Meet Your New Members — Mark Weprin by Selena Ross - City Hall News

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Moving to City Hall to Tackle Education, with a Lady Gaga Soundtrack

As Mark Weprin racked up endorsements from elected officials and union heads in his Council race in Eastern Queens, his opponents criticized him for getting as far as he has for one reason: his last name.

Weprin entered politics by succeeding his father, Saul, who briefly served as Assembly speaker, and when he decided to trade the Capitol for City Hall, he quickly moved to the front of the race to take over from his brother David.

“I like to think that my family and the fact that I’m so deeply rooted makes me a better legislator,” he said. “I’ve become much more thick-skinned over the years. Time passes.”

In the Assembly, he boasted an almost perfect attendance record, and set out to build coalitions across the aisle and with members from upstate.

“When he talks in conference, or on the floor of the Assembly, people listen, because he doesn't speak if he doesn’t have anything to say,” said senior Assembly Member John McEneny. “I think he has that institutional memory that goes beyond his own service.”'

He will be arriving in the Council, however, with the reputation of someone who brings levity to legislating.

One Assembly colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, remembered the time that he and Weprin baffled Michael Fitzpatrick, the chamber's most conservative member, by switching the two buttons on his desk: normally red for no, and green for yes. As Fitzpatrick tried to vote ‘no’ over and over again, his vote kept coming up on the screen as a ‘yes.’

During the campaign, Weprin was also criticized for wanting to trade his Assembly seat for a local one just so he could spend less time commuting. It is not a charge that he wholly denies. He and his wife have two sons, 13 and 10, and a 19-month-old daughter, and Weprin’s favorite books and music—Harry Potter, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Lady Gaga—attest to his priorities.

“I used to like The Clash,” he said apologetically. “I listen to Top 40 with my sons... um, the Sesame Street soundtrack in the car?”

But as a politician, his immersion in the world of kids has also made Weprin a champion of local schools. He ran for Council partly to have a greater voice on education in his district. He is strongly opposed to the new emphasis on standardized testing and wants to give school superintendents more control over their districts.

“What’s upsetting to me is that they’re not necessarily learning information, they’re learning how to give the right answers,” he said, remembering how one of his sons explained the best strategy–when in doubt, choose C. “Why are we guessing? We’re guessing to help the teachers, the principal, the chancellor and the mayor.”

Meanwhile, Weprin has still been texting back and forth eagerly with some his fellow first-termers, and is excited to talk to the rest at the upcoming meet-and-greet freshman dinner.

“It’s almost like going away to college versus going to a commuter school,” Weprin joked. “It’s that first-day-of-school feeling, even though I’ve visited the school on numerous occasions. I’ve even audited some classes there.”

Powerful Union 32BJ Endorses Dems www.qgazette.com Queens Gazette

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After previously announcing the endorsements of eight incumbent city councilmembers from Queens who are seeking re-election, the politically powerful Service Employees International Union, Local 32 BJ has also endorsed the four Democrats running for "open" council seats.

They are Assemblymember Mark Weprin (District 23, Hollis), who's running to replace his brother David, a candidate for city comptroller; Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Long Island City), seeking to replace Eric Gioia, who's running for Public Advocate; S.J. Jung (District 20, Flushing), who's running to replace John Liu, also running for city comptroller, and Frank Gulluscio, (District 32, Howard Beach), challenging Councilmember Eric Ulrich, the only Republican in the council.

Local 32 BJ had previously also endorsed Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Republican/Independence Party candidate for mayor, and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, a Democrat.

Local 32 BJ, the largest property service union in the country has 70,000 members in New York City, 17,600 of them in Queens. As part of its political program the union intends to mobilize thousands of members to turn out Queens voters in support of these candidates, according to a release announcing the endorsements.

Assemblyman Mark Weprin Joins Queens Civic Congress to Express Concern About New DOB Development Challenge Process

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) has written Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri, New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), asking him to address the concerns raised by Queens Civic Congress, the Historic Districts Council, and the Four Borough Neighborhood Alliance about DOB’s new development challenge process.

“As a longtime advocate of open government, I believe that greater transparency within the DOB is clearly in the public interest,” said Assemblymember Weprin. “At the same time, DOB needs to address community objections.”

Mr. Weprin’s letter mentions three issues of concern to the community:

(1) Requiring people to file complaint forms instead of calling 311 will be onerous in many cases.

