Community Board 9 Manhattan: Members and Committee Assignments

COMMUNITY BOARD NO. 9 MANHATTAN
MEMBERS & COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
July 1, 2005

NAME COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

Hon. Jane Arrendell
Health/Human Services & Environmental


Hon. Callie Branche
Housing, Land Use & Zoning
By-Laws
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Molesa Brown
Youth,Education & Libraries


Hon. Sandra Carter
Youth,Education & Libraries


Hon. Johnny Celestin
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Laenoria Conyers
Seniors Issues


Hon. Clayton Craddock
Housing, Land Use & Zoning
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Carlotta Damanda
Assistant Treasurer: CB9M
Co-Chair (pro tempore): Youth,Education & Libraries
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Maritta Dunn
Chair: Harlem Piers/Economic Development & Consumer Affairs
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Vicky Gholson
Harlem Piers/Economic Development & Consumer Affairs


Hon. Cora Gilmore
Health/Human Services & Environmental
Seniors Issues


Hon. George Goodwill
Senior Issues


Hon. Michael Adams Henry
Health/Human Services & Environmental


Hon. Tisha Jackson
Housing, Land Use & Zoning
By-Laws
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Ralph Jackson M.D.
Health/Human Services & Environmental


Hon. Ramona Jennett
Assistant Secretary: CB9M
Co-Chair (pro tempore): Youth,Education & Libraries
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Peter Johnson
Youth, Education & Libraries


Hon. Sophie Johnson
Landmarks & Preservation/ Parks & Recreation


Hon. Patricia A. Jones
Second Vice Chair: CB9M
Landmarks & Preservation Parks & Recreation
Chair: 197-A Plan
Co-Chair, Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Carolyn Kent
Co-Chair: Parks & Recreation / Landmarks & Preservation
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Theodore Kovaleff
Secretary: CB9M
Co-Chair: Transportation & Uniformed Services
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Christina Lee
Co-Chair, Health/Human Services & Environmental
Chair, By-Laws
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Patricia Lewis
Health/Human Services & Environmental
Uniform Services & Transportation


Hon. Frances Mack
Piers & Economic Development & Consumer Affairs


Hon. Barbara Marshall
Treasurer: CB9M
Youth, Education & Libraries
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Savona Bailey McClain
Parks & Recreation / Landmarks & Preservation


Hon. Keith Mitchell
Harlem Piers/Economic Development & Consumer Affairs


Hon. Michael Palma
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Carmen Perez
Co-Chair: Health/Human Services & Environ.
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Janet Ramon
Uniform Services & Transportation
Youth, Education & Libraries


Hon. John T. Reddick
Landmarks & Preservation/Parks & Recreation


Hon. Jordi Reyes-Montblanc
Chair: CB9M
Co-Chair: Housing, Land Use & Zoning
Co-Chair: Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force
Uniform Services & Transportation
197-A Plan


Hon. Sylvia Robinson
Co-Chair: Seniors Issues
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Walter South
Vice-Chair: 197-A Plan
Landmarks & Preservation/ Parks & Recreation
Harlem Pier/Economic Development & Consumer Affairs


Hon. Okpoti Sowah
Youth, Education & Libraries


Hon. Yvonne Stennett
Co-Chair, Housing, Land Use & Zoning
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Chantay Taylor
Co-Chair: Parks & Recreation/Landmarks & Preservation
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force

Hon. Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas
Youth, Education & libraries


Hon. Carolyn Thompson
First Vice-Chair: CB9M
Co-Chair: Uniformed Services & Transportation
197 A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force


Hon. Gladys Tinsley
Health/Human Services & Environmental,
Landmarks & Preservation/Parks & Recreation


Hon. Matthew Tollin
Uniform Services & Transportation


Hon. Fatima P. Torres
Youth/ Education & Libraries


Hon. Ernestine Welch
Co-Chair (pro tempore): Seniors Issues
Harlem Pier/Economic Development & Consumer Affairs
197-A Plan
Manhattanville Rezoning Task Force

Community Board Handbook

The Community Board Handbook was written for members of New York City's 59 Community Boards, but it contains a wealth of information of interest to the general public, particulary in land use matters.

This is the 1994 edition and more recent material may be available from the City. These files are in Adobe Acrobat format, so you will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader (see http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html) which may be configured as a browser plug-in or as a separate application.

These files contain approximately 48 pages apiece and each one is approximately 2 megabytes.

Table of Contents (Acrobat PDF format)
Part 1 (pages 1 to 56) (Acrobat PDF format)
Part 2 (pages 57 to 114) (Acrobat PDF format)
Part 3 (pages 115 to 168) (Acrobat PDF format)

World's most expensive cities

Click here: World's most expensive cities - Jun. 22, 2005


World's Most Expensive Cities

It's hard to make New Yorkers feel good about the absurd amounts of money required to live comfortably in Gotham. But a new report might at least make them feel a little better. That's because Tokyo continues to earn the dubious distinction of being the world's most expensive city to live in.

Get the Full Story
Calculator: Compare Cities
PRICEY PLACES TO LIVE
From the Mercer 2005 Cost-of-Living Survey:MOST EXPENSIVE WORLD CITIES1. Tokyo (pictured)2. Osaka3. LondonLEAST EXPENSIVE WORLD CITIES1. Asuncion, Paraguay2. Manila, Philippines3. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaMOST EXPENSIVE U.S. CITIES1. New York City (13th Overall)2. Los Angeles (44th)3. White Plains, N.Y. (45th)LEAST EXPENSIVE U.S. CITIES1. Winston-Salem, N.C. (119th)2. Portland, Ore. (112th)3. Pittsburgh (111th)�

SEE FULL LIST



World's most expensive cities
Survey: Tokyo and Osaka take top spots, followed by London, Moscow and Seoul.
June 22, 2005: 2:40 PM EDT


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) � It's hard to make New Yorkers feel good about the absurd amounts of money required to live comfortably in Gotham. But a survey out this week might at least make them feel a little better.

That's because Tokyo continues to earn the dubious distinction of being the world's most expensive city to live in, according to a survey released this week by Mercer Human Resources Consulting.

No. 2 on the list is Osaka, another major Japanese city, which moved up from its fourth place ranking last year.

Osaka's ascent pushed London to No. 3, and Moscow to No. 4.

Coming in fifth is Seoul, which ascended two spots from its position in last year's survey.

As for New York, it fell one spot in the rankings to No. 13 on a worldwide basis, tying it with Dublin.

But New York still ranks No. 1 in North America, followed by Los Angeles, which ranks No. 44 on a worldwide basis, White Plains, N.Y. which ranks No. 45, and San Francisco which ranks No. 50.

Mercer conducts the survey to help multinational companies and governments determine how much to pay their expatriate employees. The survey includes 144 cities across the world, and measures costs including housing, food, clothing, transportation and entertainment.

So, if your company is shipping you off to Tokyo and you're negotiating compensation, you might remind them that a luxury two-bedroom apartment unfurnished might cost you $4,595 a month.

