Everyone Quit...Really.

Would this be seen as irresponsible, selfish, last option or the right thing to do? This week, in Ringling, Oklahoma, all of the town's police force, mayor and city attorney have quit. How, what and why did this happen? This is like a story out of a movie. Ringling, Oklahoma was founded by John Ringling of the Ringling Brothers in 1914. It's a small town with a population of 1,200, a police force of about 10 and a tight-knit political community where everyone knows everyone. The former Police Chief, Jeremy Wilson, resigned along with his 8 other police officers after being on the job for less than 6 months. Mayor Jerry Reid followed resignation as well. Their reason is that the town is simply too corrupt. Ever since Wilson started his job, there have been some city council meetings on how the city can fire Wilson. Wilson and Reid claims that they have been targets because they were getting in the way of a few of the city's drug businesses. Wilson has stated that he and his staff have done all they can, and that this was the only option left. Leaving. For now, the Jefferson County Police Department is taking over until further notice. I think the Police Chief and Mayor are making a point and turning much attention towards the town of Ringling, as it needs, by quitting all together. This will put the town and it's officials into a spotlight and hopefully cause some good ruckus to get the town back to some sort of democratic shape. We'll see in the upcoming weeks as the truths start to come to surface how this will pan out.

Seeing Green ... Again

Mark Green announced his candidacy for the office of New York City Public Advocate on February 10, 2009. The Public Advocate is the one of the 3 top posts in the City (under the Mayor and next to the Comptroller; also next in line to succeed the Mayor). The Public Advocate is usually described as the "omsbudsman" of the City. He/she is the "watchdog" for New Yorkers and direct link between the people and the City government. So what is it about Mark Green running for New York City Public Advocate that's making people do a double take? Maybe because he was elected as the first ever Public Advocate (2 terms, 1994-2001)? Or maybe because the last time he ran for office and lost(the primary to Andrew Cuomo for State Attorney General in 2006) he said he would never run for office again? Mark Green has always been politcally active and is curerntly the President of Air America Radio. He's won primaries for the Democratic nomination in a few elections (such as the mayoral election against Mike Bloonberg in 2001), but never won the general election. He has also worked hard to support those who are running for office and shares his beliefs. Now that he is back in the "game" again, he has until November 3rd to convince New Yorkers he's good for the job. Again.

Just saying a goodbye

In the middle of the cold winter nights that are here with us now, I am sure that everyone longs for the day when we are able to pack away our bulky winter wear! Most everyone will welcome the summer days with wide open arms. The green markets will come back, the Naked Cowboy will be singing his tunes, the summer festivals will be packed, and the Coney Island hot dog competition will wonder if Kobayashi will ever leave. All these things/people will come back and maybe be better than ever, with the exception of Mr. Joe Ades. If you hang around Union Square or midtown often, you've probably met him before. He is the British vegetable peeler salesman. Mr. Ades always knows how to attract a crowd! And he only sells one kind of vegetable peeler that works very well, from what I've heard before. It's made in Switzerland. He always makes sure that you think of your friends and family when you you want to buy a peeler. And then you'd walk away with 4 peelers instead of one. He was quite the salesman. Not just any salesman, but a New York salesman (from the UK). I've always seen him around and I've always stopped for at least a minute just to listen to him even when I'm in a hurry. He always cracks me up, haha. I never bought a peeler from Mr. Ades, but am glad that many did. Mr. Ades died on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at the age of 75. He was a New York icon and he will be missed by many.

Joe Ades: You only want one? You have no friends!

Bill Thompson, Candidate for Mayor announces Campaign Manager

Bill Thompson, the current New York City Comptroller, has just announced his campaign manager to lead his run for New York City Mayor. Thompson chose Eduardo Castell, a long time aide, friend and a current deputy comptroller. Mr. Castell will resign his current city position to take on the duties of campaign manager this week. I've worked with both Bill and Eduardo during Bill's re-election 2005 campaign for Comptroller and both are very dedicated to this city and to the people who work for and with them. Best of luck! I'll have more updates on this campaign soon.

Who's circus?

Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was unanimously impeached and ousted from office. Finally. Ever since the former Governor became under investigation in December for abuse of power, he has turned the political world into, what some may call, a circus. Blagojevich continued to appoint a replacement to fill in Obama's vacated Senate seat while he was under investigation. He also decided to attend a few talk shows in New York while his impeachment trial was going on in Illinois. Blagojevich finally decided to make an appearance and a statement saying he has been innocent all along and that he does not deserve to be removed from office. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Governor Blagojevich. This vote included the newly appointed Illinois Senator, Roland Burris, who was appointed by Blagojevich. Overall, I do not think there was any politician in history that has shown such disregard for his own investigation or impeachment trial. But I think he did have more fun on The View than in front of the Illinois House.

Kennedy, Out!

