Marty Discusses the Outbreak of Deadly Shootings in Brooklyn

"Even though murder was down nearly 15% in Brooklyn last year, the recent random holiday shooting of 2-year-old Soribel Batista and the homicide of Meisha Hubbard, who was killed while watching television in her apartment, is a sobering reminder that any violent crime is one too many," Marty said. "We all know the NYPD has done a tremendous job making Brooklyn and the rest of New York safer, but we still must focus on preventing these senseless acts of violence as we continue this New Year. I know I speak for all of Brooklyn in expressing our hopes that this pattern of violence will not escalate any further, and I trust that Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Brooklyn North Chief Joseph Cunneen and Brooklyn South Chief Joseph Fox will make sure that the necessary resources are allocated to the precincts involved. There are no legal gun dealers or manufacturers in Brooklyn, so stemming the tide of illegal guns into New York still needs to be a top priority. Preventing guns from reaching the streets is one sure way to help stop these horrific crimes. Brooklynites know that we can do anything when we put our minds to it, and we all must devote ourselves to ridding our borough of illegal guns in 2003. One of the most effective ways to reduce crime is when local residents report on a confidential basis those who may possess illegal guns to the police. I am working closely with Commissioner Kelly, Chief Cunneen and Chief Fox to make sure that Brooklyn continues to be among the safest places to live and work." A recent report, released by Senator Charles Schumer, analyzed data compiled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms showing that nearly 70% of guns used in 2001 in crimes in New York came from other states - with most coming from a number of southern states. Marty urges Congress to pass legislation co-sponsored by Senator Schumer that would implement a national system to record the ballistic "fingerprint" of every new firearm. The Ballistics, Law Assistance, and Safety Technology Act would require gun manufacturers to test-fire a bullet from every gun they produce and keep a record of the gun's ballistic fingerprint. New York recently established state-level databases for newly sold firearms, but a national system is needed to increase tracking efficiency. The BP calls on all Brooklynites to write their federal elected officials to demand that they pass this type of federal legislation to ensure the safety of Brooklyn and beyond. He also implores the State Legislature to review the minimum sentencing provisions of the penal code with respect to those convicted of illegal possession of a weapon. It may be that regardless of whether the defendant is a 'first time offender' or has a 'clean record' that hard time must be served. Marty strongly believes that we must send the message, as clearly as possible, that there never is a good reason for any individual to illegally possess a gun."

Helping the Shooting Victims and Their Families

If you would like to help Soribel's family or the family of Miesha Hubbard, please call our office at 718-802-3875. Brooklyn's thoughts and prayers are with both of these families during these incredibly difficult times.
Express Buses are Still Rolling in Brooklyn!
On December 31st, Marty and other elected officials joined Mayor Bloomberg at City Hall to announce that weekend bus service will continue in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Marty was adamant about saving this service that was scheduled to end on January 4th due to budget cuts. "During these very difficult fiscal times, everybody is learning to do more with less. But some City services, like weekend express buses, are just too important to eliminate, and that is why I have been fighting so hard over the past couple of weeks to keep the buses rolling," Marty said. "While I would have preferred not having the fare raised, I want to commend Mayor Bloomberg for saving this vital public transportation option that thousands of Brooklynites rely upon every weekend to get into Manhattan. These express buses serve many areas where there are no subways or buses, so cutting this service would have been an incredibly painful financial burden for many Brooklynites on fixed incomes who depend on them to get to work, see a doctor or enjoy an afternoon in Manhattan. Previously, the fare was increased to $4, but later rolled back to $3. That certainly sets the precedent, once the City's finances improve, to again lower the fare in the future. Also, if the MTA does take over the express bus service, I hope it considers expanding it to Sundays and the creation of new routes in underserved areas in Brooklyn. Thanks to the hard work of the riders who made their voices heard and all of Brooklyn's elected officials who joined me in this fight, my New Year's resolution that the express buses will once again be hitting the streets on Saturdays is going to come true."

Marty On The Move

On January 1st, Marty donned his swimming suit in Coney Island to celebrate the Polar Bear Club's 100th birthday. On January 5th, Marty was thrilled to join Brooklyn's 6th Annual Three Kings Day Parade and brought along a number of toys that were distributed to children in need.

Benefits for Brooklynites

You or your loved ones may be eligible for a number of federal, state or city benefits and programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Real Property Tax Credit (IT-214), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR). For more information on these and many other benefits and programs visit Marty's website at www.brooklyn-usa.org or call his action center at 718-802-3777.

Brooklyn Mourns

We want to extend our condolences to Brooklyn's Guyanese community on the death of its former president, Hugh Desmond Hoyte. He was a true patriot and an inspirational leader who devoted his entire life to Guyana and its people.