And you also might remind them that with coffee running at over $4 a cup, there is some risk you'll be less productive due to loss of caffeine unless you're adequately paid.

If you're making a move domestically, and you're interested in finding the place where your dollar will go the farthest, try Winston Salem, N.C., which is the least expensive U.S. city surveyed and ranks No. 119 on a worldwide basis. Heading north, Ottawa will provide you with the most bang for your buck in North America.

If you head south to South America, you'll encounter some of the world's least expensive cities due to the lingering effects of the devaluation of the Argentine currency in 2002 and subsequent financial crisis, Mercer said. Asuncion, Paraguay, again ranks as the world's least expensive city, according to the survey. It is closely preceded by Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Caracas.

To see Mercer's full list of cities by rank, click on the graphic above.




Click here: 2005 Mercer cost of living rankings - popup

World's most and least expensive cities
Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting, 2005 Cost-of-Living Survey

2005
Rank City
1 Tokyo, Japan
2 Osaka, Japan
3 London, United Kingdom
4 Moscow, Russia
5 Seoul, South Korea
6 Geneva, Switzerland
7 Zurich, Switzerland
8 Copenhagen, Denmark
9 Hong Kong, Hong Kong
10 Oslo, Norway
11 Milan, Italy
12 Paris, France
13 New York City, United States
13 Dublin, Ireland
15 St. Petersburg, Russia
16 Vienna, Austria
17 Rome, Italy
18 Stockholm, Sweden
19 Beijing, China
20 Sydney, Australia
20 Helsinki, Finland
22 Douala, Cameroon
22 Istanbul, Turkey
24 Amsterdam, Netherlands
24 Budapest, Hungary
26 Abidjan, C�te d'Ivoire
27 Warsaw, Poland
28 Prague, Czech Republic
29 Taipei, Taiwan
30 Shanghai, China
31 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
32 D�sseldorf, Germany
33 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
34 Singapore, Singapore
34 Frankfurt, Germany
36 Dakar, Senegal
37 Munich, Germany
38 Berlin, Germany
39 Tel Aviv, Israel
40 Glasgow, United Kingdom
41 Athens, Greece
41 Brussels, Belgium
43 Barcelona, Spain
44 Los Angeles, United States
45 White Plains, United States
46 Madrid, Spain
47 Birmingham, United Kingdom
48 Zagreb, Croatia
49 Hamburg, Germany
50 Hanoi, Vietnam
50 San Francisco, United States
52 Chicago, United States
52 Beirut, Lebanon
54 Riga, Latvia
54 Kiev, Ukraine
56 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
57 Miami, United States
58 Algiers, Algeria
59 Casablanca, Morocco
60 Tallin, Estonia
61 Lyon, France
61 Honolulu, United States
63 Shenzhen, China
64 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
65 Guangzhou, China
66 Lisbon, Portugal
67 Amman, Jordan
68 Melbourne, Australia
69 Auckland, New Zealand
70 Houston, United States
71 Jakarta, Indonesia
72 Kuwait City, Kuwait
73 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
74 San Juan, Puerto Rico
75 Almaty, Kazakhstan
76 Wellington, New Zealand
76 Ljubljana, Slovenia
78 Washington, D.C., United States
79 Boston, United States
80 Morristown, United States
81 Sofia, Bulgaria
82 Toronto, Canada
83 Atlanta, United States
84 Brisbane, Australia
85 Leipzig, Germany
86 Manama, Bahrain
87 Vancouver, Canada
88 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
89 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
89 Adelaide, Australia
91 Vilnius, Lithuania
91 Accra, Ghana
93 Perth, Australia
94 Denver, United States
95 Mexico City, Mexico
96 Lagos, Nigeria
97 Cairo, Egypt
98 Calgary, Canada
99 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
100 Limassol, Cyprus
101 Detroit, United States
102 St. Louis, United States
103 Seattle, United States
103 Bucharest, Romania
105 Kingston, Jamaica
105 Mumbai, India
107 Montreal, Canada
108 Guatemala City, Guatemala
109 Cleveland, United States
110 New Delhi, India
111 Pittsburgh, United States
112 Portland (Ore.), United States
113 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
114 Panama City, Panama
115 Monterrey, Mexico
116 Johannesburg, South Africa
117 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
118 Lima, Peru
119 Nairobi, Kenya
119 Winston-Salem, United States
119 S�o Paulo, Brazil
122 Ottawa, Canada
123 Lusaka, Zambia
124 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
125 Bangkok, Thailand
126 Tunis, Tunisia
127 Dacca (Dhaka), Bangladesh
128 Santiago, Chile
129 Tehran, Iran
130 Blantyre, Malawi
131 Tianjin, China
132 Colombo, Sri Lanka
133 Bogot�, Colombia
134 Harare, Zimbabwe
135 San Jos�, Costa Rica
136 Karachi, Pakistan
137 Quito, Ecuador
138 Chennai (Madras), India
138 Caracas, Venezuela
140 Montevideo, Uruguay
141 Bangalore, India
142 Buenos Aires, Argentina
143 Manila, Philippines
144 Asunci�n, Paraguay

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT: Q&A With the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

Subject: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT: Q&A With the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Date: 7/6/2005 11:40:38 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From: www.MyNYC@nyc.gov
Sent from the Internet (Details)


"HPD Press Releases"

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT

Q&A With the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

Press Contact:
Neill McG. Coleman
(212) 863-8076

Q. WHOM SHOULD I NOTIFY IF MY APARTMENT IS IN NEED OF REPAIRS?
A. You should first notify your landlord or managing agent of any housing maintenance problems, such as leaks, peeling paint, vermin, and inadequate heat/hot water. If the landlord and/or managing agent does not respond and correct the problem within a reasonable amount of time, you should then file a complaint with the City's Citizen Service Center by dialing 311. It is a good idea to put all notices to your landlord and/or managing agent in writing and mail them via certified mail. You are also encouraged to document and take pictures of all conditions and to keep copies of all letters and notices both to and from your landlord as well as from the City.

Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER I FILE A HOUSING MAINTENANCE COMPLAINT WITH 311?
A. After you file a housing maintenance complaint with 311, a notice of complaint will be generated and mailed to your landlord or managing agent. An acknowledgement of the complaint will be mailed to you. You should keep the acknowledgement for your records. If the complaint involves an emergency condition (such as no heat or no electricity) the City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will call your landlord or managing agent to provide additional notice of the complaint. HPD will also call you, the complainant, to verify whether the emergency condition still exists. If you cannot be reached, or tell the HPD caller that the condition still exists, a uniformed housing inspector may be dispatched. Your landlord will not be told when the inspection will occur.

Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE HOUSING INSPECTOR ARRIVES AT MY APARTMENT?
A. After arriving at your apartment, the uniformed housing inspector will inspect the conditions described in your complaint. Violations will be issued for conditions that violate the New York City Housing Maintenance Code or New York State Multiple Dwelling Law and that are observed by the housing inspector.


