tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70862053560025227152024-03-12T16:47:48.630-07:00The UnpoliticianMy thoughts from the campaign trail.
Unrefined? Maybe. Honest? Always.theKbuzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01367407120469441871noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-31596788023692131522009-03-23T14:05:00.000-07:002009-03-23T14:30:01.102-07:00Dave Kerpen Envisions "Green Pages" to Turn Around Queens Small Businesses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GTD3Vo0bw8vue1PZrGOSj3wSCyIRm03iDuBhb_1YAqTgiyolDPN5kb8nNG_4eG6k3oGby0OrjEzxQBUExu9fGn8l0c1NhfESIS89ux2utEjMpPAYLEEaOEBKPHVGF-6szy4bxgwsT4DH/s1600-h/StoreOwners_copy.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316497811657904914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GTD3Vo0bw8vue1PZrGOSj3wSCyIRm03iDuBhb_1YAqTgiyolDPN5kb8nNG_4eG6k3oGby0OrjEzxQBUExu9fGn8l0c1NhfESIS89ux2utEjMpPAYLEEaOEBKPHVGF-6szy4bxgwsT4DH/s320/StoreOwners_copy.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As a Queens small business owner, I'm particularly concerned about the future of our borough's small businesses. Too many of our favorite shops and restaurants are closing, and our government isn't doing enough to help.</div><br /><div></div><div>That's why I'm fighting for small business. I've already promised the people of Queens that if I am elected Borough President, I'll do away with the Borough President's chauffers and car, and turn the money we save into grants and loans for small businesses throughout the borough.</div><br /><div></div><div>Now, I'm pleased to unveil my plans to given our borough's small businesses the 21st Century tools they need to survive this current financial crisis and expand their businesses moving into the future. Please take a moment to read my idea for the first online "Green Pages":</div><br /><div></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Dave Kerpen Envisions “Green Pages” To Turn Around Queens Small Businesses<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><em>An Eco-Friendly Yellow Pages, Kerpen’s Proposal Will Bring Every Queens Small Business on to Web and into Global Marketplace</em></span><br /><br />Dave Kerpen announced an innovative plan today to use the office of the Borough President to help small businesses in Queens survive the borough’s current economic crisis. Kerpen’s plan calls for the creation of an online “Green Pages” directory, an eco-friendly “Yellow Pages” dedicated to promoting the goods and services of Queens small businesses.<br /><br />“With so many Queens residents struggling financially, our borough’s local businesses have to look beyond our borders for customers,” explained Kerpen, a small business owner and Internet-marketing expert whose company, theKbuzz, is based at Atlas Park in Ridgewood, Queens. “Our borough’s small businesses are already great. All we need now is a bigger playing field to compete in. The Green Pages would enable every small business in Queens to set up shop on the Web for free and start selling to customers not just across the United States, but across the world.”<br /><br />The Green Pages will do more than promote local businesses with a borough-wide directory of existing web pages, it will also offer any small business in Queens currently without a web page to get one for free. Kerpen said the cost of bringing every business in Queens onto the Web was minimal, because technological developments in social media sites such as Facebook have made it fast, easy, and free to set up a basic web page to promote a company. As Borough President, Kerpen will organize free tutorials in every neighborhood in Queens to walk small business owners through the basic steps of getting their businesses online and using the Internet to expand their customer base. Kerpen cited mom and pop specialty stores as examples of small businesses that would particularly benefit from the Green Pages.<br /><br />“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never used the Internet before, by the end of a single class, we’ll have your company up on the Web and ready for business,” said Kerpen.<br /><br />To learn more about Borough President candidate Dave Kerpen’s fight to reform Queens government, join the conversation on his campaign’s official Facebook page: <a href="http://www.davekerpen.com/facebook">http://www.davekerpen.com/facebook</a><br /><br />MAIN <a name="OLE_LINK1">PHOTO: Dave Kerpen meets with Jake Gerson of The Fair, a home furnishings store in </a>Glendale, Queens, established in 1938. INSERT: Dave and Joan Stack at her pet supply store Crazy for Animals also in Glendale.</div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-41918688861224174532009-03-16T13:14:00.000-07:002009-03-16T13:16:24.235-07:00Press Release on BP Spending...<span id="role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" > <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></b></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >March 15<sup>th</sup>, 2009</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >MEDIA CONTACT:</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Morgan Pehme</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><a target="_blank" title="mailto:press@davekerpen.com" onclick="if(window.location==top.location){Popup.composeWindow('pcompose.php?sendto=press%40davekerpen.com');}else{top.Popup.composeWindow('pcompose.php?sendto=press%40davekerpen.com');}; return false;" href="mailto:press@davekerpen.com">press@davekerpen.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:21;" >Dave Kerpen Blasts </span></b><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:21;" >Queens</span></b><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:21;" > Borough President's Perks As "Insulting to Taxpayers"</span></b></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:15;" >Kerpen Calls On </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:15;" >Marshall</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:15;" > To Sell Her $85,436 Worth of Office Chairs and Give Money To Families Losing Their Homes and Jobs</span></i></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Dave Kerpen almost fell out of his chair reading the <a target="_blank" title="http://www.nydailynews..com/ny_local/queens/2009/03/15/2009-03-15_furniture_fit_for_a_queens_borough_presi.html" href="http://www.nydailynews..com/ny_local/queens/2009/03/15/2009-03-15_furniture_fit_for_a_queens_borough_presi.html"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">shocking exposé in this morning's <i style="">Daily News</i></span></a> into Helen Marshall's lavish spending on office perks - a chair, he notes, that only cost him $100.