True News

The Albany Redistricting Play; True News Updated 24/7 All Weekend

2012-01-28T08:19:00.042-05:00

Has Albany Already Scripted How Redistricting Will Pass?

Our Albany pols do not lose sleep over the long term unemployed or hospitals closing but they will make any deal they can to get a favorable district that will reelected them passed. So the door is open for our gov who knows how to work in behind the public and press to make a deal. Cuomo, who promised to end unfair drawings of New York's political map, prepares reformers for defeat(Capital). The Goo Goos are avoiding court but doing their press hits to keep up their image which is important for their fundraising. Common Cause Keeps LATFOR Lawsuit Powder Dry (YNN) Common Cause/NY Exec. Dir. Susan Lerner: "After further analysis, LATFOR's maps are even more atrocious than we previously realized."

NY'S Art of the Deal Master

A Redistricting official says the new primary date will push redistricting forward. * Now we know why Albany delayed releasing the line as long as they could. Albany purposely become the last state to release redistricting (congressional lines still not done) to create a issue of limited time. In order to block public pressure and force a deal to avoid independent redistricting, so elections could be held on June 26th as the court order for the federal offices yesterday. Under the worthy and noble goal of saving money it looks like everyone will accept a deal both the state and federal primaries to be held on on the 26th after the senate puts the democratic incumbents back, the assembly put the republican incumbents back and a few nip and tucks that the racial and ethnic groups want. They will promise a constitution amendment for 2022 independent redistrict, give the pols a district they can continue to win in forever and they will get their goo goos puppets to call it a step in the right direction for reform.

Yesterday True News Asked:

Where is the Outrage for the Political Redistricting NYT, NYP and Daily News?

Today A NYT Editorial:

Asked Cuomo to Veto the proposed district maps

A Veto for the Voters (NYT Ed) Gov. Andrew Cuomo should reject legislative district maps that are entirely designed to protect party interests. The maps, as expected, are entirely designed to protect party interests for Republicans who control the State Senate districts and Democrats who run the Assembly.

Judge Moves Congressional Primary Date to June(NYT) Federal Judge Sharpe's decision in federal court in Albany could mean New Yorkers have primaries in April for president, June for Congress and September for legislators. * Judge Sets New Date for a N.Y. Primary(WSJ) It is still possible for Albany to change the September primary date for state legislative races to June 26, to save money. The gov has said he does not want 3 different primaries. Still New Yorkers may vote 4 times this year and pay all the extra costs.

THE DISTRICT LINES THE CONGRESSMEMBERS AND CHALLENGERS RUN IN HAVE NOT BEEN BEEN DRAWN IN SECRET AND NOT MADE PUBLIC YET

DiNapoli Tries Again to Whoa the NYRA

The NYRA money pit(NYP) DiNapoli audit this week shows that the scandal-scarred NYRA is still lagging when it comes to putting its fiscal house in order. The state comptroller fears the association may fritter away the $48 million cash windfall it’s started to get from the Aqueduct racino.

The Comptroller Has Warned the NYRA Before DiNapoli: NYRA facing insolvency(2010, TU)

The NYT Says Slams Cuomo's Closed Door Meeting with Executives & Lobbyists Some Who Paid $50,000 to Attend

. . . NYP Says Dems Feeling the Love to the Gov

Cuomo Defends Closed Session With Executives and Lobbyists(NYT) * Gov. Andrew Cuomo Defends Role At Democratic Fundraiser (WCBS) * Andy feeling the Dem love(NYP) * Cuomo Draws A Crowd At Democratic Governors Association Fundraiser(NY1)

Rabbi’s Followers Say Money Given to Grimm’s House Race Broke the Law

Doubts Are Cast on Congressman’s Fund-Raising(NYT) In the congressman upset victory in 2010 he collected half of his money from followers of Rabbi Pinto. Pinto aid Ofer Biton is currently in Israel being invested by the FBI for accusations that he embezzled millions of dollars from the rabbi’s congregation * Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm accused of using Israeli ties, collecting illegal political contributions (SI Advance) * SI Congressman Fundraising Scrutinized: Report (NBC)

Kruger Does Not Want Any Soap-On-A-Rope

EX-STATE SEN. CARL KRUGER HIRES A PRISON CONSULTANT TO PREPARE(NYP)

Charter School Releases an Ad Supporting Cuomo(NYT) * Teacher forced out after asking teen if she ‘ever had anal (NYDN) * Parents call for ouster of PS 118 principal(NYDN) *Bracing for $40,000 at City Private Schools(NYT)

Protesters Slam Bloomberg's Education Policies(NY1)

2nd Ave. blasts to be past (NYP) The near-constant dynamiting that’s caused everything from cracked walls to prairie-style dust storms will be done by the end of 2012' * Residents along 2nd Avenue upset about air quality(WBC)

Gentrification, Artists, And Trains In New York: Tom McGeveren Gives A Fascinating, Brief History(Huff Post)

Brooklyn's Triangle Sports Feels Pressure From All Sides(WSJ) A family-owned sporting-goods store on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn is calling it quits after 96 years in business, another sign of changes sparked by the coming of the nearby Barclays Center arena complex.

N.Y. Airports Account for Half of All Flight Delays(NYT)

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If Establishment panicked about one of its own, Establishment Newt, Who's Establishment?

Election 2012

Obama bashes congressional obstruction in weekly address(CNN) * Goldman Ties Enrich Public and Private Life for Romney(NYT) * No More Nice Guys: Fans Love ‘Nuclear Newt’(NYT) * Mitt and Newt Hate Fannie and Freddie(NYT) * WATCH: Newt Web Ad Blasts Romney's Fibs(Huff Post) * Romney Goes on Offensive in Florida - Ashley Parker, New York Times * The GOP Empire Strikes Back at Gingrich - Dan Balz, Washington Post * It's Now the GOP Establishment vs. the Tea Party - Sarah Palin, Facebook * Gloomy Gingrich Struggles to Snap Florida Slide - Alex Altman, Time * Mitt's Negatives Soar With Independents - Greg Sargent, Washington Post * Obama's Lowball Vision - Larry Kudlow, Investor's Business Daily * Obama to the Nation: Onward Civilian Soldiers - George Will, Wash Post * House Will Have a Lot of New Faces in 2013 - Charlie Cook, National Journal NBC wants Romney camp to stop airing ad(NBC) What would Mitt Romney’s offshore account filings show? (Wash Post) * Democrats have seized on GOPers as the party of unlimited secret money. The only problem: so are Democrats(Politico)

Is Romney nicer because he’s Mormon? (Wash Post) * Mitt Romney in 1994 "The Blind Trust Is An Age Old Ruse." * Unfriendly fire from top Republicans slows Gingrich, as Florida contest looms (NYP) * The Hard Luck Life of Willard Mitt Romney (Slate) * Gingrich: I’ll Stay Until Convention (Daily Beast) * Drudge's Anti-Newt Assault(Daily Beast) * Herman Cain backing Newt Gingrich (NYP) * Consensus of Polls Shows Romney Lead (NYT) * Cain Endorses Gingrich for President(NYT) * Romney’s Lead Widens in Florida 11% (Daily Beast) * Santorum Cancels Events To Be With Hospitalized Daughter(Huff Post) * Romney Complicates GOP's Healthcare Advantage - Alex Leary, SP Times * Leading in FL, Romney Looks to Wrap Up Nomination - Paul West, LAT * The Failed GOP Elites Still Don't Get It - Joseph Koenig, American Thinker * Palin: GOP Establishment "Rewriting History" - Russell Berman, The Hill

Bill Maher Wants To Know: ‘Who The F@#k Is Saul Alinsky?’

Bill Maher & Panel Battle Over Gov. Jan Brewer-President Obama Confrontation * Tension on the Tarmac(Dowd, NYT)

New Romney Ad Hits Gingrich for Ethics Violations

Schneiderman Steps Up As Mortgage Crisis Task Force Gets To Work(NY1)

Ochs Sulzberger family members pressured NY Times management to restore dividends(NYP) * STRUGGLING(Huff Post)

4 **AP 4 current and former journalists from another one of Murdoch's British tabloids, The Sun, were arrested for allegedly bribing police**

Sun journalists and police officer arrested in corruption investigation (UK Guardian) Met police search News International's headquarters in Wapping as four current and former Sun employees are arrested * Journalists From Rupert Murdoch's The Sun Arrested(Village Voice) * 5 Are Arrested in British Tabloid Scandal(NYT) * UK Police Arrest Murdoch Tabloid Staff, Raid Offices (WPIX)

A projected $3 billion in political-ad money flooding into local television stations this election season

Dumb Down Local News Make Big $$$ With Political Ads

Don't Let Broadcasters Keep You in the Dark (Freepress) Most of that money will go into the pockets of local broadcasters

Kelly Says Anti-Muslim Film Shouldn’t Have Been Screened(NYT) * Police Chief Admits Film Goes Too Far(WSJ) * Muslim Leader Still Cold On Kelly As Queens Community Center Opens(NY1)

Brother of woman who claims Kelly assaulted her in NYPD (NYP)

Law and Order

Pursuing iPhone Thief, Officer Knew Right Buttons to Push(NYT)

Queens Robbery Suspect Impersonated Officer, Police Say(NY1) * Beau beat Bx. tot dead: cops(NYP) * Bronx Man Charged With Murder in Death of 1-Year-Old(NYT) * Philly slay thug nailed in Bx.(NYP) * Alleged Crime Family Figures Arrested(WSJ) * Ex-NYPD detective guilty in attack, torching of wife (NYDN) * Brave wife’s torch tale (NYP) * Prison for Clover Perez in defrauding of immigrants(NYDN)* ‘Mob wives’ rat helps feds make bust(NYP) * Man Nabbed in 16 Hells Kitchen Burglaries: Cops(NBC) * Bronx Man Charged With Murder in Death of Girlfriend’s *(NYT)** One Dead in Bronx Shooting(NBC) * Bronx Man Charged With Murdering Girlfriend's Baby(NY1)

The Week’s Best Longreads: The Daily Beast Picks for Jan. 28, 2012

Where is the Outrage for the Political Redistricting NYT, NYP and Daily News?

2012-01-27T09:00:00.040-05:00

Breaking ***

Federal judge sets New York's Congressional primary for June 26

So is NY headed for three primaries this year: April 24 for president; June 26 for federal races and Aug. 18 for state races? It is still possible for Albany to keep a September primary date for state legislative races, but that would cost money and such a plan could face opposition from a governor that prides himself in fiscal restraint. New Yorkers may vote 4 times this year and pay all the extra costs.
BUT THE DISTRICT LINES THE CONGRESSMEMBERS AND CHALLENGERS RUN IN HAVE NOT BEEN BEEN DRAWN IN SECRET AND NOT MADE PUBLIC YET

Why are the Paper Ducking Redistricting Which They Called Corrupt?

After writing dozens of editorial over the years against incumbents who draw there own district lines to ensure they reelection the NYT has no editorial today condemning Albany proposed new lines. The NYP and DN who have also written about the evils of redistricting over they years have also skipped the issue today. Yesterday True News asked if a column by Daily News report Bill Hammond censured? The reporter spent the night before twittering how Albany pols broke their pledge to support independent redistricting. To date Hammond has not written on that topic or responded to my email.

In a city where political leaders have no ability to build public support the papers are the only institutions left to build public support for an issue. For whatever reasons. Secret deals with Albany corrupt leaders who behind closed doors are pushing for these line. Cuomo has had a good year with the GOP senate and would not do as well if Silver and a majority democratic senate team up against him. Goo Goos are ducking the issue also Common Cause Keeps LATFOR Lawsuit Powder Dry(YNN) * Yesterday we reported Senate Democrats also very concerned about comments made by CU's Dick Dadey

Note: The NYP does attack the UFT today over teacher evaluations The DN attacks the Supreme Court for this ruling on GPS tracking. The NYT asks Does California Need High-Speed Rail?