(2) Residents should not need to be familiar with building codes or zoning regulations to express concerns.

(3) The forty-five day challenge period is too brief. The clocks starts with the filing of the plans, but it often takes longer than forty-five days for construction to begin, so community members may not even know about a planned project until the challenge period is over.

“I will continue working with local civic associations and community groups, as well as with the Queens Civic Congress, to ensure that the public always has a say,” said Assemblymember Weprin.

Assembly-member Mark Weprin Demands Investigation Into 260th Street Gas Explosion

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) wrote to Commissioner Garry A. Brown, New York State Public Service Commission, and to Chairman Kevin Burke, Consolidated Edison, to express serious concern regarding the powerful natural gas explosion that took the life of a young mother in Floral Park, Queens on Friday, April 24. In a joint letter with Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, Assemblymember Weprin pointed out Con Edison’s apparent lack of emergency planning and called for a full investigation, public hearings, and recommendations for improvement, all of which should be widely available to the public.

Over the weekend, several news outlets reported that a Con Edison spokesperson said that there was no protocol in place for this type of incident. “This very statement indicates that there is a serious gap in the emergency planning and implementation process,” said Assemblymember Weprin. “Both Con Edison and regulatory officials must address the situation.”

Mr. Weprin called for the review of, and a report on, the protocols that should be followed in the event of a suspected natural gas leak. He said that Con Edison should fully disclose existing policies, practices, training with regard to gas leaks; how and why procedures were or were not followed in this instance; and what recommendations are necessary to improve emergency responses. “When three children lose their mother, it is truly a tragedy,” said Mr. Weprin. “We must ensure that every appropriate precaution is taken so that no other family has to endure the loss of a loved one.”

Assemblymember Weprin noted that Con Edison is responsible for 7,200 miles of mains and service pipes for gas delivery to over one million ratepayers. “We must ensure that the company be held directly responsible for the safety of its xustomers,” he said.

Assembly-member Mark Weprin Organizes Drive to Help Family of Floral Park Mother Killed In Gas Explosion

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) announced that he is calling on the Eastern Queens community to come to the aid of the family of Ghanwatti Boodram, who died in a tragic gas explosion that destroyed her home in Floral Park, Queens. “When three children lose their mother, it is truly a tragedy,” said Mr. Weprin. “We must ensure that the mourning husband and three young sons have the full support and assistance of the entire community.”

Assemblymember Weprin is asking those who can help to bring gift cards or gift checks to Public School 115Q, the Glen Oaks School, where the late Ghanwatti Boodram’s sons are students. Janet Guzman, a staff member at Public School 115, will be collecting everything for the family. Her telephone number is (718) 831-4010.

Assemblymember Mark Weprin Announces Free Prescription Saver Card...

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) announced that the New York State Department of Health is now accepting applications for the new, free New York Prescription $aver Card. The program will offer participants significant discounts on thousands of prescription medications, providing savings of more than 60 percent on generic drugs and 30 percent on brand name drugs. Card recipients will be able to take advantage of the savings beginning April 1st.

“We need to make sure everyone has access to health care, and making prescription drugs more affordable is a critical part of the plan,” Assemblymember Weprin said. “Drug prices can be outrageous, and if you need a certain medication but you can’t afford it, you’re put in a terrible and potentially life-threatening spot. We need to make sure people can afford their medications.

”The Prescription $aver Card program will serve low-income New Yorkers who are disabled or are between the ages of 50 and 64. To be eligible for this benefit, the annual income must be $35,000 or less for single individuals or $50,000 or less for married individuals. Medicaid recipients or those enrolled in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are not eligible for the Prescription $aver Card.

The Prescription $aver Card program is a significant step forward in helping people afford their health care. More than 2,500 pharmacies throughout the state will be participating in the program, including small, independent pharmacies and large chains, as well as many drug manufacturers. As participation grows, savings will grow, sparing people thousands of dollars a year in prescription costs. The savings will be truly meaningful to those who need it most.

To learn more about the Prescription $aver Card program or to apply, visit http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call 1-800-788-6917. TTY users should call 1-800-290-9138. Applications are also available at pharmacies.

Assemblymember Mark Weprin Announces New York’s Toy Recall Law in Effect...