Q. WHAT CAN I DO IF MY LANDLORD REFUSES TO MAKE REPAIRS OR CORRECT VIOLATIONS IN MY APARTMENT?
A. If your landlord refuses to make repairs to your apartment, you can bring a case against your landlord in housing court. This type of case is called an HP ("Housing Part") Action. HP Actions are lawsuits brought by tenants or groups of tenants against landlords to force them to make repairs and provide essential services such as heat and hot water. You do not need a lawyer to start an HP Action. The fee to initiate an HP Action may be waived under certain circumstances. If you wish to start an HP Action against your landlord, go to the clerk's office at the housing court. For more information on Housing Court call the Citywide Task force on Housing Court at 212-862-4795 (Mon-Fri between 2pm and 5pm) or call 311.

If you are a rent regulated tenant (i.e. rent stabilized or rent controlled) you may apply for a rent reduction with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The reduction is not automatic and is calculated according to the services you have not received. You can reach DHCR via 311.

Q: CAN MY LANDLORD ENTER MY APARTMENT AT ANY TIME?
A: Generally no. However, a landlord may enter your apartment in some situations. For example, generally, the landlord can enter your apartment:
1) At a reasonable time after providing reasonable notice if the entry is either
� To provide necessary or agreed upon repairs or services, or
� In accordance with the lease, or
� To show the apartment to prospective tenants or purchasers; and
2) In an emergency (such as a fire) at any time and without notice.

Q: AM I ENTITLED TO HAVE MY APARTMENT PAINTED?
A: Yes, the landlord must paint occupied apartments in multiple dwellings (buildings with three or more apartments) every three years. (NYC Administrative Code �27-2013).

Q: I'VE HEARD ABOUT A NEW LAW ON LEAD PAINT. WHAT DOES IT SAY?
A: The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act is intended to protect children from swallowing lead paint chips and dust. Lead can harm a child's health, learning and behavior. The law applies to certain types of apartments: those in buildings built before 1960 (or between 1960 and 1978 if your landlord knows the building contains lead paint) with three or more apartments and where a child under seven lives. If your landlord knows that a child under seven lives in your apartment, they must inspect your apartment for peeling paint and other lead paint hazards at least once a year. Contact your landlord if you see peeling paint or other unsafe conditions. Your landlord must then check your apartment and safely fix any hazards found. Be sure to fill out and return the annual notice from your landlord asking if you have a child under seven in your apartment. The notices are sent out in early January. More information on the procedures for inspection and clean-up are available at www.nyc.gov/hpd


Q: THE BUILDING OWNER SAYS THAT A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTING DEVICE MUST BE INSTALLED IN MY APARTMENT AND THAT I MUST PAY FOR IT. IS THAT TRUE?
A: In nearly all cases the owner must install a carbon monoxide detecting device in your apartment and the owner can require you to pay $25 to reimburse the cost of the installation. It is your obligation to maintain that device and to replace it if it is missing or inoperable. Certain limited exceptions do apply. They are listed on HPD's website at www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/for-owners/carbonmonoxide.html.

Q: HOW DO I CONTACT HPD FOR MORE INFORMATION?
A: Tenants and building owners seeking more information about the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) may call 311 to request a copy of "Questions and Answers About Housing Rules and Regulations for Tenants" or go to www.nyc.gov/hpd

NEW YORKERS RELIEVED WITH NYC2012 OLYMPIC ELIMINATION

Subject: NY'ers Relieved with Olympic Elimination
Date: 7/6/2005 7:56:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: kitchen@hellskitchen.net
Sent from the Internet (Details)


NEW YORKERS RELIEVED WITH NYC2012 OLYMPIC ELIMINATION

Many NYC residents are relieved that NYC2012 has been put out of its
miserable existence. If they had won, then every single city need --
whether education, health care, housing or transportation -- would become
secondary to the games.

We can only hope that Mayor Bloomberg sticks to his word that 2012 will be
the ONLY time for a NYC Olympic Bid. New Yorkers have tired of
misrepresentations and platitudes masquerading as bad real estate projects.
Whether it was the stadium on Manhattan's West Side, the Ratner Arena in
Brooklyn or for other venues, the Olympic bid was used as a stalking horse
for bad development and bad public policy.

Over the years, the Olympics have lost sight of sports, instead becoming an
excuse for cities to assume gargantuan debt, create massive displacement
and become marketing machines. "Stronger, Higher, Faster" (the Olympic
motto) no longer applies to runners, swimmers and gymnasts.

In 1996, approximately 30,000 people were displaced in Atlanta. In 1992,
reportedly 720,000 people were moved in Seoul. So far in anticipation of
Beijing's 2008 Olympics, approximately 300,000 individuals have been swept
out of the way.* Displacement and human rights violations also occurred in
Athens and Sydney. Thirty years later, Montreal is still paying off its
Olympic debt. The Athens games have put Greece in a precarious financial
position.

Whichever city ends up with the games, the IOC must take responsibility for
the burden it creates around the world by creating unreasonable social and
legacy expectations. Sports can be wonderful, but should not justify bad
government. Nor should bad government officials (Mayors and Council members
alike) use sports as justification for bad policy.

While both Paris and Madrid recently held Olympic celebrations with over 1
million attendees each, New York could hardly muster a few hundred
supporters. New Yorkers may love sports, but were not impressed with the
Bloomberg/Doctoroff fiasco. Let their dream stay a dream. (and with
condolences to London)

* Source: Center on Housing Rights and Evictions.


=== 30 ===

Celebrate 2012 Olympic Decision Day in Rockefeller Plaza - the official viewing site in New York for all the Olympic decision day action

Subject: Reminder: Olympic Decision Countdown July 5 and 6
Date: 7/5/2005 11:29:35 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
From: MyNYC@nyc.gov
To: reysmontj@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)


"General NYC News & Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and Sport News"


Celebrate 2012 Olympic Decision Day in Rockefeller Plaza - the official viewing site in New York for all the Olympic decision day action

Tuesday, July 5th, 2005, 5:00 p.m.
Exclusive live viewing party of New York's presentation with music, food, drinks and Olympian appearances. Open to the public.

New York's presentation will be at 10:15pm. Other bid city presentations will be shown live all night, beginning with Paris at 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, July 6th, 2005, 7:00 am.
2012 Olympic Decision Announcement
Appearances by Olympians, Paralympians and special New York celebrities.

NYC2012 giveaways and special prizes will be distributed both days.

New York City is competing with London, Madrid, Moscow, and Paris for the right to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information about New York's Olympic Bid visit www.NYC20I2.COM


Rockefeller Plaza is accessible by public transportation.
Subway: B, D, F, V trains to 47-50 Street/Rockefeller Center; N, R trains to
49 Street; 1, 9 trains to 50 Street

Bus: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 to 49-50 Street; Crosstown M27, M50 to Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue)

Independence Day

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Celebration Of Independence Day

In The
United States Of America

For Amber Waves of Grain

For Purple Mountains Majesties








Above The Fruited Plain








AMERICA! AMERICA!








God Shed His Grace On Thee!







And Crown Thy Good With Brotherhood







From Sea








To Shining Sea





Let Us Be Truly Thankful For
What We Have Been Blessed With!

