Brooklyn Heights Blog » Election09

Biv Keeps Swingin’ for Health Care

Homer Fink — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:37:45 +0000

Bay Ridge congressman Rep. Mike McMahon got an earful on health care at a Town Hall meeting last night in his district. Among those in attendance, Brooklyn Heights resident and former NYC Council Candidate Doug Biviano:

Brooklyn Paper: Perhaps the most climatic moment came when failed City Council candidate Doug Biviano — who recently lost his health insurance — begged McMahon to support a more expansive single-payer healthcare plan.
“If it’s happening to me, it’s happening to millions,” said Biviano, who handed the congressman 2,430 signatures of Brooklynites supporting a single-payer plan, which the Brooklyn Heights native dubbed “Medicare for All.”

Liu’s Triumphsky Over Yassky

Thomas — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:27:24 +0000

Queens Councilmember John Liu won the Democratic nomination for Comptroller, beating out Brooklyn Heights resident/our Councilmember David Yassky in a run-off election tonight.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Liu trumped Yassky, 56 to 44 percent. Only 227,489 votes were cast in the race, less than 10 percent of the city’s registered Democrats, according to the Associated Press.

Liu managed to win the election without an endorsement from the city’s three major papers, all of whom backed Yassky. Today’s run-off was held because two weeks ago neither candidate received the 40 percent necessary to win. Liu will face Republican candidate Joseph Mendola on November 3.

Yassky’s defeat will keep him out of elected office this term (he gave up the chance to run for his council seat for a third term in order to focus on running for Comptroller).

Levin: I Owe It All to Vito

Homer Fink — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:28:27 +0000

City Hall reports on “40 Under 40: The Next Political Leaders of New York” in its latest issue. Among them our new man in the NYC Council, 28 year old Steve Levin. Sure, the election isn’t until November but his “opponent” – we think it’s Conservative Party candidate Elizabeth Tretter - is nowhere to be found.

And as they say from the mouths of babes…:

City Hall: When asked how he was able to muscle out a bunch of challengers in a competitive Council race to fill David Yassky’s Council seat, Steve Levin gives one answer.
“My friend and mentor Vito Lopez,” he says. “I would not have been elected if it were not for him.”

Indeed, the former chief-of-staff for the Assembly Housing chair and Brooklyn Democratic leader says that his old boss has given him lots of advice over the years, but that he led more by example.

“He is a tireless worker and he always does everything he can for the people he represents,” Levin said. “It comes from the heart.”

But when the Brown University graduate was deciding whether or not to make a run for the Council, he did not only get heart-to-hearts from local political big wigs. His father’s first cousins, Michigan Senator Carl Levin and his brother, Rep. Sandy Levin, weighed in as well.

“They both encouraged me to go for it,” he said. “They said work hard, be true to yourself, and always try to do the right thing.”

But, he added, the real motivation came from within.

“I’ve always wanted to serve people and to make people’s lives better,” he said. “That’s been the goal all along.”

How did your past jobs get you to where you are today? My past jobs were as a community organizer and chief of staff to Vito Lopez, and there has always been a commitment to serving people and serving their needs.

If you were not working in politics, what would you be doing: Public interest law

Five years from now, what will it say on your business card: Councilmember for the 33rd district

Who would play you in the movie? Harry Connick, Jr.

The Homer Fink Show Rewind – David Yassky

Homer Fink — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:24:26 +0000

In case you missed it last Spring, here’s a special edition of The Homer Fink Show taped at David Yassky’s Blogger Breakfast in May (thanks to Michael DD White for the audio). The NYC Comptroller Democratic run-off is tomorrow.

NY Observer on Doug Biviano

Homer Fink — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:22:20 +0000

Marc Hermann/BHB

He may have lost the Democratic primary in 33rd NYC Council District, but Doug Biviano’s campaign is still getting attention. The New York Observer weighs in on the Brooklyn Heights resident’s outsider campaign this week where Biviano draws praise from an unlikely source:

New York Observer: “I would say that Doug ran a very energetic campaign,” said Steve Levin, who on Sept. 15 was elected to replace David Yassky as the councilman for District 33, which includes Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill.