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) announced that the Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008 took effect this month. Over the past couple of years, millions of toys have been voluntarily recalled because of manufacturing defects. In one instance Mattel recalled over 18 million toys worldwide, including more than 9 million products in the U.S. The new law will help curb the sale of recalled toys and other children’s products. It also requires retailers to post recall notices.

“The toys we buy for our children are supposed to be fun and educational, and we shouldn’t have to worry that toys could harm our children,” said Assemblymember Weprin. “It is unacceptable that in recent years so many toys have had to be recalled because of safety issues. This law will help ensure that dangerous toys are kept off shelves and out of the hands of children.”

A recent state study proves that we need more than voluntary compliance. In June 2007, the state’s Consumer Protection Board (CPB), along with other state agencies, surveyed thousands of businesses on the effectiveness of recall notifications. Many followed the safety commission’s directives, but there were also many who didn’t receive recall notices or if they did, posted recall signs out of sight for most consumers. In addition, many people receive gifts or buy used toys at secondhand shops, where it is difficult to monitor product safety.

This legislation requires manufacturers to provide better safety and recall information for consumers by establishing a labeling and notification system that helps consumers know if the crib or toy they bought is defective, so they can return or discard the product. It also imposes civil penalties for manufacturers or retailers who don’t follow recall directives, which should result in more businesses complying.

Assemblyman Mark Weprin Meets with Actress Tina Fey...

Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Bayside) recently met with Tina Fey to discuss the continuation of tax credits for the TV and motion picture industry in New York State.

Assemblymember Mark Weprin to Host Education Town Hall Meeting - March 8th - 11am...

New York State Assemblymember Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck) will host an Education Town Hall Meeting on mayoral control of New York City schools on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 11 AM at Queens Children’s Center, 74-03 Commonwealth Boulevard, Bellerose, New York 11426. The guest speaker will be former Assemblymember Steve Sanders, author of the law that established mayoral control of New York City schools.


Assemblymember Weprin, a longtime advocate for City schools, has released a Five Point Plan for School Governance in advance of the expiration on June 30, 2009 of the law that authorized mayoral control of New York City’s public school system. Copies of the Five Point Plan are available from Assemblymember Weprin’s district office.

Event Date: Sunday, March 8, 2009
Time: 11 AM
Location: Queens Children’s Center
74-03 Commonwealth Boulevard
Bellerose, New York 11426

NYS Assemblyman Mark Weprin Announces Queens Village Supermarket Lease Signed...

With many of our neighborhood supermarkets closing in Queens, this is a fortunate day for Queens Village residents...

With help from Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck), the Food Dynasty in Queens Village has a new twenty-year lease to remain at its current location, 220-46 Hillside Avenue. When negotiations were stalled on the renewal of the lease that was set to expire at the end of February, Assemblymember Weprin took action to save the supermarket. Mr. Weprin contacted the landlord’s attorney to encourage the resumption of talks. Negotiations then progressed, and the landlord and store owner
have now reached an agreement.

“I am so pleased that we have retained the supermarket,” said Mark Weprin. “Our community cannot afford to lose the supermarket, which serves seniors as well as families with young children. Without this store, they would have had nowhere to shop for food in the neighborhood.”

Assemblymember Weprin thanks President Bobby Sher of Bell Park Manor Terrace and the residents of Bellerose Manor and Queens Village for their efforts in support of keeping the supermarket in the community.

Committee On Education Debates Mayoral Control Of Schools by Grace Rauh - NY1

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A packed crowd attended the first of five public hearings over mayoral control of city schools in Queens on Thursday, as Education Chancellor Joel Klein continued to press for extensive school faculty cuts. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.

When Mayor Michael Bloomberg hits the campaign trail, he'll be touting his record at City Hall, and that includes his takeover of the city schools.

But with the mayoral control law up for renewal, top education aides are already making the case.

"It's very important to me, and it's very important to the future of the city that the mayor be held accountable for the decisions about the school system. The model that doesn't work is if you have divided authority," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.

State legislators have final say on whether the law stays in place, and Assembly members on Thursday conducted the first of five hearings on the contentious issue.

Some of the toughest criticism is coming from parents, who complain they are shut out of the centralized school system.

"It's not saying that everything we say is right, but we have to be brought to the table. Unfortunately, too often, that's the problem. We are not at the table," said Zakiyah Ansari, a concerned parent.

"The mayor and Chancellor Klein serve as dictators. There is no open dialogue between them and the parents," said David Quintana, a concerned parent.

But education officials dispute that claim.