Fighting for a Pocket Park, One Flower at a Time

New York Times
Neighborhoods: Hamilton Heights

Fighting for a Pocket Park, One Flower at a Time
Don Hogan Charles/The New York Times

Alida Palma, still yearning for a Parks Department flag.


By SETH KUGEL
Published: July 3, 2005

The framed photo on the end table of Alida Palma's immaculate Hamilton Heights living room shows Ms. Palma, "of a certain age," as she puts it, and elegant in a crisp green suit, standing between a beaming Adrian Benepe, the city parks commissioner, and Mayor Bloomberg.

Ms. Palma, who runs the Montefiore Park Neighborhood Association, may be elderly and sometimes cranky, and she may speak surprisingly halting English for someone who has lived in the United States for half a century. But since she began fighting to clean up her downtrodden neighborhood a decade ago, she is proud of the many connections she has developed. Henry Stern, the former parks commissioner, nicknamed her "Flower Hill," and the photograph of her with the mayor and Mr. Benepe dwarfs the picture of her only grandchild.

But as of late, her political connections seem to have frayed. The other day, she lamented the fact that things have gone downhill since Mr. Benepe was promoted from Manhattan parks commissioner three years ago and, she said, stopped returning her calls. "Back in the day, he was my friend," she said. "But now, I don't know."

The last time the two spoke, she said, was in 2004 at a ceremony at Parks Department headquarters. In a recent call to his office to complain about conditions at Montefiore, the pocket park outside her window, she says, she was told to write a letter.

A department spokeswoman said Commissioner Benepe maintained a good relationship with Ms. Palma, adding that department staff members had been in touch with her regularly and were surprised that she was upset.

But she is. The park's lights, she said, have been unlit for months. Fast-growing weeds are mowed haphazardly. Vagrants leave behind the stench of urine. And there is still no park flag, though Ms. Palma has been lobbying for one since last winter. The Parks Department has told her it doesn't have the money.

Ms. Palma was particularly disturbed by the fact that during the citywide "It's My Park! Day" in May, the city delivered only three flats of yellow perennials and some nonflowering plants to the park, at Broadway and West 138th Street. "Little tiny flowers, and little green plants? Why? No one's going to see them."

The parks spokeswoman said the park had received five flats, the same as last year, although Ms. Palma has photographs from 2003 that show volunteers planting seas of white, blue and yellow flowers. By the next day, she said, even the new flowers were gone, presumably uprooted by vandals.

The Quotidian New York Civic

Q

The Quotidian
New York Civic

No. 61
Friday, July 1, 2005

We assume you know by now that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has retired, and that
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will accompany Mayor Bloomberg to Singapore.

This report is devoted to less cosmic issues. We hope you find it pleasing.

Today is Getaway Day for many New Yorkers leaving for the July 4th weekend. The subway was much less crowded this morning, and some offices are closed. Although city agencies are open, many offices are underpopulated. It makes one wonder whether every single person on the municipal payroll is necessary. But why let such small thoughts intrude.

We decided to write a Q, which consists primarily of links to news articles, in part because so many of you may not see today's newspapers. We will send it to everyone on our lists, except Ws who have opted for one communication per week. If you are not on the Q list and would like to be, please indicate that by writing Q on the subject bar and sending it back to us. We try to accommodate our gracious readers by offering options, so they can choose the level of frequency of our reports with which they are most comfortable.

We are somewhat conflicted because, on the one hand, we want to let our readers know what is going on in our subject areas: Efficiency, Ethics, Education, Environment, Expenditures and Elections. We try to collect and present different viewpoints on these issues. On the other hand, we do not want to bore people or overwhelm them with information. One thing we have learned by writing articles is that the most important matters are often not the most interesting.

In case you do not finish this Q, we now we wish you all a happy 4th of July weekend, and remember that its original purpose was to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is the birthday of the United States of America. Monday we will be 229.


Who steals my purse steals trash;
'tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his...
--Shakespeare

Council Speaker Gifford Miller was distressed and embarrassed when he found he could not round up 34 members to override Mayor Bloomberg's veto of the Council's waste management plan. So he chose the 'nuclear option' available to the Council majority and slashed budget items that were earmarked for the home districts of the dissenters. These funds generally go to non-profits, who are properly grateful to the Councilmember who secured them. Without funding, some of the programs would have to be discontinued.

Should non-combatants be punished for their councilmember's vote on a public issue? Well, if a member receives extra funds for his district as a reward for good behavior, why shouldn't he be punished for bad behavior (disloyalty to the Speaker)? The receivers of this pork may or may not have deserved the money in the first place. Just because a group is non-profit or high-minded does not necessarily mean that it is providing essential services to anyone but its own executives and employees. It is possible that the Speaker's 'massive retaliation' may have saved the city from some boondoggles. But that is unlikely, since a grateful mayor can usually restore any cuts that have been made, one way or another.

Coverage of the clash of wills began yesterday: The Post, Frankie Edozien, MAD GIFF TRA$HES GARBAGE TRAITORS. Newsday's, Dan Janison and Bryan Virssami, "SPEAKER TO GET THE LAST LAUGH? Tensions are high in City Council as advocates of the mayor's trash-policy bill brace themselves for fallout." Daily News: CAN HE FOR-GIFF AND FORGET? asks Frank Lombardi.

Today's accounts keep the teapot boiling. The most interesting story is in the Times, B3, where Mike McIntire writes a comprehensive account of the he-said, she-said, under the head, COUNCIL SPEAKER IS ACCUSED OF RETALIATORY BUDGET CUTS. The lead: "In an unseemly open and personal display of anger, a handful of City Council members yesterday accused Speaker Gifford Miller of cutting their budget requests in retaliation for their decision not to support his fight against the mayor's citywide trash plan."

The Times' story includes Miller's vigorous defense of the Council's budget decisions:. "In every budget, you never make everybody happy. But this is a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of all New Yorkers, and we looked at how to address those needs through one lens, what is in the best interests of the people of the city of New York." If you believe that...

In the story, Councilmembers Provenzano, Baez, Avella and Felder were critical of the Speaker, while Councilmembers Koppell and Liu defended him. Their positions on retaliation generally conform with their choices for the mayoralty. A number of Democratic councilmembers are expected to endorse Mayor Bloomberg for re-election, whereas Koppell and Liu are supporters of Speaker Miller.

The News' Frank Lombardi's account today, CITY BUDGET OK'D, GIFF TARGETS FOES, quotes Madeline Provenzano, "I personally think it's quite immature and immoral of the speaker to punish my constituents because I voted my conscience." And, on the other side, John Liu, "'Every year there's bound to be a few crybabies', he smirked. 'And I've ordered a bag of lollipops. It will be in the members' lounge.'"


Do Not Die in Brooklyn -- or Anywhere Else -- Without Leaving a Will

Yesterday, we reported the removal of Brooklyn Surrogate Michael Feinberg by the New York State Court of Appeals, and the State Legislature's creation of a second Surrogate, so timed that the Democratic County organization will fill the vacancy without a primary election.