“He brought a lot of passion, and when he entered the race, he helped shape the debate,” said Mr. Levin. In particular, he said Biv made other candidates address the issue of health care, and what can be done at the local level. In the final stretch, Biv rolled up his sleeves and turned his fight-the-power fist into a pointed you-dirty-bastard forefinger: He accused Mr. Levin of being a nursemaid to his “notorious” boss Assemblyman and Brooklyn Democratic Party overlord, Vito Lopez.

While Biviano is currently dealing with finding his next career opportunity, his name has popped up as a potential opponent for Assembly Member Joan Millman in next year’s election along with Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund president Judi Francis.

Yassky Slapskys Liu in New TV Spotsky

Homer Fink — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:14:44 +0000

Our man in the NYC Council /Democratic candidate for comptroller / Brooklyn Heights resident David Yassky comes out swinging against his run-off opponent John Liu in a new TV ad. Amid concerns that the ethnic vote will be crucial in Tuesday’s election, the Yassky team attempts to point out some alleged inconsistencies in Liu’s rhetoric.

Yassky Makes Pitchsky to YP4Csky

Homer Fink — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:56:22 +0000

Gotta love the internets, it’s a series of tubes y’know. Well we found this heartwarming video of NYC Comptroller candidate/ Our man in the NYC Council/ Brooklyn Heights resident David Yassky pitching members of the Young Profressionals United for Change (somehow aka YP4C, shouldn’t it be YPUFC… on second thought maybe not). And please make sure you turn off the heat at the end of the night.

Katzsky Backskys Yassky

Homer Fink — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:50:34 +0000

Our man in the NYC Council and run-off candidate for the Democratic nomination in the race for comptroller, David Yassky, has been endorsed by primary opponent Council Member Melinda Katz (D-29).

The Yassky campaign provides us with this quote from Katz: “I enthusiastically endorse David Yassky because he will bring honesty and integrity to the Comptroller’s office and be a trustworthy custodian of the City’s books. We can count on him to root out waste and inefficiency throughout government. And we can count on him to make smart investments with our pension dollars that catalyze job growth right here in the City of New York.”

Yassky squares off against Council Member John Liu in the Democratic run off election on 9/29.

Steve the Machine Celebrates Victory – At Vito’s Clubhouse!

Homer Fink — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:33:56 +0000

The Brooklyn Paper’s Ben “I May Not be the Beloved Mike McLaughlin but Love Me Anyway” Muessig got the skinny on Steve “the Machine” Levin’s Democratic primary victory party last night… in the 34th NYC Council District!

Brooklyn Paper: Levin, the hand-picked candidate of the county Democratic Party leader Vito Lopez, spoke to our reporter Ben Muessig outside Lopez’s clubhouse, the Bushwick Council of the Knights of Columbus at Wyckoff Avenue and Grove Street — a location that is not even in the 33rd District that Levin hopes to represent.

The clubhouse is actually in the 34th District, which Lopez-backed candidate Maritza Davila appears to have narrowly lost to former Lopez-staffer Diana Reyna (D-Williamsburg).

Yassky and Liu in Run-Offsky

Homer Fink — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:19:52 +0000

Our man in the NYC Council / Brooklyn Heights resident David Yassky is headed to a run off against fellow Councilmember John Liu in the NYC Comptroller Democratic primary. Neither received the 40% necessary to receive the nomination. The winner of the run-off election on September 29 will face Republican candidate Joseph Mendola in November.

Rise of the Machine: It’s Levin in the 33rd

Homer Fink — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:41:37 +0000

With 100% of the vote in, ~~BHB projects~~ Steve Levin as is the winner of the Democratic primary in NYC Council District 33.

BHB Reader’s Choice Doug Biviano is running a distant 6th.

The final results are as follows:

Levin, Stephen Dem 5,199 34%
Simon, Jo Anne Dem 3,109 20%
Abraham, Isaac Dem 1,937 13%
Thies, Evan Dem 1,915 12%
Diamondstone, Ken Dem 1,324 9%
Biviano, Doug Dem 1,127 7%
Baer, Kenneth Dem 811 5%

Vote!

