Assemblywoman Grace Meng: Out of Touch with Community

New York Observer Article:

http://www.observer.com/2011/politics/assemblywoman-calls-out-rush-limbaugh-racist-caricature-chinese-president

In a recent article on the New York Observer website, Flushing's very own Assemblywoman Grace Meng is featured discussing her "calling out" and demand for apology from Conservative Party member, Rush Limbaugh.

Assemblywoman Meng has been a relatively good representative for Flushing in Assembly and has remained as a stable representative not yet being subdued to Flushing's taboo of having a new Assembly member as what appears to be every Assembly election cycle for the 20th District.

The judgement of rather or not Rush Limbaugh comments was out of order will be tried in the court of public opinion, the concern here at Save Flushing Queens is if Assemblywoman Grace Meng is out of order?

With the New York State deficit looming in the range of $8.2-$11 billion dollars, a tanking economy, exuberant government spending and slumming revenues, countless numbers of displaced workers and to mention the least an out of control legislature; Assemblywoman Meng should hone in on issues in her own backyard.

Our once beloved Flushing has become home to illegal brothels disguised as "Massage Parlors", murders at what appeared to be on a monthly basis in 2010, increased population and decreased housing opportunities. In addition, the question of how long can Flushing's exclusive economy be sustained is brought into question.

In short, if Assemblywoman Meng is going after Rush Limbaugh for what was suppose to be seen as political satire and comedic, why not go after "Saturday Night Live" for their political satirical skits and every other late night talk show host and every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a bit of humor!

Reflecting back on an earlier article "stop the rhetoric...no, stop the non-sense", Assemblywoman Meng take your pick at the slue of problems in Flushing to tackle and leave Rush Limbaugh to the court of Public Opinion.

New Leadership in order for Community Board 7

The age old argument of term limits is ushered in with each new elected official who believes they will... Change the community, stop political corruption, etc.., etc... and all that good stuff.

With a new slew of electeds throughout the State and City, Flushing being the exception I am sure the discussion of term limits will once again be rejuvenated with new life. Does term limits in fact do anything aside from limiting the political life of an elected in a particular seat?

One thing is for sure, regardless of your pro or con views on term limits one thing is for sure the effects should be tested on the members of Queens Community Board 7. Pardon me, I mean Queens Traffic Advisory Board 7.

New York Community Board's, designed to gauge the CURRENT thoughts and opinions of local residents on local and current issues pertaining to the community such as re-zoning, development, and general run of the mill business.

Most of the City's Community Board's fit into this mold, but not Flushing very own CB 7. When most retire they go to Miami in Flushing they come to Community Board 7. The issues of importance to CB7 (which are always kept at the helm by there fearless leader Chuck Apelian) are parking, parking, and parking... I forget traffic patterns. In case some didn't know, once you become a lifer of Community Board 7 you receive a degree in Traffic patterns and all things traffic germane. CB 7 concerns for the community is not economic development, housing, entrainment or anything that helps with economic growth (which usually means growth in every sector of life) in Flushing but ensuring that everyone resident, business owner and consumer has an affordable if not free parking space.

Let me not under emphasis that parking is an important issue in Flushing but, not the sole, first and foremost one!

With a new development project soon to be underway, for those of you who haven't kept up with the local papers the RKO Keith theater on Northern Blvd is finally going to be transformed from its current eye sore to rental units. This means hours upon hours of CB 7 efforts to leverage the amended approval for more parking.. and what every other amenities, services, and infrastructure that will make Flushing living more cozy for them, regardless of the price tag!

Queens Tribune, RKO article:

(http://www.queenstribune.com/deadline/Deadline_011311_RKOPlan.html )

Let's make Community Board 7:

• reflective of the diversity of the district it represents
• inclusive members that want to preserve the spirit of the community but understand, incorporate and advocate for its sustainability and economic growth
• home to members of all ages or at least members who want to see a safe and happy flushing of today not of 19..20...30..60.. or whatever 20th century that they hold dear
• One with competent leadership and not a self serving, egotistical one

Call your Borough President and local elected officials let them know... reappointment's is a choice for the community and you will stand beside them...

Let's have a Flushing of today not of yester-year...

Term limits= Community Board 7

We here at Save Flushing Queens believe in being fair...contact us members of the Board and tell us why you should stay?!