</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Just last week, Kerpen announced that if he is elected Borough President of Queens <a target="_blank" title="http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20278868&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574901&rfi=6" href="http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20278868&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574901&rfi=6"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">he will immediately do away with Marshall's taxpayer-funded team of chauffeurs</span></a> and fancy town car and put that money into loans and grants for Queens small business owners. Now, it comes out in the <i style="">News</i> that </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Marshall</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > spent $103,000 last year on luxurious furniture for her office, including $85,436 on chairs.</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >"The Borough President's spending isn't just fiscally irresponsible, it's insulting to </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Queens</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > taxpayers," said Kerpen. "Thousands of residents of our borough have lost or are in danger of losing their jobs and Helen Marshall is spending $4,985 on drapes for her office. How can the Borough President justify spending $5,000 to refurbish her desk and cabinet when Queens has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the county? I call on Helen Marshall to immediately sell off all of this furniture and give this money to </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Queens</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > families losing their homes and jobs."</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Kerpen charged that among the Borough President's other egregious expenditures cited by the <i style="">News</i> exposé were $4,994 for picture frames and $2,208 for a backdrop banner.</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Furniture is far from the Queens Borough President's only regal excess, reports the <i style="">News</i>. </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Marshall</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > also spends $50,000 a year on a professional photographer to make sure she has plenty of shots to promote her public appearances.</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >According to the <i style="">News</i> article, </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Marshall</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >'s largest pet project, a $21.3 million glass atrium for the rear of Queens Borough Hall, is now on hold "due to the budget crunch". Dave Kerpen said he was surprised to read about the change of status in the $21.3 million glass atrium, since <a target="_blank" title="http://yournabe.com/articles/2009/02/04/astoria_times/news/astoria_times_newsyrqnquj02042009.txt" href="http://yournabe.com/articles/2009/02/04/astoria_times/news/astoria_times_newsyrqnquj02042009.txt"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">only last month <i style="">The Astoria Times</i> reported</span></a> that Marshall was moving forward with the project and hosted a pre-bid conference on February 13<sup>th</sup>, 2009 at Borough Hall to discuss the atrium. Since then, </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Marshall</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > has made no public statement indicating that she had changed her mind about moving forward with her plans. </span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >"I am proud that our campaign to reform the wasteful ways of Borough Hall is already working," said Kerpen about </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Marshall</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >'s apparent sudden change of heart about her atrium. "At a time when two hospitals have just closed in </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Queens</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >, we can't afford to build the Borough President a glass palace. I hope Helen Marshall continues to listen to me and sells her $103,000 in office furniture immediately to help </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Queens</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > families losing their jobs and homes."</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >To support Borough President candidate Dave Kerpen's fight to reform Queens government, sign up on his campaign's official Facebook page: </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><a target="_blank" title="http://tinyurl.com/DKerpen" href="http://tinyurl.com/DKerpen">http://davekerpen.com/facebook</a></span></p></span></span></span>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-8434694920133995462009-03-15T18:46:00.000-07:002009-03-15T19:34:06.138-07:00Borough President's Excessive Spending<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9rzAzqmWLpn3wmHToFk11AK2X7HdJRU51GboCka7d86JqTu8UO68SzgvMGuZNe4HnaujT5uwv1bG4ChfVFPVK2wih2GVatd-kn6inROXfmiD1hK7cP_IW_MDtxNe2MQ42uxkn-bS_F8/s1600-h/drapes2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9rzAzqmWLpn3wmHToFk11AK2X7HdJRU51GboCka7d86JqTu8UO68SzgvMGuZNe4HnaujT5uwv1bG4ChfVFPVK2wih2GVatd-kn6inROXfmiD1hK7cP_IW_MDtxNe2MQ42uxkn-bS_F8/s400/drapes2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313598986852229170" border="0" /></a><br />Today, The Daily News came out with a <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/03/15/2009-03-15_useless_wastes_borough_presidents_dont_d.html">piece on how Borough Presidents are currently spending ridiculous sums of money and floating under the radar</a>. When hypothesizing about the reason behind this spend, the author writes: "The answer is that they occupy offices of such powerless irrelevance that they pass their days largely unscrutinized. The public's money is there for the taking, so they take it."<br /><br />The Borough President's role is currently seen as a position filled with ribbon-cutting, proclamation signing, and, of course, a chauffeur that escorts the BP around like royalty. Now, the Borough President has purchased some new furniture for her office-- <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2009/03/15/2009-03-15_furniture_fit_for_a_queens_borough_presi.html">$103,000 dollars worth, to be exact.</a> And, of the 60 million allocated towards capital projects in our borough, 20 million had been placed towards a glass atrium for Borough Hall-- although, according to the Daily News, is now suddenly on hold due to the "budget crunch".<br /><br />The Borough President's spending is more than just fiscally irresponsible, it is insulting to Queens taxpayers. Thousands of residents in our borough have lost or are in danger of losing their jobs and Helen Marshall is spending $4985 on drapes for her office. How can the Borough President justify spending $5,000 to refurbish her desk and cabinet when Queens has one of the <span style="font-style: italic;">highest foreclosure rates in the country?