The Days When Pols Could Build Public Support Died With the Death of Tammany Hall's Carmine DeSapio

Today's Papers Ignore Senate Democrats Opposition to the New Line

Only the senate democrats who had a chance to avid this when they were in the majority and could have passed a constitutional amendment and got whacked by the GOP are trying to going to the press and demanding independent redistricting. Today's papers are not reporting on the minority senators outrage and opposition to the lines. * The Senate plan systematically under-represents NYC voters, while jamming more GOP-friendly districts upstate.* “You have six Democrats sharing districts and zero Republicans…It’s hard to make any rational argument that that’s not targeted at me,” said DSCC Chairman Mike Gianaris, who was drawn into Sen. Jose Peralta’s district. Gianaris says #redistricting maps show why Albany has been named most dysfunctional in nation * Mike Gianaris And The Awkwardness of Senate Democrats (NYO)

The Cuomo District Line Dance Has Begun

Legislative Map Poses Challenge to the Governor(WSJ) A legislative proposal to redraw New York's political map—a once-in-a-decade event—drew a stern rebuke Thursday from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who threatened to veto the plan that critics said was tainted by partisan motives. Redistricting maps protect Senate Republicans’ stronghold in Long Island by breaking up Hispanic neighborhoods in Suffolk County and African-American ones in Nassau * “At first glance, these lines are simply unacceptable and would be vetoed,” said a Cuomo spokesman. Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps(NYT) A senator, just for us?(TU) The addition of another state Senate district in the Capital Region is a sham, does nothing to promote fair representation and casts doubt on the independence of whoever wins the seat, * #redistricting plan 10 yrs ago put 14 GOP Assembly mems in primaries. This yr, 2 got screwed; 2 more in "fair fight." *The 20 Ugliest Gerrymandered Districts(NYO) * Under the current plan, a vote in New York City for the State Senate would could 7% less than a vote cast upstate. * Are We About to Enter the Most Gerrymandered Era in New York History? (NY Mag) * Cuomo in Q and A says he wants a permanent solution to the redistricting process. Again pledges to veto the lines * Cuomo: I’d Stump For Independent Redistricting, But…(YNN)* Addabbo’s District Gets Turner-fied (C&S)

Sure Seems Scripted
Cuomo, who promised to end unfair drawings of New York's political map, prepares reformers for defeat(Capital) * The Drumbeat For 2022(YNN) * Common Cause/NY Exec. Dir. Susan Lerner: "After further analysis, LATFOR's maps are even more atrocious than we previously realized." * A Redistricting official says the new primary date will push redistricting forward. * Now we know why Albany delayed releasing the line as long as they could. To force a deal and avoid independent redistricting.It looks like everyone will accept a deal if all the democratic incumbents are given their own district and a few nip and tucks that the racial and ethnic groups.

Too Much Time in Virginia Boss Joe?

Joe Crowley – The Queens congressman and party chairman is faced with a political map that absolutely tears up the districts of his loyal incumbents. If lines hold, Sen. Tony Avella will likely be pitted against Sen. Toby Stavisky. Sen. Mike Gianaris is in the same district as Sen. Jose Peralta. And as the Democrats cry foul, Republicans can simply say that they’re creating districts that reflect the diversity in an increasingly diverse borough – which actually has a hint of truth. Even if Queens’ white Democrats survive, though, Crowley has to wonder what this round of redistricting portends for his own congressional district.

NYP Alone Continues Putting Pressure On the UFT

Gov & Mike: We’ll throw the book at bums yet(NYP) Cuomo and Bloomberg yesterday blasted the absurdly difficult process of firing boozed-up and law-breaking teachers — saying it’s a critical challenge for the entire school system. * Teacher-protection racket(NYPEd) The Post, citing its coverage this week of teachers behaving badly, worries that the evaluation system currently being negotiated will allow teachers to drag on the appeals process, and thus fix nothing * .@mikebloomberg insists he hasn't seen UFT ad, but if they "want to waste the money of their members it isn't going to change anything." * School Improves With Help of U.S. Money It May Lose(NYT) A struggling public school in SoHo is likely to lose federal grant money that was helping it improve, since the Bloomberg administration assumed it was improving on its ownScandalized Bronx principal resigns(NYDN)

Highest # of School Closing

DOE Plans To Close Record-Breaking Number Of Schools (NY1)

Is Liu Problems Causing Loses In City's Pension Fund?

Mayor: Liu Probe Proves Hindrance(WSJ) The federal investigation into city Comptroller John Liu's campaign fund-raising operation has complicated efforts to win approval of a proposal to alter the city's pension structure, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a top union leader said Thursday.

Kruger Hires A Prison Consultant From His Campaign $$$

Convicted former Brooklyn Sen. Carl Kruger spent another $550,000 from his campaign account on legal fees in the last six months of 2011, bringing his total legal spending to $1.2 million over the past year. He pleaded guilty to corruption and bribery charges in late December, but still has $452,000 in his campaign account. Lawmakers are supposed to spend that money on running for office, but Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Insurance Research Group says those in trouble often spend it on legal fees with no consequences. Among Kruger’s other campaign expenses: $25,000 for a financial planner and $7,500 for prison consultant Jack Donson. (C&S)

NY tax ‘too freakin’ high’(NYP)

Cuomo is standing firm against the push-back from lawmakers and labor on Tier 6. * Legislators are upset about the lack of details in Cuomo’s budget on transportation and infrastructure projects.* Cuomo has proposed $15 billion in infrastructure improvements, but some wonder where the money will come from.

Was My Vote Was Too Damn Low

McMillan seeking more votes so party gets put on presidential election ballot (NYDN) In an attempt to get his party on the ballot for the upcoming presidential race in November, Rent Is Too Damn High Party leader Jimmy McMillan wants a recount of the 2010 gubernatorial election *Rent is Too Damn High founder Jimmy McMillan, who’s trying to run for president, wants a recount of the 2010 gubernatorial election. He’s hoping 41,000 votes magically becomes 50,000.

NYC: It's A TV Town

NYC has record year in TV production (AM NY)

Central Park Wilderness

State lawmakers in Alaska, annoyed with outsiders meddling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge, urged the federal government to “declare Central Park to be a wilderness area and to prohibit any further improvement or development of Central Park unless authorized by an act of Congress.”

New WTC Tenant

Trade Tower Is Set to Add Prime Tenant, a Law Firm(NYT) A venerable law firm, Chadbourne & Parke, is close to signing a deal to relocate to 1 World Trade Center, joining Condé Nast Publications as another prime tenant in the new building

N. Y. Airports Account for Half of All Delays(NYT)

Sources: Feds To Give City Control Of Admiral's Row(NY1)

Cheap Bus Service Shut Down

Feds’ heat on rogue bus firm2(NYDN)

Residents along 2nd Avenue upset about air quality(WABC) * MTA Finds Second Avenue Subway Air Safe(NBC)

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3 Landlord of an Illegal Bronx Firetrap Caught on Tape

NY1 Exclusive: Brooklyn Facility Puts Human Waste To Good Use(NY1) * Queens Residents Turn To Recycling For Extra Cash(NY1)

Election 2012 Gingrich turned in an oddly passive debate performance last night

Wolf Blitzer On Newt Gingrich Debate Tension: I Didn't Back Down (VIDEO)(Huff Post) * Mitt’s bank shot (NYP) Romney Stays On Offense With Gingrich in Debate(NYP) FiveThirtyEight: Gingrich Ignores Lessons in Debate(NYT) * So Who’s a Lobbyist?(NYT Ed) * Gingrich under fire from conservative media(WSJ) * Newt's Very Bad Night (The Daily Beast) * Five things we learned from Thursday's debate (CNN) * Sarah Palin: They’re trying to ‘crucify’ Newt Gingrich(Politico) *

Gingrich is walking proof of why the technical definition of the word "lobbyist" needs to change. [New York Times] * Romney rapped for kosher cut(NYP) * The prospect of sharing a ticket with Gingrich is making House Republicans nervous * Quinnipiac Poll: Florida Becoming Romney Territory Again (TPM) * Florida poll: Romney pulling away from Gingrich (The Hill) * omney Stays on Offense With Gingrich - Rutenberg & Zeleny, NY Times * "It's Not Worth Getting Angry About" - Jeffrey Anderson, Weekly Standard * Rick Santorum Reasserts Himself - Scott Conroy, RealClearPolitics * Did Romney Seal the Deal in Florida? - Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post * GOP Establishment Mobilizes to Stop Newt - Major Garrett, Nat'l Journal * Obama: Country Needs Me to Have 2nd Term - Diane Sawyer, ABC News * An Argument Obama Can Win - Eugene Robinson, Washington Post * Why Newt Soared But Could Sour - David Paul Kuhn, RealClearPolitics * Florida Polls: Sunshine State: Romney + 9 | Quinnipiac: Romney +9 * Republican Candidates Pander on Immigration - St. Petersburg Times * Romney Resisting Reform to Save Dollar - New York Sun * McCain in Lakeland, FL: "I think we ought to send Newt Gingrich to the moon and Mitt Romney to the White House." * The Limits of an Anti-Media Strategy (Political Wire) * Gingrich Stuck to Caustic Path in Ethics Battles(NYT)

As Primary Nears, Florida Poll Favors Romney (NYT) * Space execs hope to rocket Romney (CNN) * Romney’s debate coach gets props for his strong performance last night. * Health Care Law Defense Will Haunt Mitt Romney - Patrick Caldwell, TAP * Santorum's Debate Win Helps Romney - John Podhoretz, New York Post * Romney Is Back on Track for GOP Nomination - John Whitesides, Reuters * GOP Base Is Sick of Establishment Losers - Michael Graham, Boston Herald * Gingrich Insurgency Tests Party's Old Guard - Richard Stevenson, NYT * Elliott Abrams, NRO Caught Misleading on Gingrich - Jeff Lord, Spectator *Mitt and Newt Hate Fannie and Freddie(NYT) * Why GOP candidates are talking about space (CNN) * Tired and broke, Santorum heads home to do taxes (Yahoonews) * Huckabee: Leave Me Out of It! (The Daily Beast) * Newt Gingrich Takes A Backseat To Mitt Romney On The Florida Airwaves (ABC)

Meet the Bundlers Behind the Money (Open Secrets.Org)

Jon Stewart Skewers Gingrich’s Moon Base: He Wants To Leave The Earth ‘For A Younger Planet’

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NYT "Growing recognition that official police accounts of street clashes r often contradicted by objective evidence

When the Police Say One Thing, the Facts Another(NYT) y wrong statements re: Ray Kelly & movie The Third Jihad? Paul Browne: "I assumed wrongly" & "I should hav check " The Times’ Jim Dwyer notes that the NYPD’s “trust me” policy has been undermined, since nobody has given a clear story yet on why a controversial film about U.S. Muslims was shown to police officers

N.Y.P.D. Leaves Offenses Unrecorded to Keep Crime Rates Down(NYT)

DN Says Thank Your Kelly, Calls Film Minor PR Slip

Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, center, with members of the Muslim-American Civil Liberties Coalition

Mayor Says Police Need To Reassure City Muslims(NYT) * Muslim NYers Call For Police Commissioner's Resignation(NY1) * The News deems NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly's appearance in the "Third Jihad" video one minor public relations slip after decades of "flawless management," and calls the push for his resignation "absurd" * Mayor Bloomberg conceded that the NYPD’s credibility has been damaged by the recent furor over the screening of an anti-Muslim training film and the subsequent cover-up. * Commissioner Kelly: ‘Jihad’ Movie Showing Not Authorized;(WCBS)

NYP Spins Probers suspicious of gal’s delay in reporting commish’s son

Probers suspicious of gal's delay in reporting commish’s son(NYP) * With Rape Inquiry, District Attorney Again Finds Himself in a Tough Spot(NYT)* TV Anchor Not Shy About Being Police Leader’s Son(NYT) * Tough Times for NYPD's Kelly(WSJ)* Irony alert! Day woman made rape claim against him, "Good Day" co-host Greg Kelly grilled Manhattan DA on DSK rape case* Greg Kelly grilled DA Cy Vance on Monday(NYPD) * Greg Kelly off the air(NYDN)