Stop the Rhetoric...Stop the NON-SENSE!!!

In recent months their has been pleads by many citizens to their elected officials to stop the harsh rhetoric that takes place within Congress, Albany and City Hall. These pleads have been heightened by the tragic shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford's.

By no means do I condone the acts that surround Congresswoman Gifford's shooting but we

are drawing the WRONG ASSUMPTIONS from the shooting in pushing for the elimination of the harsh rhetoric. The pleads for a cease of harsh rhetoric is exactly what is causing America's pressure cooker of tension and hostility towards elected officials.

Perhaps if we stop the "dog and pony show" as it has been called in politics and dispense with the PARTY Politics and business of Quid Pro Quo we will have a solution to the harsh rhetoric.

A prime example of this is last week's show put on by City Council... Outraged New Yorkers watched in Jaw Dropping amazement as Member after Member went up and " STOPPED THE HARSH RHETORIC" and thanked the Department of Sanitation, Mayor's office and many other "WELL DESERVING" city agencies that were absent in middle of the Blizzard of December 2010 for showing up to the hearing.

Following Council's gratitude for respective agencies being present, was their apologetic remarks that the snowstorm was out of hands and sincerest apologies that mother nature did not follow the will of City Council.

Few and I mean very few, Council members put their foot down in outrage at the failure of New York City snow removal services. Rather or not you agree with their statements their efforts are applaud by members in and out of their districts. A round of applauds is in order for the few members who did have the courage and conviction to advocate for the members of their community even after most likely a council wide briefing of what not to say and what tone to use by Speaker Quinn.

Thank you Council members:

Darlene Mealy

Daniel Hollaran

Charles Barron

Peter Koo

Daniel Dromm

Peter Vallone Jr.

The solution does not exist within dispensing with the rhetoric in politics but, exist within:

DISPENSING WITH THE NON-SENSE and the POLITICAL AND PARTY LEADERS THAT PROMOTE IT!!!

SAVE FLUSHING QUEENS SAYS " DON'T STOP THE RHETORIC, START THE HONEST DIALOGUE AND STOP THE NON-SENSE!

Under New Management

Since the starting of Save Flushing Queens I have been a fervent reader of the site.

Save Flushing Queens delivered a much needed voice in the community by expressing the views and stating the often silenced or overshadowed voices in the Flushing area. Rather or not, I agreed with the views expressed in post is neither here nor there!

After noticing a lapse in the post I reached out to Save Flushing Queens to express my support for the site and urge that post resume, through such correspondence I learned that the owner of the site had a death in the family and was forced to take leave. Due to these unforeseen circumstance the owner moved from New York and no longer wishes to continue with Save Flushing Queens.

I expressed my interest in the desire to keep Save Flushing Queens alive and therefore, leads me to inform all readers that this site is under new management.

Although under new managment, this blog will remain the often lacking refreshingly honest and fair voice of the people in Flushing Queens!

Penny Pinching 109 Precinct Screws up Traffic

How many times do we walk down Main Street and see the Police pulling cars over for seat belt or to check license and registration? Each time they cause back ups as evidenced by the above photo. Do you see how far the Police Car is from the curb? Do you realize the Police car and the one pulled over is in a Bus Stop? Clearly blocking traffic!

Maybe the 109 Police Precinct should really do a little soul searching...Do we need Police officers to write tickets or fight crime?

Flushing is not as safe as it once was. The local murders the drug dealing in the open the prostitution problems. Yet the NYPD seems to want to get more tickets... Don't we have enough traffic enforcement agents?

Let the Police Fight Real Crime not be Meter maids.

Isaac Sasson to Enter Senate Race?

I was surprised to have learned that civic leader and perennial candidate Isaac Sasson is seeking the Democratic nomination for State Senate in our community running against Toby "Out of Touch" Stavisky.

Isaac ran a poor campaign against Yen Chou for the City Council the demographics of the race clearly favored him over his 5 minority opponents. His campaign focused on Jewish Voters and failed to encompass all the diverse constituencies that encompassed the 2oth Council District.

Isaac did show tremendous political acumen by strongly endorsing Peter Koo for Council who defeated Yen Chou. many pundits say Isaac's support tipped the scale towards Peter. So the questions of the week are.

