Come November 6th we are going to have two choices for our Representative to the house.
(Democrat) Yvette Clarke
(Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and Park Slope. )
Yvette Diane Clarke (born November 21, 1964) is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 11th congressional district, serving since 2007, and the former chair of the United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
(Republican)(Conservative) Daniel Cavanagh
Via SheepsheadBites
Cavanagh is running in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing New York’s 9th District. He sought the nomination on the Republican and Conservative Party tickets. He was unopposed in the primary. Served as a special assistant to New York State Senator Marty Golden since 2002. He has been involved in the local community from the age of 13, with the Gerritsen Beach Teen Organization. Cavanagh is the father of GerritsenBeach.net blogger Daniel Cavanagh, III.
In short, Anthony Weiner held NY9, until Bob Turner was elected in September 2011 to complete the term of Democrat Anthony Weiner, who had resigned. Then NY was completely redrawn, eliminating Bob Turner.
Come November 6th we are going to have two choices for our Representative to the house.
(Democrat) Yvette Clarke
(Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and Park Slope. )
Yvette Diane Clarke (born November 21, 1964) is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 11th congressional district, serving since 2007, and the former chair of the United States House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
(Republican)(Conservative) Daniel Cavanagh
Via SheepsheadBites
Cavanagh is running in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing New York’s 9th District. He sought the nomination on the Republican and Conservative Party tickets. He was unopposed in the primary. Served as a special assistant to New York State Senator Marty Golden since 2002. He has been involved in the local community from the age of 13, with the Gerritsen Beach Teen Organization. Cavanagh is the father of GerritsenBeach.net blogger Daniel Cavanagh, III.
Yesterday outside Keyfood (Gerritsen and Avenue U) the NY GOP’s “Take Back New York” bus pulled up for an official endorsement event and rally with Anthony Weiner challenger Bob Turner.
Turner was officially endorsed by State Senator Marty Golden. Along side both Turner and Golden was State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, and Brooklyn GOP Chair Craig Eaton.
Let’s dive in a little bit more and present more facts about Millennium Development / Bergen Basin Community Development Corp.
Let make this clear: We are not saying these groups are bad or have done anything wrong. However, if they are prepping to come into the community and are already here we should know everything we can about them.
In terms of funds and influence this group does not belong in Gerritsen Beach – we already have our own.
Bergen Basin Community Development Corporation Inc
Doing Business As: Millennium Development
Total Public Support 2004 – 2008
Mission Statement:
PROVIDING SERVICES FOR SENIORS AND YOUTH, WHICH INCLUDE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES: CONGREGATIONAL BREAKFASTS, LUNCHES CONGRAGATIONAL WEEKENDS FOR SENIORS, EDUCATION, RECREATION SESSIONS, INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT FOR SENIORS AND YOUTH LIVING IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
2009 Taxes
Total Revenue $3,664,464
(Most of their money comes from City and State Contracts aka Program Service Revenue)
PROVIDING SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND SENIORS, WHICH INCLUDE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS: “YOUTH LEADERSHIP”, “OUT OF SCHOOL”, “SUMMER CAMP”, “SPORT GAMES” AND ALSO EDUCATION / RECREATION, INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE SESSIONS AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT FOR KIDS AND SENIORS LIVING IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF BROOKLYN, NY.
2009 Taxes
Program Service Revenue $961,588
Other Revenue $54,000
Total Revenue $1,015,688
Officers Compensation BBYO 2008: Source IRS 990 Forms
According to the results, Fidler received 79.2 percent of the vote after 17,101 constituents voted for him. Berardelli received 19.5 percent, or 4,201 votes. Liberal challenger Dereck Sacerdote received the remaining one percent, which amounted to 282 votes or 1.3%.
Fidler told Courier Life that “the results are “dramatic and gratifying†— especially since the results were ten percent better than they were four years ago.” adding “I’d like to think that [the results] are a validation of the work I’ve done,†he said. “It’s nice to know that it’s being noticed.â€
Sheepshead Bites and  GerritsenBeach.net are producing the first debate hosted by local bloggers in New York City. We’ve drawn together the three candidates running for the 46th City Council District, including the sitting councilman, Assistant Majority Leader Lew Fidler. The 45-minute debate will be taped tomorrow afternoon, and then streamed on both sites on Thursday.
