Marty Celebrates Black History Month

On February 26th, Marty hosted a celebration in honor of Black History Month at Borough Hall. Each year Marty recognizes the historical and contemporary contributions and achievements of African Americans in every aspect of American culture. This year he honored Mr. Melvin D. Thompson, owner of Lawrence H. Woodward Funeral Home; Mr. Herbert Tibbs, founder and president of First Quincy Street Green Thumb Garden; and Mr. Greg Jackson, executive director of Brownsville Recreation Center. Marty also posthumously recognized the Honorable Mary Pinkett, the first African American woman elected to the New York City Council. In addition, the Borough Hall Community Room was transformed into an art gallery for Black History Month. The exhibit The Roots Run Deep, curated by artist Danny Simmons, was displayed throughout February. The show included the work of local African-American artists Vince Hunter, Jide Ojo, Jamilah Jennings, and Aisha Bell.

Marty Supports Use of Cameras to Catch Red Light Jumpers and Speeders

On February 27th, Marty testified before a joint hearing of the New York State General Assembly in support of two bills proposed to reduce reckless driving. One bill would double, to 100 intersections, the number of red light cameras currently allowed by state law. Another bill would allow authorities to use digital photographic and electronic equipment similar to that used in red light enforcement to catch speeders. “I see it as my duty to support these two pieces of legislation," Marty said. "We are now decades past the institution of radar enforcement. It is simply irresponsible to shun all that technology has to offer: greater enforcement against reckless and careless drivers, and greater safety for ourselves and our loved ones. I cannot imagine how many of the 111 women, children and men who died in vehicular accidents in Brooklyn in 2000 would still be here if digital speed enforcement had existed, but I bet the number would have been significantly lower."

Marty Unveils Paul Robeson Stamp

On February 27th, Marty joined the United States Postmaster’s office and several community organizations at the Brooklyn unveiling of the new Paul Robeson commemorative stamp. Marty was among many elected officials and community activists who came together to mark this important occasion, and celebrate the tremendous life and legacy of this renowned African-American poet, athlete, activist and performer. “Forty years before the civil rights movement had even started, 20 years before Jackie Robinson put on a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, and a decade before Duke Ellington started to swing uptown, Paul Robeson was breaking down the color barrier," said Marty. "Seeing his smiling face on a stamp this Black History Month reminds us of how far African-Americans have come in this country since he was born more than 100 years ago.”

Marty Commemorates Red Cross Month

On March 1st, Marty marked the first day of Red Cross Month by hoisting the Red Cross Flag atop Brooklyn Borough Hall. He also presented a proclamation to Jonathan Gabriel, Director of the Brooklyn Chapter of the Red Cross, proclaiming “Red Cross Month in Brooklyn, USA.” “The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and charted by the United States Congress in 1905, is one of our Nation’s oldest and most distinguished and recognized humanitarian organizations, which strives daily to improve the quality of human life for all,” said Borough President Markowitz in the proclamation.

Marty Issues Statement on Haiti

On March 2nd, Marty spoke out about the crisis in Haiti. "The recent political discord and violence in Haiti is of grave concern to all of us in Brooklyn, the Haitian capital of New York," Marty said. "This is a challenging moment for the people of Haiti and the many people in Brooklyn who have relatives in the country. It is my hope that peace is restored and the democratic process prevails, and that the United States as well as other nations throughout the world will provide the necessary assistance to our Haitian neighbors. I urge the United States government and other nations to send humanitarian aid and help Haitians regain their right to live and work in a democratic society free of turmoil."

Marty Releases Statement on Budget Priorities

On March 3rd, Marty's Statement on Budget Priorities was released to show Mayor Bloomberg's administration the impact of the budget cuts on the residents and businesses of Brooklyn. Marty criticized cuts to programs for seniors, summer youth activities, libraries, cultural institutions and firehouses. "Brooklyn deserves more than what this preliminary budget offers," said Marty.

Marty Applauds Appointment of Two City Commissioners from Brooklyn

On March 4th, Mayor Bloomberg announced the appointment of two new city commissioners, both of whom live in Brooklyn. Marty hailed the Mayor's appointments. Shaun Donovan, who resides in Cobble Hill, is the new commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development. He was previously managing director at Prudential Mortgage Capital Company. Judge Joseph Bruno, a Carroll Gardens resident, is now the commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management. Bruno is retiring as a Brooklyn State Supreme Court judge, and helped bring stability to the Parking Violations Bureau after its mid-'80s scandal.

Brooklyn Mourns

Hinda Gold, mother of New York State Democratic Committee member Jacob Gold. Herb Yules, a longtime education advocate and community school district 17's United Federation of Teachers representative for many years. He was devoted to the children of New York, and to his wife, Diane.