Today, look at the Daily News, BIG MESS IN B'KLYN COURT FOR ESTATES, by Nancie L. Katz. Read this: "A day after a powerful Brooklyn judge was booted for lining a pal's pockets with the money of the dead, a city report said the system the judge presided over was rife with sloppy bookkeeping. City Comptroller Bill Thompson called the files on estates of people who died in Brooklyn without a will 'disorganized collections of documentation."

We have the Comptroller's findings: "Audit Report on the Estate Management Practices of the Kings County Public Administrator." Marietta Small was the administrator at this time; the counsel to the public administrator was Louis Rosenthal, who pocketed nearly nine million dollars in fees approved by his good buddy, former Surrogate Feinberg. Rosenthal charged one-third more than the normal rate, and never submitted any documentation of his time or expenses for the estates he handled.

The News also carries a rather personal column by Errol Louis, On Politics, ALUMS MAKE & BREAK LAW. "Having graduated from Brooklyn Law School a month ago, I couldn't help noticing that Michael Feinberg, the former Kings County Surrogate Judge who got kicked off the bench this week by unanimous vote of New York's highest state court, is a fellow alumnus..."


MTA Defers Action on Unpopular Rules Changes,
Editorials, Letters Decry 'Nanny State' Proposals,
Fining Passengers $75 for Moving to the Next Car

At its Wednesday meeting, the MTA Board, chaired by Peter Kalikow, postponed for a month a decision on whether to impose a series of restrictions on passenger behavior, including a ban on changing cars. Some of the proposals make sense, others are oppressive and confining. We testified on this at a Monday committee hearing and wrote about it Tuesday. Wednesday, we received 30 e-mails in opposition to the rule, and none in favor. There is no question that some of the new rules were not well received by the public.

We missed a strong editorial in Tuesday's Sun, PRISONERS OF THE MTA, which you might enjoy reading. It begins: "The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is going from the outrageous to the ridiculous by trying to pass a rule that would ban subway riders from moving between cars." It concludes: "The ban against panhandling on the subway is routinely violated, yet no doubt if this rule change goes forward, it will be enforced against thousands of innocent New Yorkers who are willing to take a reasonable risk with their lives to find a tolerable or safe car to ride in." The Sun editorial, a true cri de coeur, is well worth reading.

Wednesday's Post ran an editorial, ORDER UNDERGROUND, supporting some new rules but opposing the rule banning passengers from changing cars. "Quality of life and safety are certainly legitimate reasons to enforce subway decorum. But there's no need to create ticketing opportunities for essentially nonexistent problems," the Post concludes.

In today's Times, master columnist Clyde Haberman's column, READING THIS OVER COFFEE? ALL ABOARD!, treats the proposal with the humor and skepticism for which he is noted. It is worth reading over the weekend.


But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
--Shakespeare


Today's Post, by Susan Edelman, SHAMED HONCHO TO SUE: Hits City in Sex Flap. "John Murphy was forced to retire as chief of the city's largest pension system because he promoted his married lover to a top job -- and now he's suing the city for $10 million, the Post has learned." He alleges that the publication of his personal issues made him unemployable and subjected him to great emotional distress.

The News also learned it, and David Saltonstall's account; BOSS MAY SUE CITY IN SEX FUROR, reports the situation. Murphy has not yet sued, but he has filed a notice of claim. If you want to sue the city, you must file a notice of claim with the comptroller within 120 days of the origin of the cause of action.


Welfare rolls continue to decline, are lowest since Mayor Wagner's time.

APPLE'S WELFARE ROLLS AT NEW LOW: In the Post, by David Seifman, in the Post. The caseload has been shrinking steadily; in May 2005 it was down to 413,838. It peaked at 1,160,593 in the mid '90s. Most of the decline took place in the Giuliani administration, which put welfare recipients to work for their benefits.

Time limits on welfare were imposed by Congress at President Clinton's request in the "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996," which was intended "to end welfare as we know it." When Mayor Bloomberg took office in January 2002, the rolls stood at 459,159, so the additional reduction in this administration has now reached 45,321. The significant reduction in crime during the Giuliani years has also continued for the last three and one half years.




Henry J. Stern
starquest@nycivic.org
New York Civic
520 Eighth Avenue
22nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 564-4441
(212) 564-5588 (fax)

www.nycivic.org

The HDFC Cooperative in CB9M: The Saxonia - The pride of Hamilton Heights

The Saxonia

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/neighbor/thesaxonia

601 West 136th Street, HDFC
Beautifully designed by the Architectural firm of NEVILLE & BAGGE it was ready for occupancy in 1907 in time for the inauguration of the IRT # 1 subway line to and from 137th Street and Broadwayin Hamilton Square.

The building provides apartments in 3 comfortable sizes: 4 1/2 rooms of approximately 950 Sq. Ft.; 5 1/2 rooms of approximately 1150 Sq. Ft. and 6 1/2 rooms approximately 1300 Sq. Ft. Additionally this mixed use building offers approximately 4000 Sq. Ft. of commercial space designed to accommodate 7 stores and the corresponding basement area, on the Broadway side of the building.


Since 1988
In September 1988 the Tenants of 601 West 136th Street entered the Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development,(HPD), Division of Alternative Management.

The Tenant's Organizing Committee consisted of: Cecilia C. Calderon*, Miguel Latuf, Lorraine Latuf*, Emma Flores*, William V. Morales, Michael J. Palma, William J. Palma*, Daniel Paulino and Jordi Reyes-Montblanc*.

On May 7th 1993 the Tenants purchased the building from the City of New York and converted into an HDFC cooperative. The Tenant's Organizing Committee was elected as the Board of Governance that upon conversion to cooperative became elected the Board of Directors. Through the years, Frank Llanusa, Sonia Peralta and Silvio Cevallos have served as members of the Board several times.

The Board of Directors through the years has gut rehabilitated 36 of its 38 apartments and renovated the basement and public areas of the building, the fa�ade of the building, installed a new solid steel decorative replacement fence of similar design as the original.

The maintenance charges for the shareholders is based on $50.00 per room, the bathrooms counting as 1/2 room. The few rental units are priced at less than one fourth the current market rents for the area. These prices are possible as the building's Broadway side, has 7 commercial spaces occupied by 3 stores. The commercial rents are fixed at approximately 50% of the market rate to insure that the merchants can afford the rent without having to opt for some of the illegal or extra-legal practices not infrequently found in the area, and yet the income derived by the cooperative is sufficient to be able to afford the constant improvements of the building structure and of the quality of life conditions. The building boasts a full Laundry facility and exersize room for the exclusive use of our residents.

The tenant-shareholders have initiated, supported and advanced many projects for the benefit of the neighborhood including the planting of trees on the block and the neighborhood, promoting quality of life actions and initiatives and providing leadership for several of the most active civic organizations of the area.

Located at the southern end of Hamilton Heights by Hamilton Square, The Saxonia home-owners and residents have made tremendous efforts in support of this resurgent part of the Heights.

* Denotes Current Members of the 2005 Board of Directors



The Third Millennium
As the 3rd Millennium starts The Saxonia faces a future of prosperity and comfort.