The debate promises to be lively, as the two leading candidates - Lew Fidler and Republican opponent Gene Berardelli – have been trading barbs in the comments section of Sheepshead Bites and GerritsenBeach.net. They have discussed such issues as campaign financing, term limits, and discretionary funds, with the arguments getting very heated. They have at times labeled each other arrogant, questioned each other’s honesty, and Fidler has called Berardelli’s charges anti-semitic (here, here, and here). Meanwhile, Libertarian Party candidate Derek Sacerdote has been waging a grassroots campaign, including going door-to-door in several areas of the district.
George Broadhead will serve as moderator of the debate. A self-described “old Brooklynite,” Broadhead signed on with strong recommendations from community leaders as a fair, independent, and objective member of the neighborhood with high integrity. He currently serves as President of the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association, Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 107, and Commander of the Kings County Council of the VFW. A former U.S. Marine, Broadhead was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action after serving in Korea. He has also written for several publications, and was the Western Manager of Newhouse Newspapers.
We’re very proud to be the first local bloggers to independently host a City Council debate. Sheepshead Bites was founded on the idea of sparking discussion in our community and engaging it’s jaded members. We’re happy to have the opportunity to continue bridging the online-offline divide, inform our neighbors, and kindle a desire to participate.
In that spirit, we’re inviting all of our readers to submit debate questions for consideration. You can add them to the comments section below, or send them privately by e-mail.
Our councilman Lew Fidler(up for reelection), has received an additional $63,091 in public funds to fend off republican challenger Gene Beredelli, based on coverage by Gerritsenbeach.net, Sheepsheadbites.com and other media.
In Councilman Fidlers letter to the NYC Campaign Finance Board, he requested via a “Statement of Need” matching funds from the city. This worked out to be $63,091
IN order to qualify for (6-to-1) matching funds from the City, a Cit Council candidate must (1) collect $5000 in matchable funds and (2) collect donations from 75 people who reside in the district.
Only the first $175 donated by each person is matchable. And donations can only be accepted from individuals, not businesses or corporate entities.
There is also a spending limit if you receive matching funds. Something like $160,000, approximately.
In Lew Fidler’s case, additional rules apply because he is an incumbent. Since Beredelli hasn’t spent more than 25% of his spending limit, Lew was capped at 25% of the matching funds he would normally be eligible to receive. In his case, that amounted to a little over 20K
However, the rules say that Lew could submit a statement of need showing that he is in a competitive election and would then qualify for fulling matching funds. So Lew’s campaign submitted a 4-page letter making the case that the race is competitive, citing (1) that Beredelli has been receiving coverage in the local press and in blogs, attaching 40 some pages of evidence and (2) that Beredelli has been endorsed by the Kings County Republican Party, an organization with more than 250 members.
That letter is why Lew’s campaign received an additional 63K.
Party Nominations: Republican, Conservative
Contact Information: geneb2009@gmail.com; http://www.gene-2009.com
Party Enrolled: Republican
Gene also submitted what he sent to the voters guide.
Occupation: Attorney, Civil Litigation; Part Owner & General Counsel, Gotham Sports Media, LLC
Occupational Background: A young civil attorney. Before joining his current firm in Manhattan, Gene was a real estate attorney in private practice in Sheepshead Bay.
Educational Background: A product of Sheepshead Bay H.S., Gene graduated from Manhattan College summa cum laude with a B.A. in Government and International Studies, and a minor in Economics – in three years! He then received his Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University School of Law at age 23.
Organizational Affiliations: Gene is Counsel for the Sheepshead Bay / Plumb Beach Civic Association, member of CB15 CERT, member of the 61st Precinct Community Council, member of the NY County Lawyers Association, and founder of the “Brigham Street Park Projectâ€, an effort to build a waterfront park in Sheepshead Bay.
Prior Public Experience: Gene worked as a Capitol Intern for Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and as legal assistant to the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly.
What is the most important issue in Council District 46 you would address if elected?
We need to fix the local economy and stop squeezing all of us with increased taxes. Government needs to be leaner that it is now – providing essential services with limited taxation. We must explore and adopt innovation and face the fact that simply because the business of the city has been traditionally handled a certain way does not make it the right way.
What other important issues would you address if elected?
The City Council needs to redeem itself in the voters’ eyes after Councilman Fidler and 28 others gave in to the Mayor and repealed term limits. I’ll support putting term limits back to YOU – the voters – and making all voter referendums amendable ONLY by another voter referendum.