Claude Scales — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:42:57 +0000

Your correspondent just returned from his polling place (Congregation Mount Sinai) where reports are of a very light turnout today, despite almost ideal weather. We’re all weary of constant phone calls, flyers stuffing our mailboxes, and candidates and their sisters and their cousins and their aunts accosting us at subway entrances and on street corners. Still, if you’re a registered Democrat (there’s no primary contest on the Republican side, so if you’re GOP or some other party or an independent, you’ll have to wait for the general election in November to cast your ballot), you have an opportunity to make a difference in this election. The polls are open until 9:00 P.M., so please vote!

Herd for the 33rd Thunders to the Finish Line

Claude Scales — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:21:55 +0000

After tomorrow, your phone will stop ringing incessantly with what prove to be recorded announcements from candidates or their endorsers. Letter carriers will celebrate a reduction in the bulk of their deliveries. Tomorrow is primary election day.

Today, the Daily News endorsed Evan Thies in the Democratic primary for the 33rd City Council District. Previously, the Times endorsed Jo Anne Simon, while Borough President Marty Markowitz threw his support to Steve Levin. Our reader poll favored Heights resident Doug Biviano.

Be sure to vote tomorrow.

Final “Herd for the 33rd” Debate Produces Little Disagreement, Except on Lampposts

Claude Scales — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:50:14 +0000

Moderator Grace Rauh and candidates (left to right) Doug Biviano, Evan Thies, Jo Anne Simon, Ken Baer, Ken Diamondstone, and Steve Levin. BHB photo by C. Scales.

Last night was the final debate, before next Tuesday’s primary election, among the candidates for the 33rd District City Council seat being vacated by David Yassky. Six of the seven showed up for the event at St. Francis College auditorium; Isaac Abraham was unable to attend because of a wedding. Responding to a series of questions put to them by moderator and NY1 political reporter Grace Rauh, the candidates found little on which to disagree. All love mom and pop stores and want to save them; all hate condos in Brooklyn Bridge Park; all want to stop Atlantic Yards and Dock Street DUMBO; all want more community participation in planning and zoning decisions; and all think the School Construction Authority is something out of Kafka by way of George Washington Plunkitt. One question did arouse audience participation, if only largely evasive answers from the candidates. It was: given that all the candidates opposed funding Brooklyn Bridge Park from revenues generated by residential construction on park land, assuming that, following completion of the work presently underway on Piers 1 and 6, no more funds were available for work on the remaining section of the Park, would they, “yes” or “no”, favor stopping work and leaving the Park incomplete? As soon as Ms. Rauh read the question, several members of the audience shouted “That’s an unfair question!” and “False choice!” The candidates largely agreed that it was unfair and refused to answer, except Ms. Simon, who wryly noted that, if there’s no money, nothing could be done. Later, when asked what funding mechanism they favored for the Park, most of the candidates said they supported State Senator Squadron’s plan, which would rely on a dedicated portion of greater tax revenues resulting from increases in the value of properties in the Park’s vicinity. Mr. Biviano noted that the Squadron proposal relates only to funding the Park’s maintenance, not capital construction.

In discussing ways to save and promote small business, the candidates were unanimous in supporting some form of commercial rent regulation. Mr. Diamondstone also advocated giving storefront tenants a right of first and last refusal when a landlord puts a building up for sale. Mr. Baer proposed use of “local currency” redeemable only for purchases from local stores, which he said has succeeded in some New England communities. Mr. Thies noted that many business start-ups are not storefront businesses but rather freelance operations that do not have a bricks and mortar presence. He said the biggest obstacle for these businesses is the City’s unincorporated business tax. The threshold for this tax has been raised to $100,000, but Mr. Thies advocates eliminating it completely.

Asked whether, as a City Council member, he would act independently of his former boss, State Assemblyman and Brooklyn Democratic leader Vito Lopez, Mr. Levin said he would be guided by his own moral compass. Asked what, as a City Council member, he could do about health care, which he has made a central issue in his campaign, Mr. Biviano pointed out that the City’s charter empowers it to protect the health of the citizenry. San Francisco, he noted, has attempted to establish its own health care program, although it is facing a challenge under the federal ERISA statute.