Texts 'could be the big key' for Greg Kelly accuser(NYDN)* Greg Kelly claims 'flirtatious' texts from rape accuser show it was consensual * The Daily Beast writes, that “The early indications are that the D.A.’s office is doing in the Greg Kelly case what it should have done in the Strauss-Kahn case—letting the prosecutor with the most expertise do her job without interference.” 12:30PM * Ray Kelly Ducks Questions About Rape Accusation Against Son Greg Kelly (DNINFO) * Great moments in Greg Kelly anchoring history* Cy Vance on the Kelly rape case * Police Commissioner Says He Won't Step Down, Stays Mum On Son (NY1) * Obama Campaign Refunding Money Donated by Federal Lobbyists (Open Secrets.Org)

Law and Order

4 Sought in Attempted Armed Robbery in Manhattan(NBC) * Kids who dropped shopping cart onto philanthropist likely won't go to jail(NYP) * Co-op Manager Accused of Theft in the Bowery(NYT) * U.N. Sees an Unexpected Arrival: Bags of Drugs(NYT) * Large amount of cocaine seized at UN1(WABC) * Cocaine Is Delivered to U.N.(WSJ) * Officer's Use of a Tracking Feature Leads to an Arrest in an iPhone Theft(NYT) * Police: Bronx Suspects Shot Victim Who Refused To Give Up(WCBS) * Bronx Baby Beaten to Death: Coroner(NBC) * Bronx Man Shot for iPhone(Village Voice)*Four Bonanno Mobsters Busted in NYC: Feds(NBC)

Ex-NYC police boss gets own radio show on SirusXM Howard Safir is getting his own radio show.

Sulzberger Family Would Like to Get Paid Again (NYO) * New York Times Co. Confronts Leadership Vacuum as Shares Follow Sales Down (Bloomberg) * Janet Robinson Keeps Getting Richer(Fishbowl)

GOP Tries To Squeeze Senate Dems On Redistricting; What Independent Redistricting Pledge; A Teacher Political Fight

2012-01-26T09:00:00.064-05:00

Albany to New York FU

Albany Releases State Legislative Redistricting Maps

After much confusion, at least part of the state legislature’s new boundaries have been illuminated when Albany’s redistricting task force released draft proposals for the new boundaries of state legislative districts on their website. All the whores in majority (Senate and Assembly) did their best to barricade themselves in their respective brothels for the next 10 years. History repeating itself is all. The question is do the people really care about how this ultimately creates really crappy government for them over the next decade? * Republicans moved their BK Senate Candidate, David Storobin, into Senator Diane Savino's district. (Don't Look Like GOP is too stuck on Storobin) and the GOP Screwed the Russian on the same deal. * Proposed redistricting plan shortchanges New York City voters (New York World)

adamlisberg Adam Lisberg (Twitter) Rarely have I read as many bald-faced lies from politicians as in today's redistricting aftermath. Usually it's just distortions.

Breaking "Cuomo: I’d veto these lines"

Early Reactions to the New Lines

Why didn't Cuomo lobby the legislature for redistricting reform the same way he did on same-sex marriage? "If you think I should go and try to convince the legislators that it is not in their best interest to draw their own lines, maybe you could convince them of that. I don't possess those skills." [Times Union]

Brooklyn
Kruger Home which he may lose is now in the SI District

NYCGreenfield David G. Greenfield (Twitter) Map of infamous Super-Jewish Senate district! Interestingly, it doesn't include very Jewish heart of Midwood/OceanPkwy * New Jewish Senate District in Brooklyn is 17 - No Russians Need Run * Senate GOP Map Puts Lew Fidler in John Sampson’s District: Councilman Fidler's house * Two Candidates With No District (NYDN)

* Eric Adams is in Velmanette Montgomery's District; Kevin Parker took on large swaths of Adams old district * Adams Will Move To Avoid Primary With Montgomery (YNN) * Looks Like Marty Golden Got His Sephardic Jews Who give big campaign contributions*

Dilan's district is more or less unchanged. * Adams' district goes from Crown Heights through South Slope and into Sunset Park. [Latfor.state.ny.us] * The home of David Storobin, the Republican candidate running for the seat Carl Kruger vacated, is now in the district represented by Democrat Diane Savino. [Latfor.state.ny.us] * Marty Dilan loses most of the Northside and a lot of Greenpoint, and keep most of his Hasids, so serving on LATFOR obviously has its benefits even when your party is getting fucked. Wilfredo Larancuent was obviously given a peak at these lines before he started having second thoughts about a challenge. Vito himself lost some Yuppies and picks up the part of Lindsay Park he didn’t have. This is good for him. * The much ballyhooed new Asian seat in Brooklyn will be so eventually, but between non-citizens not being able to vote, and organized labor support, Peter Abate is probably safe in the short run.* Lincoln Restler who best the machine by less than 75 votes lost some of his Fort Green vote and public housing.

Russsian Cut Up

The Russian community, recently trending Republican, is scattered to the four winds even worse than they were worse in the 2002 plan, and are likely to be up in arms against the GOP, even at the expense of a Russian candidate. Non-Russian whites in Sheepshead Bay, attached to John Sampson’s district by a corridor the size and shape of a straw, are likely to want to send a nasty message to the GOP about the way their community has been divided. A Russian Tragedy (True News)

Albany Caves to Asian Leaders Treats of Lawsuit - 4 Asian Districts

Queens Weprin Not A Fan Of His New District(C&S) * NY seeks to create Asian legislative districts(WSJ) * GOP candidate for SD-27 seat is now drawn into district represented by Dem * 11 SD has both both Jose Peralta and Stavisky residence. * The lion’s share of Mike Gianaris’ old district is in the white plurality 12^th, which now has no incumbent. Why would he against Peralta in an overwhelmingly Latino district primarily composed of Peralta’s old turf?* The Stavisky/Avella matchup is a bit different. While the new 16^th is weighted towards Stavisky’s old district, and the 11^th Avella, the composition of the 16^th is such that a Stavisky/Avella race could actually happen.

Bronx The LATFOR maps do not include dramatic district changes in the Bronx.

Manhattan .@ydanis emails: "I am encouraging Adriano 2 run 4 Congress ...make history by becoming the first Dominican-American member [in congress]" * The Central Harlem based 70^th AD is drawn to be barely over 51% black (Bill Perkins Senate district is at 46%) * Shelly Silver’s district barely changes an iota, if at all. He obviously thinks his current mix works better for him than putting all of the Lower East Side’s minorities into one district.

NYPIRG's Mahoney: "The Senate’s maps are clearly the most gerrymandered lines in recent NY history." 50 of 63 don't meet 3% pop. deviation.

(Will Post as they come in)

Senate Democrats also very concerned about comments made by CU's Dick Dadey

Enemy of Reform- Double Agent Who Works for Pols

CU’s Dadey: A veto doesn’t get us reform(TU) Dadey’s blessing could give Cuomo a lot of cover if he were to accept a deal along those lines. Willing to accept a constitutional amendment to take LATFOR out of the process next decade — as well as some extra input to change this year’s proposed lines — as “lasting” reform. * Legislature Releases New District Lines, Senate Dems Cry Foul(WXXI) * NIPIRG Mahoney: “Most Gerrymandered Lines In Recent New York History” [UPDATED] * Common Cause’s initial reaction to the LATFOR maps is, unsurprisingly, not positive.

When Dems Were in the Senate Majority They Did Nothing to Change Redistricting Process Senator Daniel Squadron: ‘Partisan Redistricting is a Poisonous Process’(NYO) * Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps (NYT) * Redistricting Plan Would Form New Lines In City, Add Senate Seat Upstate(NY1) * Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps(NYT)

Political Redistricting

GOP Redistricting Wacks Q Dems

GOP district plan creates Dem battles(NYDN) * State Senate Republicans are redrawing district maps that would pit key Democratic Sen. Michael Gianaris against a fellow Democrat, and merge two other Queens seats held by Democrats. Michael Gianaris, whose position makes him a main architect of Democratic campaign strategy in the Senate, would face a reelection dogfight against a Latino incumbent, Jose Peralta, in a heavily Latino district.

The other tough-luck draw for Democrats would pit longtime Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky against freshman Tony Avella. Stavisky and Avella would have to battle over a single district because, as the Daily News reported in Wednesday’s editions, the Senate GOP — which now holds a razor-thin majority — would create an Asian-majority district in Flushing that would not have an incumbent. * Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders are discussing how to couple a constitutional amendment reforming the redistricting process — to take effect no earlier than 2013 — with the release of the current lines. (TU) * Assemblywoman Grace Meng made her Queens district lines public by releasing them to City&State. * The new districts could create an opening for Frank Padavan to mount a comeback. * Rory Lancman’s Assembly district is expected to be majority-Asian. putting Gianaris' house into Peralta's district but hand most of his non-Latino territory to Addabbo/whatevsky =not combining him w/ Peraltaonf supports .. independent redistricting in line with what your org is calling for .." Skelos 7/10/10 * Gianaris: GOP Should Remember Tom DeLay Went to Jail Over Redistricting (NYO) * Sen. Mike Gianaris's district literally looks like a big F-U from the Senate Republicans* Koch Is Disappointed In ‘Dishonorable’ Line-Drawers (NYO) * Gianaris Compares Senate GOP To Tom DeLay(YNN) ** Cuomo Says Redistricting Too “Tedious” For Voters, As Cabinet Storms State On “Technical” Issues * State Senator Michael Gianaris, the "main architect of Democratic campaign strategy," is drawn into a district with fellow Democrat Jose Peralta. [Ken Lovett]

Why has the media downplayed the pledges the pols made about they support for Independent Redistricting?

Was A Pledge Column by Daily News Report Bill Hammond Censured?

Why did Daily News Reporter Bill Hammond Twitter last Night about Albany Pols Promises During the Last Election Pledges for Non Political Redistricting? Why did he Write A Story in his paper about the pols reneging on their pledges? He clearly did the research.

NYDNHammond (Twitter)

Bill Hammond "I, Dean Skelos, pledge that .. I will support the creation of an independent, non-partisan Redistricting Commission .." * "I, Dean Skelos, pledge that ... I will vote 'no' on any proposal to establish a Commission that is not independent .." * "Districts shall not be drawn to favor or oppose any political party, incumbent or candidates for office" - pledge signed by @SenatorSkelos

* "Cracking, stacking and similar techniques should be prohibited" - pledge signed by @SenatorSkelos * The latest moment of truth for @NYGovCuomo: Will he stand firm against gerrymandering, or settle for face-saving token gestures? * "As governor, Andrew Cuomo will fight for the creation of an independent redistricting commission." - @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 17 * "NY has some of the worst gerrymandering in America." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 16 * "The line-drawing process is antithetical to fair and accountable representation." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 17 * "NY would finally have districts drawn by neutral umpires, not biased insiders." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 18

* "Moreover, the (redistricting) commission would work transparently." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 18 * "Talk of reform on this critical issue is not enough." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 19 * "As governor, Andrew Cuomo will veto any redistricting plan in 2012 that reflects partisan gerrymandering .." -- @NYGovCuomo's agenda, p. 19 * I'd quote Shelly Silver's campaign promises on gerrymandering reform, but he never took Ed Koch's pledge. Every Senate Republican did. * "So many legislators .. reneged on their pledges," Koch told The Associated Press. "To me, that's the most disgraceful." * “It’s an outrage,” former New York City Mayor Ed Koch roared at the proposed lines. (AP) * Said former NYC Mayor and redistricting reform advocate Ed Koch: “I never believed there could be so many New York legislators in Albany who would renege on a pledge. It’s an outrage.” * Cuomo's transparency website fails to live up to promises(Innovative Trail) * "Dear Mayor Koch .. Our Republican * Dear Mayor Koch Senate Democrats are gleefully distributing the letter Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos sent to former New York City Mayor Ed Koch pledging to champion an independent redistricting process.* Memories, Sweet Reform Memories(YNN) * Ed Koch Is Not Happy(YNN) *Dems Fightin’ Words (Queens Campaigner)

No Deal Espada: Will Fight In Court

Espada: I’ll pass on deal(NYP)Ex-Sen. Pedro Espada and his son Pedro G. Espada were arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court last night on charges they stole money from their Soundview health clinic to pay for their lavish lifestyle. Federal prosecutors added two additional charges of creating false documents to an earlier indictment. Both Espadas pleaded not guilty to the charges. The elder Espada said afterward he felt good about his case, and was confident he and his son would be vindicated. “We have faith in this system,” said Espada, dressed in a light gray suit and a purple tie. “It is a system that I took an oath of office to serve in the state Senate. This is the same system that allowed a kid from Puerto Rico to come to the United States, be homeless and be successful. We look forward to it. We’re absolutely well represented here, but mostly we trust our faith, our family and the system of justice that we’re absolutely ready for.” (C&S)

DN Says Savino In the Tank In Pension Reform Fight

Cuomo Faces Uphill Fight For Pension Reform in Albany(NYDN Ed) The Daily News urges Cuomo to use his sweeping budgetary powers to push through pension reform in the face of stiff opposition from state Sen. Diane Savino and other lawmakers * Sen. Diane Savino called Cuomo’s Tier 6 proposal a “very complicated issue” that no lawmakers believe can be worked out by the April 1 budget deadline.* Lawmakers scolded a Cuomo administration official for not working with unions as they devised their pension reform plan.

