them from increased taxes and fines. Diane Savino said she would fight to have Albany allocate more funds to southwest Brooklyn for economic development.
Kelvin Alexander, Diane Savino and Cole Ettman have activist backgrounds. Savino has lobbied for the social service employees union, Local 371, and Alexander has worked for the Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network. Ettman has been involved with Council for Unity, an anti-violence program. Alfred Curtis worked for six years as the chief executive for operations of the United Nations Development Corporation.
The retiring Sen. Lachman supports Diane Savino, who has also received endorsements from Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and District Council 37, the labor group that includes her Local 371 union.
UPDATE: Posted 10/13/04
The General Election race for State Senate district 23 has been narrowed down to two candidates: Democrat Diane Savino and Republican Al Curtis.
Curtis, who ran for the seat in 2002, said he is focusing more of his campaign efforts in Brooklyn than in his previous campaign. Curtis, who lives in Staten Island, has opened an office in Brooklyn and has spent time campaigning in Coney Island, Sunset Park, and Bensonhurst. He said he is also focusing on issues he thinks will unite voters in both boroughs.
"Affordable housing for seniors and affordable drugs - these are similar needs in Staten Island and Brooklyn," said Curtis.
Curtis also said he supports the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit that hopes to increase funding for New York City schools. If elected, he said he would reduce class size, replace outdated books, and provide adequate teacher training.
Curtis also has the support of Republicans like State Senator John Marchi and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and believes he can get more done in the Republican-controlled State Senate than Savino.
"Unlike my opponent, I can issue more than just proclamation and citation," said Curtis.
However, Savino has made reform of the State Legislature a major part of her campaign and does not believe a Republican can push the senate in the right direction.
"People have come to understand and develop the feeling that the government in Albany is in a shambles," Savino told the New York Times. "And they understand that this dysfunctionality has hurt New York City in terms of school funding, health care and affordable housing."
Kelvin Alexander is a retired police sergeant, producer of his own cable television show, and national field director for Reverend Sharpton's National Action Network.
Alfred B. Curtis was commissioner for New York City Department of Youth Services under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. He has served as the president and chief executive officer of the United Nations Development Corporation. A former president of the Staten Island Branch of the NAACP, Curtis also served on the Board Trustees of the City University of New York.
Cole Ettman was deputy chief of staff for former City Councilmember Howard Lasher. He has also served as public affairs director for Council for Unity, a violence prevention program for youths located at John Dewey High School.
Rodney Knight is a community aide for Brooklyn City Councilman Domenic Recchia. He grew up in Coney Island.
Diane Savino is vice president for political action and legislative affairs for Local 371 Social Services Employee Union. She is also the executive committee member of the Richmond County Democratic Committee and recent appointee to the Queens College Advisory Board.
10/18/04
Diane Savino, a former official of District Council 37, the largest municipal union in the city, can expect to win the bulk of the labor movement in her candidacy save one vital group. The most conspicuous defection from the labor ranks is that of Dennis Rivera and his hospital workers union, Local 1199, who have supported Republican Al Curtis. The race between between Curtis and Savino could thus hinge on the mobilization and voter turnout of this key group. So far, Rivera has donated more than $50,000 to New York Forward, a political arm of state Senator Joseph Bruno, the Republican majority leader who is backing Republican candidates throughout the state. Savino, however, insisted to Newsday that "Change begins incrementally. Even the 'three men in a room' [the governor, the assembly speaker and senate majority leader] are realizing they can't continue doing business as usual." (Newsday)
10/08/04
Republican candidate for state Senate Al Curtis attacked his opponent Democrat Diane Savino yesterday for being a political opportunist and for not being involved in the community. Curtis contends that Savino moved to the area in order to run for office. He told the Staten Island advance "Three years is just not enough," he said. "You need a few more years under your belt. She just does not know the community." (Staten Island Advance)
10/05/04
Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro announced his support for Republican candidate Alfred Curtis for a North Shore state Senate seat. This endorsement comes two years after Molinaro and his Conservative party backed Curtis' previous opponent, Democratic state Senator Seymour Lachman, for the same office. (Staten Island Advance)
10/04/04
Last week, prominent Republicans gathered to endorse Alfred Curtis, the Republican candidate for a State Senate seat that straddles a section of Staten Island and a part of Brooklyn. In an effort to win the seat back from a Democratic stronghold, the Republican party and members such as Joseph L. Bruno, the majority leader of the State Senate, and State Senator John J. Marchi, have shown significant support. The party has provided large amounts of sums along with advisors in order to ensure a victory in a district with a traditional Democratic advantage. Mr. Curtis contends that voters should vote for a senator in the Republican majority who could get bills passed once in office. (NY Times)
09/30/04
Democratic candidate for State Senate Diane Savino, a Fort Wadsworth labor leader, seeks to shake things up in Albany. On Monday, she endorsed a plan by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law school. The plan seeks to reform the New York State Legislature, which the center describes as dysfunctional. Trying to reducing government exclusivity, the plan calls for more input from rank-and-file lawmakers and a more open forum when passing bills in special committees. ( Staten Island Advance)
09/30/04
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno expressed his support for Republican candidate Al Curtis once again last night. Curtis attacked his opponent, Democrat Diane Savino, by comparing her to Senator Hilary Clinton, who moved to New York state to run for office. Savino, however, contends that she has lived in the district three times longer than Curtis, who moved only last year to the district. She also attacked the endorsement Curtis received from Bruno. If Curtis wins he will be the Senate GOP majority's first black lawmaker and the first African-American elected to public office from Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance)