During a “lightning round” in which candidates were asked to give “yes” or “no” answers, all said that some tax increases would be necessary to meet the City’s fiscal needs, but Mr. Biviano said he would address the issue of corruption first. Asked whether some limit should be imposed on the number of double-deck tour buses entering the neighborhood, all said “yes” except Mr. Biviano, who said, “Electric buses.”

One question did elicit some disagreement among the candidates. Asked if $600,000 for installing historic lampposts in the Heights is an appropriate use of funds, the answers were: Levin, “Questionable”; Diamondstone, “Yes”; Baer, “No”; Simon, “Yes”; Thies, “No”; Biviano, “Not now.”

Times Endorses Simon in Herd for the 33rd

Claude Scales — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:08:18 +0000

The New York Times today announced its pick from the herd for the 33rd City Council District: Jo Anne Simon. According to the Times editorial:

There are several excellent candidates vying to replace Councilman David Yassky, who’s also running for comptroller. Stephen Levin would be a prime candidate except for his entanglement in the Brooklyn Democratic Party machine. Evan Thies, an aide to Mr. Yassky, has been active on reform and clean-air issues. Jo Anne Simon has an impressive legal background and has been a strong community organizer who has done important work for the disabled. We endorse Ms. Simon.

In the race to replace Council Member Bill DeBlasio, a candidate for Public Advocate, in the neighboring 39th district, the Times has endorsed Brad Lander. Listen to D-39 candidate Gary Reilly on the Homer Fink Show here.

Official BHB Reader Endorsement Poll: The Herd for the 33rd

Homer Fink — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:14:50 +0000

The Democratic primary for the 33rd NYC Council District is September 15. On September 14, we will announce the BHB Reader’s Candidate based upon the results of this poll. This is a new poll, so if you voted in our previous “unofficial” one, you’ll need to vote one more time.

BHB, the Brooklyn Bugle and Cobble Hill Blog’s editorial board never endorses candidates. Sure we may stir the pot a little but the act of endorsing a candidate is the sole domain of you, our readers. Vote away!

Marty Backs Lopez’s Levin for 33rd

Homer Fink — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:23:07 +0000

Brooklyn Beep Marty Markowitz endorsed Vito Lopez staffer Steve Levin as his pick of the Herd for the 33rd yesterday:

Brooklyn Paper: In thinly veiled language, Markowitz made it clear that he endorsed Levin because he is the only candidate who supports the city’s plan for the Broadway Triangle, which opponents say is flawed because the city gave a no-bid contract to two Lopez-linked non-profits.

“I know Steve’s opponents think process is more important than results … but he understands that results are the most important thing,” said Markowitz.

How does this make “the people” feel? Well there’s only one guy who can sum up what some folks in Brooklyn are feeling – Atlantic Yards Report’s Norman Oder:

Atlantic Yards Report: One of the enduring (and simplified) debates regarding the legacies of urbanist Jane Jacobs and master builder/power broker Robert Moses is the balance between results and process.

You can’t make an omelet, Moses liked to say, without breaking eggs, and Moses was notably callous about the impact of his major projects on the people living in the way. On the other hand, neighborhood activists invoking Jacobs have used process to gum up any change, even when it might be wise and even though Jacobs did believe in certain big projects, like public transit.

Yassky’s New Spotsky with Marty

Homer Fink — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:41:12 +0000

Watch this new Yassky for Comptroller spot. The Brooklyn Heights resident’s campaign has gone Catskills on us… we think.

Biviano and Simon Spar Over Real Estate Contributions

Thomas — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:03:03 +0000

The Doug Biviano campaign today questioned fellow 33rd District City Council candidate Jo Anne Simon’s connections to developers and real estate interests.

At last week’s debate for candidates for the council seat, Simon said that she “[hasn’t] accepted any contributions from real estate interests” in response to a question about her resistance to taking a position on the Gowanus Superfund site.