Is the Close Relationship Between the Dems and UFT to Put Children First or to Get Reelected?

The powerful UFT has a cozy real estate deal with the DSCC, picking up up the tab for an office at 50 Broadway, phone, Internet and utilities and writing it all off as a campaign contribution. An ‘office’ romance blooms for Dems, UFT (NYDN) The campaign arm of state Senate Democrats is using office space in a building owned by the city’s powerful teachers union. Revelations of the cozy arrangement come as Gov. Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are warring with the union over implementing a rigorous teacher evaluation system.

TUCapCon Capitol Confidential (Twitter) "At least the Senate Democrats are getting out of the building," Cuomo says of story that UFT is providing office space to conference.

Cuomo Demands Settlement

After saying he wasn’t going to get involved in the fight between the UFT and the Bloomberg administration over teacher evaluations, Cuomo is doing just that. Cuomo Pushes Teacher Talks(WSJ) Gov. Andrew Cuomo is prodding Bloomberg and the UFT to reach an agreement on teacher evaluations, including whether the schools chancellor has final say over appeals. * NYSUT has launched an on-line petition in opposition to Cuomo’s competitive education grant proposal.

New Study Offers Hope for Students and Bad News for the Those Trying to Keep Failing Schools Open

School kids catch a break(NYP) When the city shutters large, bad schools and puts kids in smaller, specialized ones, graduation and college-readiness rates climb, and much of the racial-achievement gap vanishes. * City Students at Small Public High Schools Are More Likely to Graduate, Study Says(NYT)A study shows New York City students at small public high schools are more likely to graduate than those at larger schools, findings in line with the Bloomberg administration’s push for small schools * McMahon: Triborough blocks fiscal sanity (Newsday) The Triborough Amendment that keeps expired public employee contracts in place is a key factor in skyrocketing teacher pay and must be repealed,

NYP Trying to Gather Public Opinion Against the UFT's Position on Teacher Evaluations

Teflon teachers(NYP) Thugs, thieves can’t be fired They’ve slapped around students, ripped off taxpayers and boozed it up in the classroom — and they’re all still employed as city public-school teachers. * ‘Sex ed.’ gal ‘high’ on students (NYP) New York City teachers drank alcohol between class and lied about their income to get subsidized housing, and one slapped a student, yet all kept their jobs last year, showing how hard it is to remove some bad teachers

Grand jury assembled for Bruno retrial(Business Journal)

Assemblyman: "I am Leaving Albany 2 Corrupt For Me"

“I don’t even think the politicians understand when they sell out because someone gave them a contribution, when they vote for the party line –- sort of like just following orders.”

Poughkeepsie Assemblyman to Retire, Cites ‘Constant Corruption’ in Albany (NYO) Joel Miller, a Hudson Valley Republican first elected in 1994, won’t run for reelection when his term is up at the end of the year.

No Pay Raise For You Albany

How can you raise pols' pay when workers took zeroes? Cuomo: "That's why I'm not doing it now, Ken."

Increase Voter Turnout Helps Challengers, Albany Wants Small Turnout

Where are the Goo Goos and Reformer on Voter Turnout?
Bloomberg, Rep. Steve Israel and John McCain's daughter--an independent, a Democrat and Republican--supporting moving Election Day to the weekend in order to increase voter turnout. [Jacob Soboroff]

Are New Yorkers Confusing Order for A Fixed Economy

NY1 Exclusive: Poll Finds Majority Of New Yorkers Are Optimistic For Future, Back Their Governor

New Yorkers are Ignoring Very Bad Economic Trends

9% Unemployment -State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli warned. "[nyc] unemployment rate is now higher than the nation’s for the first time since March 2010 * NYC pension obligations. $8 billion/year from city budget, and growing 12% of Cities budget * Wall Street Wielding the Ax * City ZIPs zapped by taxes Metro area leads nation in fed payouts * NY ranks 49 in business tax climate * Escape from New York A new poll last week showed that more than one of every four New Yorkers is headed for the exits. * Escape from NY II Pensioners fleeing city - 31 percent of NY's pensions, went to addresses outside New York state. (NYP) * New building starts in the first half of 2011 are down almost 40 percent from the previous year * Fed Signals That a Full Recovery Is Years Away(NYT)

School Energy

City 'Slow' on Solar(WSJ) A widespread effort to install solar panels on city schools' rooftops could save taxpayers millions of dollars in energy costs and create more than 5,000 green jobs, according to Manhattan BP Stringer

The Diabetes Problem is Real the Photo is Doctored (So What)

Bloomberg Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson got into a Twitter tiff with NYT editor Carolyn Ryan about the integrity and veracity of the city’s soda=diabetes ad campaign. * DOH Anti-Obesity Poster Uses Doctored Photo(NY1)

Gowanus Locals Battle Arrival of ‘Whole Foods’ (Gowanus Lounge) Claiming that the all-organic store will inevitably destroy the industry in the region.

The hipster vs. Hasid clash has come to Crown Heights.

Experts doubt the economic feasibility of convention centers.

The MTA Board Loses a Ticket to Ride(WSJ) * MTA Shakes Up East Side Work(WSJ) The MTA is modifying a contract on its East Side Access project in an effort to cut two years from the excavation work and reduce but not completely eliminate project delays * Clearing the air: 2nd. Ave. ‘blast’ tests(NYP)

Feds: Chinatown bus service ignored shutdown order(WABC) * Federal Court Orders Chinatown-Based Bus Company To Suspend Operations (NY1)

CPW Bed Bugs

Bedbugs and Worried Workers at a Hotel Anything but Fleabag(NYT) * Bedbugs Spotted at the Ritz(NBC)

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Political Intrigue: Bloomberg Thrives on Political Espionage and Manipulation

The New York (Mayor’s) Review of Books(NYT)

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, John le Carré's familiar, aging British Intelligence agent, called out of retirement to discover the identity of the high-ranking Russian mole who has burrowed deep into "the Circus"--codename for the British secret service. This slow-burning, complicated, and ultimately rewarding BBC adaptation, offers insight into the shady underworld of spies and the political climate during the cold war. * Bloomberg LP employees are unhappy about lower-than-expected bonuses in 2011.

Debate Reaction

Debate Caps a Hard-Fought Day in Florida(NYT) * Romney and Gingrich come out swinging in latest debate(US TODAY) * Romney is the aggressor in final Florida debate(AP) FACT CHECK: Debate over 'ghetto language' ad(AP) Gingrich Leads In Latest Poll(WSJ) * Gingrich Insurgency Tests Party's Old Guard(NYT) *

Romney Demands Gingrich Apology on Immigration(Bloomberg) * Romney, Gingrich square off in Florida(Wash Post)

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Election 2012 Repubs are eating each other alive as Obama's poll numbers improve

Polls show Newt Gingrich’s surge ending (Wash Post) *Mitt Romney: Newt Gingrich pandering to Latino voters (WPIX) * Raucous Republican Debates Seem More Made for TV(NYT) * Why Evangelicals Don’t Like Mormons(NYT)* DEAD HEAT: Romney, Gingrich Neck-And-Neck In Florida Polls(Huff Post) * Drudge, conservative media criticize Newt Gingrich (Politico) * Gingrich mocked Mitt Romney’s assertion that illegals would “self-deport.” * President's State of the Union Rallies His Troops - Bill Schneider, Politico * The Hyper-Partisan President - Debra Saunders, San Francisco Chronicle * Obama's Fast Talk on the Economy - Charles Gasparino, New York Post * President's Agenda Far From Radical - Ezra Klein, Bloomberg * Gingrich Is Exposing the Corrupt Media - Larry Elder, Townhall * Why Romney Has the Edge in Florida - Ronald Brownstein, National Journal * Gingrich, Romney Scrap Over Latino Vote - Erin McPike, RealClearPolitics * Four Ways Republicans Can Win Hispanics - Jeb Bush, Washington Post * Romney: "I Want to Help the 99%" - John McCormack, Weekly Standard * Re-Elect Obama: Vote Newt! - Ann Coulter, AnnCoulter.com * The Carnage Being Wrought Within the GOP - Erick Erickson, RedState * GOP Attacks Don't Faze Bernanke - Dana Milbank, Washington Post

Newt vs. Mitt: Can a Fat Man Beat a Thin Man? - Carl M. Cannon, RCP * Florida Primary: Romney Back in Control | RCP Avg: Romney +2.6%* Obama's Words Don't Match His Actions - The Oklahoman * Rasmussen Florida #GOP Primary: #Romney 39%, #Gingrich 31%, #Santorum 12%, #Paul 9%...* Right Launches Giant Campaign Against Media(Buzzfeed) * Gingrich leads Romney by 9 points nationally in NBC/WSJ poll(WSJ)* Stakes Are Sky-High in Tonight's Debate - Ron Fournier, National Journal * Romney Camp's Truly Obscene Attack - Bill Jacobson, Legal Insurrection * Bob Dole Releases Stinging Gingrich Critique - Gerry Mullany, NY Times * Romney Camp's Truly Obscene Attack - Bill Jacobson, Legal Insurrection* Bob Dole Releases Stinging Gingrich Critique - Gerry Mullany, NY Times * Coordinated Attack vs. Newt Doesn't Match My Memory - Rush Limbaugh

Arizona gov has words with Bam(NYP) Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and the president had a heated exchange on the tarmac upon his arrival in Phoenix. The topic: Her portrayal in her book, “Scorpions for Breakfast,” of his immigration policy.* Sales Of Jan Brewer’s Book Up Over 150,000% On Amazon.com

Jon Stewart Reviews The State Of The Union: ‘You Opened With I Killed Bin Laden?!’

The Times believes the inclusion of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in President Barack Obama’s new mortgage fraud investigation signals a tougher approach and possibly bigger settlements. New Housing Task Force Will Zero In on Wall St.(NYT) * A Mortgage Investigation(NYT Ed) Obama has promised a full inquiry into the mortgage meltdown. Could this finally lead to clear results that hold those who broke the law accountable? * The new federal task force that will investigate whether financial firms improperly bundled home loans into securities for investors is headed by liberal crusader Eric Schneiderman, but some are still skeptical that this effort will succeed where others failed.

