Assemblyman Dov Hikind Reports to the People


Assemblyman Dov Hikind SPRING 2008

Assemblyman Hikind Applauds the
End of Congestion Pricing

iting the current economic crisis and the resulting unfair tax on middle income New Yorkers and outerborough residents, Assemblyman Hikind is happy to announce that the Majority of the New York State Assembly has rejected the congestion pricing plan. “In these tough economic times it is inappropriate to initiate a new tax on middle income families. Charging hardworking New Yorkers an additional $8 tax per day, and charging businesses an additional $21 tax for the delivery of goods is outrageous in these financially difficult times.” While the Assemblyman agrees that there is a definite need to come up with viable solutions to improve the congestion and air quality in Manhattan, he is doubtful that instituting the congestion pricing plan would result in the desired effect. Instead, it would unfairly overburden outerborough residents already struggling to make a living.

Historic Black-Jewish Alliance Will Promote Peace and Equality Throughout New York City

Members of the Black-Jewish Alliance join Assemblyman Hikind at the inauguration ceremony. Pictured from left to right are Congressman Ed Towns, Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, Senator Eric Adams, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, Assemblyman Alec Brook–Krasny, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, Councilman Mike Nelson, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, Councilwoman Letitia James.

It is no secret in our community that there has been an increase in anti-Semitic crimes and incidents throughout New York City during the past year. What may come as a surprise is the sharp rise in racist crimes and anti-Black incidents as well. Hate crimes against Blacks and Jews in New York City have increased by 25% since September 2007.

Assemblyman Hikind launched the Black-Jewish Alliance in response to these hateful incidents. The Assemblyman explained that the goal of the alliance is to bring African-American and Jewish leaders together to eliminate hate and discrimination in every community throughout New York City.

“We’ve seen a spike in anti-Semitic and anti-Black incidents in the last four months. A two-foot wide swastika was scrawled across the doors of a synagogue, which also operates as a senior center, with hateful language beneath it.”

There have been similar anti-Semitic incidents that many times have not been reported. There has been a rise as well in racism, with depictions of nooses and other hateful messages drawn on establishments owned by African-American individuals.

“Racism and anti-Semitism hurt all of us. The racists are sending us a message of hate, and we are sending them a message of unity. The time is now for our communities to stand together and advocate for the betterment of all. We must leave our children and grandchildren a less divisive, more cohesive New York.”

The Assemblyman is working closely with the 40 elected officials, including Governor Paterson and other prominent African-American and Jewish community leaders, to monitor hate crimes throughout New York City and to introduce legislation for greater penalties for anyone involved in any anti-Semitic and racist incidents.

Assemblyman Hikind with Black-Jewish Alliance member, Governor David Paterson.

Assemblyman Hikind at the Black-Jewish Alliance Reception. Pictured from left to right are Assemblyman Mark Weprin, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer

Assemblyman Hikind with Avi Katz, who fell onto the subway tracks at the Kings Highway station.

Assemblyman Hikind’s Efforts Responsible for Emergency Renovations to Brooklyn Subway Stations

Assemblyman Hikind was contacted by the family of a teenage boy who fell onto the tracks when the platform gave way beneath him on the Q line at the Kings Highway subway station. The Assemblyman investigated many subway locations throughout the district to determine if there were similar platform deficiencies, and found deteriorating platforms and serious safety hazards at many of the Brooklyn stations.

In a letter to MTA NYC President Howard Roberts Jr., Assemblyman Hikind demanded that the NYCT exert more stringent protocols for maintaining subway stations and

requested that the stations throughout the system be inspected routinely and their needs be addressed immediately. President Roberts assured him that due to the incident with Avi Katz and Assemblyman Hikind’s subsequent investigation depicting many deteriorating platforms, he would be instituting new measures designed to address safety matters as

soon as they occur. Also of concern was how it was possible that the station deteriorated to such a state of disrepair without being noticed by an MTA employee. Assemblyman Hikind will continue to monitor this situation and explore possible negligence that may have occurred by MTA personnel.

Image of the subway platform
that gave way beneath Avi Katz.

Assemblyman Hikind with MTA
President Howard Roberts Jr. at the location of the incident.

Assemblyman Hikind with some donated phones for the Senior Sunday Cell Phone Event.

SAVE THE DATE:

Senior Sunday Cell Phone Event
Sunday May 18, 2008
11:00 A.M.
The Boro Park Y
4910 14th Avenue, Brooklyn,NY

Assemblyman Hikind will be distributing emergency cell phones for seniors ages 65 and older. The phones will be programmed for emergency use only, and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Seniors MUST register in advance to be eligible for the phones by calling 718-853-9616. The phones will only be available for pickup at the event.

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