</span><br /><br />This is <span style="font-style: italic;">precisely</span> why I formed an exploratory committee to run for the Office of Queens Borough President. Through prudent spending, and real action plans to help prepare small businesses in Queens to deal with our current economic condition, the role of Borough President can be revitalized, creating a "Better Queens" for all of us.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To read about my platform for a potential Borough President campaign, please visit <a href="http://davekerpen.com/">davekerpen.com</a></span>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-6970537651507938302009-03-08T14:55:00.000-07:002009-03-08T14:59:12.093-07:00A Big Announcement: I've Formed an Exploratory Committee for Queens Borough PresidentYesterday I made a big announcement in Astoria in front of over 100 friends, family, and supporters. I have formed an exploratory committee to help determine whether I will seek the Borough President of Queens position in the 2009 election.<br /><br />Michael Harris of The Examiner has an <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-1527-NY-Government-Examiner~y2009m3d7-EXCLUSIVE-Kerpen-to-challenge-Marshall-for-Queens-BP">excellent report here</a>. Please visit my <a href="http://tinyurl.com/dkerpen">political Facebook Page to join the conversation.</a>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-26787764578205581382009-01-30T06:38:00.000-08:002009-01-30T06:57:38.478-08:00Facebook for Local Politicians...Starting with Me!I happen to have a word of mouth and social media marketing company, and we happen to be doing a lot of work with Facebook, and, in case you haven't noticed, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics">Facebook happens to be exploding,</a> with over 150 million users and growing at the rate of 12 million per month.<br /><br />So, despite the unsure waters of the current political scene in Queens, NY, I'm moving forward with <a href="http://TinyUrl.com/DKerpen">building my own politcal fan page on Facebook </a>- and hope to help other local politicians build their support, using Facebook and other social media.<br /><br />After all, I think another politician did a pretty good job last year garnering support on Facebook and social media...and now he lives in the White House.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-12250220489872060552009-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:002009-01-25T19:44:58.710-08:00Congrats to Liz Crowley; Bittersweet for MeToday I attended 2 political events in Queens: First, the installation of officer of the JFK Regular Democratic Club (I am an officer), later, my friend Elizabeth Crowley's inauguration to the City Council. They were both a who's who of NY politics, featuring Senator Chuck Schumer, Congress members Anthony Weiner and Carolyn Maloney, and over a dozen City Council members and Assemblymen and women.<br />My family came to the first event, and that was fun- and it was with great pride, admiration and excitement that I watched Elizabeth get sworn in by Christine Quinn.<br /><br />Yet the day was bittersweet, as my own immediate political future has been made quite uncertain by the recent development of <a href="http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2008/12/31/queens/doc495bbc14ab57c907574952.txt">Mark Weprin announcing his intention to run for the seat I'm currently running for. </a><br /><br />I'm trying to take things day by day, and trust in faith and the universe, but I will admit, it has been very hard, as this is something my family, friends and I have worked very hard for over the last year. Time will tell. In the meantime, I'm working hard to help out my friends in politics and working hard to build <a href="http://www.theKbuzz.com">my marketing firm theKbuzz.</a> We might even help bring<a href="http://tinyurl.com/kbuzzfb"> Facebook to fellow politicians.</a>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-31879902577301548892008-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:002008-12-21T08:32:10.502-08:00It's On! Post-Holiday Fundraiser Bash coming January 7thIt's the 8th Annual Fancy Schmancy, the 2nd Annual Vote for Dave Kerpen Fancy Schmancy Fundraiser, and it's first ever post-New Year's Fancy Schmancy! It's coming Wednesday, January 7th, from 6pm-9pm at the beautiful <a href="http://trattorialuciarestaurant.com/">Trattoria Lucia restaurant </a>in our district in Bellerose, and I hope you can make it! RSVP info to follow soon!davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-55034385293856424982008-11-27T07:12:00.001-08:002008-11-27T07:18:40.305-08:00Happy Tweetsgiving AND Happy Thanksgiving!Our campaign just gave $100 to <a href="http://thanksgiving.org">Tweetsgiving.Org </a> a project of the nonprofit group <a href="http://www.epicchange.org">Epic Change</a>. This is an incredible project that has proven again the power of social media in order to enact change and in order to raise funds. This time, it's been lots of small donations through popular <a href="http://www.twitter.com/davekerpen">microblogging site Twitter </a>that have helped to raise $10,000 in just 48 hours. <br /><br />Barack Obama proved this year in his Presidential campaign that mobile marketing and social media can make A HUGE difference in mobilizing people for change. We are proud to support this worthy cause and look forward to demonstrating in '09 the power of social media in a local campaign, when we take on the New York City Council.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tweetsgiving.org">Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Tweetsgiving!</a>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-63745098835428955972008-11-23T13:01:00.000-08:002008-11-23T13:10:46.407-08:00The Waiting Game & Happy ThanksgivingTerm limits have been extended in New York and pending a legal challenge they will remain now at 3 terms. While it appears from everything they've said publicly that current Comptroller Bill Thompson is still running for Mayor and my current City Councilman David Weprin is still running for Comptroller, I hear otherwise.<br /><br />In fact, I have heard from several different sources that when the dust finally settles, Thompson will seek re-election as Comptroller and Weprin will seek re-election for the Council seat I have worked very hard for over the past year, campaigning and fundraising. Therefore, I am not actively campaigning or raising money until the situation becomes clearer. I owe it to my supporters to not raise money unless I believe I have a shot to win, and I don't believe I'd have a shot to win against Weprin. (If you don't know me, I am an incredible optimist, but also a bit of a realist.) I also think Weprin's done a pretty good job as Councilman.