Veterans

Many Veterans have fought battles for us on foreign soil. To unfortunately come home to another battle with unique hardships. This is partially because many of the programs implemented for their integration is filled with red-taped of bureaucracy. Veteran coming home and using their educational benefits are often denied housing. Although it is against the law because of discrimination, it happens and Veterans have very little recourse. If they seek assistance from any government organization, they must have one year of supervised homelessness. Only then can they get direct assistance through most nonprofit programs.     

I believe that the funds giving to the community for veterans has not been handled properly. As President for Media for Devil Dog USA Incorporated. I am working on books. I am also working on a documentary about veterans living in the Bronx. This is to bring out more awareness to the ongoing issue.

As Councilman, I plan to tackle the systematic lack of concern and cooperation that our veterans are receiving. I will work with local and national organizations to fill in the cracks in the framework. Then, I will combat the major problems individually.

Education

Our city has a huge problem with our high school and college level program. Standardized testing has slowly become the new curriculum in which severely robs our children of learning and critical thinking. We will never truly assess the quality or quantity of education if we keep this up. It looks as if everyone is throwing money at it, but not truly discussing it. Our system is failing our students for the next level. They have tried to correct this by throwing money at the problem. This approach creates only more problems. Yet, they claim they don’t have enough funding. Teaching for the test is said to be the only way to earn it. Improvements are needed along with a strong over haul and a proper redistribution of funds. 

• There are many programs in and throughout the city, both profit and non-profit. The city overlooks these programs. A lot of these programs have closed or are on the verge of closing due to lack of funding.
• Class sizes are important and should be kept at a reasonable level. Students should have the choice of a trade High School. Extra curriculum activities should be looked into as well starting in Jr High. keeping with grade level requirements to play.
• After school programs providing (homework help, tutoring, and physical activity) should be in zone A schools or community centers. There should be at least 3 per district. Shuttle vans or school buses should be provided to transport students to the programs. These programs should run Monday to Friday from 3pm to 7pm. This schedule gives the working parent a chance to truly earn a living. It also helps balance their work and life.

Safety

Most community’s outnumber of police officers assigned to them. With the economy has changing. everything its going up and the quality of life is lower. To that result, crime has increased. This situation places a huge burden on New York’s Finest. These issues are compounded by the continuing disconnect between the police and the public. As Councilman, I understands there is a need to increase the NYPD workforce. But, I also knows this is only one part of the solution.

Place the proper amount of NYPD officers and surveillance to areas with high crime rates. Mobile trucks supplement the normal patrols. Bring back more beat cops. This way, they get to know the community they are patrolling. Create and promote youth programs to foster a relationship between police and community members. PAL, DARE, EXPLORERS. Open up communication between the police and community members through open house, PTA, and town halls. Neighborhood patrols are essential. We, as a community, need to step up and help. We must clean up our community from the inside to the outside.

Transportation

MTA has continued to increase the fare while the quality of service suffers. Mass transit will always be one of the best ways to improve our carbon footprint. But, it must be made safe and welcoming. Give me a reason to give you my hard earned money and not take my car.

• Have you taken the Citywide Ferry Service. I feel that the Bronx should definitely have more ports especially for those traveling to the city. Even though I am a huge fan of the bike and different transportation programs. We need to do a better job with the cleanup of bikes and scooters. They are just dropped and left in the street on the sidewalk. We also have bike racks taking up parking spots.

• More MTA Police in a lot of these high traffic zones. Lets pinpoint these locations with high accident/violence rates. Find out what can be done to lessen the problems. I feel every open station should have 3 officers. Each train running should have 2 officers. Each bus should have 1 officer running. This arrangement should be for 24/7. Coverage in high traffic/violence areas. There should be 2 officers on every platform. it’s easier to radio for help while you are there than not to be there at all.
• An evaluation of how accessible train stations for those who are disabled is long overdue. I will petition to updated all train and subway stations to install an elevator, and some stations with ramps.