New York City Mourns Loss Of Councilman James Davis

The entire City is mourning the tragic death of Councilman James Davis, who was killed last week at City Hall. “This in an incredible tragedy for Brooklyn and the entire City. James Davis was part preacher, part public servant,” Marty said. “He was a maverick, who fought for what he believed in every day. He was a passionate, articulate, intelligent, relentless advocate for all of his constituents. James took strong stands on issues that mattered to him and the community. He dedicated his career to stopping violence, and I know everyone in New York City will continue this critical campaign in his memory. This is yet another deadly example of why we must get guns off our streets and enact stricter gun control laws. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Thelma, and his entire family during this difficult time.” James Davis founded Love Your Self, Stop The Violence, an organization dedication dedicated to ending violence across the country. He also spent a number of years in the law enforcement working for the NYC Corrections Department, NYC Transit and the NYPD. James Davis was just 41.

Camp Brooklyn Makes Dreams Come True For Kids All Across The Borough

On July 23rd, Marty said goodbye to a number of Brooklyn children who are participating in Camp Brooklyn, a special program that is sending almost 200 Brooklyn kids to camp for at least two wonderful weeks this summer with the American Camping Association – New York’s Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge (S.C.O.P.E.) program. The 191 children, ages 7-16, are attending 17 camps throughout the New York region. Camp Brooklyn has grown tremendously in just its second year, after sending 55 children to camp last summer. “Normally I don’t want anybody leaving Brooklyn, but all of these campers have received a special exemption,” Marty said. “Thanks to the generosity of Best Buy, Commerce Bank, Continuum Health Care Partners and many Brooklynites from across the borough, almost 200 children will spend part of this summer swimming, camping and exploring the wilderness.” Camp Brooklyn was made possible thanks to donations and support from the Best Buy Children’s Foundation, Commerce Bank, Continuum Health Care Partners, dozens and dozens of everyday Brooklynites and Best of Brooklyn, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission includes improving the quality of life for all Brooklynites, particularly our youth. Eligibility was based on economic need, age, school enrollment and willingness by the child to comply with camp rules and regulations. S.C.O.P.E. oversaw the application process. Commerce Bank Regional Vice President Peter Meyer, Brad Korn, Corporate Director of Community Affairs for Continuum Health Partners, Bill Thiele from Best Buy, and Best of Brooklyn, Inc. President Bob Rozzi were also on hand.

Marty Fights Against Non-partisan Elections

On July 22nd, Marty testified strongly against non-partisan elections before the Charter Review Commission. “Nobody expected me to become Borough President. Even though I’m a proud Democrat, I wasn’t endorsed by the Brooklyn Democratic Party, yet I still became the first Brooklyn Borough President to win this office without its support after finishing first in a vigorously contested primary, and again in the general election. But no matter how you dress it up,this transparent proposal for non-partisan elections is a blatant attempt by the Republicans to attack the last Democratic stronghold in New York State. Would Brooklyn like to see increased voter turnout – yes! Would Brooklyn like to see more people who live in economically deprived areas that historically have low voter participation levels become more active in the electoral process – of course! And there’s no doubt everybody would benefit if our government was held more accountable. How about holding elections on multiple days, especially on the weekends, and by doing an aggressive voter registration and outreach campaign targeted at both young people and other groups around the City, who have not made their voices heard by pulling the lever. Same day registration would also be a big move forward. For too many people, the experience of voting in New York City is worse than a trip to the dentist. But non-partisan elections will take that power from the people and put it into the hands of the wealthy few who have the funds to mount independent campaigns and who frown on the inclusiveness of grass roots party politics. Why is this only being discussed in a city dominated by Democrats? Is Governor Pataki proposing non-partisan elections for Peekskill? Is Senator Bruno backing them for Troy? Is Senator Skelos selling it in Rockville Center? Mayor Bloomberg and I share at least one thing in common – the same birthday – Valentine’s Day. But it’s not too early for the Chairman and the entire Commission to give Mayor Bloomberg, and the entire city, an early birthday present by closing the curtain on non-partisan elections.”

New York’s Favorite Free Summertime Concerts Continue

The 25th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series continues on July 31st with ABBA, The Music on Thursday night at 7:30 at Asser Levy Park in Brighton Beach. The 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series continues on August 4th with India.Arie at Wingate Field. All tickets are FREE! For updates call 718-469-1912 or log onto www.brooklyn-usa.org.

Brooklyn Mourns

Brooklyn also lost Community Board #2 member and Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled President Gerard Nuzzi and Adele Millstein, a passionate advocate for governmental reform, a tremendous cook and a dear friend.