<br /><br />I am very thankful for the incredible support I have received over the past year and quite confident that in January, when the dust clears, if there is still an open seat to campaign for, I will have ample time to gather the funds and support necessary to win next year's Council election.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-64794461153715903082008-11-04T21:36:00.000-08:002008-11-04T21:37:42.792-08:00Yes we did!Congrats to Barack Obama, to winners of elections throughout the country, and to the United States of America. Yes we can, and yes we did!davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-37410710488402503402008-10-23T15:18:00.001-07:002008-10-23T16:00:03.801-07:00A disappointing day, for democracy in NYC, and for meThis afternoon, the <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/council-to-debate-term-limits-change/?hp">New York City Council voted to enact a bill into law that would extend term limits to 3 terms,</a> thereby enabling Mayor Michael Bloomberg, other citywide leaders, and themselves to run as incumbents next year.<br /><br />This was done by a vote of 29-22, overturning not one but 2 public referenda, from 1993 and 1996, on the question of term limits. This was done despite a poll 2 days ago that indicated that a whopping 89% of New Yorkers wanted a voter referendum on term limits if the law was to change.<br /><br />I sit here, devastated that my recent efforts and the efforts of thousands of New Yorkers to defeat this undemocratic bill have not succeeded. While there will be <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/102308termlimits.pdf">legal challenges </a>to this decision, it will most likely stand, locking out voters on the term limits issue.<br /><br />It also affects my own political career pretty profoundly. There is a trickle down effect now: Mayor Bloomberg with his billions will run again for mayor, meaning comptroller Bill Thompson will most likely drop out of the Mayoral race and run as an incumbent for Comptroller, meaning my current councilman, David Weprin, will most likely drop out of the Comptroller's race and run as an incumbent for City Council, which leaves me, well, out in the cold.<br /><br />I could still run, of course, but I'd be running against an incumbent who has already raised $1.2 million dollars, has a wide support base, and, most important, has done a good job in the district. He even voted "no" on today's horrible bill. So to run against David would be politically and practically foolish.<br /><br />But somehow I feel cheated. They changed the rules on me midway through the game, and it's not fair. When I was on Paradise Hotel, a 2003 reality tv show, the rules changed midway through the game. But it was never supposed to be a fair game. It was a tv show- not real life.<br />This is real life, and I spent the last 12 months of my life planning a campaign for an open seat on the Council- fundraising, hosting events, reaching out to hundreds of friends and family throughout the country to support me in this venture. That whole time, I played by the rules- and the now the Mayor and Council have flipped the script on me, and on 150 citywide candidates for Council in '09.<br /><br />This Council vote was a message to the 89% of New Yorkers that asked for a referendum on term limits. That message: F- you, we know better than you- and we're indispensable. It was also a message to the 150 people running for City Council: F- you, we know better than you, and we're indispendable.<br /><br />The decision to not give the public a vote on term limits will sour many New Yorkers even further about politics and government, and a cynical young public, on it way to optimism and less cynicism throught the exciting 2008 National campaign season, will sadly revert back to the skeptical view that their vote doesn't matter.<br /><br />It didn't matter this time.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-74277438406640878882008-10-17T06:38:00.000-07:002008-10-17T06:39:07.670-07:00My Testimony Before City Council on Changing Term Limits LegislativelyI had an incredible experience yesterday, waiting for 8 hours to speak at City Hall and then eventually delivering 2 minutes of testimony before the Council's Government and Operations Committee. It was times quite exhilarating and uplifting and at times quite frustrating and depressing. The following is my entire testimony:<br /><br />Written Testimony for the New York City Council<br />Submitted by Dave Kerpen, 25226 60th Ave, Little Neck, NY 11362<br />10/16/08<br /><br />Good afternoon. My name is Dave Kerpen. I am a Queens resident, a former public school teacher, a business owner, and a Democratic candidate for New York City Council next year. Most important, I am a husband and father to 2 little girls. As someone interested in politics and government at all levels- I often talk to my 5 year old daughter Charlotte about the issues in language that she can understand. For example, she is looking forward to coming with me next month to vote for ‘Orock Obama’ and she knows that people in the City Council help to make the schools better and sidewalks cleaner.<br />A few weeks ago, she saw me reading about the current term limits discussion, and so I explained to Charlotte that the rules may change, so that the Mayor of New York and other leaders like the City Council can stay in their jobs for 4 more years. She responded, and I quote, “Oh. When do we get to vote on that, Daddy?”<br />It is embarrassing that I had to explain to my 5 year old that we may not vote on that issue. It is embarrassing that there is even a debate over whether this should be done legislatively or via voter referendum. It is embarrassing that Michael Bloomberg called a legislative change in term limits “disgusting” just a few years ago and then introduced this bill. It is embarrassing - and really quite sad - that Bloomberg has gone from being a fearless leader beholden to no party and no special interest– to a politician ignoring the will of the people with one undemocratic, purely political maneuver.<br />I am philosophically against term limits. But the issue before you isn’t about term limits. It’s about how they should change if they are to change– by a vote of the 51 of you- or a vote open to all New Yorkers. It’s about democracy versus political maneuvering.<br />I fully understand that it may be legal for you to change term limits law despite the fact that New Yorkers voted otherwise, twice. But is it moral? Is it the right thing to do, to vote on the potential to extend your own jobs when New Yorkers have twice voted against this? Can a self-interested Mayor and City Council possibly be a better, fairer group to vote on this than the people of New York in a special election?<br />I have great respect for public servants and for the political process. In fact, I have been told on numerous occasions by people that obviously don’t share that same respect- to not to go into politics because it’s too dirty – When I’m told that, I respond that I’m happy to still be an idealist- and I believe there are a lot of good, honest people in politics, in New York and beyond.