Further rehabilitation and renewal plans are under way to make The Saxonia, the Pride of Hamilton Heights.

The excellent management of the HDFC is performed by the very experienced Board of Directors.

Among the amenities available to the shareholders and tenants of The Saxonia are digital cable TV, (the standard Time-Warner package plus one premium channel), for $15 per month.

Reduced electric cost and energy conservation. By placing a master meter in front of the apartment's electric meters the shareholders and tenants can take advantage of the electric ''bulk rate'' cost at approximately 25% below current ConEdison rates for residential customers.

Since November 2004 the electricity is under ConEdison�s Rider M �real time pricing� the second building to do so in the country.

By using state of the art metering technology and high efficiency energy saving light fixtures, appliances, the savings on electric cost are further being reduced. The technological advance metering allows the management of consumption at peak demand periods, thus assiting in the reduction of the risk of ''brown-outs'' in the district. The advance energy management and savings are illustrative of the future in energy conservation, cost reduction and control of peak demand period.

These energy conservation and cost savings have been obtained by participating in several HDFC Coalition sponsored projects funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under contracts awarded to EIS, Inc. (515 Greewich Street, Suite 503, New York, NY 10012 Att. Lewis M. Kwit; Tel: (212) 366-6661 e-mail: lmk@eisincorp.com)

The HDFC Council along with members of the Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives and Condominiums, Coordinating Council of Cooperatives, the Mitchell-Lama Council and New York Association of Realty Managers have established the Cooperative Coalition to Prevent Blackouts (CCPB), a group that is intended to eventually include all the cooperative and condominium groups that have buildings that are master meter/submetered, using advance interval meters that will create an �aggregation� to encourage further savings and greater opportunities for conservation by managing the peak demand periods.

This site's address:
www.neighborhoodlink.com/neighbor/thesaxonia

Email: 601W136HDFC@nyc.rr.com

Last Updated: 1Jul05 21:30:15

St. John The Divine Fact Sheet

The attached link to The Cathedral St. John the Divine's website includes information about events going on at the Cathedral, information about it's ministry and social service programs, as well as a Fact Sheet about the Real Estate Development Project. To access the Fact Sheet click on Campus and Real Estate Project.


Wendy Feuer
for the Cathedral

DOL - SSN Verification FAQ

Verifying Social Security numbers with SSA and DOL

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Effective May 20, 2004, the Department of Licensing will begin verifying identity information (such as the Social Security number, SSN) that customers provide to ensure it matches data on record at the Social Security Administration. The effort is expected to enhance positive identification for licensed drivers, provide a check against identity theft, and improve security.

The Department of Licensing is required to collect Social Security numbers to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new automated Social Security number verification system will be in place May 20 to compare name, date of birth, and Social Security number contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.

If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued.

Verifying Social Security numbers with SSA and DOLFrequently Asked Questions and Answers
Effective May 20, 2004, the Department of Licensing will begin verifying identity information (such as the Social Security number, SSN) that customers provide to ensure it matches data on record at the Social Security Administration. The effort is expected to enhance positive identification for licensed drivers, provide a check against identity theft, and improve security.

The Department of Licensing is required to collect Social Security numbers to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new automated Social Security number verification system will be in place May 20 to compare name, date of birth, and Social Security number contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.

If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued.

What is changing?

When will this change go into effect?

Will the SSN appear on my driver license?

Is it mandatory or voluntary to provide DOL with my SSN?

When did DOL start collecting SSN's?

Is Washington the only state verifying the SSN to obtain a driver license?

What if I don't have a SSN?

What will happen if I refuse to provide my SSN?

Can I sign a declaration form if I refuse to provide this information?

Will I know before I leave the local licensing office if the information has been verified with SSA

What if SSA's information does not match the information I provide to DOL?

Can I take care of this problem over the telephone?

What documents will be required at the Social Security Administration in an attempt to correct my Social Security information?

If I am unable to get to the SSA, is there any way to resolve my SSN information with DOL?

What happens if I do not resolve the issue with my SSN information before the 45-day period?

Can I still get my driver license the same day if the SSN does not match the information provided by the SSA?

Can I extend my 45-day temporary license?

Does this affect the Internet duplicate driver's license on-line?

Who will have access to this information and how will it be used?

Will I be required to provide my SSN to receive an identification card?

What if the computer systems are down?

Will this process increase my wait time in the DOL office?


What is changing?

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is currently required to collect Social Security numbers (SSNs) to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new, automated SSN verification system is now in place to compare name, date of birth, SSN information contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.

If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued. This verification will be performed whenever a DOL record is accessed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When will this change go into effect?

The SSN verification system will start verifying SSNs in May 2004.


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Will the SSN appear on my driver license?

No - SSNs will not appear on the face of the license or be contained in barcodes on the back.


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Is it mandatory or voluntary to provide DOL with my SSN?

DOL's collection of SSN information is mandatory under several state and federal laws. These laws assist in child support enforcement and for identification purposes. The following statutes govern the collection of your SSN by DOL:

State laws (Revised Code of Washington):

RCW 26.23.120 - Information and records -- Confidentiality -- Disclosure -- Adjudicative proceeding -- Rules -- Penalties
RCW 26.23.150 - Recording of social security numbers -- Compliance with federal requirement -- Restricted disclosure
RCW 46.25.070 - Application -- Change of address -- Residency

Federal laws (United States Code and Code of Federal Regulations):

42 USC 450
42 USC 666(a)(13)
49 CFR 383.153

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When did DOL start collecting SSN's?

The Department of Licensing has been collecting Social Security numbers for persons applying for commercial driver licenses since 1989. Personal driver license customers have been required to provide Social Security numbers since 2000. What is changing is that the numbers, date of birth and names will now be verified or matched with information contained in Social Security Administration records.


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Is Washington the only state verifying the SSN to obtain a driver license?

No, many other states have similar systems and all states eventually are expected to verify SSNs. Among the states already using the SSN verification system are Nebraska, Idaho, Ohio, Missouri, Alabama, South Dakota, Nevada, Rhode Island, Arizona, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee and California. More states are verifying the information as funding and resources become available.


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What if I don't have a SSN?

There is a declaration form that can be signed by those who have never been issued a SSN. This document requires a license holder or customer to sign, under penalty of perjury, a statement declaring that the customer has not been assigned a SSN. These forms will be scanned and kept on file.


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What will happen if I refuse to provide my SSN?

If you refuse to provide your SSN, DOL will not issue a driver license, commercial driver license or permit.


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Can I sign a declaration form if I refuse to provide this information?

Signing a declaration form is only an option for those to whom a SSN was never issued. DOL staff will not accept this form if there is evidence a SSN has been issued.


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Will I know before I leave the local licensing office if the information has been verified with SSA?

In most cases you will know before you leave the licensing office if there is a problem with your information. If system problems prevent contact with SSA, the verification request will be sent later. If this is the case, a licensing representative will inform you that this process may result in a notification by mail that the information couldn't be verified with SSA. You will have 45 days from the date your temporary license was issued to resolve the discrepancy between the DOL and SSA records.