09/06/04
State Senator John Marchi endorsed fellow Republican Al Curtis for state Senate. Marchi continues his run as the longest serving state lawmaker in U.S. history by running unopposed this year. Marchi claims he and Curtis would be a powerful team. "Having the two of us in the majority gives New York a lot of clout, a lot of strength," said Curtis. (Staten Island Advance)
08/13/04
Former State Comptroller H. Carl McCall backed Diane Savino yesterday in the latest of a string of endorsements. McCall calls Savino young and dynamic, stating that is exactly what Albany needs right now. An African-American, McCall also claims that this campaign has nothing to do with race while being chastised by Kelvin Alexander, also African-American, for not “feeling the sense of history” he felt when McCall ran for governor. (Staten Island Advance)
07/30/04
Diane Savino gets a vote of confidence from lady lawmakers Senators Ada Smith (D-Queens), Liz Kruger (D-Manhattan) and Toby Ann (D-Queens). Gathering on the steps of City Hall, the three senators publically endorsed Savino, citing that if more women were elected to the Senate, perhaps dysfunction and gridlock would subside. Women make up only 18 percent of the Senate, however total 52 percent of New York State’s population, said the senators. ( Staten Island Advance)
07/30/04
Diane Savino's state Senate campaign received a boost yesterday from three current female state senators, who said an influx of women legislators could help reverse the dysfunction and gridlock that plague male-dominated Albany. Sens. Ada Smith (D-Queens), Liz Kruger (D-Manhattan) and Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) gathered on the steps of City Hall yesterday to publicly endorse the candidacy of Ms. Savino, who is running for the 23rd Senate District seat being vacated by state Sen. Seymour Lachman (D-North Shore/Brooklyn).(Staten Island Advance)
07/25/04
A Democratic Party member has objected to state Senate candidate Al Curtis' nomination on the Conservative line, charging that Curtis will not have lived in the district for the requisite 12 months by this Election Day. Board of Elections records indicate that Curtis, the Republican Party candidate for the 23rd state Senate seat, was living at an address in Willowbrook when he voted in the general election on Nov. 4, 2003. The home is located in the 24th Senate District, which is represented by state Sen. John Marchi (R-Staten Island). (Staten Island Advance)
07/01/04
After internal politics threatened to derail the process, union official Diane Savino of Rosebank has received the endorsement of her home union, District Council 37, in her campaign for the state Senate. Ms. Savino is the political director for Local 371 of the Social Service Employees Union, which falls under the DC 37 umbrella. Backed by the Staten Island and Brooklyn Democratic Party organizations, Ms. Savino is running for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Seymour Lachman (D-North Shore/Brooklyn). (Staten Island Advance)
06/13/04
This year, the “incumbency protection program” that keeps New York legislators in office is being tested as a number of competitive races, particularly for the state Senate where the Republicans are a long-standing majority. Some of the races to look for will be the 23rd district, considered a “safe” Democratic seat, with Savino the likely candidate for the Democrats; the 28th district, also an overwhelmingly Democratic district, with Democrat-turned-Republican Olga Mendez challenged by Democrat Jose M. Serrano; 34th District with an open seat left by Guy Velella after he resigned and pleaded guilty to bribery. (Times Union)
06/15/04
Yesterday, New York State Senator Seymour P. Lachman officially endorsed the union leader Diane Savino to succeed him in the assembly. The senator also announced that upon retirement in December he will switch professional gears to become a professor at Adelphi University in Nassau County. Lachman praised Savino by saying, "she has the energy, she has the intelligence, she has the integrity and she has the experience to be state senator." Savino faces Kelvin Alexander, a retired NYPD detective, for the Democratic endorsement. Alfred Curtis, who ran and lost in 2002 against Lachman, is the presumptive candidate for the Republican party in the upcoming election. (Staten Island Advance)
06/09/04
The Al Curtis campaign for state Senate got a boost from another Curtis last night. Guardian Angels founder and talk radio host Curtis Silwa said Curtis had been a "voice of calm and reason" during racially charged times on Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance)
06/09/04
Alfred Curtis, who is running for District 23 seat in the New York State Senate, was decreed with an honoree degree from the Medgar Evers College system for his accomplishments, community service and aid to the CUNY system. At the end of the ceremony, Curtis awarded the school with a check from the Richmond County Savings Bank Foundation, of which he is a board member, to be used for student scholarships. (Staten Island Advance)
05/21/04
After a decade in the state legislature, State Senator Seymour Lachman is returning to his academic roots. This month the Borough Park Democrat, whose 23rd District covers parts of southwest Brooklyn and the North Shore of Staten Island, informed party officials on both sides of his bridge decision to retire. (Daily News)
05/11/04
State Senator Seymour P. Lachman (D), said yesterday that he would not run for re-election this year, citing "a variety of personal and family reasons" for leaving his seat. Kelvin Alexander, a former police officer who has a cable television program on Staten Island, has already announced plans to run for Lachman's seat. Diane Savino, the political director for the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 and a political ally of the Staten Island Democratic Chairman Assemblyman John W. Lavelle, is also planning to run as a democrat for the seat. Meanwhile, the executive committee of the Republican Party in Staten Island has pledged support to Alfred B. Curtis Jr., the former commissioner of youth services under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Mr. Curtis ran against Lachman two years ago for the seat and received 36 percent of the vote. (NY Times)
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• Albany's Dysfunction
• Blame Albany
• How Albany Controls New York City
• Will Albany Scandals Lead to Reform?
• Albany Rules?
• Upstate Downstate Debate
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