When Wall Street Bankers and Billionaires Attack Public Workers

When the agents of bailed out bankers and billionaires attack unionized

workers/ they attack the middle class and they attack the heart of our

democracy. Just ask the people of Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan.

When billionaire mayor Bloomberg cuts public workers,

New York City’s middle class bleeds.

When cuts necessary public services our neighborhoods suffer.

He denies the people of our city government by and for the people and he

tears out the heart our democracy.

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When Wall Street Bankers and Billionaires Attack Public Workers

When the agents of bailed out bankers and billionaires attack unionized

workers/ they attack the middle class and they attack the heart of our

democracy. Just ask the people of Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan.

When billionaire mayor Bloomberg cuts public workers,

New York City’s middle class bleeds.

When cuts necessary public services our neighborhoods suffer.

He denies the people of our city government by and for the people and he

tears out the heart our democracy.

View Full Post

Governor Cuomo and Public Pensions

NY TIMES – Editorial

Gov. Cuomo and Public Pensions Published: June 9, 2011

RESPONSE FROM ARTHUR CHELIOTES

The inconsistency between the editorial supporting the governor’s new pension proposal makes readers wonder if the editorial board has read The NY Times Business Section Investigative reporters who have done wonderful work exposing the massive fraud committed against pension funds including the state and city pension funds. If they had, they would know that the reason for the increase costs was due in large part to the 2008 crash. They would also know that the state and local budget crisis was due revenue reductions not

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Packed Rally To Save City Island Firehouse

Packed Rally To Save City Island Firehouse


Let the NYC City Council know that Mayor Bloomberg's proposed budget cuts will hurt our city --- SIGN THE PETITION

Packed Rally To Save City Island Firehouse

CITY ISLAND, NY (PIX11)— 

Hundreds of City Island neighbors steaming mad at the impending loss of vital firefighters turned out to protest the planned closure of 20 firehouses.

City Island residents say they're especially vulnerable since the next closest fire company would take 10 minutes or more to get them, and it could be double due to traffic or when the two drawbridges that give access to their island are raised.



"We are here to make sure our ladder company does not close" Councilman James Vacca shouted to his constituents who packed into the famed Lido restaurant ballroom on City Island Avenue. His words were met with copious applause and shouts of approval.

"This is politics pure and simple. They are trying to balance the budget in New York by putting lives at risk," Lt. Ed Boles declared as hundreds gathered behind him to rally to keep the house open.

The FDNY is trying to plug a $50 million hole Bloomberg created to balance the budget. But voters on City Island say other things, like bike lanes, should be shot down before fire houses get shut down.

Outraged seniors showed up in force to protest the changes. Helen Anderson, a 50-year resident whose father founded a marina near the turn of the century, said she would have to simply watch her 3-story, wood-framed historic home burn if her Ladder 53 had to close. She has attended every march, meeting and rally to fight for the survival of the vital, life-saving equipment.

Politicians from across the borough spoke feverishly to support keeping the fire company open.


If the closures go through as planned, doors could be shut by July 1.

Let the NYC City Council know that Mayor Bloomberg's proposed budget cuts will hurt our city --- SIGN THE PETITION

Gov. Cuomo and Public Pensions Published: June 9, 2011

NY TIMES - Editorial
Gov. Cuomo and Public Pensions Published: June 9, 2011

RESPONSE FROM ARTHUR CHELIOTES

The inconsistency between the editorial supporting the governor’s new pension proposal makes readers wonder if the editorial board has read The NY Times Business Section Investigative reporters who have done wonderful work exposing the massive fraud committed against pension funds including the state and city pension funds. If they had, they would know that the reason for the increase costs was due in large part to the 2008 crash. They would also know that the state and local budget crisis was due revenue reductions not increased expenses out of pace with inflation.

Yet there is no editorial support for proposed changes in the law known as the Martin Act that is being blocked by Wall Street interests at the state legislature that would allow billions of dollars in losses to state and city pension funds due to fraud to recover taxpayer and employee contributions. The state comptroller and attorney general support the change in the Martin Act but the governor’s silence is deafening. The city comptroller supports this fiscally sound change in the law. The mayor does not, he would rather city workers and taxpayers pay for the pension fund losses due to fraud not his Wall Street clients who defrauded the funds.


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