No Governor Vetos Bill To Save Token Booths

Marty strongly criticized Governor Pataki’s August 1st veto of a bill that would’ve stopped closing subway station booths for three years. There are 23 Brooklyn booths that are targeted for closure. “Governor Pataki’s veto of this timely and much needed piece of legislation is a slap in the face for all straphangers,” Marty said. “Up until now, the MTA has been tone deaf to the massive protests against these proposed closures. It is finally time for the MTA to take the wax out of their ears and keep these booths open in order to ensure the safety and security of all of its riders.” The MTA voted in March to close up to 62 token booths for just a $6 million savings over two years. Since January, Marty has been actively fighting to keep all booths open. The MTA’s initial plan was to close 50 Brooklyn booths. After inspecting nearly all of those targeted for closure, he repeatedly called on the MTA to immediately remove dozens of them from its list, due to very serious safety concerns. The MTA responded to his numerous requests by keeping almost 20 of these token booths open. The agency hasn’t said if and when any of these booths may be closed.

Brooklyn Welcomes Its New Bishop

“I want to welcome Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to the greatest city in the world, Brooklyn. I look forward to meeting and working together with him soon,” Marty said. “I also want to wish Bishop Thomas Daily, who has lead 1.8 million Catholics for the past 13 years, nothing but the very best as he moves onto new challenges.”

Brooklynite Makes Political History In Japan!

On August 1st, Marty honored Brooklynite Anthony Bianchi, who made political history by becoming the first North American to win an elective office in Japan, with a Brooklyn style Italian and Japanese Borough Hall reception. Councilmember Bianchi created international headlines in April when he captured a seat in the Inuyama City Council. “Anthony Bianchi has proven once again if you’re from Brooklyn absolutely anything is possible! We’re well on our way to making Japan the Brooklyn of the Far East,” Marty said. Last year, Athens, Greece City Councilmember Yvette Jarvis, who grew up in Red Hook, became the first Brooklynite to win an elective office overseas. Marty honored her at a ceremony in March. Masahiro Fukukawa, Deputy Consul General & Deputy Chief of Mission at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and Councilmember Vincent Gentile also paid tribute to Councilmember Bianchi.

Winners Of The Brooklyn Bridge To The World Photography Contest Announced

On July 30th, Marty announced the photographers who captured the best and most unique photographs of the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge. The contest was held in conjunction with the Brooklyn Bridge to the World Celebration, a day-long civic and tourism initiative held on May 24th to honor the 120th birthday of the world’s most famous bridge. The adult (18 and up) and youth winners (17 and under) received a new Nikon Coolpix 3100 digital camera or a Nikon N75 SLR film camera, and will have their work featured on postcards to be sold to benefit the Best of Brooklyn, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission includes improving the quality of life for all Brooklynites. The winners in the adult categories were: Trevor Gale, Vincent Gulizio, Jr. and Charles Hill. The youth winners include: Robert Dabrowski, 13, and Carolyn Madeo, 14. The panel of judges included Brooklyn Papers photographer Tom Callan, Fortune Magazine Assistant Picture Editor Alix Cowley, Borough Hall photographer Kathryn Kirk, Photographer Ron Sartini and Photographer Michael Spano.

Brooklyn Legend Is Honored

On August 3rd, Marty joined Mayor Bloomberg and many others at Keyspan Park to honor Brooklyn Dodger trailblazer Jackie Robinson. Marty made a special presentation before the game to his wife, Rachel, and his daughter, Sharon. “Brooklyn has always had and will continue to have a special love affair with Jackie Robinson,” Marty said. “He always handled himself with incredible grace and dignity, despite the racism that was prevalent during those dark days in American history. His legacy will endure forever.”

Free Sports And Entertainment Day Camp For Brooklyn Teens

The unique camp will provide opportunities for young people to access sports and entertainment career path information from celebrities and industry professionals, while receiving positive health, education and anti-drug / anti-violence messages. The camp, which runs from August 25-29, will feature a free celebrity concert performance by Young Steff of Jay-Z’s Rock-a-Fella label, plus visits from other music sensations. The camp will take place at Medgar Evers College, where teens will be able to select either sports or entertainment activities for the week. The final registration deadline for Brooklyn teens, ages 11-17, is Thursday, August 7th. Return forms to Coca-Cola Summerscope, Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201 - Attn: Dottie Conway. To request a form, please call 718-802-3855.

New York’s Favorite Free Summertime Concerts Continue

The 25th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series continues on August 7th with Earth, Wind & Fire 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 11th with WBLS-FM ‘Old School Night’ featuring Curtis Blow, Doug E. Fresh, Houdini and Big Daddy Kane at Wingate Field. All tickets are FREE! For updates call 718-469-1912 or log onto www.brooklyn-usa.org.