The competition to be Cuomo’s pick for the top appeals court judge is Brooklyn, partially due to the ornate, regal chambers. * In nominating a gay judge to the state’s highest court and calling for a referendum on a gay marriage bill, Chris Christie has showed his considerable political skill and avoided the thicket of SSM politics.

CIA to pull officer from NYPD after internal probe(AP)
* Anti-Islam documentary producer was arrested for impersonating Secret Service agent (NYP) * Mayor Bloomberg says anti-Muslim flick hurt NYPD’s credibility but supports Commissioner Raymond Kelly (NYDN) * Bloomberg backs Commissioner Kelly amid calls to resign(AMNY) *Mayor Defends Kelly, but Says Anti-Muslim Film Caused Damage(NYT)

The Manhattan district attorney is investigating a rape allegation against Greg Kelly, the son of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and a local TV anchor, an accusation he denies Greg Kelly being investigated for 'sexually assaulting' woman(NYP) * Woman Accuses New York Police Commissioner’s Son of Rape(NYT) * NYPD commissioner's son accused of rape(NYPD) * "According 2 alleged victim's friend, the boyfriend shouted 2 [Ray] Kelly "u better keep an eye on yr son" *A TV Anchor Not Shy About Being a Police Leader’s Son (NYT)
* With Rape Inquiry, Manhattan District Attorney Again Finds Himself in a Tough Spot (NYT)

AP: Alleged Rape Victim Became Pregnant After Encounter With Fox Anchorman Greg Kelly(NY1)

Law and Order

1-year-old boy dies after being found unconscious, bruised & burned(NYP) * Man Questioned in Death of 1-Year-Old(WSJ) * Gotti grandkid in car bust(NYP) * Gotti grandson arrested for driving violation(WSJ) I did not rip off the union (NYDN) * Bring rabbi back to N.Y. on con(NYDN) * Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Opened Fire On Off-Duty Officer(NY1) * Off-Duty Police Officer Shoots Man Dead In Brooklyn(WCBS) * Man Stabbed During Car-Jacking(Fox 5) * Deadly Police Involved Shooting(foxn 5) * Man fatally shot by off-duty officer in Brooklyn(WABC) * Man Killed in BK Police-Involved Shooting(NBC) * To overcome a communication glitch, the city will use $8.6 in federal aid to buy 2,700 Motorola radios for transit cops. [Sally Goldenberg and Josh Margolin] * Greg Kelly Accuser Claimed She Got Pregnant From Alleged Rape, Sources Say(DNAINFO) * Bronx Baby's Death Ruled A Homicide (NY1) * Two charged with stealing over $300,000 from low-income co-ops(NYP)

Police Seek Four Men In Attempted Armed Burglary(NY1)

Rail jihad witness(NYP)

True News Update 24/7 Analysis Not Availabe in the Old Media

2012-01-25T09:00:00.044-05:00

New District In Queens Would Be 52% Asian

Senate Republicans are proposing the first Asian-majority district in Flushing, Queens, and an Orthodox Jewish-majority district in Borough Park in Brooklyn. In Brooklyn a new district would consolidate the Orthodox Jewish community into one district, rather than spread the population out over five as is now the case, the source said.

“The borough president is not a clairvoyant. Our office had zero knowledge of what developer would be selected by Fordham a year after our recommendation was submitted”

Perhaps Glenwood Gave the Money to Stringer Because the Weegie Board Told Them Too

Stringer reaps bundle from firm whose project he backed (NYP) Stringer – who is widely presumed to be a candidate in the crowded Democratic field for mayor – received his largest campaign haul from Glenwood Management, which acted as a “bundler,” raising $137,100 for his bid from individual donors, campaign records show. Stringer insisted Glenwood’s largesse has nothing to do with his support of the company’s plan to expand Fordham University at its Lincoln Center campus and said he did not even know Glenwood was involved in the project when he approved it in 2009 over vehement community opposition.

Pols Hit the Jackpot With Racino's Genting

Racino donates $100,000 to pols (NYDN) Genting donated $20,000 to the Senate Republicans’ reelection arm in November — and $10,000 to a similar Democratic committee. Genting also gave $10,000 to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, but did not give directly to Cuomo. The donations are on top of the $1 million in Albany lobbying Genting spent last year.

Cuomo Fat Cat Fund Raiser Not Open to the Press

Cuomo Is Lure for Donors to Democratic Governors(NYT) Lobbyist Tonio Burgos, a NYC lobbyist and veteran of Cuomo I is pushing $50,000, corporate donors can sit with Gov. Andrew Cuomo at his Democratic governors fundraiser, which contrasts with his push to limit campaign contributions. The cash for the event goes to the DGA, not the governor himself. * Sitting on Cuomo Panel Has Price(WSJ)

Bloomberg Supports Cuomo Plan to Rein In NY Out of Control Pension Costs - Tin Cup Day in Albany

12% of City's Budget and Growing
Voicing support for Cuomo’s pension reform proposal, Bloomberg noted NYC’s pension costs have risen 500 percent since he took office in 2002. * “Public pensions are not the enemy,” writes AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, who wonders why the governor is trying to “vilify” middle class retirement security.* NY ranks 49 in business tax climate

Redistricting and the Courts

Another View Of The Texas Redistricting Decision(YNN) ” The Texas decision deals with court remedies where plans have been enacted by legislatures and approved by governors and not to plans vetoed by a governor or resulting from an impasse." “There’s a big difference. The Texas decision would impact New York if the governor signed a plan, it was challenged, and then some parts were rejected by a court. Then the court would only redo the parts that were illegal or send it back to the Legislature to redo.” * Negotiating The Lines?(YNN) * Will the Supreme Court’s Texas ruling affect New York redistricting? (NY World) * "If Cuomo bends, then it could be seen that he’s not just going back on his word to good-government advocates, but also helped the opposition party stay in control of the Senate." [Nick Reisman] * 2010 NY1 Silver intro'd Cuomo's bill and promised in 2010 "I will not stand in the way of redistricting reform"

Courts Says Prisoners Live in Their Home Districts Why Not Prisoners Running NY's Corrupt Political parties?

Haggerty’s Qns. $idelight (NYP) At the same time he was on trial for stealing more than $1 million from Mayor Bloomberg, political consultant John Haggerty was also using the mayor’s money to settle old political scores in Queens, according to campaign records. Filings at the state Board of Elections show Haggerty’s 28th Assembly District Republican Committee shelled out $16,636 over the last six months to back candidates for party positions against archrival Phil Ragusa, the Queens Republican leader.

As it turns out, Mayor Bloomberg is funding both sides of the bitter fight over control of the Queens GOP. Haggerty’s Qns. $idelight(NYP) * NYC Republicans To Bloomberg: What Are We, Chopped Liver? (C&S)

Frank Padavan Mulling A Comeback(C&S) Veteran Republican State Sen. Frank Padavan is interested in running for the northeast Queens district he narrowly lost in 2010, according to three Republicans source, but some Queens Republicans are concerned that district lines set to be released today will not be favorable enough to spur a Padavan return.

Campaign Consultant Red Horse Out to Get Parkside

To Parkside Its Not About Winning or Losing it All About the Queens' Machine and $$$

There seems to be a fight breaking out as both consultant group Parkside and Red Horse snip at each other to gain control of the lucrative Democrat State Senate Business contract. Parkside seem to be comfortable in as their guy, who they helped elect Queens' machine flunky Senator Michael Gianaris is running Democrat Senate Campaign Committee. Paskside staying power comes from their close relationship with the Queens' Boss Crowley who protects them even after they lose big.

Parkside Lost With Weprin in a 3 to 1 Democratic District

Gianaris is keeping parkside even though they were the lead consultants in 2010 that lost control of a senate majority. During the 2008 election cycle, when Democrats won back the majority, the DSCC’s main consultant was Red Horse Strategies. Red House according to Parkside was helped by the the big Obama sweep in 2008. Parkside's take of $2.2 from the DSCC also help drive that committee into debt. Last year Parkside had to be removed from the Weprin campaign because of incompetent work. The media protect Parkside who regularly tips off reporters to breaking political stories. That why then never reported that Evan Stavisky is most probably serving illegally as a district leader in Queens. The Parkside Group's Evan Stavisky wife is the Democratic leader from Rockland County.

Mclaughlin Helped Create Parkside, Many of the Groups That Brian Was Convicted for Ripping Off Worked for Parkside

Evan is a district leader in 26th Assembly District in Queens. Before the slush fund scandal broke Parkside was paid a total of $1.7 million by more than 40 clients last year, many of them nonprofit receiving member items from the city council.In 2005 in a NYT article Dick Dadey executive director of Citizens Union expressed concern about what he called "a growing problem" of council members being lobbied by firms that serve as political consultants to many of them. * A Letter to Garcia: (Michael) Garcia U.S. Attorney * Two Democratic state senators who may get drawn into the same district share Parkside Group as consultants. [Liz Benjamin]

After Loss of Millions in Union Check Offs, Their HQ and Prison There Will Be No Transit Strike This Time No Mater the Rhetoric

Strike Talk Designed to Build Support Among Union Members

Subway union strike threat(NYP)

Espada, Arraigned In Court, “Absolutely Ready” For His Corruption Case (C&S)

Gates Foundation: NY Teacher Quality Fails, Ranked 13th

Study: Teacher quality rates 'C' (AP) Rreport backed by the Gates foundation A new report ranks New York 13th among the nation for its efforts to improve teacher quality, giving it a C rating, up from a D-plus two years ago * N.Y. Teacher Qualilty 13th In U.S.(Fox 5) * Why ‘A’ isn’t enough (NYP) More to school ax * Bloomberg, in Albany, Warms Up to Cuomo(WSJ) * Eva Moskowitz seeks to expand Success Academies to Chelsea(NYDN) * Liu audit: City shortchanges 72G special ed students(NYDN)

Adolfo Carrion refused to rule out a run for mayor or comptroller in 2013

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. is still mulling a run for NYC mayor in 2013, but isn’t interested in seeking the public advocate’s office.

Will the #7 Train to Convention Center Reach Javits Before it is Torn Down?

No. 7 train extension may be delayed for months(AM NY)

City Candidates Spend Money to Make Money(NYO) The New York City Campaign Finance Board noted yesterday that of the $1.35 million candidates for New York City offices spent in the last six months, over 23% was spent on fundraising efforts to raise more money. These tallies do not include candidates running for state legislative, statewide, or federal offices.

5 BP of No Importance Delusional Idea to Tear Down the Javits Center and Build Two New Ones in Queens

Tries to Save Willets Point Convention Center proposal which a lot of Queens pols have that hands in

Queens needs two convention centers, says borough presi(NYDN)

Dorothy Torano, mother of Michael Turano, companion to Carl Kruger, is staying at her $109,000 a year post on a Brooklyn community board, giving the GOP a campaign issue.

Bad Economic: 9% Unemployment, Job Loses Expected on Wall Street and Commercial Real Estate Slow Down

New York Hotels Close to Foreclosure(WSJ) * Red Hook Facing Loss of Customs Inspection Station(NYT) An end to inspections could saddle companies and consumers with added costs, and officials are concerned it could deal a blow to Brooklyn’s already vulnerable port system * Anxiety Mounts Over Maturing Real Estate Loans(NYT) In New York City alone, nearly $70 billion worth of commercial mortgages that were issued as collateral for bonds in 2007 are maturing this year.