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I come from the grassroots of the community and have successfully worked to get tangible results in Sheepshead Bay and other neighborhoods. We got our hands dirty and did the work our Councilman should’ve done – but took credit for anyway. I won’t forget where I come from and I will keep working FOR you, not against you.
We’re always told to pick the fights we can win. I will fight the fights you think are worth fighting.
Derek was kind enough to send in a statement, which was also submitted to the NYC Voters Guide.
I believe I am the best candidate for City Council because I have experienced life in the district from many angles. I have taught public school for 11 years and am well aware of the failings of both the Bloomberg-Klein reforms and those which pre-existed. I am also aware of the fiscal waste typical of city agencies. In addition, I am a partner in a local business, and have experienced the frustration which come from dealing with city regulations which unreasonably hinder all small businesses. Furthermore, I have watched as the city has continually undermined the ability of the poorest people to earn a living, through relentlessly attacking sidewalk vendors, dollar vans, and scrap metal collectors. I personally, along with many of my friends and family, have been victims of police misconduct, the gray area of inappropriate behavior which goes largely unpunished. Finally, I feel that the continual intrusions of city government into personal choice, as characterized by extensive smoking laws and regulations on restaurant food, for example, represent a dangerous trend of government overstepping its proper boundaries.
Lew Fidler, is our current city councilman he also represents Canarsie, Marine Park, Mill Basin and Spring Creek. He has provided about $2 million in funding for the construction of Seba Avenue Skate Park, $12,500 per year goes to the Vollies for their insurance. Other money goes to neighborhood little league programs and senior programs.
Lew was kind enough to send in a statement, which was also submitted to the NYC Voters Guide.
I believe I have been an effective independent voice with a number of City-wide accomplishments. I was the first elected official in the country to predict the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Two years before it occurred, I asked my colleagues to fund a program to assist homeowners that has helped thousands avoid foreclosure. I’ve chaired hearings on the plight of runaway and homeless youth. As a result, funding for shelter beds has increased by over $5 million. I was the author of the proposal that finally saved straphangers from a massive fare hike and huge service cuts.
In the district, I funded a capital and expense budget item for every district public school in every year’s budget, bringing in millions for new science labs, auditoriums and computers, and provided every school with an arts program annually. The Parks Commissioner has said that no Council mMinus the contact info, schooling, etc:
I believe I have been an effective independent voice with a number of City-wide accomplishments. I was the 1st elected official in the country to predict the sub-prime mortgage crisis. 2 years before it occurred, I asked my colleagues to fund a program to assist homeowners that has helped thousands avoid foreclosure. I’ve chaired hearings on the plight of runaway and homeless youth. As a result, funding for shelter beds has increased by over $5 million. I was the author of the proposal that finally saved straphangers from a massive fare hike and huge service cuts.
In the district, I funded a capital and expense budget item for every district public school in every year’s budget, bringing in millions for new science labs, auditoriums and computers, and provided every school with an arts program annually. The Parks Commissioner has said that no Council Member brings in more money for improving his district’s parks then I do. My district office has helped thousands of constituents who have called seeking personal or community help.
I have led the fight to keep property taxes as low as possible and voted against the increase last winter.
The Citizens Union said that I have one of the most independent Council voting records. When Mayor Bloomberg came to our district last year, he said that I was “no shrinking violet and when I am on the other side I can be quite irritating.” What I think he was saying was that I fight for what I believe in and do so effectively.
I’d like to keep fighting for you at City Hall. I respectfully ask that you give me the chance. Thank you
Gene Berardelli (R) Sheepshead Bay has plans to run against Lew Fidler (D) for the district 46 seat in the city council.
District 46 represents: Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Georgetowne, Starrett City, Flatlands, Futurama, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Gerritsen Beach, Madison and Sheepshead Bay
Gene Berardelli currently lives in Sheepshead Bay and is the General Counsel of the Sheepshead Bay / Plumb Beach Civic Assocassion and also is the Vice Chairman of the Law Committee of the Kings County Republicans.