An examination of the New York City campaign finance board’s database, however, shows campaign contributions totaling $10,498 from individuals who list “real estate” in their occupation title.

Karen Johnson, the Simon campaign’s political director, characterized the Biviano’s campaign’s claims as “totally untrue.”

“I’m very disappointed,” she said. “He’s resorted to distortions because he’s desperate.” Johnson said that the contributors listed do not have ties to large developers in the city, and are simply small property owners and landlords.

Johnson also said that, in total, the Simon campaign has raised more money from more people than any other campaign. IIndeed, there have been 835 contributions totaling $108,033.00 for the Simon campaign, compared to the 306 contributions totaling $24,068.00 for the Biviano campaign.

Henry McCaslin, Biviano campaign spokesman, said “The fact is she has a long and troubling history of placating developers that goes back to the organization she created to divide the opposition to Atlantic Yards. It is not surprising that real estate interests are now lining up to fill her pockets in this campaign.”

NY Timesky Backskies Yassky

Homer Fink — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:44:37 +0000

BHB Photo by Marc Hermann

Our man in the NYC Council/Brooklyn Heights resident David Yassky has earned the backing of the NY Times in his bid for NYC Comptroller. In an editorial published today, the paper says, “Mr. Yassky makes the best case for making better use of the powerful tools handed a city comptroller. He promises to use the audit powers — including new ones overseeing the city’s education contracts — to increase productivity and efficiency.”

Yassky commented this morning via Twitter: “I am EXTRAORDINARILY PROUD to have the endorsement of the NY Times in this election Thank you to all for support. We can do it!”

Daily Gotham Deconstructs Doug Biviano

Homer Fink — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:31:43 +0000

Daily Gotham’s “Mole 333″ has a beef with Brooklyn Heights resident/ NYC Council D-33 candidate Doug Biviano:

Daily Gotham: I first met Biviano at an IND meeting before IND imploded and I took a possibly permanent leave of absense from their board. Doug was very earnest, thoughtful and seemed very honest and decent. Past times I wrote about Biviano I emphasized that he has little chance, but that I wanted to see him stay in local politics and that he may well have a good future. Now he is starting to use smear tactics and lies that could actually alienate some of the people he might like to have on his side in later years.

The Red Socks Debate for the 33rd CD

Homer Fink — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:09:33 +0000

Brooklyn Independent Television and the Community Newspaper Group have posted video of last week’s NYC Council D33 debate. In addition to the Herd for the 33rd, the Brooklyn Paper’s Gersh Kuntzman and CNG’s Aaron “Red Socks” Short moderate. (Hint: fast forward to 2:45 mins into the video, that’s when the action starts)

Also, anyone else see candidate Ken “Other Ken” Baer on the High Street platform this morning?

Candidate’s Montague Street HQ featured in The Real Deal

Homer Fink — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:16:28 +0000

BHB’s Sarah Portlock writes about Brooklyn Heights resident/City Council D33 candidate Doug Biviano’s Montague Street headquarters in the latest issue of The Real Deal:

The Real Deal: When political newcomer Doug Biviano wanted to increase his visibility as a City Council candidate, he looked no further than one of the most prime retail strips in his Brooklyn Heights district: Montague Street.

While in more flush times a new political candidate’s war chest might not have had enough cash to pay for such a premier, high-traffic location, Biviano took advantage of the strip’s nearly 10 vacant storefronts and the area’s dropping retail rents.

And he is not alone.

With the New York City primary elections next month, and the general elections this November, candidates for mayor, City Council and other citywide offices all need space for their campaign headquarters.

Biviano Retakes Lead in BHB Poll on Herd for the 33rd

Homer Fink — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:10:58 +0000

As of 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, our BHB poll on the Herd for the 33rd City Council District continues to be a closely-fought battle between Brooklyn Heights resident Doug “Biv Against the Machine” Biviano and “machine” candidate Steve Levin, with Biviano holding the narrow lead he retook after last night’s debate. Update: As of 1:00 P.M. Sunday, Biv’s lead has widened to 25 votes (146-121) over Levin, with 436 votes cast so far.
If you haven’t cast a vote yet, do so now!