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What if SSA's information does not match the information I provide to DOL?

If the information does not match, the following steps need to be taken:

Double check information entered into DOL record - If the licensing representative has entered your SSN correctly, there may be incorrect information on file with SSA.

Verify or correct information at SSA office - You will need to go into SSA and have them update their online record or provide you with a "SSN verification printout" containing the SSA seal. This information is normally resolved the same day. A brochure is available to help you locate your local SSA office.

Present updated information to DOL - After updating your information at SSA office or receiving a "SSN verification printout," you will need to return in person to a licensing office before the 45 days has been exhausted. After updating our record, we will be able to release your permanent license.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can I take care of this problem over the telephone?

The local driver licensing office cannot resolve any issue with your SSN information over the telephone. Also, the local licensing office cannot call SSA directly to resolve any issues with your information.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What documents will be required at the Social Security Administration in an attempt to correct my Social Security information?

SSA recommends the following to correct a SSN problem:

Ask for a Replacement card (same SSN, same name) if your original card was lost or stolen. Proof of identity is required.

Ask for a Corrected card (same SSN, different name) if you have a card and need a name change. Proof of identity is required, including one or more documents which identify you by your old name and your new name. Examples include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order that changes your name. Two identity documents can be accepted, one in old name and one in new name.

Ask for an Original card if you never had a Social Security number
If you were born outside the United States, the Social Security Administration will require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

To change information on your record other than your name, you will need to bring proof of identity and another document that supports the change. For example, you can present a birth certificate to change your date and/or place of birth or parents' names.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If I am unable to get to the SSA, is there any way to resolve my SSN information with DOL?

The local licensing office will try to resolve the information at the counter if you can provide evidence that your SSN information is correct. You will be required to provide proof of your name, date of birth, and separate proof of your SSN (if one has been issued to you).

To correct a name, please provide one or more documents that identify you by old name on SSA records and new name. Two identity documents can be accepted if one is in the old name and one is in the new name.

All documents must be originals. DOL will not accept photocopies. A list of acceptable documents for establishing identity is available on the DOL Web site at: http://www.dol.wa.gov/ds/id.htm.

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What happens if I do not resolve the issue with my SSN information before the 45-day period?

The licensing office will only be able to provide a temporary license ONCE for a 45-day period. After the 45-day period, the customer's driving privilege will be cancelled. If your driver license is cancelled, the customer must reapply and provide the documentation required to verify their SSN.

If the customer cannot resolve the mismatch within 45 days or wishes to challenge the cancellation process, they may request a hearing. A request must be submitted within 30 days as stated in the Notice of Cancellation letter.


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Can I still get my driver license the same day if the SSN does not match the information provided by the SSA?

Yes, the driver licensing office will issue a temporary license allowing you to drive for 45 days. A notice of cancellation will be handed to you at the counter and mailed informing you that your information didn't match and you must resolve this discrepancy prior to the expiration of your 45-day temporary license in order for the permanent license to be issued.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can I extend my 45-day temporary license?

No, a second temporary license will not be issued until the SSN discrepancy is resolved.


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Does this affect the Internet duplicate driver's license on-line?

If the information on your record has been verified and matches the information at SSA, then there is no change. However, if the information has not been verified or does not match the information at SSA, you will not be able to get a duplicate driver's license over the Internet. You will need to go into a local driver licensing office to get a duplicate license.


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Who will have access to this information and how will it be used?

DOL takes its responsibility to protect personal information very seriously. Safeguards are in place to screen SSNs from anyone other than the driver or governmental agencies entitled to receive the information. Employees are required to follow the agency's Public Records Privacy Protection Policy, and are aware of the sensitivity of personal information such as the SSN.

DOL is required by law to report this information to the Department of Social & Health Services to comply with the federal child support enforcement.


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Will I be required to provide my SSN to receive an identification card?

No, a customer applying for an identification card, personal vehicle instruction permit or agricultural permit (original, renewal, or duplicate) is not required to disclose their SSN. DOL will attempt to collect and verify their SSN, but an identification card or permit will be issued whether or not the number is found to be valid with SSA.


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What if the computer systems are down?

The local licensing office will issue a temporary 45-day license. Once the systems are functioning, our system will attempt to verify your information. If the information matches, the permanent license will be mailed to the appropriate address. If the information does not match, you will receive a notification by mail telling you a discrepancy must be resolved or your license will be cancelled 45 days after the temporary license was issued.


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Will this process increase my wait time in the DOL office?

This process should not cause additional waiting time for our customers. In most cases, the information will be returned in less than one minute during the application or renewal process.


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Quick Clicks:
SSN Verification Brochure - English
SSN Verification Brochure - Spanish
Driver Licensing Office Locations
Driver Licensing FAQs
Identification Requirements
Fees
Driver Guide
Forms
New Laws
RCW 26.23.150

Telephone:
(360) 902-3900
TTY (360) 664-0116

Office hours:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Pacific Time),
Monday through Friday


Write:
Department of Licensing
Driver Responsibility
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030


E-Mail:
drivers@dol.wa.gov

Funnies to brighten your day

Foiling Spee Cameras Downunder
























If you wanted to tattoo your bald head, what would YOU choose???














Mustang - and a half? Now that's what I call a matching trailer!















You in the market???





















Quotes & Wisdumb From The Stars

I was the first woman to burn my bra - it took the fire department four days to put it out. - Dolly Parton

Don't tell anyone. I'm supposed to be dumb. - Former supermodel Helena Christensen admits she can speak six languages

I'm not handsome in the classical sense. The eyes droop, the mouth is crooked, the teeth aren't straight, the voice sounds like a mafioso pallbearer. - Sylvester Stallone

I have everything I had twenty years ago - except now it's all lower. - Gypsy Rose Lee

=============================================================
"Senior" personal ads

Some "Senior" personal ads seen in Florida newspapers:
(Who says seniors don't have a sense of humor?)

FOXY LADY: Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4" (used to be 5'6"), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, and am looking for someone to round out a six-unit plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.

SERENITY NOW: I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let's get together, take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

WINNING SMILE: Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.

BEATLES OR STONES? I still like to rock, still like to cruise in my Camaro on Saturday nights and still like to play the guitar. If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen, let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

MEMORIES: I can usually remember Monday through Thursday. If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let's put our two heads together.

MINT CONDITION: Male, 1932, high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn't in running condition, but walks well.

==================================

And, as you plan your day, remember the immortal words of Charles Schultz...
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.



These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones who care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

O'Connor to Retire From Supreme Court

Updated: 11:27 AM EDT

O'Connor to Retire From Supreme Court
Move Allows Bush to Influence Future of Nation's Highest Court
By GINA HOLLAND, AP










APSandra Day O'Connor raises her right hand to be sworn in on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9, 1981.










President Reagan sits with Sandra Day O'Connor in the White House's Rose Garden in 1981 after nominating her to the court.