I am a young attorney with a strong real estate & land use background recently recognized for my active role in changing local zoning laws and preserving local neighborhoods. I am experienced in managing individuals and working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, corporate clients, and governmental entities & officials. I am also an award-winning legal writer that has worked with civic groups on a variety of issues. I am currently working on building a waterfront park in South Brooklyn
I am an avid baseball fan, and part owner of Gotham Sports Media, a new media company specializing in sports. I am also the Community Coordinator of the Brigham Street Park Project, an effort to build a new greenspace on the last piece of undeveloped waterfront in Sheepshead Bay.
Lew Fidler has been in office since 2002 and is up for reelection this November. He is no stranger to Gerritsen beach, in fact we have a whole category dedicated to our councilman. He was on of the main funding sources for the Seba Avenue Skate Park securing $656,000 initially. He is also working to get bathrooms at seba avenue park. He also secures funding regularly for GB Cares.
Dates to Remember
Primary: September 15h
Election: November 3rd
Looks like this will an interesting summer for District 46
GerritsenBeach.net was invited to a meeting with the borough president Marty Markowitz over breakfast, to “share your thoughts about blogging and Brooklyn”. We at GerritsenBeach.net know what this is an attempt to meet the “new establishment”, and to change the way they control their message/news.
The way people of Brooklyn specifically how their constituents consume news is no longer just Courier Life CNG Group, or the local Daily Papers. It is websites and blogs like GerritsenBeach.net.
They divide the meeting into “Off the Record” and “On the Record” Which in my opinion there is never an “On the Record” or “Off the record”. Its just another way That a way that they are used to dealing with regular reporters, its also a way to control try and control the way their information gets out there, because if you violate the sacred rule and dont play nice, you dont get any more information.
The “Off the Record” part just consisted of the bloggers going around the room, saying who they were and what they do, which Marty listened to. Then their staff asking questions to clarify or to expand on what we actually do. They were mainly curious about how we accept advertising and who is a paid employee or just a volunteer.
However, When it came time for Marty to speak, he seemed genuinely annoyed at blogs, bloggers, websites, and anonymous comments. He cited that there is no accountablilty with blogs or anonymous commenters.
Which is not true at all, authors are still held to legal standards, GerritsenBeach.net cant just go out and say Jane Doe is a coke head. Jane Doe could sue. However, authors/website owners can’t legally be held responsible for user generate content such as comments or forum content.
I understand why he would be annoyed if I was him I would be annoyed too, we are still brand new, “uncontrolled” medium, that for the most part has little or no political affiliations. There is no way to control blogs, we generally call it like it is or how we see it. Usualy “news” only went out to the 10-20 of the same people at a local civic meeting, now information, gets spread so much quicker, and to a much greater audience. Also again, The system they are used to now with reporters, is that they can easily black list or shun reporters from their news or quotes, who they don’t like. Which in turn makes the reporters have to play nice to all sides, so they can continue to get news, and invites to events for their paper.
I’m glad that I was recognized to be part of the the meeting. I’m glad that I realize what is was.
Meet Sheepshead Bay’s “Three Amigos!” Carl Kruger, Theresa Scavo, and Michael Nelson.
In front of Lundys – now Cherry Hill Market – the “Three Amigos” threw a surprise Good Friday photo opp. If a Good Friday photo op isn’t surprising to you, consider this: as a Good Friday Processional by St. Mark’s Church were walking by, they continued to take pictures. Barbara Berardelli of the Sheepshead Bay / Plumb Beach Civic Association actually had to ask them to stop out of respect for the occasion. While they complied, all three remained with their backs turned as the Processional proceeded. Father Grimaldi, of St. Marks even went over to acknowledge Councilman Nelson, who did not respond in kind.
Kruger, Scavo, Nelson and the people from Cherry Hill then debated their points of view regarding the building’s use. Kruger said that any business selling groceries (ie putting them in bags, cashiers, shopping carts, etc.) that’s not allowed on Emmons Avenue or in the Sheepshead Bay Special District. Meanwhile, there are at least two other small markets within three blocks of Cherry Hill, that bag groceries and have cashiers. Yet, they are not being targeted by the Three Amigos.
When pressed, Senator Kruger had no answers as to why his press release pre-dated the actual DOB violations, and all three disclaimed credit for the stop work order. Scavo even went as far to say that Cherry Hill’s representatives were “giving us too much credit” for getting the work stopped – an interesting point to make considering they were all literally outside taking photos so they could all presumably take credit for stopping Cherry Hill. It might be worth nothing that Mike Nelson hardly uttered a word the whole time.
