By Kim Velsey 11/02/12 11:42am

New York City Marathon

Can the city really handle a marathon right now?

Scott Stringer Joins Ranks of Marathon Opponents

“My first instinct was sure, we’re going to be ready for the big event. We can do anything in the world. We’re New Yorkers and that’s what New Yorkers do,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. “But after visiting shelters around the city, seeing the devastation in Staten Island and Breezy Point and knowing that people are trapped in buildings on the Lower East Side and we cannot get to them, this is not the time.”

On Friday, Mr. Stringer voiced his opposition to holding the marathon this Sunday, joining a growing number of politicians who feel that the city should not host a major event while so many residents are struggling for access to electricity, food and water. Read More

By Jess Schiewe 6/05/12 3:38pm

Greensward

This could be you...if the Park Department's budget is cut.

Pols and Patrons Plead: Don’t Cut The Parks Department

Early this morning, a handful of city park advocates, a trio of council members, and a smattering of curious onlookers gathered on the steps of City Hall to talk parks, budget cuts and leafy green things.

“Funding for our parks must be restored,” cried City Councilmember Brad Lander, who was joined at the rally by park-loving compatriots Melissa Mark-Viverito and James Oddo.

The last few years have not been kind to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which has been the victim of a number of heavy-handed budget cuts since 2008. This year, the Parks Department faces a proposed budget cut of $33.4 million that, if approved, would lead to a cumulative loss of $62 million in funding—or 17 percent—over the last five years. Read More

By Azi Paybarah 11/18/09 5:16pm

Dennis Gallagher’s New Calling

When Michael Bloomberg visited the Flushing Mall the Saturday before Election Day, supporters crowded around him on stage, yelled wildly when he spoke, and encircled him and his security detail as they left.

Dennis Gallagher didn’t. The former city councilman, who resigned his seat last year after admitting he sexually assaulted a woman in his Read More

By Azi Paybarah 1/20/09 4:15pm

No Big Plans for Republicans

So, where are local the Republicans on this historic day?

City Councilman Jimmy Oddo texted to say he’s in his district office on Staten Island “with the tv tuned (yes to Fox), watching this historic event.”

Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos’ only major plan of the day is to travel from Long Island to Albany, Read More

By Azi Paybarah 11/21/08 2:54pm

Bloomberg: No Checks Until June, In Any Case

When asked about the legality of rescinding the $400 rebate check to homeowners, Michael Bloomberg said this morning, “There’s a judge that’s going to decide that, but in any case, it doesn’t have to go out right now.”

Bloomberg, speaking during his weekly radio appearance with host John Gambling, went on to say, “Even if Read More

By Azi Paybarah 11/18/08 5:36pm

Oddo and Barron Clash, Chaotically, at Hearing

Jimmy Oddo and Charles Barron, two of the more outspoken City Council members, got into a yelling match during a Council hearing at City Hall, according to a witness.

The dispute occurred during a hearing on a bill that would strengthen laws that govern protesters who demonstrate in front of women's health clinics that Read More

By Azi Paybarah 10/22/08 6:42pm

McMahon Voting No on Bloomberg Plan

[img_assist|nid=133|title=Bloomberg and McMahon|desc=mikemcmahonforcongress.com|link=none|align=left|width=267|height=179]City Councilman Michael McMahon, the Democratic congressional candidate for the 13th district, who was endorsed not long ago by Michael Bloomberg, just issued a statement saying he'll vote against extending term limits.

McMahon said, "After attending hearings, speaking with constituents, and considering the legislation, I have come to the decision that I cannot Read More