Co-op Dwellers Say BK Skyscraper District Would Increase Cost of Living (Brooklyn Paper) * Big Real Estate Could Not Knock Down the Downtown Brooklyn Skyscraper District (NYO)

US Press Freedom Drops

Press Freedom Index: Occupy Wall Street Journalist Arrests Cost U.S. Dearly In Latest Survey (Huff Post)

Paul McCartney's wife resigns from MTA board (NYP)

Gong Marching Again

Since 2008 Falu Gong has been blocked from marching in the Manhattan Chinatown Parade Tension Over a Parade, as Falun Gong Seeks to Join(WSJ)

Blame Photoshop, Not Diabetes, for This Amputation(NYT)

howiewolf (Twitter) @NYTMetro curious are the Times subscribers in your ads actual Times subscribers? Because if, gosh, they werent I would be so disillusioned * Howard Wolfson Gets Into Twitter Tiff With The New York Times (NYO)

Access To the Bull is Day to Day

Tourists Once Again Flock To Wall Street Bull; Barricade Controversy Continues(WCBS)* Retired Police Commander Could See Dismissal of Protest Charges(NYT)

Spell check! ‘Shcool’ blunder erased(NYP)

UES Residents Push Back On MTA Plan To Build New Subway Entrance(NY1)

New Media Beats Old Media

After Public Drubbing on SOPA and PIPA, Schumer, Gillibrand Hit ‘Command Z’ (NYO) * The Web Uprising That Dethroned Hollywood (NY Mag)

Given the unsettled nature of the GOP race, New York could be in play when its presidential primary rolls around on April 24

Republican hopefuls look to New York primary (TU) GOP presidential hopefuls are gearing up for New York’s April primary, as the unsettled field could make the state unexpectedly relevant * New York Republican Leaders to Gingrich Supporters: ‘Stop It’ (Capital New York)

Obama To Announce Mortgage Crisis Unit Chaired By New York Attorney General Schneiderman(Huff Post) * Also in his SOTU, Obama awarded a mortgage crisis victory to AG Eric Schneiderman and “the entire progressive community.”* AG Eric Schneiderman is facing blowback from a coalition of Queens churches who plan to rally in opposition to charges he brought against aides to Sen. Shirley Huntley when they are arraigned in Nassau County on Feb. 1.* He explained "the conduct that created the crash, not the abuses that happened after the fact." [Jim Puzzanghera]

Election 2012

Prez gets into tiff with Arizona gov over her portrayal of him in memoir(NYP)

Obama uses Buffett’s Gal Friday as a speech prop(NYP) * Obama Sets Goal of Bridging Wealth Gap(NYT) * Putting Middle-Class Interests at the Top of His Agenda(NYT) * Obama Sets Sights on Romney in Speech(NYT) * Graphic: Selected Words in the Address(NYT) * For Romneys, Friendly Code Reduces Taxes(NYT) * The State of the Union in 2012(NYT Ed) * Obama Makes Populist Pitch in Speech(WSJ) * Economic Programs Are Outlined(WSJ)

GOP Counters: Obama Has 'Made Things Worse'(WSJ) * Cop wants job back, says circumcision proves he didn’t flash(NYDN) * A new poll shows Obama is leading among Latino voters – a key voting bloc – but Florida is indeed in play for the GOP. * Sen. Marco Rubio: ‘I Have Never Seen A President Pit Americans Against Each Other Like This One Does’ * Pelosi On A Gingrich Presidency: "That Will Never Happen" (Real Clear) * New poll suggests Gingrich surging in Florida(CNN) * Romney Rethinks Key Income-Tax Break(WSJ) * Here is the entire State of the Union last night, in text and video. * Obama’s most memorable line was “America is back;” but the takeaway from the speech was, “I’m Back,” says the Washington Post. * Uber-blogger Andrew Sullivan said “the sheer cramped, tedious, mediocre micro-policies he listed were uninspiring to say the least.”

Newt Gingrich Will Establish a Permanent Moon Base, But What About Mars? (Gawker) * New Florida Forecast (Florcast?): Gingrich 40.1, Romney 36.2, Santorum 11.5, Paul 9.4 * Romney gets Orlando Sentinel endorsement(CNN) Romney on Obama's 'detachment'(CNN) Romney's numbers may be stabilizing some. Gallup national tracker has Gingrich +3, but was +4 yesterday. * CNN/Time Florida poll: Romney 36 / Gingrich 34 * Obama Weaves Rehearsed Themes in Case for 2nd Term(NYT) * Newt Gingrich in the 1980s introduced a bill for the admission of space colonies as States. * PAC Track (Publica) What and Where are the Super PACs Spending? * Mormon Church's Prior Baptism Of Dead Jews Could Raise Concerns For Florida Voters(Huff Post) * Polls show Newt Gingrich’s surge ending(Wash Post) * Obama's SOTU: Winning the Next 9 Months - David Corn, Mother Jones * Rubio Rebuffs Gingrich: Romney Is Not Crist - Jennifer Rubin, Wash Post * Gingrich Frames the Debate vs. Obama - Peter Ferrara, American Spectator * It's the Stupid Republicans, Stupid - Susan Douglas, In These Times * Florida: CNN/Time: Romney +2 | FL CoC: Tied | Quinnipiac: Romney +2

No Mention of Unemployed in SoS

powellnyt Michael Powell (Twitter) Obama speech makes no mention of unemployed or jobless, or extending bennies. Even for Democrats, they have become America's Disappeare

Pain Capital: Jon Stewart Destroys Mitt Romney Over His Tax Returns

JFK: ‘Well, that’s a tough day’ (NYP) Funeral fell on ‘Monday’ cited in last tapes

4

44 Kelly Takes the Heat for the Anti-Islam Film . . . Hurts Mayor Possibilities

NYT: [Ray] Kelly should apologize for the film" The Third Jihad.

In Shift, Police Say Kelly Aided Anti-Islam Film(NYT) * Bloomberg Assails Showing of Anti-Muslim Film to Police(NYT) * NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly acknowledged cooperating with filmmakers in a graphic documentary portraying U.S. Muslims in a harsh light, though he now regrets it. * Officer Admits to False Arrest(WSJ) * Hateful Film (NYT Ed) The Times blasts the NYPD for showing officers a controversial film about American Muslims, saying it exacerbates already tense relations between police and that community * Rap NYPD ‘Jihad’ screening (NYDN) * Islamic Group Calls on Ray Kelly To Resign After Anti-Muslim Video Screening (NYO) * The Full Movie (Capital)

Bloomberg Throws Kelly Under the Bus

Mayor Bloomberg Blasts Use Of ‘Jihad’ Movie During NYPD(NYPD) * Bloomberg said “terrible judgment” was used in showing NYPD officers “The Third Jihad,” a controversial documentary that portrays Muslims as hellbent on establishing a worldwide Islamic regime, and neither he nor Commissioner Ray Kelly knew about it or condoned it.* However, Kelly acknowledged for the first time that he personally cooperated with the filmmakers of the film – a decision the commissioner now describes as a mistake.

NYPD Spokesman Caught Lying

NYPD Spokesman Paul Browne Is a Lying Liar (Gawker) Kudos to NYU's Brennan Center for Justice and the New York Times' Michael Powell for catching NYPD spokesman Paul Browne in massive, galling, and bald-faced lie. The man should be fired.

Revealed: Secret photos & diary before he killed dancer(NYP)

Law and Order

Suite revenge: 10 yrs. for coked-up Plaza thief(NYP) * Suit over ‘cop-flub coverup’ (NYP) * Charges Against 15 Muslims Dismissed in Amusement Park Dispute(NYT) * Firebombings at 2 Synagogues in New Jersey Lead to Arrest(NYT) * Gangs eyed as Brooklyn shoot kills one(NYDN)* Cop canned after plea in cig robbery (NYDN) * Jewel thief gets 10 years for Plaza heist(NYDN)* Authorities Arrest Teen In Rutherford Synagogue Firebomb(WCBS) * Burglaries at Bronx Houses of Worship(Fox 5) * BK Mom Sues MTA in Son's Subway Tunnel Death(NBC)‘Racist arrest’ cop guilty(NYP)

Subway Terror Plot Suspect Pleads Not Guilty To New Charges (NY1)

NYP Wants A Corrupt Tax on the Albany Pols

2012-01-24T09:00:00.032-05:00

State Of The Union: ‘An America Built To Last’

Obama Calls for Economic Fairness(NYT) * President Urges Government to Help Bridge Wealth Gap(NYT) * Obama focuses on economic inequality (Wash Post) * Prez lays out election-year agenda before divided Congress in State of the Union (NYP)

NYP: No Pols Convicted for 2 Years You Get Your Raise

First, stop stealing(NYP Ed) How about waiting until that esteemed body goes two straight years without one of its members being indicted? True, they may never get a raise in that case — but it’d sure be a welcome goal.

4 Some Even Get Per Diems Without Showing Up

For 66 days of work in Albany legislators get a base pay of $79,500, but more than 150 — 70 percent — get “lulus,” or stipends, for leadership positions. Those range as high as $41,500, putting the average lawmaker’s salary at $90,000 to $100,000. On top of that, they also receive per diems — stipends for food and lodging — of $165 for each day they’re in Albany. Sweet. * GOPers say nay to pol pay hike (NYP) * You Paid For It Boyland Per Diem Abuse : WRGB Channel 6 News

4 Koch Lets Lawmakers Who Promised Redistricting Reform Off the Hook

Koch Should At Least Stick Around and Tell Us Who Broke Their Promise

Ed Koch Says Albany Reform Is "Dead"(NBC) Hope for redistricting reform may have died with a Supreme Court ruling, Koch says. “In the light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision,” he told me, “this crusade is dead.”* Senate Republicans appear to be carving out a 63rd seat for Assemblyman George Amedore

Will the Promise of $$$ Break Albany's Blue Wall of Silence Against Corrupt Members?

Not one word to the press was issued to the press by any of the pols about any of the 10 elected officials in the last few years that when to jail. No moral leadership. Most local pols are not using the talking points that include let the voters decide. Not one comment about what they feel about Weiner's actions. It is like the bad old days of the police department's "Blue Wall of Silence," before the Rev. Sharpton and others caused at least some good cops to speak out against the bad cops. To this date there been no pressure by the press who was lied to to force to ask other city pols what they think about Weiner. In the 70's Rev. Sharpton said the fact that cops did not go after their lawless partners was the leading cause of corruption in the Police Department. No less can be said about the pols who fail to speak out against their corrupt or colleagues who lie.

Pols Blue Wall of Silence Enabled By the Media (True News)

The Pork Slush Funded Bus

Because Council Leaders Escaped Incitement in the Slush Fund Investigation the Member Items System is Still Operating

The City Council’s ‘free’ cash (NYP) City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s plan to ease service outages on the 7 train with member-item grease is fraught, to say the least. But he wasn’t volunteering to cover the $250,000 tab himself; he wanted to use part of the council’s $49 million member-item slush fund, a pot of money that’s been a breeding-ground for corruption. * GOPers say nay to pol pay hike(NYP) * MTA won’t stand for seat hogs(NYP) MTA Dismisses Rep's Proposal For 7 Train Shuttle Bus(NY1) MTA Rejects Councilman's Bus Offer(Foxn5)

Badly Injured Liu Fights On

Liu Aiming at Cuomo's Budget Plan (WSJ) Liu will criticize Cuomo today for proposing to bypass NYC in a funding package for municipalities across the state * Liu flunks Ed Dept. tech tool (NYDN) More than 40% of public school educators are not using a key tech tool designed to boost lagging test scores * John Liu is expected to testify in Albany today that Andrew Cuomo is short-changing the city with his budget.