Will Peter Koo return the Favor to Isaac?

Will Isaac run an inclusive campaign?

Will this district suit Isaac better with the strong Religious vote?

John Messer or Isaac Sasson Let us see who can win our support....clearly Save Flushing Queens can not and will not support Toby Stavisky, our community is crying for New leadership.

John Messer Dinkins Speech Writer

A Painful Time in New York City History

After I Blogged how we needed to Elect someone other than Toby Stavisky...I learned that Mr. John Messer was a close confidant and Speech Writer to former Mayor David Dinkins...Ouch! A long time Korean Leader came to me and was complaining how he still remembers the hurt and pain caused by the Korean Boycott by the Radicals of the time and how David Dinkins stood idle and did nothing.

Many say that Dinkins failure to stop the violence and his support of the radicals turned the race over to Rudy Giuliani. So I wonder aloud...

Did Messer write Dinkins speech on the Korean Boycott?

Does Messer share the same failed ideology that near ruined the City?

Will he publicly denounce Dinkins his old boss for his divisive politics?

We need a true outsider for Senate... Not a Political hack since the days of Dinkins! I will still support him over Toby but not with any enthusiasm.

Mabel Law New Politician - To Empower John Liu

I guess we can now understand why Community Leader and civic dynamo Mabel Law is leaving her post as Director of the Flushing BID. She has thrown her hat in the ring to become a Democratic District Leader.

John Liu may be losing some of his influence here in Flushing. Clearly this is an attempt to empower him again. Remember this past election cycle John Liu showed no coattails, as his had picked successor failed in the primary. Then he came out and endorsed Yen Chou for the General who was easily defeated by Peter Koo the Republican.

Mabel is hardworking and has a genuine interest in promoting our community. Even when she disagrees with you, we understand that she is intellectually honest.

Good Luck Mabel and after the race join John Liu in the Comptroller's office.

Stavisky Faces Primary..Who is John Messer>>> Who cares No Toby!

Rumors are abound that Senator Toby Staivsky will have a true challenge this September! This is a first...Senator Staivsky has been absent from our community for years. Rumor has it she does not even reside in her district.

As a resident and activist I salivate at the chance of voting this woman out of office. Name something she has done for Flushing? She is the Poster child for Albany Term Limits! The relationship between her and her son's business is well documented, and should be subject to criminal investigation.



John Messer announced he is running I saw his Poster in the Palace Diner...Do I know him? No (which is scary), Do we know what he stands for? No. Has he ever been involved in our community? No.

If he is the only choice I am sure he is better than Senator Stavisky. Petitions will be circulated this week lets see if some other candidates jump into the Fray!

I went to his web site noticibly absent is any indication of anything he has accomplished, any civic involvement, never a member of a civic association or fraternal group. I worry that he is just another Attorney looking to Albany for Power and Influence.

If it is Toby Vs Messer Then Messer it is.....

Yen Chou Exits Race>>>> Loser!

(Yen Chou with SJ Jung recently arrested and Communist sympathizer John Choe)

Say it isn't so Yen Chou the poster child for "Political Power Craving Neophyte" does not have the courage to run for District Leader... Was she afraid of Martha Flores? Was she afraid the voters would reject her again? Was she worried that all that money she paid in cash to her workers was under investigation by the New York City Campaign Finance Board?

Personally I am glad she chose not to run...I would have to spend more time making sure that Yen the idiot does not get elected to office.

Actually she had a good chance against Martha, people are still reeling from Martha's steadfast support for Former Senator turned Boxer Hiram "I have gloves instead of a glass Monsarette"

Stay Tuned the time is near for Yen to have another press conference with one of her phony groups.

SJ Arrested Now Announces Run

SJ Jung under investigation and subpoenaed by the Feds was recently arrested. Jung who says SJ stands for Social Justice appears to believe that violent protest is the way to achieve attention for him.

The same SJ who failed to speak out on behalf of the Korean merchants, now decides to speak out and get arrested.

SJ seems to feed his ego by reading his press clips.

For the record this man is s selfish self promoter who moved into Flushing to run for City Council, then changes his address to run for District Leader.

Please let us have one candidate WHO IS FOR THE PEOPLE NOT FOR HIMSELF.