Then after the meeting on the street, Barbara Berardelli approached the “Three Amigos” and asked them how they could justify keeping her Civic Association in the dark about the stop work orders. She angrily took great offense to them doing all of this on Good Friday and noted their behavior of ignoring the procession of St. Mark’s. Scavo responded saying “You didn’t know(about the stop work order)? It was was all over the blog” (Apparently Gerritsenbeach.net is now the main source of information for Sheepshead Bay political news for local civics – not CB 15). I even heard Mrs. Berardelli scream out to Kruger “You don’t represent me!” she continued that the three of them would not have acted so disrespectfully if this were a Jewish Holiday, or if they were in a all-Jewish Neighborhood.
Anthony Kelly, project manager of Cherry Hill, then gave his account of recent events. According to Kelly, DOB Deputy Commissioner Bryan Winter came into the building and told them that their plan approval has been revoked and that he was taking their copy of the plans away from them. Kelly responded by stating that the Brooklyn DOB commissioner Derrek Lee, Winter’s boss, had signed off that all work had been completed, therefore the building was no longer a work site and Winter’s actions were totally improper – and that there was no way Winter was leaving with their plans.
After further conversation, Winter left the premises and returned later that day with a new stop work order revoking the “sign off”, pulling the plan approval, and ordering that all work stop. Violations were for: (1) work contrary to plan and (2) use contrary to zoning. The work contrary to plans consisted of TWO shelve units that supposedly did not appear on the approved plans. The use contrary to zoning violation is DOB’s answer to the much debated question of whether Cherry Hill is a market or restaurant – DOB was declaring that the primary use was for a market. But, according to Kelly, the plans show that 60% of the floor area usage is for a restaurant, while 40% is used for a market, making the market use “accessory” in nature.
Since the issued violations, Cherry Hill is consulting an attorney regarding legal action not only to fight the DOB violations, but to consider whether the Three Amigos’ actions are wrongful.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Invites Brooklyn Bloggers for a Discussion.
GerritsenBeach.net was invited to a meeting with the borough president Marty Markowitz over breakfast, to “share your thoughts about blogging and Brooklyn”. We at GerritsenBeach.net know what this is an attempt to meet the “new establishment”, and to change the way they control their message/news.
The way people of Brooklyn specifically how their constituents consume news is no longer just Courier Life CNG Group, or the local Daily Papers. It is websites and blogs like GerritsenBeach.net.
The meeting was a bit strange, maybe 10 other “blogs” showed up, some worth noting are: Brownstoner, Flatbush Gardner, Ditmas Park Blog, Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn, Atlantic Yards Report, Pardon Me for Asking, Noticing New York, as well as New York Times “The Local†blogger Andy Newman.
They divide the meeting into “Off the Record” and “On the Record” Which in my opinion there is never an “On the Record” or “Off the record”. Its just another way That a way that they are used to dealing with regular reporters, its also a way to control try and control the way their information gets out there, because if you violate the sacred rule and dont play nice, you dont get any more information.
The “Off the Record” part just consisted of the bloggers going around the room, saying who they were and what they do, which Marty listened to. Then their staff asking questions to clarify or to expand on what we actually do. They were mainly curious about how we accept advertising and who is a paid employee or just a volunteer.
However, When it came time for Marty to speak, he seemed genuinely annoyed at blogs, bloggers, websites, and anonymous comments. He cited that there is no accountablilty with blogs or anonymous commenters.
Which is not true at all, authors are still held to legal standards, GerritsenBeach.net cant just go out and say Jane Doe is a coke head. Jane Doe could sue. However, authors/website owners can’t legally be held responsible for user generate content such as comments or forum content.
I understand why he would be annoyed if I was him I would be annoyed too, we are still brand new, “uncontrolled” medium, that for the most part has little or no political affiliations. There is no way to control blogs, we generally call it like it is or how we see it. Usualy “news” only went out to the 10-20 of the same people at a local civic meeting, now information, gets spread so much quicker, and to a much greater audience. Also again, The system they are used to now with reporters, is that they can easily black list or shun reporters from their news or quotes, who they don’t like. Which in turn makes the reporters have to play nice to all sides, so they can continue to get news, and invites to events for their paper.
I’m glad that I was recognized to be part of the the meeting. I’m glad that I realize what is was.