In the weeks leading up to September’s statewide primary and November’s general election, the Times Newsweekly will feature in this space press releases from various candidates seeking public office.
Campaigns are welcome to submit press releases by fax to 1-718- 456-0120 or by email to info@timesnewsweekly.com. All press releases are subject to editing; personal attacks on opponents will not be considered.
30TH ASSEMBLY RACE Pols & Labor Unions Endorsing Markey
Democratic leaders, labor representations, friends and supporters gathered in Middle Village last week to show their support for Assemblywoman Margaret Markey in the upcoming Sept. 9 primary election.
Among those present at the event were Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan and Assemblyman Michael Den Dekker.
The fete came as many major labor organizations representing thousands of New Yorkers have announced their support for the reelection of the veteran Queens Assemblywoman who is a member of the Assembly’s influential Ways & Means Committee and chairs the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee.
The most recent Markey endorsement comes from the statewide organization of education professionals, the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), which includes the NYC Federation of Teachers and is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
Other groups that represent working men and women that have declared their support for the reelection of Markey in recent weeks include: Local 3, IBEW Electrical Workers; Local 46, Metallic Lathers & Reinforcing Ironworkers Union; Allied Printing Trades Council; Uniformed Fire Officers Association; Mason Tenders’ District Council of Greater NY; 1199 SEIU United Health Care Workers East; and SEIU Local 32BJ, Service Employees International.
“I am proud to receive the support of these organizations that represent thousands of Queens and New York City workers,” Markey said. “They recognize that experience counts and that my strong record of accomplishments in Albany has made life better for workers and their families and all New Yorkers.”
Fedkowskyj Decries School Psych Bill
Dmytro Fedkowskyj is coming out in opposition of a bill sponsored by his Assembly opponent Margaret Markey last fall that mandates public school students receive a psychological evaluation as part of the required health certificate. Fedkowskyj, a longtime civic leader and community advocate, is running for the New York State Assembly, 30th District, as a Democrat.
“Although I do agree that we need to address mental illness, as well as bullying and other behavioral issues, in our schools, the proposed bill A.08186 poses legal, ethical, logistical and financial flaws,” Fedkowskyj said. “Firstly, if parents do not want their children evaluated, HIPAA [the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] protects privacy in the health field and doesn’t permit a psychologist to make disclosures about patients without their permission. Also, the portion of the New York State education law that pertains to health screenings allows a parent to object to any screening or examination with the exception of vaccination.”
Further, Fedkowskyj said, “Since most mental illnesses do not present at the age of five and develop during the adolescent and young adult years, evaluations for kindergarten students-which, alone, would cost New York City a minimum of $25 million per year-would not be helpful in assessing mental illness.”
Rather than mandate psychological evals, Fedkowskyj said mental health concerns within New York State’s public schools should be addressed by educating parents and teachers about the warning signs of mental illness, returning mental health professionals to schools and making a commitment to stop bullying.
“Parents and teachers are the people who see our children every day for hours, not just once in a lifetime for an evaluation,” Fedkowskyj said. “They may not be the ones diagnosing, but they certainly will be the ones who can identify when a mental health evaluation may become necessary.”
16TH SENATORIAL RACE Gillibrand Supports Stavisky’s Re-Election
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand endorsed State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky for reelection to the 16th Senatorial District seat.
“Senator Toby Ann Stavisky is a champion for equality who advocates for all New Yorkers, especially in the fight to protect women’s rights,” said Gillibrand. “From supporting equal pay for women to ensuring their reproductive health rights remain protected, she has a record second to none.”
“I am honored to have Senator Gillibrand’s support in my reelection,” said Stavisky. “She has been a powerful leader in the Senate and has fought for so many of same issues that I am fighting for in Albany.”
“As women in government, we have a special responsibility to make sure women’s voices are heard. And all across our state women are saying that we must pass the Women’s Equality Agenda, we must pass the DREAM Act and we must raise the minimum wage. Those are my top priorities if reelected and I hope New Yorkers will support me on September 9 so that I can continue this important work,” concluded Stavisky.
Stavisky is the only woman from Queens in the State Senate. She also serves as the Assistant Democratic Leader alongside Democratic Conference Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
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The state primaries are Tuesday, Sept. 9, while the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. For information on voting, call 1-212-VOTE-NYC or visit www.vote.nyc.ny.us.
