WEATHER: Cloudy, with a chance of rain. New York City, high 62; Albany, high 52; Buffalo, high 54.
BEING JOHN BOEHNER: While wanting to diminish the power of the New York City Council Speaker is understandable, it could weaken the Council in relation to the mayor, writes City & State’s Morgan Pehme: http://bit.ly/1hzMBJk
NEW THIS MORNING:
* Federal investigators are leaning toward blaming operator error in Sunday’s Metro-North train derailment, with the train engineer’s attorney firmly stating that the incident was not a criminal matter, The Wall Street Journal reports: http://on.wsj.com/1gGwTsR
* The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said that an alerter system had been installed in the locomotive pushing the train that derailed in the Bronx, but not in the front cab where the engineer was positioned at the time of the crash, The New York Times writes: http://nyti.ms/1ccvfLh
* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has spent $ 65,000 on legal fees since September, related to the state ethics commission’s probe into former assemblyman Vito Lopez’s sexual harassment allegations, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/1aCacQY
* Environmental activists delivered 50,000 comments to the state Department of Environmental Conservation opposing the agency’s proposed draft regulations for liquefied natural gas, as well as a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Times Union writes: http://bit.ly/1cZc35l
* New York City Councilman Domenic Recchia, currently running for Congress, wrote to a federal judge seeking leniency for reputed mobster Angelo Spata, extolling the community service Spata performed in his district, the Daily News reports:http://nydn.us/IQqCiX
* The New York Racing Association voted to pass CEO Christopher Kay’s 2014 budget, though several trustees voiced displeasure with Kay’s plan to raise general admission rates at the Saratoga and Belmont thoroughbred races, the Times Union writes: http://bit.ly/1iC36G6
* The ex-girlfriend of former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate is pressing a $ 35 million lawsuit against the city, NYPD, detectives, and staff at Long Island Jewish Hospital alleging her domestic violence case against Monserrate was fabricated, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/18kgnMQ
* The New York City Council held a hearing on a bill that would add electronic cigarettes to the city’s ban on smoking in public places, with health commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley undecided on whether e-cigarettes are a health hazard, the Times writes: http://nyti.ms/1iC7lSc
* U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said that Syracuse and Onondaga County would have to throw out at least $ 400,000 worth of replacement fire hydrants after a decision by the EPA that fire hydrants must comply with new lead-free standards, the Syracuse Post-Standard writes: http://bit.ly/1biVgHx
* The Rockland County Legislature will vote today on the proposed $ 760.9 million county budget, with no decrease expected of County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef’s plan for a 9.9 percent property tax increase, The Journal News reports:http://lohud.us/1ccxka5
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EDITORIAL PAGES:
* The Times calls the report issued by the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption “the best guidebook” for reforming Albany, and that the most important recommendation is the public campaign financing proposal: http://nyti.ms/18EzgwQ
* In the Daily News, Avi Schick, a former deputy state attorney general and president of the Empire State Development Corp., praises Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio for tapping Tony Shorris as his first deputy mayor: http://nydn.us/1cnqLF5
* El Diario makes the case for New York City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito as the best choice for Council speaker, praising her advocacy on critical community issues, her dedication to participatory budgeting, and strength of character:http://bit.ly/1bJMiJG
HEARD AROUND TOWN:
* The Fair Elections campaign, a bipartisan coalition of good government activists gathered on the steps of City Hall Wednesday to kick off the “Penny-A-Day Keeps Corruption Away” campaign supporting the Moreland Commission’s recommendation in its preliminary report for comprehensive campaign finance reform. The campaign highlights the fact that the cost of public financing and enforcement is roughly $ 3 per New Yorker a year, while the cost of ending what the campaign deems “legal bribery” amounts to billions of taxpayer dollars. At the conclusion of the press conference, which included remarks from Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause NY and Dick Dadey, executive director of Citizens Union, activists collected pennies from people on the street, hoping to build public support for the movement. Karen Scharff, the executive director of Citizen Action of New York said that Fair Elections plans to eventually appeal to elected officials to sign on to their campaign. “We wanted to start out with the grassroots movement first … we’re going to do it across the state at at least a dozen different locations over the course of the next few weeks, then later this month we’ll get sign-ons,” Scharff said.