No Awkward run-ins between Bloomberg and City Comptroller John Liu at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association yesterday during the Lunar New Year’s celebration, despite Bloomberg’s quotes in the Sunday New York Post predicting Liu’s legal troubles would prevent him from running for mayor in 2013. Asked about the Democratic field for mayor, Bloomberg told the Post, “You never know, ’cause things change. Who would have thought John Liu being out of it? I assume he is.” On Monday, Bloomberg delivered his remarks while Liu, looking festive in an embroidered maroon jacket and a healthy dose of glitter in his hair, listened from the back of the room. Asked for his reaction to the mayor’s prediction, Liu smiled as he headed toward the exit. “Did he make a comment?” Liu said. “I suppose he knows best.” (C&S)

State workers feast on overtime(NYDN) 4.5% jump in state government overtime pay * New York's overtime bill in 2011 up $20M (Pressconnect) * NYC now an economic laggard (CraigsNY)

Bloomberg Tells Dummy David Weprin To do You Job

Mayor Bloomberg in budget hearing gently reminds state Leg that NYC is "cash cow" for state * Bloomberg gets rough with Weprin: "If other parts of the state argue more effectively than NYC's representatives, somethings wrong." Bloomberg: "Weprin Negotiate Harder for the People You Represent" * Bloomberg says pension costs stressing NYC budget (NYP) * Bloomberg, in a Visit to Albany, Has Nothing but Praise for Cuomo(NYT)

True News Wags Daily News' Hammond on Teacher Evaluations

On January 12th True News criticized NY1 for failing to ask elected officials what would they do to solve the teacher evaluation dispute between the teachers union and the city, that is costing the city $60 million dollars in federal education funds. TN said at that time that the NY1 report allowed the pols to duck the important issue of the loss of federal education funds and the teacher evaluation conflict, while protecting their hope of getting the union's campaign endorsement and support. Well it happen again this time. This time with the governor added threat of blocking new school aid for all the school districts that don't have teacher evaluations in place.

DN's Hammond Another True News Copy Kat Reporter

At a key education budget hearing, state lawmakers are silent on teacher evaluations (NYDN)

With Their Normal Allies Ducking The UFT Looks Ready to Negotiate

Seven schools on city hit list got high grades(NYP) Of the 33 schools that Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to shut down, lay off staff and reopen under a new federal program, seven earned high “A” or “B” school ratings from the city * Albany Lawmakers Visit Stalemate Over State Teacher Evaluations (NY1) * City, teachers in a talkative mood (NYDN) UFT President Michael Mulgrew has vowed to reach a deal on a new teacher evaluation system, signaling that high-level negotiations could soon resume * Education Commissioner Proposes More Aid for Poorer Districtss(NYT)

UFT is Still Attacking Bloomberg Not the Popular Cuomo Who Pressure on the UFT Seem to Moving the Negotiations to Settlement

The UFT is taking its teacher evaluation war with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the airwaves, releasing a 30-second ad (http://bit.ly/yzQuVn) today excoriating the mayor for his “failed educational policies.” The ad references ex-chancellor Cathie Black, test score controversies and the mayor’s plan to cut half the teachers from 33 struggling schools. The UFT spot appears to be the first volley in a forthcoming ad war between the teachers and City Hall that education sources have been predicting since last week. No word on whether the mayor or his allies in the education reform movement plan on firing back with their own ad. The spot, produced by Shorr, Johnson and Magnus Strategic Media, will run from today until next Monday, Jan. 30, and is projected to reach over 8 million viewers on broadcast and cable television. "This is our way of saying, 'Enough with this already,' " said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Let's try to do something based on actual research that is going to work, instead of whatever your political ideologies are."* UFT Ad Takes Mayor To Task On Teacher Evaluations(NY1) * Bloomberg Gets A Bit Snippy On UFT Negotiations(YNN)

It is So Easy To Kill A Hospital

City Planning Commission Unanimously Passes St. Vincent's Rezoning Plan(NY1) Hospital Site's Plan Advances Plans to remake the St. Vincent's Hospital site in the West Village into an $800 million residential project were approved on Monday by the City Planning Commission.*City Rezones St. Vincent's Site(Fox 5)

No city $$ for 3 WTC: Mike(NYP) * WTC Developer Downplays Rumors Of Reduced-Size Tower (NY1) * Bloomberg Praises New Laws For Local Construction Safety (NY1)

Council Panel Upholds a Historic Skyscraper District in Brooklyn(NYT)

Bronx Publisher Says Engel, Koppell Helped Secure Loan, But Denies Political Bias (C&S)

Andy Wolf, the editor and publisher of the Riverdale Review, acknowledged in a phone interview this afternoon that Congressman Eliot Engel and Councilman Oliver Koppell helped him secure a loan that allowed him to buy the newspaper – but says that’s had no effect on the paper’s coverage of the local elected officials. Wolf was responding to an article I posted this morning on a boycott of the Riverdale Review. The boycott’s organizers say that Koppell and Engel have gotten overly favorable coverage in the weekly northwest Bronx newspaper. * A Bronx Council Race Wrapped In A Newspaper Boycott (C& S)

It Not Just the Bronx Pols Who Own Local Papers Queens Also

A Takeover Of Journalism by Lobbyist and Politicians (True News) Soviet Queens Pravda In queens the local newspaper, the political machine and government all work together. The paper do not preform the role of checks and balances that Founding Father envisioned to protect the people from the government and ensure a working democracy. Instead Queens local newspapers have gamed journalism to operate as a co-machine in Queens. They work in campaigns and are lobbyist to the same elected officials they help elect or reelect. The papers operate as the house organ for the Democratic party to controling who becomes gets elected or becomes a judge in Queens county. The judges in turn send the legal ads worth tens of thousands dollars to the local papers. * Chicago Sun-Times will stop endorsing candidates to increase appearance of impartiality

Exclusive: ‘Digital DNA’ May Soon Be Required To Take SAT(WCBS)

Mike Bloomberg indicated that he would veto a bill that would end the city’s practice of sticking those hard to remove parking ticket stickers on windows.* Bloomberg opposes a parking sticker ban, calling it "one of the less productive things that could be legislated."

Don't Know Much About Arithmetic . . .

In for a bad spell (NYP) ‘School’ paint flub The Post puts the blame for city contractors' poor street-sign spelling on Marta Valle HS school officials

Occupy Protesters Build Igloos in Switzerland(NYT) * Occupy Wall Street lawyers drop legal challenge, judge says no camping at Zuccotti (NYP) * Occupy Wall Street Drops Suit on Zuccotti Park (NYT)

Governor Cuomo has replaced close friend Jeffrey Sachs on the Medicaid Redesign Team with Joseph Belluck – you may remember Cuomo was heavily criticized for putting Sachs on the board last year.

JFK's final secret recordings are made public (NYP)

Meade Esposito: Dirt Works in Politics

Mean is better than clean in politics(NYDN) Good. Because the dirtier the politics, the better prepared our candidates will be for the down and dirty business of being President of the United States. Democratic boss Meade Esposito, who reinvented dirty politics. When he first ran for district leader

Election 2012

Romney Tax Returns Show 2-Year Income of $45 Million(NYT) * ‘Super PAC’ for Gingrich to Get $5 Million Infusion(NYT) * Confident Obama Knows Wild Cards Can Loom Large(NYT) * A Counterweight to Obama, but So Far Just in Speech Response(NYT) * The Power Broker (NYT Ed) Newt Gingrich’s tax returns show how much can be made peddling influence and access to the leadership in Washington.* Romney made $45 million in 2 years – Reports (CNN) * 5 things we learned from Monday's debate (CNN)* Most expect President Obama’s State of the Union to be an unofficial kick off to his re-election campaign * Roughly 200 members of Congress will continue the tradition of bipartisan seating today – which began in the wake of the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords* The tax returns also show that Romney recently closed a Swiss bank account and has other holdings in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.* During the debate Romney introduced an odd new phrase in the immigration debate, saying he favored “self deportation” or eliminating ways for illegals to get jobs, so they will go back home. * Despite decades in Congress, Newt Gingrich has only 11 Capitol Hill endorsements—versus 72 for Mitt Romney. * Miss the debate last night? Searchable transcript available here.

The Strangely Silent Debate - Paul Begala, The Daily Beast * Can Romney Turn It Around Again? - George Will, Boston Herald * Rise of the Hoi Polloi: The GOP Is Changing - Craig Shirley, Politico * The State of Our Politics - Carl Cannon, RealClearPolitics * Mitt Romney's "Charlie Crist" Problem - Andrew Henry, Newsmax * Romney Goes on Attack Against Gingrich - Scott Conroy, RealClearPolitics * Why Gingrich Could Win - Michael Walsh, National Review * ewt's Troublesome Lack of Prudence - Michael Gerson, Washington Post * President Obama Needs Fighting Words - Michael Tomasky, The Daily Beast * Time for Obama to Lead - Miami Herald * The President's Solyndra Moment - Washington Times * Mewt Gromney (Slate) Romney and Gingrich trade places in the Tampa debate. * From Jefferson (1801) to Taft (1912), the State of the Union message were lengthy written reports. * Gingrich leads Romney 31 to 27% in national Gallup tracking poll. Romney had 23 point lead in early January. How do you spell volatility? * Our Florida forecast is starting to stabilize a bit. Now Newt 41, Romney 34 (NYT) *Newt 1968: Gingrich led protests against nude censorship(reuters)

Romney bloodies Newt in Fla. debate with Freddie Mac blows(NYP) * Romney Levels Attack on Gingrich as Sole Target(NYT)

Jon Stewart Flips Out At Gingrich’s Nerve In Attacking John King’s ‘Open Marriage’ Question

Sarah Palin: Newt Gingrich Got Chris Christie’s ‘Panties In A Wad’ * Palin Has a Few Choice Words for Christie(NYT)

Is The NYPD Experimenting With Drones Over The City? Evidence(WCBS)

In Police Training, a Dark Film on U.S. Muslims(NYT) * Far more police officers than was originally believed were shown an anti-Muslim film as part of their training. * Mayor: NYPD Screening Inflammatory Film About Muslims A "Terrible" Move (NY1) * In Shift, Police Say Leader Helped With Anti-Islam Film and Now Regrets It (NYT)

4 Police Harried Latinos and ‘Snitches,’ U.S. Says(NYT) * At Ecuadorean Shop, in No Mood to Celebrate Arrests (NYT)

How fun night out turned to a fatal attraction for beauty (NYP) Club date admits killing aspiring dancer in 2008 nightmare * Sex Offender Pleads Guilty in a Woman’s 2008 Killing(NYT) * Guilty Plea in Hit-Man Hire(WSJ)

Law and Order

In a Rape Trial, Two Accounts of Acts by a Man With Royal Ties(NYT) * Man Imprisoned for Fraud Pleads Guilty to Murder Plot(NYT) * Man Admits To Killing Brooklyn Dancer Ahead Of Trial Opening (NY1) * Qns. man uses meat cleaver to threaten ex (NYDN) * Hundreds of new transit cops making difference(NYDN) * Detective Investigators for city DAs await ruling on contract(NYDN) * Bronx Police investigating break-ins by bandits in Pelham(NYDN) * Thief ‘robs’ patient(NYP) * Thief ‘robs’ patient (NYP) * New cops are making mark(NYP) * Queens man may have committed suicide by fireworks(NYP) * Man Sought in Meat Cleaver Threat(NBC) * Detective Investigators, who lead investigations for city DA’s, are in limbo and working without a contract, and are unclear who to negotiate with. *Veteran NYPD detective admits robbing cigarette smugglers(NYP)

Queens Woman, Son Allegedly Threatened By Ex-Boyfriend With Cleaver(NY1)

True News Leading Old Media to the Real News - We Got the Story About Incumbent Protection Redistricting Out

2012-01-23T09:01:00.060-05:00

True News Wags the NYT Again

Yesterday said the papers were enabling Albany to politically cut districts by not writing about what is going on. Today the NYT covered redistricting but only talked generally about the lobbyists and nothing about how the good government groups have given up on an independent redistricting. Why is Albany the last state to come up with a redistricting plan? So the courts will not have time to draw their own lines! What about all the pols who signed pledges to do so? As Closed-Door Redistricting Drags on, Incumbents’ Edge Only Grows(NYT)

Yesterday's True News

We Not Only Don't Have An Independent Commission, Lobbyists Are Redrawing NY Congressional Districts

While the media and so called good government groups and reformers have black out this every ten year pork sausage making in Albany. Lobbyist and elected officials are busy this weekend drawing district lines that will cut out their opponents strength and easily reelect them. With the state poised to lose two seats, several members of New York's congressional delegation have started hiring lobbyists to try to protect their interests.