The Herd for the 33rd Debate – Live Blogging!

Homer Fink — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:36:47 +0000

The Herd for the 33rd NYC Council District faced off in a Citizen’s Union sponsored debate Tuesday night at St. Francis College. And now, please enjoy our live blog from that event.

We’re at St. Francis College for the D33 debate.

6:38pm Dick Daddey is not here?! Nancy Bowe intros… She claims here husband saw last night’s debate on BCAT… File under: only one watching.
Nancy tries to get us to join Scientology…. Errr … Citizens Union.

6:41pm It’s DICK! Whew ! Time for the rules.

6:42 dick mixes up the “kens”

6:45 dick asks why are you running?

Thies- next few years will be hard, I know what I know what I’m doing

Simon – i gotz the skillz in de community… Been here for years yo!

Levin – i’m a community organizer, the laws need to be changed to help people… (style note : very Paul Tsongas). Name drops Vito Lopez, lights do not dim.

Diamondstone – must be happy sitting between Levin and the hunky Biviano. He cares about the olds, affordable housing and the people with AIDS.

Biviano – thanks Dick! Lives in the nabe, kids go to PS 8…. Wants to fight for us! Leadership is failing!! Doug good- machine (ie levin, simon, thies) bad! More parks! Less bad development!

Other Ken – he’s an accountant! Loves the environment! Oy vey he’s bringing up Kent Ave bike lane as proof of yassky=bad! He’s a leader! He’s going overtime!

Isaac – he doesnt kiss rings he kisses babies! He drove an ambulance!

7:00 other ken thanks dick for allowing rebuttals but he hasnt one

7:01 big issue
Diamondstone – new leader of city council will be elected , tax structure to shake down errr charge wealthy

Levin – overdevelopment stinks ! Affordable housing rant…

Simon – shes with the development is bad too… Lets review macroeconomics of how nyc runs.. What does the city need? Priorites

Thies – again with the development is bad … Kissing up to levin … Bloomberg nota bad mayor but has infrastructure issues… Plugs his website and 360 plan

Isaac- hes with the affordable housing! Bad housing makes bad kids!

Other Ken – affordable housing … Why do i feel like i’m watching Annie Hall right now?… Hates dock street!

Biviano – corruption! Atl yards! Dont look any further than this panel for the thugs who created current problems – thies, levin!!! Levin always wrong! Broadway triangle! No bid contracts! We need someone without record of failures!!

7:15 other ken is so gonna be on rhe next homer fink show

7:16 Dick asks isaac a question … Isaac goes nuts about city council raises and stuff … He likes commuter tax … Baconpastramiand corned beef should get along… Re state city feds …. Hes free stylin like matisyahu at bonarooo

Other Ken – i’m an accountant! Find efficiencies!

Biviano – tax gridlock! Get real about local cost of war… Man!!! What are we losing.. Dick really busting his chops tonight … Ok maybe he needs to focus a little… Hes going irwincorey …

Diamondstone – brings up Marty Connor and commuter tax! Oy vey! Lots of waste.. Jr rotc in schools!

Levin – hey biv pfizer were putzs for leaving not our fault … Name drops dc37 and reprt on contracts that should be public sector

Simon – ok … I was distracted… Something about pollution … This simon lady seems really nice and she may know her stuff … What is she doing here?

Thies – raise taxes!!!!!! Tax the rich!!!!!! They all want to tax the rich!!!!!! Run for your lives!!!! House of d hasnt enough inmates close it!

Isaac – union endorsements bad! No one is the boss of me!

Biviano – talking healthcare

Dick is getting totally cranky btw

Can’t blame him, he needs a hug.

734pm are you a reformer?

Simon – hellz yeah!

Levin – sure i ‘m a reformer! Council committees must be free from council prexys influence

Diamondstone – he takes risks for reform … I wonder if he ever roller discoed in the 70s?

DICK swings it!

Biviano – yes! F vito lopez bababooey! Step down Tweed 2009! Levin is a putz before he’s 30! No biz as usual!