<br />I know some of you, and I so I know there are a lot of good, honest people in this room. I am proud that my City Councilman, David Weprin, has been a fervent opponent of the bill introduced by the Mayor, and that as of today, nearly 20 of you have publicly joined with David in this opposition. To those of you who are still publicly undecided, I urge you to consider joining those who oppose Bloomberg’s Bill – because the will of the people must not be ignored, because this issue – and those of you on each side of the bill- will not be soon forgotten by the people of New York – and most of all, because it is the right thing to do.<br />Thank you for your time, and I am confident you will do the right thing, and let New Yorkers vote on term limits. I hope in a few weeks I can tell my 5 year old daughter that we will, in fact, be getting to vote on that thing we talked about.<br /><br />P.S. Special thanks to Councilman Robert Jackson, who despite seemingly being in favor of this bill, has courageously joined my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/inbox/#/group.php?gid=28328379627&ref=ts">Facebook group, New Yorkers for Our Vote to Count, opposing the bill on Facebook at least. :-)</a>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-90902019678911733662008-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:002008-10-05T18:58:04.104-07:00A Few Good Guys and Gals in the Council (on Term Limits, at least)Yesterday, I started a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?officers&gid=28328379627#/group.php?gid=28328379627">Facebook group, New Yorkers for Our Vote to Count.</a><br /><br />My hope is that enough New Yorkers will join this group that the City Council will have to consider the needs and opinion of their constituents they are paid to serve.<br /><br />Today I attended a press conference organized by <a href="http://normansiegel.com/node/47">The People Have Spoken coalition and Norman Siegel.</a> A few dozen people turned out and several networks and publications were there to witness people asking for a voice in the term limits discussion, so that Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council don't decide for themselves to allow (themselves) a 3rd term in office.<br /><br />The good news? In <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/nyregion/05limits.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">an article from yesterday's New York Times, </a>several members of the City Council expressed their intentions to introduce different bills that would give the voters a special referendum to decide on term limits. The good guys so far: Bill DeBlasio, Leticia James, David Weprin, John Liu, and Tony Avella.<br /><br />This issue has really gotten be fired up- and obviously I am self-interested party too- as an '09 Council hopeful- but the more I've thought about it- the more upset I've gotten. It's really disgusting that there's even a debate over whether voters should have a say on this or not. I don't think I want to be a part of a legislative body that would blatantly disregard the will of voters in order to stay in office and keep the Mayor in office.<br /><br />Stay tuned.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-37826860445209654792008-09-30T19:26:00.000-07:002008-09-30T20:03:44.850-07:00Bloomberg Wrong to Seek Change in Term Limits Law Without VotersThe<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/nyregion/01bloomberg.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin"> New York Times reported today here</a> that Mayor Michael Bloomberg will announce on Thursday his intention to seek a change in term limits laws through the New York City Council in order to run for a 3rd term as Mayor next year.<br /><br />Even though he is yet to formally announce this, rumors have been circulating for weeks about it and many were quick to comment. Elizabeth Benjamin of the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/">NY Daily News's political blog has a great summary of reactions from Tony Avella, Bill Thompson, Betsy Gotbaum, John Liu and more here. </a><br /><br />I am running for one of 36 seats in the NY City Council that are expected to be open seats, unless of course term limits law is overturned by the Council. So, obviously I have an inherent bias in that it will be much more difficult to win against an incumbent than without an incumbent in the contest. And if campaign finance in New York is further reformed, leveling the playing field in a way similar to that proposed by <a href="http://stevebehar.com/1.html">Council candidate Steve Behar here</a>, then I would probably find myself actually in favor of changes to term limits laws.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">However, the NYC voters have spoken twice on this issue, and the Mayor and/or City Council changing the law on term limits without a public referendum is just plain wrong. </span><br /><br />It would be a willful and disrepectful act towards the entire voting public of New York to change the law that the public has voted down twice. Mayor Bloomberg has done a terrific job ove the past seven years, but no man or woman is above the law- and in this case it's not right to ignore the public's clear consensus on this issue.<br /><br />I am proud of my <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/david-weprin/?scp=1&sq=david%20weprin&st=cse">current Councilmember David Weprin's position on this issue. </a>Although Weprin supports a change in term limits law, he believes it should be changed by public referendum only, and introduced a bill to that end a couple of weeks ago. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen, as apparently "there isn't enough time" to allow this to go to public referendum. So the City's legislators will vote to extend term limits to 3 terms, allowing Bloomberg and most of themselves to run for a 3rd term next year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.</span>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-8769904824853765852008-09-11T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-11T15:02:07.352-07:00Proud to be a New YorkerToday is a tough day for all of us. I tried to avoid it the past few days- and I remember thinking as I looked at my calendar, "What should I do - not schedule meetings? I've got to move on."<br /><br />This morning, I decided not to move on, at least for a couple of hours. At my wife's recommendation, I listened to<a href="http://wplj.com/sectional.asp?id=5701"> WPLJ,</a> normally a morning show I don't like- and they had incredible coverage of September 11th, 7 years later.<br /><br />It was just people calling in, talking, sharing, and reflecting, but most of all, remembering.