Late Redistricting Helps Incumbents . . Cuomo Courts Will Decide

SCOTUS ruling: "reaffirms the legislative role in drawing up the maps as somthng that has 2b taken seriously" New York remains one of the last states in the nation to have not settled on its new district lines, something that gives incumbents a huge advantage this election season. * In an interview with the NYT, Cuomo repeated his redistricting veto pledge, but predicted the issue “will wind up in the courts, and the courts are going to determine if the maps were done fairly or not…in truth, something’s going to have to be worked out.” * There could be a deal as early as this week on a proposed amendment to the state’s Constitution that would overhaul the redistricting process for 2022. * Why support of public campaign financing (in the State of the State, but not the budget) is a gamble for Cuomo if he indeed aspires to higher office.* A reader notes the Supreme Court case isn't exactly analogous to the situation in New York. [nynyny] * Shadow Play (C&S) Redistricting puppet show.

Silver Tries to Keep His Members in Line With A Bribe

With 9% Unemployment, 10,000 Jobs leaving the city last year and Kodak Closing Upstate Why Not Tie Pay Raises With Turning the State Around economically?

Shel: We’ll raise our game – then our pay (NYP) Silver: “People understand that before there can be a discussion of pay raises, there has to be a change in the performance level of the Legislature,’’ the speaker continued. * Silver makes the case for giving $79,500-a-year legislators a raise | Capital New York

Charles Gasparino wants the state’s pols to speak out against Dodd-Frank, which he says is the chocking the state’s Golden Goose. * The Daily News says that the City Council’s paid sick leave bill will be a job-killer.

Cuomo Tell Pols No Gambling $$$

Pols to Profit from Casinos, No dice, Say Gov.(NYP) Language in the new gambling legislation would forbid lawmakers from having a hand in the casino companies. * Pols to profit from casinos? No dice!(NYDN) * Tucked into Cuomo’s budget is language that bars government employees and political party types from owning any stake, including stock, in licensed gaming companies or having more than a 10 percent stake in any business that sells goods or services to a gambling enterprise.

NYT Op Ed Talks About the Down Side of Gambling

Growing Poor in Atlantic City Blocks from the Casinos

Anti-gambling advocate assails Cuomo's "wrongheaded" casino push. Lawmakers "sworn to protec," not make losing $ easier

New York’s Bad Bet (NYT OpED) Casinos might create jobs and generate state revenue, but supporters ignore or play down the costs. Various studies, including research by the economist Earl L. Grinols at Baylor University, have shown that casinos produce little to no economic spinoff and in fact divert spending away from surrounding businesses like restaurants, movie theaters and live entertainment. In the worst cases, some problem gamblers spend money that is needed for groceries, rent or child support. And Crime Crime picks up pace in ‘racino’ precinct(NYP) * Rusty, Dolan team vs. hunger(NYP) * Plenty of gambling is going on right now in Chinatown.

Cuomo and Bloomberg Must Have Heard Obama Sing "Lets Stay Together" At the Apollo

The relationship between Cuomo and Bloomberg appears to be thawing, after both have turned their attention to the teacher’s unions. Andy, Mike snuggle up (NYP) Sources tell the Post that Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg are in close contact over pension reform and the teachers union, marking a thaw in their “icy relationship” * Teachers Union Starts Ad Campaign(WSJ) * In Teacher-Evaluation Fight, One Deal Won't Be Enough (WSJ) Much of the complex and potentially expensive work of coming up with valid teacher evaluations to comply with the Race to the Top program is being left to local school districts (NYT) In Race to the Top, the Dirty Work Is Left to Those on the Bottom * The Washington Post cheers Cuomo’s willingness to “set his sights on shaking up an educational bureaucracy that is better at spending money than serving children.” * The so-called “Yellow Book,” the Assembly Democrats’ analysis of the governor’s budget proposal, can be viewed here.* Budget Provision Raises Worries About Cuomo’s Reach (NYT)

The New Politics: Finding Dirt on Potential Candidates and Attack

Gillibrand Challenger
Under the Name of a Senate Hopeful, Blog Posts on Sex and Drugs(NYT) Internet entrepreneur Marc Cenedella, a potential challenger to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, had a blog that included racy posts about women, sex and drugs* In attacking Gilibrand, the state G.O.P. chairman referred to PIPA as "anti-New York legislation." [Liz Benjamin]

NYP Says to Liu After A Drop In His Fundraising "Go Away”

Liu’s dwindling fortunes (NYP) The Post touts the drop in campaign contributions to City Comptroller John Liu in the wake of an investigation into his fundraising * A very expensive computer system is very under-utilized by New York City school officials, according to the City Comptroller John Liu. [Anna Phillips] * Two News Corp. spokespeople contributed $500 apiece to NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

Bronx Publisher Says Engel, Koppell Helped Secure Loan, But Denies Political Bias (C&S)

It Not Just the Bronx Pols Who Own Local Papers Queens Also

Will Kruger Be Allowed to Bring the Chair To Jail?

After admitting he sold his office, Kruger buys his seat (NYO)

It is So Easy To Kill A Hospital

City Planning Commission Unanimously Passes St. Vincent's Rezoning Plan(NY1)

Will GOP $$$ Be Enough to Overcome high Democratic turnout in a presidential election year?

State Senate GOP sitting on huge cash edge (TU) Campaign committee holds 5-to-1 advantage over Dems New York’s Senate Republicans have a nearly 5-to-1 advantage over Democrats in campaign funds, which could help them protect their narrow majority,

5

MTA: No Free Shuttles, Contract Delay Dance Continues, Robo Computer Trains Fail and 4 Die in Subway Accidents

There will be need for more tax revenue from somewhere in coming years, MTA's Joe Lhota tells Fordham infrastructure panel. MTA scuttles free-shuttle plan (NYP) City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer offered to pay for the $250,000 direct, no-transfer bus from Long Island City to Grand Central while the MTA worked on the signal system under the East River. The money would have come out of his own discretionary funds. MTA chiefs balked at his idea, Van Bramer said, because they worried that if they offered it to 7 riders, they’d have to do the same for other communities that deal with serial service outages, like those along the L line.* For M.T.A. and Union, Obstacles Delay a Contract(NYT)The Transport Workers Union shut down contract talks over MTA leaks to the press, but the MTA has been clear in its position, which the union openly posted on its own web site* Subway Sees Four Deaths in One Day(WSJ) * RoboTrains put system on fritz (NYDN) * The MTA and the TWU face-off has not led to a deal, but negotiations are far more muted this time around than they were in 2005. * MTA Dismisses Rep's Proposal For 7 Train Shuttle Bus (NY1) * State Senate Passes $500 Fine for Subway Farebeaters (NYDN)

Eric Schneiderman and the attorney general of Iowa dispute how the AG became removed from negotiations around the 50-state mortgage settlement.* Ben Lawsky, New York State's superintendent at the Dept. of Finances sent out subpoenas to Morgan Stanley, Mortgage Capital Holdings and CitiMortgage and said, "Force-placed insurance appears to be the dirty little secret of the mortgage industry." [Gretchen Morgenson]

Koo Joins the party Mclaughlin, Seminero and Monserrate

Koo Meets His New Friends
NYC Councilman Peter Koo is scheduled to officially defect from the GOP to the Democrats today. * Democrats Huzzah Koo Party Switch (NYO) * New Year, New Party For Councilman Peter Koo(NYDN) * Different Explanations Emerge for Koo Party Switch(NYO) * Councilman Switches to Democratic Party(NYT)

After Giants vs. Patriots, It Could Be Christie vs. Bloomberg(NYT)

NYC illegal trash dumping on the rise(WSJ) * llegal Trash Dumping Fines Up(Fox 5) * Peter Vallone wants to increase the fines for those who use public garbage cans for their own household trash.

Occupy Wall Street Drops Suit Challenging Eviction from Zuccotti Park (DNAInfo)

Sharing a Screen, if Not a Classroom(NYT) For schools that have trouble finding volunteers willing to visit, newly designed software is allowing tutors to meet with beginning readers online.

Brooklyn Sen. Dan Squadron and 18 of his relatives have been named in a “clawback” claim arising from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. Bankruptcy trustee Irving Picard says the Squadron family invested $10.8 million in the fund and received $11.8 million in “fictitious profits.” The Squadron family disputes that accounting. Picard has filed similar cases against more than 1,000 other investors who received more from Madoff than they put in, and intends to give the proceeds to other investors who lost money. The Squadrons, like those other unwitting investors, have never been accused of wrongdoing. “As has been reported before, Senator Squadron’s family, like so many others, was victimized by the Madoff Ponzi scheme,” said Squadron spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick. “Unfortunately, the scope and degree of the Madoff fraud has left many challenging legal issues affecting thousands of victims that the courts are still sorting out.”

City Autopsy Disclosures Challenged(WSJ) For decades, the New York City Medical Examiner has played a public role in urban dramas both large and small by releasing causes of death. Now that practice—unique in New York state—is facing what is believed to be its first legal challenge in 84 years.

Analysis: GOP establishment in a panic over Newtmentum. Why? Because #Newt has shown that he can win without them or the consultants who controls DC.

Florida Florida Florida Debate Tonight

Florida GOP Primary: Gingrich 41%, Romney 32% (Rasmussen)

Obama’s State of the Union is crucial balancing act (Wash Post) * Newt's Momentum v. Mitt's Organization in FL - Alex Leary, Miami Herald * Can Romney Get His Groove Back? - Amy Walter, ABC News * Gingrich Steals Romney's Cloak of Electability - Alistair Bell, Reuters * Romney's Bain Capital Problem Is Real - Burns & Haberman, Politico * The Gingrich Challenge - Wall Street Journal * Gingrich and Romney Trade Jabs as G.O.P. Race Rolls On(NYT) * G.O.P. Ventures Into Florida, a State Harder to Pigeonhole(NYT) * Gingrich Win Puts Romney on Defense Newt Gingrich wants Freddie Mac records released before the Florida primary, he tells me on(ABC) (WSJ) * Newt, with a $500k revolving Tiffany account for wife3, paid $19,800 in alimony for a year to wife2. * * The former House speaker is getting financial help from a Las Vegas casino tycoon who is pushing gambling in Florida. Election Oracle: Newt's Chances of Winning Nomination Soar (The Daily Besast) Poll watcher: Newt Gingrich surges in national polls (Wash Post) * What to Watch For in the Tampa Debate (NYT)* Pro-Gingrich super PAC says it will be competitive in Florida (CNN) * According to our ad trackers; Romney's SuperPAC is spending more money on radio ads than Gingrich's campaign is spending on cable TV(NBC)* Florida Sen. Marco Rubio hasn’t ruled out running for VP if asked.* Gingrich says Romney is 'desperate'(CNN)* Here It Is: Palin. Christie. "Panties In A Wad."(NYDN) * Joe Biden carefully approaches Gingrich’s multiple marriages.

Romney looks to hit back at Gingrich in Florida (WABC) * How Schumer cut Romney’s taxes (CrainsNY) * NBC: Gingrich Freddie Mac Contracts To Be Released Monday Evening(TPM)

WH Campaign Boiler Room
Behind the White House’s ferocious response to Jodi Kantor’s 'The Obamas' (NY Mag)

Headless Body in Topless Bar' killer seeks release from prison(NYP)

Law and Order

I tried to stop cop suicide(NYP) * Da Silvano owner accused of sexual assault claims he's too old to grope(NYP) * Stanford finally going to trial in Ponzi case(NYP) * Man Killed, Another Wounded In Bronx Shooting(NY1) * Murder Trial Begins In Garza Case(Fox 5)* Cops Still Searching for Second Suspect in Mamajuana Cafe Assault - DNAinfo.com * EXCLUSIVE: DNA Helps Crack East Harlem Cold Case Killing Of Pregnant Mom (WCBS) * More than 200 subway cops added to combat crime underground (AMNY)

Like a 'monster' perv(NYDN)

Convicted sex offender pleads guilty in death of B'klyn dancer he met in club(NYP)