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Every NYC public charter school has a story…
One charter in East Harlem provides real-world opportunities for autistic children. At a transfer charter high school in Central Brooklyn, teenagers are given a second chance to get back on track. In the Bronx, one of the city’s oldest community-based organizations started a charter school to serve the most at-risk children. Learn more atcharternyc.org and tune in to WBLS 107.5 this Sunday, 12/8, at 8:30am, for a vibrant conversation about charter schools on Open Line.
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WHO’S HIRING: To advertise your employment opportunities in City & State First Read, email jfreeman@cityandstateny.com or call 646-442-1662.
Marketing Position, Alliance for Downtown New York
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description: The Alliance for Downtown New York, New York’s largest Business Improvement District, seeks a dynamic professional to serve as lead staff for our marketing initiatives, but with a focus on place based marketing and tourism. Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, Advertising, Marketing or Public Relations and 5 years of directly relevant experience preferred. Candidates should possess excellent writing skills and a track record of multimedia content creation. Experience in staff coordination, contract negotiation and project management desired.
Further Info: Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to: Andrew Breslau, Vice President of Communications and Marketing:resumes@downtownny.com
Government Services Business Development Manager/Director for AlliedBarton Security Services
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description: AlliedBarton is seeking a professional with experience in either NYC or Northern NJ selling products or services into the government space. Must have excellent networking and communication skills, and be able to articulate in a consultative manner, the distinguishing factors of AlliedBarton’s services to various levels within the government space.
Further Info: Please email resume and a cover letter if desired tokelly.hunter@alliedbarton.com with the subject line, “ NYNJ Government Business Development”
Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, LTD. (FIAO)
Description: The position of Chief Executive Officer reports to the Chairman of the Board, and the Board of Directors, and is charged with carrying-out the mission and operations of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn and Il Centro. Il Centro will be the flagship Italian-American cultural community center in the United States, expanding FIAO’s services as a state-of-the-art cultural resource to Italian Americans, and will serve as a model to all ethnic groups in how to preserve, celebrate, and care for one’s own heritage in a multi-cultural society. The CEO will manage all aspects of Il Centro and the FIAO’s programming, events, fundraising and staff. Minimum ten years of experience in a leadership and supervisory position. Master Degree in Public or Business Administration preferred.
Further info: Please send resume and cover letter to fiaojobs@gmail.com.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Assemblyman Micah Kellner … and to Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj … and belatedly, on Wednesday, to Ray Long, vice president of government affairs at NRG Energy.
MOVING ON: At The New York Times, David Chen, the City Hall bureau chief, will become an investigative reporter for the Metro section, while political reporter Michael Grynbaum will replace him as bureau chief … and Laura Nahmias is leaving the New York World to join Capital New York’s Albany bureau, where she’ll be covering politics with a focus on healthcare.
IN MEMORIAM: Vincent Marchiselli, a former New York State Assemblyman from the Bronx, died last Friday at the age of 85.
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AARP is making New York a better place to live, work and connect. We are taking on the issues that matter most to New Yorkers age 50+, like supporting family caregivers, fighting for protections for utility consumers, combating hunger and ensuring people have a secure financial future. Find out what AARP is doing in the Empire State atwww.aarp.org/ny, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter
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TODAY’S SKED:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is in New York City with no public schedule.
8:15 a.m. – Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks at an Association for a Better New York Breakfast, Brooklyn Marriott, 333 Adams St., Brooklyn.
9 a.m. – Delegates meet and vote in elections at the New York Farm Bureau’s 2013 State Annual Meeting, Holiday Inn Syracuse-Liverpool, 441 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool.
9:30 a.m. – The New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises meets, Council Chambers, City Hall, Manhattan.
9:30 a.m. – New York City Comptroller John Liu attends the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York investment meeting, 55 Water St., Manhattan.
10 a.m. – The state Assembly holds a hearing on medical marijuana legislation, Common Council Chambers, 13th Floor, Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo.
10 a.m. – The New York City Central Labor Council and New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health sponsor a discussion on ergonomics hazards in construction work, UAW Region 9A, 256 W. 38th St., 12th Floor, Manhattan.
