Political Action
Recent activities initiated by the Political Affairs Department at CSA.
On the Campaign Trail
Because City Council Members and Assembly Members have great influence over policies affecting education leaders in New York City, CSA sought to play an active role in screening candidates running for Council and Assembly offices in special elections. For the special election held on February 9, for the 24th Assembly District, to fill the vacancy left by Mark Weprin, CSA members convened a candidate screening on January 19 at North Shore Towers, Little Neck, Queens. The vacancy was a result of Mark Weprin's election to the City Council. At the North Shore gathering, CSA members who live and work in the 24th Assembly District, interviewed two candidates, David Weprin and Bob Friedrich. On the recommendation of those CSA members, the CSA Executive Board voted to endorse David Weprin. On February 9, David Weprin was elected to the State Assembly.
For the special election scheduled for March 23, for the 44th Council District, to fill the vacancy of Simcha Felder, who resigned to become Deputy City Comptroller, CSA held a candidate screening on February 3 at Orchidea Restaurant in Borough Park, Brooklyn. CSA Members from the area met with three candidates, David Greenfield, Joseph Lazar and Moishe Oiring. We endorsed Mr. Greenfield who subsequently won the election.
Capital Plan Testimony
On December 16, CSA President Ernest Logan submitted testimony to the New York City Council's Education Committee regarding the proposed amendment to the FY2010-2014 Capital Plan. The oversight hearing focused on the creation of more seats than the original plan; however, no new funds were added to the budget.
In the testimony, Mr. Logan outlined CSA's concerns about overcrowding, as well as concerns about the amendment. Specifically, the amendment fails to include the need for a reduction in class size on par with the Contract for Excellent, as well as makes miscalculation of how many seats are required in the “"Blue Book" , the document produced annually by the School Construction Authority regarding school utilization. Additionally, the concerns of our members were addressed and included in the testimony, which can be read HERE.
After being submitted, the testimony immediately got the attention of Councilmember Lew Fidler, who quoted Mr. Logan during the hearing and urged the DoE to meet with CSA to receive our extended input. Other Councilmembers who were present and provided input/oversight in line with CSA's position were Committee Chairman Robert Jackson, Councilmember Gale Brewer, Councilmember Letitia James, and Councilmember James Vacca.
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