"I think they have more information and more access than ever before. Are there things we can do to improve it? We are always listening and looking to improve the system," said Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott.

Bloomberg's top Democratic opponents in the mayor's race support mayoral control, but that doesn't mean it won't become a campaign issue. City Comptroller Bill Thompson already has said parents need more say over the schools -- an opinion shared by other lawmakers.

"For the most part, parents are not feeling involved in the process and the schools are not being involved in the process. There's a real disconnect and that's got to change," said Queens Assemblyman Mark Weprin.

Debate on the issue is sure to intensify as lawmakers near the deadline to renew the law.

Rep Anthony Weiner Brings Bill Clinton to Queens College

Click Image to Watch Slideshow at Picasa...

Altercation Doesn't Stop Candidates in Briarwood by Ben Hogwood -Queens Chronicle

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Before the meeting almost drew to a standstill, the three invited guests at the Briarwood Community Association had a few minutes on Sept. 17 to introduce themselves to attendees.

The candidates — Michael Simanowitz, Jeff Gottlieb and Martha Taylor — are running for the 24th Council District to fill the seat currently occupied by Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows). While his term isn’t officially over until the end of 2009, Gennaro is running for the state Senate seat held by Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose). Gennaro would need to resign his current post if he wins.

The allocated time for the meeting was cut short when Dilip Nath, a candidate who was not invited to participate in the forum, showed up with supporters, setting off a verbal altercation with association president Seymour Schwartz (see related story).

Still, the hopefuls had time to give a brief summary of their background and expound their views on the city’s economic situation.

Candidates were seated between inspirational posters in a second floor room of Samaritan Village, a chemical dependency recovery center on Queens Boulevard. Gottlieb, speaking first, presented himself as a former teacher with 35 years experience in the school system and copious amounts of political experience.

Gottlieb has worked with former Councilman Morton Povman, Councilman Joseph Addabbo (D- Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck). Gottlieb is also the founder of the Central Queens Historical Society and the Queens Jewish Historical Society.

Simanowitz, a longtime aide to Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing), presented himself as the “law-and-order” candidate. He previously served as an auxiliary police officer for the Forest Hills neighborhood in which he grew up, but had to take a leave of absence shortly after announcing his candidacy.

Police officers are required to take a leave of absence when running for office so they do not use their uniform as a tool to further their candidacy. Simanowitz was told the same applies to auxiliary officers.

Simanowitz said his goal is to create an environment where the councilman is an extension of the community.

Taylor is a Democratic district leader and vice chairwoman of Community Board 8. She works as an aide for city Comptroller William Thompson Jr. and is the founder of a Cunningham Park advocacy group. Environmental concerns in particular are a cause close to her heart.

She said her civic and governmental experience, combined with her law degree, would give her the ability to “hit the ground running” if elected.

Originally, Schwartz, the association’s president, intended to have the candidates address various topics confronting the city, such as mayoral control of schools and term limits. However, the interaction between Schwartz and Nath cut into time and when the meeting got back on track, the only topic addressed was that of the current economic crisis.

Simanowitz said legislators didn’t do the city any favors in 1999 when they repealed the commuter tax, which applied to city workers who lived outside the five boroughs. City taxpayers now have to subsidize services used more by those workers, such as the Long Island Rail Road and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Otherwise, he thought the mayor and City Council have done a good job with previous budgets and was confident this year would be no different. Still, he expected cuts would have to be made.

Taylor agreed cuts are necessary, but said there are certain services that can’t be cut, such as meals on wheels and education.

Gottlieb offered a more stark vision of the economic situation. First, he said, a federal agency should conduct an investigation of the mortgage industry, which has sent the financial sector into a downward spiral following the subprime mortgage crisis. Also, Gottlieb warned the city would lose revenues from income tax as Wall Street workers with hefty salaries get laid off.

He also admitted cuts would have to be made in the city’s budget, but where to make those cuts at this point is a dilemma.

The election for the 24th Council District could go one of two ways: if Gennaro defeats Padavan in the state Senate race this November, he would have to resign his council seat by Jan. 1, when the Senate term begins. The mayor would then announce a nonpartisan special election in which candidates cannot run on a party ticket. That election would be for the remainder of Gennaro’s term.

If Gennaro does not win, the candidates would square off next year as the councilman is term-limited out of office. All four candidates are Democrats so they would need to compete in a primary.