Watch Broadband Video:
Stage Set for Political Battle

Jump Below:
� Possible Replacements
� Text of Resignation Letter
� Watch Video Coverage
� O'Connor Photo Gallery
� Possible Replacements
� How She Voted


News Interactive:
� The Nomination Process


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WASHINGTON (July 1) - Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court and a key swing vote on issues such as abortion and the death penalty, said Friday she is retiring.

O'Connor, 75, said she expects to leave before the start of the court's next term in October, or whenever the Senate confirms her successor. There was no immediate word from the White House on who might be nominated to replace O'Connor.

It's been 11 years since the last opening on the court, one of the longest uninterrupted stretches in history. O'Connor's decision gives President Bush his first opportunity to appoint a justice.

''This is to inform you of my decision to retire from my position as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, effective upon the nomination and confirmation of my successor,'' she said in a one-paragraph letter to Bush. ''It has been a great privilege indeed to have served as a member of the court for 24 terms. I will leave it with enormous respect for the integrity of the court and its role under our constitutional structure.''

Bush planned to make a statement at 11:15 a.m. EDT in the White House Rose Garden on her resignation. Spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush would not at that time be announcing a nominee to succeed her.

O'Connor's retirement came amid speculation that the aging court would soon have a vacancy. But speculation has most recently focused on Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, 80, and suffering from thyroid cancer. Rehnquist has offered no public clue as to his plans.

The White House has refused to comment on any possible nominees, or whether Bush would name a woman to succeed O'Connor. Her departure leaves Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the only other woman among the current justices.

Possible replacements include Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and federal courts of appeals judges J. Michael Luttig, John Roberts, Samuel A. Alito Jr., Michael McConnell, Emilio Garza and James Harvie Wilkinson III. Others mentioned are former Solicitor General Theodore Olson, lawyer Miguel Estrada and former deputy attorney general Larry Thompson, but Bush's pick could be a surprise choice not well known in legal circles.

Another prospective candidate is Edith Hollan Jones, a judge on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals who was also considered for a Supreme Court vacancy by President Bush's father.

O'Connor's appointment in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, quickly confirmed by the Senate, ended 191 years of male exclusivity on the high court.

She wasted little time building a reputation as a hard-working moderate conservative who emerged as a crucial power broker on the nine-member court.

O'Connor often lines up with the court's conservative bloc, as she did in 2000 when the court voted to stop Florida presidential ballot recounts sought by Al Gore, and effectively called the election for Bush.

As a ''swing voter,'' however, O'Connor sometimes votes with more liberal colleagues.


Possible Replacements




Perhaps the best example of her influence is the court's evolving stance on abortion. She distanced herself both from her three most conservative colleagues, who say there is no constitutional underpinning for a right to abortion, and from more liberal justices for whom the right is a given.

O'Connor initially balked at letting states outlaw most abortions, refusing in 1989 to join four other justices who were ready to reverse the landmark 1973 decision that said women have a constitutional right to abortion.

Then in 1992, she helped forge and lead a five-justice majority that reaffirmed the core holding of the 1973 ruling. Subsequent appointments secured the abortion right. Commentators called O'Connor the nation's most powerful woman, but O'Connor poo-poohed the thought.

''I don't think it's accurate,'' she said in an Associated Press interview.

O'Connor in late 1988 was diagnosed as having breast cancer, and she underwent a mastectomy. She missed just two weeks of work. That same year, she had her appendix removed.

For years, O'Connor had an involuntary nodding of her head, but said she never had it diagnosed. The movement, while not constant, was an up-and-down motion similar to that made by someone nodding in the affirmative.

O'Connor remained the court's only woman until 1993 when, much to O'Connor's delight and relief, President Bill Clinton appointed Ginsburg.


Text of O'Connor's Letter


Dear President Bush:

This is to inform you of my decision to retire from my position as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States effective upon the nomination and confirmation of my successor. It has been a great privilege, indeed, to have served as a member of the court for 24 terms. I will leave it with enormous respect for the integrity of the court and its role under our constitutional structure.

Sincerely,
Sandra Day O'Connor


Source: AP



The enormity of the reaction to O'Connor's appointment had surprised her. She received more than 60,000 letters in her first year, more than any one member in the court's history.

''I had no idea when I was appointed how much it would mean to many people around the country,'' she once said. ''It affected them in a very personal way. People saw it as a signal that there are virtually unlimited opportunities for women. It's important to parents for their daughters, and to daughters for themselves.''

At times, the constant publicity was almost unbearable. ''I had never expected or aspired to be a Supreme Court justice. My first year on the court made me long at times for obscurity,'' she once said.

On the court, O'Connor generally favored states in disputes with the federal government and for enhanced police powers challenged as violative of asserted individual rights.

In 1985, she wrote for the court as it ruled that the confession of a criminal suspect first warned about his rights may be used as trial evidence even if police violated a suspect's rights in obtaining an earlier confession.

O'Connor wrote the 1989 decision that struck down as an unconstitutional form of affirmative action a minority set-aside program for construction projects in Richmond, Va.

In 1991, she led the court as it ruled in its first-ever decision on rape-shield laws that states may under some circumstances bar evidence that a defendant and his alleged victim previously had consensual sex.

O'Connor once described herself and her eight fellow justices as nine fire fighters.

''When (someone) lights a fire, we invariably are asked to attend to the blaze. We may arrive at the scene a few years later,'' she said.

O'Connor was 51 when she joined the court to replace the retired Potter Stewart. A virtual unknown on the national scene until her appointment, she had served as an Arizona state judge, and before that as a member of her state's Legislature.

A fourth-generation Arizonan, she had grown up on a sprawling family ranch.

The woman who climbed higher in the legal profession than had any other member of her sex did not begin her career auspiciously. As a top-ranked graduate of Stanford's prestigious law school, class of 1952, O'Connor discovered that most large law firms did not hire women.

One offered her a job as a secretary. Perhaps it was that early experience that shaped O'Connor's professional tenacity. She once recalled a comment by an Arizona colleague: ''With Sandra O'Connor, there ain't no Miller time.''

''I think that's true,'' confessed the justice whose work week most often extended beyond 60 hours.

But she played tennis and golf well, danced expertly with her husband, John, and made frequent appearances on the Washington party circuit.

O'Connor was embarrassed in 1989 after conservative Republicans in Arizona used a letter she had sent to support their claim that the United States is a ''Christian nation.''

The 1988 letter, which prompted some harsh criticism of O'Connor by legal scholars, cited three Supreme Court rulings in which the nation's Christian heritage was discussed.

O'Connor said she regretted the letter's use in a political debate. ''It was not my intention to express a personal view on the subject of the inquiry,'' she said.

O'Connor's name was linked in 1985 with that of Washington Redskins football star John Riggins when at a formal dinner he was heard to tell the justice sharing his table, ''Loosen up, Sandy baby.''

Shortly thereafter, the women who participated with O'Connor at an 8 a.m. daily exercise class presented her with a tee-shirt that proclaimed: ''Loosen up at the Supreme Court.''

The O'Connors have three sons, Scott, Brian and Jay.


07-01-05 10:49EDT