Marty Says Governor Pataki's Proposed Budget Will Devastate NYC

On January 31st, Marty joined Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall in strongly criticizing Governor George Pataki's recent budget proposal. "I am truly shocked by this because during his campaign nobody loved Brooklyn and New York City more than Governor Pataki," Marty said. "The romance lasted till November - by January we were jilted. Times are certainly tough and cuts definitely have to be made, but they have to be implemented equitably and should not be shouldered by those who can least afford it." Among the most distressing proposals are the $450 million being slashed from our school system, abolishing universal pre-kindergarten, astronomical tuition hikes at both CUNY and SUNY and major cuts to Medicaid and other health programs. "I realize the state is facing an enormous deficit, but there are ways the governor can raise revenue without sacrificing critical services. We must reinstate the commuter tax. Both Connecticut and New Jersey are raising the personal income tax rate on their top earners, and New York should definitely follow their lead. Virtually all of the new taxes that the governor has proposed, like reinstating the sales tax for clothing items under $110, will disproportionately impact moderate and low income families. There is still time for Governor Pataki to realize the error of his ways and not balance this budget on the backs of those who can least afford it." The BP, and his colleagues, will be testifying about the state budget on February 3rd before a joint legislative committee in Albany.

BP Demands All of Brooklyn's Token Booths Remain Open

On January 31st, Marty again protested New York City Transit Authority's decision to close 50 token booths in Brooklyn at the Church Avenue subway station (Q line) at Caton Avenue. He passed out fliers at the station urging Brooklynites to call Governor Pataki (212-681-4580) and MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow (212-876-7200) to let them know that they must keep these booths open. There are public hearings on booth closures and proposed fare increases on Wednesday, February 5th at 4pm at the Roosevelt Hotel - Madison Avenue at 45th Street in Manhattan and Thursday, February 6th at 4pm at the NYC College of Technology - 300 Jay Street in Brooklyn. "We must speak out now or forever hold our peace because we would pay dearly for these closures come December," Marty said. "Token booth clerks are the critical eyes and ears of our subway system. MetroCard vending machines, which often malfunction, can't call the police or an ambulance or help you with directions. We all realize the severity of our fiscal problems, but we should never do anything that will sacrifice the safety of our subway riders." To save $25 million, the Transit Authority wants to close 200 token booths citywide by December. Earlier this month, the BP identified 13 station booths that NYC Transit should immediately eliminate from its closure list. Based on additional field inspection, he has now identified 11 more stations where booth closures would raise particularly serious security concerns.

Marty Welcomes 100 Black Men to Borough Hall

On January 28th, Marty welcomed NYC Comptroller William Thompson and 100 Black Men, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for African Americans and other minorities, empowering young people through mentoring, education, health and wellness and economic development programs that emphasize creativity, academic achievement, and social responsibility, to Borough Hall. There was a panel discussion on the redevelopment of lower Manhattan, with an emphasis on minority involvement in the planning, followed by a discussion of low participation of black men in higher education. This was only the second time the group has met in Brooklyn!

Borough-Wide Jazz Festival Coming to Brooklyn

Brooklyn's first borough-wide jazz festival comes alive this spring with the historic launch of 24/7 Jazz Brooklyn, a month-long event in April, in celebration of the borough's thriving jazz scene. The festival, organized by Marty, the 24/7 Jazz Brooklyn Committee, and in partnership with the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium, was announced at the Sugarhill Supper Club on January 28th, one of dozens of venues that will participate in the festival. "I envision people from all over of Brooklyn, and the tri-state area, celebrating the wonderful music scene in Brooklyn today," Marty said. "Brooklyn's importance as a jazz center is one secret Brooklyn doesn't want to keep any longer. 24/7 Jazz Brooklyn is the perfect way to let the world know that the best jazz clubs, musicians and audiences are right here in Brooklyn!" The programming committee contact is Liz Koch, who can be reached at 718-802-3852. Dates are filling up fast, so any interested venue should contact Ms. Koch as soon as possible.

Marty Launches Brooklyn Poetry Outreach with Poet Laureate

On January 29th, Marty joined Brooklyn Poet Laureate Ken Siegelman in launching Brooklyn Poetry Outreach, an innovative, monthly program that is being hosted by Barnes & Noble at its Park Slope location. Every month, there will be a different prominent Brooklyn poet who will read one of his or her poems followed by an open mic session. Marion Palm, a poet-singer from Sunset Park, kicked off the series. Mr. Siegelman is also inviting elemen-tary through high school students, with a love of poetry, to submit their best work to him. The winning poem will be read at the beginning of each month's presentation of Brooklyn Poetry Outreach and will also be posted on Marty's website. All entries should be submitted to: 2225 West 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223. "Since Brooklyn is blessed to have so many talented poets all across the borough, this program will be the perfect platform for them to showcase their most inspiring work, and it will also be a great way for our young people to shine," Marty said. "Brooklyn is also lucky to have such a dedicated and talented poet laureate - bravo Ken Siegelman!"