Other Ken – likes transparency and egg creams

Dick is really cranky… Wonder if he’s hypoglycemic

Other Ken cannot have more time than everyone else says dick

Isaac – mayor praised councilman davis at his funeral fpught him in real life … Get rid of quinnwho serves the king … Borough prexys only go to circumcisions

Thies – worked with dick, knows dick

Diamondstone – simon is a lopez luvah

Simon – you dont know the fullness of the situation

Biviano piles on … Simon gets money from the BHA … Like dude… 28k! Dont take dev money dont take association money…

Dick is a wet blanket tonight

Levin — waaaaaa

Biviano – nancy shuh is a real estate developer!

Other Ken – questions simon’s decisivness!

752pm BBP finance plan re private properties

Diamondstone – bad!

Levin – oppose additional housing! Not effective anyway! Watchtower properties may be rezoned!

Simon – never supported park housing

Thies – no park housing . I worked on a plan !

Isaac – you dont put housing into parks!

Other Ken – supports squadron’s plan

Dick mocks Other Ken’s short answer

Biviano – market is going to tank! Cant depend on taxes! Simon never came out against! He’s a pragmatic dreamer… He might be the only one, we hope someday the whole world will join us

CHB gets called out for something it didnt write about Simon by Diamondstone.

Other Ken just went off on Simon. Shes being very classy here btw

Diamondstone – lopez and new kings democrats… Don Vito threatened them

Levin – he so did not maaaaaan! It was a positive meeting! We exchanged phone numbers!

Biviano – thies … Broadway triangle! Lopez ! Why u quit cb!

Thies – just because you say it doesnt make it true.. I needed to focus on fighting The machine

810pm
Audience question – congestion pricing

Thies – yes!
Simon – yes!!
Levin – need to make sure that special needs folks dont get screwed
Diamondstone – yes!
Biviano – not now, economy is slow
Other Ken – yes! Parking permits too!!
Isaac – agrees with biviano

815pm how would u protect small biz
Diamondstone – building a small biz is in, if up for sale should give biz right of first refusal to buy bldg

820pm why u good?

Isaac – i’m the best! I’m stand up guy
Other Ken – i’m a fighter! I’m not a nut, elect me!
(note to dick, other ken is not rain man)
Biviano – he’s a fighter
Diamondstone – he’s seasoned! Mmmm ranch dressing!
Levin – he’s knocked on doors! Those people are here! He lists his NASCAR like list of special interest endorsements
Simon – grew up with one bathroom in large family… Lessons learned!
Thies – i’m good at governing!

It’s over!!!!

Yassky’s TV Spotsky

Homer Fink — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:20:21 +0000

We caught this TV spot for Brooklyn Heights resident/our man in the City Council David Yassky’s bid for NYC comptroller on Good Morning America today.

What do we learn here – David is left handed, will “watch every penny” of the NYC budget and that he enjoys sunsets.

Doesn’t the opening line of “you don’t know me” remind you of the old American Express TV campaign?

Levin’s Boss: Fighting Against Abuse Victims?

Homer Fink — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:32:24 +0000

33rd District City Council candidate Steve Levin’s boss, State Assemblyman/Brooklyn Kingmaker Vito Lopez has fought tooth and nail against proposed state legislation that would give victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to file a claim against their abuser.

Mr. Lopez and the opposition railed so hard against the bill, that the stress of the struggle landed sponsor Assemblymember Margaret Markey of Queens in the hospital on June 23, at the end of the legislative session.

In April, Levin’s boss authored what critics called a “watered down” alternative to Markey’s Child Victims Act. One of the key differences in Lopez’s proposal was the elimination of a one year “window” allowing victims the chance to file a claim against an abuser regardless of when the crimes were committed.

In April, Jewish Week wrote:

According to advocates for victims of child sexual abuse, opening a one-year window in which currently time-barred claims can be brought is crucial. This, they say, is because it typically takes victims decades to come to terms with their abuse, let alone feel able to speak out about it and confront their abusers publicly. Those who support a window note its role not only in providing some measure of justice to victims, but also in identifying previously unnamed sexual predators, who most likely would otherwise continue preying on children.

