Marty Praises the Contract Agreement Between MTA & TWU

"I want to commend both the MTA and TWU for averting a strike that would have crippled New York City during this important holiday season," Marty said. "They both realized that the only way to resolve this situation was to compromise. During these difficult economic times, we all are learning to do more with less, but I was glad that the MTA and TWU could agree on an equitable contract. I have all the respect in the world for our dedicated New York City Transit employees, and I am happy that they are on the job doing what they do best - moving millions of New Yorkers safely and efficiently throughout the five boroughs."

Traffic Restrictions into Manhattan Will Continue

The BP has been pressing the NYC Department of Transportaion to relax the single occupancy restrictions, currently in effect Monday - Friday from 6am till 10am, into Manhattan for the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. All cars must have at least two people in them to enter Manhattan. He was recently informed by DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall that the Mayor and the other regional transportation partners will continue enforcing this policy because a "traffic crisis still exists in Lower Manhattan because of the redevelopment efforts emanating from the collapse of the WTC. The area will remain an active construction zone and it will be subject to road closures and reduced capacity for the next several years." Vehicles carrying essential emergency medical personnel (i.e. physicans) or other authorized emergency personnel, and vehicles with New York City special parking identification permits for the disabled or Access-A-Ride are exempted from the ban. Marty promises to closely monitor the situation and readdress it with DOT at the appropriate time.

Congratulations to Civil Court Judge Margarita Lopez Torres

On December 18th, Marty welcomed hundreds of guests to a packed Borough Hall courtroom for the re-induction ceremony of Civil Court Judge Margarita Lopez Torres. "For all of us, I believe that Margarita's re-election vindicates our faith in our legal and electoral systems," Marty said. "It proves that the best among us can prevail, even when the cards are stacked against them." Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, Assemblywoman Joan Millman and Councilman David Yassky were also in attendance.

BP Celebrates Passage of SONDA Legislation

On December 18th, Marty raised the Rainbow flag for the first time over Borough Hall in celebration of the passage of the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, which adds sexual orientation to the categories covered in the State's anti-discrimination law. Borough Hall joined Albany and other city halls across the State in commemorating this momentous occasion by flying the flag of the lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transgender community. "My long-term support of SONDA is well known. This is one occasion when I wish I was still a senator, so that I could finally have cast my vote," the BP said. "I look forward to congratulating my former colleagues in the New York State Senate for endorsing this important legislation, and to Governor Pataki for fulfilling his promise to sign it into law. I particularly want to commend our Brooklyn representatives in the Senate, and all those in the Assembly who, for the past several years, have supported this legislation."

Brooklyn Mourns Loss of Community Activist

On December 20th, Brooklyn lost one of its most dedicated community activists - Jeanne E. Robinson. Ms. Robinson served as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Decatur Stuy-vesant Senior Citizens Center, Inc. for over 12 years. An avid photographer and musician, Ms. Robinson studied violin at the legendary Martin Smith Music School in Harlem and the Julliard School of Music. Since September 1989, Ms. Robinson directed the Constance Jean & Stanley A. Lovelle Jr. Handbell Choir at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church. She also served on Community Boards 4 & 16 for a number of years. Her passion, commitment and ener-gy devoted to the betterment of Brooklyn will be sorely missed.

Marty Hosts Spectacular Holiday Celebration for Thousands of Brooklyn Children

On December 21st, Marty helped 2400 Brooklyn children from low income housing get into the Christmas spirit when he hosted the Best of Brooklyn Holiday Celebration 2002 at the former Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in Park Slope. The Brooklyn Tabernacle graciously donated the use of its old home after recently moving into its beautiful new Downtown Brooklyn church earlier this year. This live, family-style show had something for everybody including performances by Deep, Brooklyn's own hot R&B trio, a special holiday circus, dance sequences from "The Brooklyn Nutcracker" by the Brooklyn Music School and the Sesame Flyers Steel Pan Drummers. After each performance, every child got to choose a new book and a new toy. Best of Brooklyn is a not-for-profit charity with the mission to make life better for all Brooklynites by supporting culture, social services, health and education initiatives, tourism and most important, our youth.

Here's a Great Stocking Stuffer that Doesn't Cost a Penny!

Marty is inviting you to sign up your friends and neighbors for his weekly e-mail newsletter to stay in touch with eveything going on around Brooklyn and at Borough Hall. If you want to receive or send someone else Only in Brooklyn, please send an e-mail to: AskMarty@brooklynbp.org or call 718-802-3832.

Don't Forget New Year's Eve Fireworks

Join us in ringing in the New Year with a fantastic fireworks display by the Parks Dept. at Grand Army Plaza at the stroke of midnight on December 31st.