10:30 a.m. – The state Assembly Banks Committee and the Subcommittee on Banking in Underserved Communities hold a hearing on the Community Reinvestment Act, Roosevelt Hearing Room C, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany.
10:30 a.m. – Manhattan Borough President and City Comptroller-elect Scott Stringer speaks at Tribeca’s Flea Theater groundbreaking, 20 Thomas St., Manhattan.
11 a.m. – Bloomberg presides over a graduation ceremony for the most diverse class of probationary firefighters in FDNY history, Christian Cultural Center, 120-20 Flatlands Ave., Brooklyn.
11 a.m. – The state Senate Committee on Children and Families and the Assembly Committees on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation and Children and Families hold a hearing on New York City Child Protective Practices, Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, Room 1923, 19th Floor, Manhattan.
11 a.m. – The state Assembly Transportation Committee holds a hearing on the state budget’s impact on upstate public transit systems, Hamilton Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany.
11:30 a.m. – New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott speaks at the unveiling of the new name for GED Plus Centers, Alternative Education Complex, 269 W. 35th St., Manhattan.
11:30 a.m. – State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and others join workers in support of higher wages and organizing rights at a McDonalds, 4259 Broadway, Manhattan.
12 p.m. – Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty announce a new mobile command center, Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn.
12:30 p.m. – New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is a guest on NOW with Alex Wagner to discuss the landmark $ 13 billion settlement with JPMorgan Chase, MSNBC.
1 p.m. – The New York City Council Parks and Recreation Committee considers the naming of 56 thoroughfares and public places, 250 Broadway, 16th Floor, Manhattan.
1 p.m. – The New York City Council Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions meets, Committee Room, City Hall, Manhattan.
1:30 p.m. – Opponents of FreshDirect’s expansion in the South Bronx hold a press conference ahead of oral arguments in a court proceeding against the company, 27 Madison Ave., Manhattan.
2 p.m. – Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro and Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty announce a new mobile command center, Staten Island Borough Hall, 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island.
3 p.m. – Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick and other mayors join U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and others at the “Mayors Manufacturing Summit,” the White House, Washington, D.C.
3:15 p.m. – New York City Councilman Mark Weprin joins fast food workers, community organizers and labor unions at a “Day of Action” to call for a living wage and right to unionize for fast food employees, Wendy’s, 85 Nassau St., Manhattan.
3:30 p.m. – Liu attends a memorial in honor of Bill Lynch Jr., 1199 SEIU, 310 W. 43rdSt., Manhattan.
4:30 p.m. – Stringer joins the New Day, New York coalition, including 32BJ SEIU and other groups, to call for an end of the “tale of two cities” at Foley Square before a march to Zuccotti Park, Manhattan.
6 p.m. – Manhattan Borough President-elect Gale Brewer, Assemblywoman Deborah Glick and City Councilman Brad Lander attend the 17th Annual Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Risk Taker Awards, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 257 W. 88th St., Manhattan.
7 p.m. – The Staten Island Democratic Association hosts a holiday party for Staten Island Democrats, Da Noi Restaurant, 138 Fingerboard Road, Staten Island.
7 p.m. – Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy attends a ceremony to honor the retiring president of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY ESF Gateway Center, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse.
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Upcoming Dec. 16 City & State Issue Spotlight: CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Promote your organization’s benefits and objectives to NY’s public officials in this strategic government relations communications venue. City & State newspaper’s comprehensive special section will feature: Public Officials Q&A with Catharine Young, Robert LiMandri, Ken Adams and Michael Grimm (officials pending confirmation); Featured Editorial: 5 Major Projects | Outer Boroughs | Buffalo Rising | Potential Candidates for Construction-Related Posts for Incoming NYC Administration | Scorecard: Key Players, Issues and Goals. The ad deadline is Dec. 12. For advertising information, please contact jkatocin@cityandstateny.com or call212-284-9714.
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KICKER: “I’m a firm believer that this is not a criminal matter. And there are civil remedies for incidents where accidents occur.” – Jeffrey Chartier, an attorney for William Rockefeller, the train engineer operating the Metro-North train that derailed in the Bronx on Sunday, via The Wall Street Journal.
First Read is the morning email newsletter from City & State, covering politics and government in New York. Copyright 2013 City and State NY, LLC.
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