“Retribution never brings about justice, nor will the crippling of the church’s ability to carry out its mission serve any purpose,” Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn tells the New York Times.

Here’s Lopez in his own words explaining his point of view, basically saying that he’s choosing to protect institutions rather than risk “frivolous” law suits from victim’s of sexual abuse against the Catholic Church et al.:

Here’s a WPIX-TV report on a recent protest at Lopez’s office:

Markey’s bill was withdrawn. Her spokesperson tells the New York Times, “The leadership has told us they will put it on the agenda if she holds her votes with comfortable margins.”

BHB has reached out to the Levin campaign asking if the candidate is simpatico with his boss on this issue.

Full Video: Chuck Backs Steve at Borough Hall in the Herd for the 33rd

Homer Fink — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:44:11 +0000

U.S. Senator and Brooklynite Charles Schumer announced his support for Vito Lopez staffer Steve Levin in the race for the NYC Council’s 33rd District in a press conference at Brooklyn Borough Hall this morning.

No local television stations were on hand, so BHB is the only place you’ll be able to see the full press conference and Sen. Schumer and Levin’s remarks on health care, the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sotamayor and more.

In a statement to the press today, challenger and Brooklyn Heights resident Doug Biviano accuses Schumer of “popping Albany pills”, adding:

The reason Levin continues to pile up these farce endorsements is because he is politically connected through his name (his father is the cousin of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich) and his position as Vito Lopez’s chief henchman. Because of who he knows, and the smoke-filled backrooms he has access to, he’s been able to skate along as a presumed frontrunner in this race despite a complete lack of accountability in the media. The people of the 33rd District deserve better. They deserve a City Councilor that will openly and honestly stand up for their interests – someone who doesn’t see the City Council as fodder for his resume, but will instead fight tooth and nail to protect our communities and our families.

We caught up with Levin after the press conference. He addresses some of these issues in this exclusive video:

Brooklyn Bugle Media’s the New Homer Fink Show will be broadcasting live tomorrow at 11am from Biviano HQ at 89 Montague Street. The public (that’s you!) is welcome to attend and to ask questions. Detail here.

Chuck Joins the Machine and Backs Levin in Council Race

Homer Fink — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:27:58 +0000

The Brooklyn Paper reports that Senator Chuck Schumer will be announcing his support for 33rd City Council district candidate Steve “the Machine” Levin this Friday at Borough Hall.

“This is a very big deal,” said Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D-Bushwick), who is not only the Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman, but also employs Levin has his chief of staff.

That relationship has encouraged Levin’s rivals to paint him as the “machine candidate,” but Lopez called The Brooklyn Paper on Thursday to challenge that.

“He’s his own man, which, I know, coming from me, on a call like this, doesn’t sound, you know…,” Lopez said. “But if you look at his endorsements, there are a lot of groups and people on his list that don’t like me.”

Brooklyn Heights resident and long-shot candidate Doug Biviano has characterized opponents including Levin and former Yassky staffer Evan Thies as members of the “Democratic machine”.

Join us this Saturday at 11am at Biviano campaign HQ for a live podcast of the New Homer Fink Show. The public is invited to watch and to ask questions. Details here.

City Council Candidate Starts Drive for P.S. 8 Playground

Homer Fink — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:32:10 +0000

Democratic NYC Council candidate (D33)/ Brooklyn Heights resident Doug Biviano announced today that he is starting a petition to provide a temporary playground for P.S 8 kids. They’ll be losing their current school yard due to an expansion project announced earlier this year.
And as election year attention getting ploys go, this one doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. In an email sent out today, Biviano writes:

The children at PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights are set to lose their school yard to construction this coming fall for two years, while nearby Squibb Park remains unused. As a PS 8 parent, I know this is unacceptable, so I drafted a petition asking the city to make Squibb Park safe and available for PS 8 students to use as an interim school yard for outdoor recess and phys. ed. space.

Biviano has posted a petition on his website and is asking anyone supporting his idea to sign it.