<br /><br />On a day in which some media suggested it was time to move on with their coverage (or lack of coverage) , I chose to be sad, and remember, at least for a few hours.<br /><br />Hearing of thousands of others doing the same, I was proud to be a New Yorker.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-6604428134222121682008-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:002008-09-09T09:54:35.539-07:00Yassky- a Like-Minded DemocratI attended a Queens Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning at Douglaston Manor at which <a href="http://www.davidyassky.com/">David Yassky</a> was the keynote speaker. Yassky, the City Councilman from Brooklyn, is now running for Comptroller. He spoke about how, although he is a Democrat, government can sometimes help businesess most by "staying out the way." He spoke about de-regulation, about our ridiculous health-care issues and what the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce doing, and about saving mom-and-pop stores.<br /><br />I'm a proud Democrat too, but as a small business owner, I happen to agree with Mr. Yassky on just about everything he had to say. Keep up the good work protecting and fighting for small business!davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-36591205258911190822008-09-05T18:28:00.000-07:002008-09-05T18:43:54.618-07:00US Govt to Bailout Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac...Think our Economy's in a bit of Trouble?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkdu81t3VegE4-2FUkiYsVZWdcpOo4NVUhXPxM3tWGWX1zF8xokN-_yLMXDUHOpCNGjJXm9vxE7pxue7yIGRD0rAgCyLmFtCF4aqCZZ5yvgiSzqBnFDrxCKyWMkDfHAX03MSKNq1Jdqg/s1600-h/mortgage.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkdu81t3VegE4-2FUkiYsVZWdcpOo4NVUhXPxM3tWGWX1zF8xokN-_yLMXDUHOpCNGjJXm9vxE7pxue7yIGRD0rAgCyLmFtCF4aqCZZ5yvgiSzqBnFDrxCKyWMkDfHAX03MSKNq1Jdqg/s400/mortgage.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242716724121908546" border="0" /></a><br />The New York Times<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/business/06fannie.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp"> reported tonight here </a>that the United States Government has told top executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that they will be seizing them and placing the 2 companies in a conservatorship in what basically amounts to a government bailout.<br /><br />This follows months of a down economy and the recent bailout of investment bank giant Bear Stearns earlier this year.<br /><br />In cities far and wide, including right here in Queens, New York, people are losing their homes, foreclosures are on the rise, and financial companies are struggling.<br /><br />It is a gross understatement to call this latest news disturbing. It is terrifying. I can only hope that our leaders, current and future, after the election(s) just weeks away, will work together to help steer our country's economy in the right direction.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-793679407200236062008-09-04T08:02:00.000-07:002008-09-04T08:19:49.355-07:00Happy Labor Day and a couple of thoughtsThis week, we celebrate Labor Day. While many barbecue, go to the beach and enjoy a day off, it's important to remember what this day is all about.<br /><br />I have a unique position, as both a Union activist, with the <a href="http://www.uft.org">United Federation of Teachers</a>, as well as business owner, of t<a href="http://www.theKbuzz.com">heKbuzz</a>. Because of this position, I often find myself at odds with people, and even at odds with myself. :)<br /><br />There are many complicated issues- which I have explored and will continue to explore over the next months and years.<br /><br />The bottom line, however, is that both labor and business can simultaneously thrive in this city and country. Both sides need to be willing to compromise and need to always put the people they serve first, whether those people are students, taxpayers, shareholders, or customers.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-40118702237024288772008-08-15T11:59:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:20:13.944-07:00Racism is Sex-Appeal<span style="font-family:georgia;"> So I am following the Olympics sporadically--I'm just watching whatever event's on when I flip on the TV, and not really following. I was really surprised when I heard about an advertisement featuring the Spanish Olympic Basketball team. (You can read the original article about it <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/12/spainbeatchina" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/11/olympicsbasketball.olympics20081" target="_blank">here</a>).<br /><br /> Basically, the ad depicts the basketball team pulling their eyes back into slits, and posing </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">over an asian dragon. It caused an international furor--even local </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtj-yADKO9p_obMeNFx7Rdy2GV0soCaMc9K-MXyDj1cFOYgPNUJlkGOdWFFSiV44yHkvZY956bcpvHsA2oHNWnh5xLiWUOefoARJd2prJVLg8g5PXUdj3n3aMxwj0tcn3oCShgU-SBqk/s1600-h/a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtj-yADKO9p_obMeNFx7Rdy2GV0soCaMc9K-MXyDj1cFOYgPNUJlkGOdWFFSiV44yHkvZY956bcpvHsA2oHNWnh5xLiWUOefoARJd2prJVLg8g5PXUdj3n3aMxwj0tcn3oCShgU-SBqk/s200/a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234825544799385810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">politicians such as John Liu commented on the implired racism, and it was made worse when the Spanish team won 85-75 against China.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> I have mixed feelings about the advertisement--besides noting that it is actually a really bad photo--but what really confuses me is what this has to do with the service being advertised. I've heard, and seen, that sex sells, but I don't understand what the company is trying to say here. It's a Spanish courier company, not related in any way to international events except by the team it chose to represent them. So then, is the implication that in Spain, racism is the newest form of sex-appeal?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> As a world citizen, I refuse to believe that.<br /><br /></span>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394351098536178381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-55914007287399216272008-08-12T10:58:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:59:07.479-07:00Why the Heck Am I Doing This Anyway?This election is over a year away and already it's been hard. I have a young family, a young, rapidly growing business, and tons of responsibilities. My firm, <a href="http://www.thekbuzz.com/">theKbuzz,</a> is doing great- so I stand to make a great deal more money working in the private sector than in the public sector. I already have 4 opponents and, according to <a href="http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2008/07/30/news/local/news27.txt">rumors</a>, will almost definitely have one more, extremely-difficult-to-beat opponent in Jack Friedman or Mark Weprin.