Throwing Rescue Dogs a Bone
April 21, 2011
Speaking on Capital Tonight about my legislation
Right now, there are over 12,000 dogs in New York City shelters waiting to be adopted. These animals are unconditionally loving and loyal pets that are just looking for a second chance to become beloved members of a family. I think it’s time that we threw these dogs a bone.
Today I held a press conference with animal advocates and some wonderful rescue dogs that need homes to announce my legislation that would designate the ‘rescue dog’—any dog that has been rescued and adopted from a shelter or rescue group—to be the Official State Dog of New York. By giving these dogs this honor, millions of New Yorkers will be sent the message that in order to find a devoted companion animal, you don’t need to go any further than your local animal shelter or rescue group.
My bill will serve as an important educational tool by generating awareness about the value of adopting rescued animals along with other important information for prospective pet owners like spaying and neutering pets, providing them with microchip identification implants, and providing responsible pet care.
According to a survey done in 2009 by the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 17 million Americans consider getting a pet every year. If only 20% of these people adopt a rescued pet, we could essentially end the killing of healthy and treatable animals in shelters. This could save tens of thousands of animals in New York alone.
Unfortunately, some people perceive rescue animals as damaged, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most of these dogs are healthy, well-behaved, and just in need of a loving home. So if you’re a prospective pet owner, make the right choice and consider checking with a shelter or rescue group first. If you have any questions or need to be directed to a shelter, please contact my office at (212) 860-4906.
Unveiling of the FDR Hope Memorial
April 11, 2011
The unveiling of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Hope Memorial at the RIVAA Gallery this weekend was truly inspirational. President Roosevelt’s life stands as a shining example of an individual that was able to overcome his physical limitations to transform our nation and defend liberty worldwide.
It is important to recognize that President Roosevelt’s disability had a huge impact on how he viewed the world, and this memorial statue truly represents him as he was for much of his life: seated in his wheelchair.
As a person with a disability, I am proud that we live in a day and age where we can look past one’s disability and recognize individuals for who they are and what they can accomplish.
I look forward to the day when people will come from far and wide to the fully inclusive and accessible community of Roosevelt Island to enjoy FDR Hope Memorial Park.
Information Session for Waitlisted Families
April 6, 2011
For the past several years, the number of children zoned for East Side schools has greatly outnumbered the seats available resulting in waitlists and school overcrowding. I wish this was an April fool’s joke, but sadly once again this year many incoming Kindergarteners have been waitlisted at their zoned school.
Even with creation of two new elementary schools and the recently passed Upper East Side school rezoning plan, it’s clear the DOE is still underestimating the number of elementary school seats needed for the Upper East Side. I have continued to push the DOE to retain the Our Lady of Good Counsel space when Yorkville Community School moves to its permanent home this September, so that we can bring more school seats to District 2 this fall. It should be obvious that the only real solution to the overcrowding and waitlists is the creation of more elementary school seats.
If you are a parent of a child who had the misfortune of being waitlisted, The NYC Department of Education (DOE) will be holding an information session for you on Monday, April 11th at 6 p.m. at Wagner Middle School located at 220 East 76th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). At this meeting, enrollment experts will provide an overview of the process, discuss the status of waitlists, and clarify next steps regarding alternative offers.
Starting Kindergarten is a stressful time for the families of young children- I will work with parents to ensure that you are receiving the information and support you need. If you have any questions about the waitlist process or any other East Side education matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (212) 860-4906, or you can email me.
- @hilary_keller I'm so glad your interns are getting this great life experience
10 hours ago from webRT @MicahKellner: Showing #Gasland Tonight at @lenoxhilll's #EinhornAuditorium @ 7pm-to RSVP call my office @ 212-860-4906 or click http://t.co/0vhvoBvh
1 day ago from web