Word has spread like wildfire that Caroline Kennedy has pulled out her bid to fill in Hillary Clinton's Senate seat due to personal issues. Many has questioned her experience compared to other potential candidates. Kennedy says her personal issues include the health and well being of her uncle, Massachusetts Senator, Edward Kennedy. Senator Kennedy had a seizure during the inauguration luncheon of President Obama. This news comes just days before Governor Paterson has to appoint someone to sit out Senator Clinton's seat. NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's camp has not made any comment since the speculations of his candidacy for this spot. He will be the front-runner to fill this Senate seat, but again, no speculations should be made. There are a few wild cards that the media has not considered. Governor Paterson has only mention some candidates but never mentioned who was a favorite or not. The way Governor Paterson has performed his job since he has taken over from Eliot Spitzer, I trust he will chose what is best for all New Yorkers. Either way, we will find out this coming Saturday.

Quick Update...

Hello! First, apologies for not updating especially when there has been so much happening within the first 2 weeks of the month of the new year! This post is going to be just a quick rundown of what has happened, thoughts, and updates. I will be back updating regularly soon!

Oakland, CA
A BART (San Francisco area public transportation) officer, Johannes Mehserle, fatally shot an unarmed young man, Oscar Grant, in the back, on New Year's Day. This incident was caught on video by many passengers waiting on the train. Protests ensued to end police brutality. Mehserle showed up in Nevada to avoid aggression to him and his family. He surrendered to the police and is currently charged with murder. Protests are on the rise and Oakland has hired private security guards to help quell the violence. Oscar Grant's mother has pleaded with the Oakland community to stay peaceful and stop the violence because it will only harm the community even more, which is something Oscar will not want.

NYC Firehouses
After a last minute City Council meeting regarding the firehouse night closures throughout NYC, its still closing. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta stands by these closures that will save the Fire Department roughly $9 million a year. Staten Island Councilman Oddo mentioned that if there were going to be any changes, then a City Council meeting would have happened earlier and not the day right before the closures are planned to happen.

NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson
Comptroller Bill Thompson(Dem) officially announced his candidacy for NYC Mayor on January 14, 2009. This will be a hard race to win with the popular incumbent NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg running for re-election for a third term. U.S. House Representative, Anthony Weiner is also a candidate for mayor for the Democratic ticket. It is too early to tell who will run on the Republican ticket, but Mayor Bloomberg might fill that position. The election will be held on November 3, 2009.

Hillary's Empty Seat
Now that Senator Hillary Clinton has become the Secretary of State, her position will have to be filled by appointment by New York Governor Paterson. There are at least two possible contenders. Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President John F. Kennedy) and Andrew Cuomo (son of NY Governor Mario Cuomo). With these political dynasties vying for one seat, it will be an interesting appointment for Governor Paterson to make. Hopefully, all New Yorkers will be in good hands. Caroline Kennedy is an attorney, and also acts on the boards of many non-profits, schools, and commissions. Andrew Cuomo is the current Attorney General of New York, who was elected in 2006. Cuomo has also served in President Clinton's cabinet as a member of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also on a side note, Caroline Kennedy is the cousin of Andrew Cuomo's ex-wife. So this practically makes it a family affair.

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20th!
Parties and get-togethers are happening everywhere. Check out the local political groups (such as NY Young Democrats/Republicans). Also the local listings in your local papers. Many bars/lounges will also be celebrating.

Bowing Out

On a balmy Sunday afternoon, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson announced his withdrawal as candidate for the Secretary of Commerce in the upcoming Obama Administration. This is quite surprising. Governor Richardson states that the ongoing FBI investigation surrounding his administration will not end in time for the confirmation process required in order to take on the position of Secretary of Commerce. There is an investigation going on of a California company which have won municipal bond business in New Mexico. Bill Richardson had the background that made a good candidate to fill this position. The Secretary of Commerce is the head of domestic and foreign business industry. Richardson had an extensive background as Governor, energy secretary in the Clinton administration, and served as an U.N. ambassador. This will put a fire under the Obama administration to search for another candidate as well as halting the current New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish from planning to take over. Bill Richardson has decided to stay on as Governor of New Mexico.

End of 2008

Happy holidays and have a wonderful new year! For the best and worst of times, 2008 will become the past before you know it. Wish you all lots of happiness, tons of laughter, a lot of greasy and comforting food and loads of great friendships! I hope this year was great for you and wish that next year, 2009, will be even better. Happy New Year!

Best,
Shirl

Operating hours 9-6 only

Four NYC firehouses are slated for reduced hours starting on January 17, 2009. They will only be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The reason for these closures is the city budget. It will be an attempt to help close the budget gap. This move will save the city about $8.9 million. Many residents and elected officials are concerned of the impact these closures will have on their communities. The hours of closure are especially alarming. Emergencies are unpredictable which can happen any time of the day anywhere (hence an emergency), but especially at night. Ladder 53, located in the community of City Island in Bronx, is one of the four scheduled for shorter hours. It is also the only ladder company on City Island. In addition to these closures, training for new firefighters will be reduced from 23 to 18 weeks as well as a reduction in hiring. The city will be losing valuable emergency services through closures and reduced training. This will cause for a longer response time, when every second counts, for the communities where these companies will only be operating for 9 hours each day. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta states that these changes and reductions are needed because of the city’s fiscal crisis and that “most changes made will not affect operations.”

The night closures will affect the following companies:
Engine 161 - Staten Island (North Shore)
Engine 271 - Brooklyn (Bushwick)
Ladder 53 - Bronx (City Island)
Engine 4 - Manhattan (Financial District)