<br /><br />So why the heck do this?<br /><br />The answer, as always, is simple:<br /><br />I want to help. I want to serve my city. I want to make New York City a better place to live in, for my friends, family, and most important, my children.<br /><br />Maybe it's selfless- maybe it's totally selfish. After all, I'll be the first to admit- I want to help millions of New Yorkers- but most of all, I'd like to help my 5 year old Charlotte and 1 year old Kate, 2 of millions of children to grow up in a community, borough, and city, with great access to public education, health care, clean, safe streets, and continued access to the greatest city in the world, N.Y.C.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-6698175829659800362008-08-05T08:26:00.000-07:002008-08-05T08:41:07.982-07:00Les problèmes de notre Couverture Maladie- Vous me comprendrez?<span style="font-family: georgia;">Healthcare, its availability and affordability, is a major concern for a good percentage of people, particularly here in New York. Despite working at a doctor's office for over a year, and sometimes as a translator for the patients, I didn't think about how hard it is for non-English immigrants to use our current healthcare system due to language barriers. The ones in real trouble are the senior citizens, who need the health services and cheaper medication, but are lost in all the paper shuffling. Medicare has a Spanish hotline, however, in a city with so many Asians, why isn't there a single one Korean, or Hindu, or Mandarin? Right now, it's mainly up to the discretion of private companies--and there are a few who basically hold niche positions within each community--as well as volunteers in local associations.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It happened to my grandmother. She tried to switch from Oxford to AARP because a representative convinced her that AARP had better dental, and that representative misfiled her information. She ended up losing her Medicare as well, and went without insurance for half a year while she was listed as participating with both plans, they were also both inactive. (Note, if an insurance company can hire representatives who speak other languages, then they should absolutely hire support staff who speak the same languages). She tried to take care of the issue herself, but all three spoke only English and Spanish. She had help writing letters, but she couldn't answer any of the resulting phone calls.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It took me only a day to take care of it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Many immigrants have probably faced similar situations, but because they didn't know anyone who had the time and fluency to help, they gave up and went without insurance.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's something to think about.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-family: georgia;" align="center"></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.easy-poll.com/counters/usluga.licznik.29570"></script></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"></div></span>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394351098536178381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-36809302919684167602008-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:002008-08-03T09:35:42.303-07:00Partisan Politics, Peter Koo, and Facebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TUxRj6frJee5nVH-8pgo-y3V2ksKD_n25yW8pUiO3KShnxgNat2YnRzxzc9BqtElN3NyKUMZAPu5Vi8YtWKArUyg0G2IqpkZ8wbnKCchi3B5QM9sIfnthCL261C90IC_eWm-_2UDq7E/s1600-h/ny_peterkoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TUxRj6frJee5nVH-8pgo-y3V2ksKD_n25yW8pUiO3KShnxgNat2YnRzxzc9BqtElN3NyKUMZAPu5Vi8YtWKArUyg0G2IqpkZ8wbnKCchi3B5QM9sIfnthCL261C90IC_eWm-_2UDq7E/s320/ny_peterkoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230327249658045762" border="0" /></a><br />I like Peter Koo. I've never met him,and don't know too much about him, but from what I've read and heard, he seems like a pretty admirable guy: Self made small business owner, (like I am) very active in the community (like I am)- and now running to be the first Asian American elected to the New York State Senate. (Ok, I'm not that.)<br /><br />He is also a Republican. (Ok, I'm definitely not that.)<br /><br />2 days ago, I received an invitation on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38505075656&refurl=http%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fq%3Dpeter%2Bkoo%26init%3Dq%26k%3D200000010%26sf%3Dt">Facebook to join</a> a group in support of his candidacy. I hesitated for a moment, then joined. I knew he was running against longtime NYS Senator Toby Stavisky, whom I liked and admired. I just wanted to support an underdog, even if he was a Republican.<br /><br />Within hours, I received a message on Facebook from a young Democrat warning me not to affiliate myself publicly with Koo, a Republican. I thought about it, discussed it with my wife, and, moments ago, left the Facebook group.<br /><br />The truth is, both parties are riddled with corruption, "machine" politics, and a lot of old-school back-of-the-room deals, and both parties need serious reform. But I am a Democrat, and proud to be one.<br /><br />I may also be a fiscally-conservative business owner, and a novice running for political office, and I may have a lot in common with Peter Koo. But ultimately, I probably have more in common with Toby Stavisky, a fellow graduate of a specialized public high school (she from Bronx Science, I from Hunter), former public school teacher, lifelong Democrat and champion of the underdog. Stavisky was actually the first woman elected to the NY State Senate!<br /><br />I wish them both luck, and may the best person win. If Stavisky ever creates a facebook group, maybe I'll join that one.davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-80801649821086036282008-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:002008-07-29T10:36:52.818-07:00A Dying Species<span style="font-family: georgia;">So I moved to Little Neck when I was already fifteen. It was the during the real estate boom, when there were a lot of houses being bought and sold, families moving from district to district. I had already been going to Hunter College High School for several years already, so I had my friends, and my usual hangout places in Manhattan.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I didn't make many friends my age around my home--in fact, my friends in the area graduated with me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> It's also because there are less public places where people would hang out. There is the mall in Douglaston, and McDonalds is always a popular hangout location. But it's generally harder to meet people while shopping or eating.