When SJ gets arrested again this time

lock him up and throw away the key.

I Hate Jersey.... and Our Elected Officials

Am I the only one who is sitting in Flushing today unhappy about the 2014 Super Bowl being brought to the Meadowlands?

That Superbowl should be on the West Side or even here in Flushing! How dare they call it the New York Super Bowl it is the Jersey Bowl, The Swamp Bowl, rid the name of New York from the Jets and Giants...they are no longer ours.

Thank our elected idiots, who fought against the Stadium. The Super Bowl can bring in over $100 Million in Revenue that's a lot of School Teachers, a lot of Fire Houses, a lot of Senior Centers, a lot of money to give Tax rebates.

Shame on our Government Officials...... Shame on the Giants and Jets and.....Shame on us all for allowing our New York name to be used to promote New Jersey!

109 Police Precinct Ticket Monsters Not Crime Fighters

All one has to do is travel up and down College Point Boulevard and see the 109th Police Precinct Police cars poised to pull you over and issue summonses! Park for 2 seconds and BAM! Ticket!

Random stops to try and find anything wrong to meet quotas! One officer blatantly told a driver "Sorry buddy command needs the numbers".

As a Flushing resident whenever I am in Downtown Flushing all I see are NYPD Traffic enforcement agents hoovering over cars waiting for the second they can pounce with a ticket...now command has our "Real Men in Blue" doing the same? Shame!!!!

You would think if the 109th Command would read our local papers like I do they would see that Latimer Gardens had a shooting and residents had to take to the streets to fight for Police protection, the residents are angry about illegal drug peddling, prostitution, random acts of violence against kids and families.

And what is the Police Response? Lets find more tickets! Lets harass every law abiding citizen if they park for an extra minute. God help you if your inspection is past due for 15 minutes! Be damned if your tail light is broke!

Let the Police Fight Crime! Don't use them for Tickets. The residents of our community deserve Police Protection not harassment!

Is Flushing BID Buying Influence?

Is the Flushing BID (Business Improvement District) buying influence for opposition to The Popular Flushing Commons Project?

Last week I sat in the Borough Presidents Office listening to one and all on the Flushing Commons, the public topic was same old story... Korean merchants airing legitimate complaints...Unions decrying the need for jobs in this crappy economy.

But I was sitting near some folks whom I did not recognize who were talking about the BID taking an active role in opposing the project. They were talking about hiring lobbyist, raising money to halt the project and their unwavering support to Comptroller John Liu.

I didn't think a BID could hire a Lobbyist.... I thought funds would be used for improving our community? Why is the BID opposing this project does its members of the Board seek to profit if the project is not built?

Something is rotten in Flushing and the stench seems to be coming from the BID.

John Choe John Liu's Political Flunkie

Each day passes I watch how John Choe carries himself and I realize why despite having the support of the Queens County Democratic Organization, The support of John Liu for City Council he still was an absolute failure and a disgrace. First I thought that maybe it was his support of communist Korea and his hatred of America. The I realized what the Voters realized

HE IS AN IDIOT!

He does not have an individual thought. If he weren't part of John Liu's little minions, he probably would not be employed.

It is easy to see why the Voters rejected him. He can not lead he will always be a follower never a leader.

Maybe John Liu should evaluate his staff and not hire Political Hacks for his Comptrollers office.

Dems at War! Chou Resurfaces!

Is it true? Is Yen Chou throwing her hat back in the ring? Is she again seeking to run? This time for District leader? Will she remember to Vote?

In all my years on Gods great earth I have never seen someone so clueless as Yen Chou. She truly believes that the world revolves around her. Why would Democrats reward her with a chance to win a Democratic Leadership spot?

She failed her Party she failed her community and she proved to be a clueless empty suit put forth by powerful people to be their tool.

Her likely opponent Martha Flores Vasquez is a hard worker, and adds a little flair to the District Leadership post, but has the baggage of being a stern supporter of crazy State Senator Hiram Monsorate.

Let the war begin! This one is worth watching!

John Liu Where Were The Government Subsides On Sky View?

I was driving down College Point Boulevard, when passing by the The Sky View project I was stopped by two guys with construction vest, traffic was a nightmare! These guys backed up traffic all the way back to Northern Blvd. Then I was thinking to myself: How the can a project this size be developed in Flushing without a community give back? Why did John Liu let this go? How could something this large be placed in our community without a Senior Center? Public Parking? Youth Center? Pool? Moderate income housing? Housing for Seniors?