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I'm particularly concerned about the teen and tween sets--adults work, and elementary school children have prearranged play-dates. When I was growing up in Woodside, the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.homgoldmanarch.com/image/project/350/NYC-School-Const-Auth-Playg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.homgoldmanarch.com/image/project/350/NYC-School-Const-Auth-Playg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">public parks were where children, teens, tweens, and adults of all ages hung out. But around here, the only parks I know of are attached to the elementary schools. While they are open to the public during after-school hours, few teens go there most likely because everything is pint-sized. Cunningham Park, which is on the far side, is the only exception. This was quite a shock for someone who grew up just blocks from three different parks.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> It's a Little Neck/Douglaston trait--everyone has cars, so there is one big park semi-far away instead of many little ones scattered around. Another trend developing here is with the growth of the McMansions, people now go to each other's houses to use their personal pools, basketball courts, etc. Why bother go to a dirty public playground when you have your own private one?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> This is why I'm glad the Queens Libraries are trying to counteract that and promote activities that increase communal integration--they just started teen ballroom lessons, online trivia games, and arts and crafts--a lot more than I remembered even a few years ago. (Many thanks go to the concerned politicians that secured the funding).</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> However, I don't think this is enough. I have plenty of free time this summer (you know, besides preparing for college, and this internship, and teaching karate), so if anyone knows a cool place to meet new people, do share.</span>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394351098536178381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-71233582571868941332008-07-25T12:14:00.000-07:002008-07-25T12:21:57.802-07:00Time for an End to a Cruel & Antiquated Industry in NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v652qSCnW7EVBdxX_XzJXJZ8Jmql_Mwiii_euLrrkPi7Y5Nw9cOSpqzt3tKPL5xLlexrF6I5GnyvcmQ4QELuLQdHmUrdg4mXOfjCWcRV0JZuat7gM3MjwLmCgNQxJ44Nqobyd4lv5F4/s1600-h/horsecarriage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v652qSCnW7EVBdxX_XzJXJZ8Jmql_Mwiii_euLrrkPi7Y5Nw9cOSpqzt3tKPL5xLlexrF6I5GnyvcmQ4QELuLQdHmUrdg4mXOfjCWcRV0JZuat7gM3MjwLmCgNQxJ44Nqobyd4lv5F4/s320/horsecarriage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227033170731901202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC";font-family:Kristen ITC;" > <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A</span> new issue has recently come to my attention--ending the horse and carriage industry in New York. The horses are overworked and exposed to dangerous conditions, the drivers are under-insured, and there is always the risk of accidents, especially to the horses. Proponents of the industry, like Mayor Bloomberg, and several City Council members well-funded by the industry, argue that it is an essential part of New York City tourism, but dozens of major cities across the globe have eliminated this antiquated and cruel industry.<br /><br /> A new plan put on the table that I particularly like would have the carriages replaced with electric antique cars. This proposal addresses the loss of jobs for the carriage drivers, and points out an environmentally sound alternative that would still attract tourist interest.A petition to the mayor's office and NY City Council to end this industry now as nearly 10,000 signatures- and you can help get to 10,000 by <a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/ch4ny123/">clicking here.</a><br /></span>davekerpenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828550194353638763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086205356002522715.post-32183179234784035642008-07-18T14:05:00.000-07:002008-08-05T08:27:24.301-07:00Where are all the trash cans?<span style="font-family:georgia;"> I live only a few</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> blocks from Dave and Carrie. The neighborhood's really nice and quiet. Which I suppose is why the city decided to take away the garbage cans. Not only is there a general scarcity in garbage cans--who'd ever thought they'd be valuable commodities?--but a couple of cans have disappeared over the years, without explanations or any </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylO3iVKMtsgk1jz49ltNr0kmoKHFg1Z4-Ac0BAEeLBw1McJz1x6s4aHgqcRIL0-oJ0NeHjW1uxs_cMxig3UZ-qVXSL-X0N6PZJSkU5GhBF3PXcX_gdPhvFjjsuLaHcrqe9ay3cQphYwQ/s1600-h/can2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylO3iVKMtsgk1jz49ltNr0kmoKHFg1Z4-Ac0BAEeLBw1McJz1x6s4aHgqcRIL0-oJ0NeHjW1uxs_cMxig3UZ-qVXSL-X0N6PZJSkU5GhBF3PXcX_gdPhvFjjsuLaHcrqe9ay3cQphYwQ/s200/can2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224505563612732498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">signs of being replaced. For example, outside P.S. 2</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">21 and the North Hills Branch Library,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> there are NO garbage cans. The closest ones are across the street.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:georgia;"> Think about the lesson this teaches the children--they have to walk across Marathon </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Parkway, a major road, just to throw away the juice bottle or snack wrapp</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">e</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">r. Its bad enough that there's no recycling specific cans, but this encourages outright littering.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /> Once you get away from the m</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ajor roads and into the neighborhood proper, there are no garbage cans, period. N</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">one around any corner. There simply is not enough foot-traffic to support the cost. And many t</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">hink of them as eyesores.<br /> However, those who live in the neighborhood</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> end up paying the cost anyway. Garbage gets tossed onto their property, into their compose piles, left on their steps, even mistakenly placed in private recycling bins by well-meaning individuals, because there is no place to throw it away. Wouldn't it be better just to have a few extra garbage cans lying around?</span>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394351098536178381noreply@blogger.com0