Then it occured to me Someone must have sold out!

There is no other answer!

Here is John Liu now the Comptroller calling for prevailing wage for all projects, he considers anything with a zoning change a "public project" yet under his leadership Flushing gets Sky View and the community gets screwed.

No wonder everyone is tired of Politicians....The are full of DUNK!

Where is SJ Jung On The Commons?

I for one am most interested in finding out where is SJ on the Flushing Commons? He has attended the meetings, lurched in the rear as if an FBI agent was looking to slap him with another subpoena, but never, never even came forward to speak on behalf of the Korean merchants or on behalf of the Union workers who are starving for jobs.

Why is it" Maybe, because he is in the middle of a political quagmire? SJ was a tool of the Unions and Working Families Party, he was also the wonder child of the Korean community...A white night moving in from Jersey or wherever he came from to run for City Council. Here in lies the problem it is impossible to please both sides! So what does he do? Hides like a political wannabe who has no courage.

We may not always agree with our Political Leaders or those who have run for office and are seeking to run again, but we respect those with the conviction and courage to take a stand...They are leaders! Those who act like SJ is acting now are those who go into Politics to fuel their own ego.

Mayor Mike Stop the Bleeding

We in Flushing have seen our fair share of crime this year, even if the 109 th Police Precinct refuses to take reports especially from Asian residents. We still see things slipping back to the times when our city was not safe.

We are down nearly 6,000 Police Officers from just a few years ago. Gang violence is a huge problem, recreational drug use is on the rise, and people are not feeling as safe as they once did.

So what do you think Billionaire Mike Bloomberg has to say when asked about this trend: "Our Police can't be everywhere" Yeah Mike...We have a budget that has wreaked with Fraud, with both Council and Bloomy Slush Funds. We continue to fund every failed social program you can imagine and even spend millions of dollars in City Council Pork and we are willing to let Police officers go, and close firehouses.

Mark my word 2010 will be a crime filled ugly year and our Billionaire Mayor won't care. Why should he...he is protected. Mr Mayor Stop the Bleeding Hire New York City Police Officers NOW!

Queens Courier Says "Build It Now"

Queens Courier editorial
http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2010/03/30/news/opinion/editorial/doc4bb2493188168557002404.txt

Flushing Commons Must be Approved
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 4:24 PM EDT

Last week, Community Board 7 held a public hearing on the proposed “Flushing Commons” project. Over 70 people registered to talk about the privately funded $800 million project that would transform the five-acre Municipal Lot 1 site in the heart of Main Street Flushing into a dynamic mixed-use urban center.

The majority of those who spoke were in favor of The Flushing Commons LLC, builders – a joint venture of TDC Development & Construction Group and the Rockefeller Group Development Corporation – proceeding with the Department of City Planning certified project.

We support this project and its designers. They have carefully considered and responded to the wishes of the community and have done their homework well.



In addition to approximately 620 condominiums with a mix of unit sizes, there will be up to 275,000-square-feet of retail space for national, regional and local retail shops and restaurants and 234,000-square-feet of office space, all designed around the 1.5-acre landscaped “town square” that will include outdoor cafes and seating areas.

Parking was a major issue for local merchants and residents, and the TDC and Rockefeller groups hired parking experts to survey the lot’s current usage and project the future use, hour-by-hour and day-by-day. They asked how many spaces would make the lot the “right size.” Their experts – who surveyed over 400 people a day – came up with 1,600 spaces – 500 more than the existing lot and 900 more than required by zoning.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has already praised the project saying, “Together with the Macedonian African Methodist Episcopal Church’s affordable housing component of the development, it will create approximately 2,000 permanent jobs and 2,600 construction jobs, mostly for local residents.”

“The continued input from city representatives, local elected officials and community leaders, combined with the commitment from the developer, which is investing more than $800 million in private capital, is a great example of what can be accomplished when the public and private sector collaborate,” Bloomberg said.

This project is a win-win for all of Queens and must be approved and passed onto the Borough President for her approval as quickly as possible. The time to build it is now! We call on CB 7 for its approval now.