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photo credit: office of NYS Senator Squadron
I really wanted to take part in State Senator Squadron's 2nd Community Convention this Sunday, but was not able to make it. My friends Maryann and Laura were there and said it was very well attended and very informative.
It sounds as though it was a huge success. Were you there as well, dear Reader? What did you think?
Senator Squadron's office just sent out a report on the convention. Read on:
On Sunday, State Senator Daniel Squadron hosted his second annual 25th District Community Convention, bringing together more than 300 community members to discuss legislative and community priorities.The convention started with a plenary session, where Senator Squadron noted that, as demonstrated by those in attendance, “there are an extraordinary number of people who stand willing to take time from busy and demanding lives to become citizen activists.” Participants then broke up into 23 different discussion groups, where moderatorssought input on topics that included housing, education, transportation and ethics reform.Senator Squadron received valuable feedback from these discussion groups, and will use these thoughts, ideas and concerns to shape his policies at home and in Albany. Joining the community members at the convention were U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assembly Member Deborah Glick, and AssemblyMember Brian Kavanagh. The convention closed with a reception, where Senator Squadron continued the discussion with participants overrefreshments.
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2 comments:
I attended the Community Convention. I felt that the crowd was very "Manhattan-centric" and mentioned this to the senator at the end of the day. He explained that there was a difficulty finding a large enough venue in Brooklyn that was in or adjacent to his district. (He wanted a 500 seat auditorium and 25 meeting rooms).
After opening remarks, participants were asked to go to an hour-long discussion group based on 25 topic areas. I went to the Quality of Life: Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife group. I was one of only 2 or 3 Brooklynites in the group. Most of the discussion centered on noise and garbage problems caused by Manhattan clubs and restaurants.
A few Brooklyn-specific issues were brought up, most notably the helicopter noise from the Wall Street heliport. Some discussion of noise coming from establishments that are now using their backyards/gardens as smoking areas. Several in the crowd also suggested that community boards be given more say (or at least notification) of film permits.
After an hour of discussion, there was a reception and a few closing comments. Chuck Schumer stopped by to thank the crowd for participating.
Overall, I would probably attend again.
Thanks for the thorough recap, Brooklyn Wanderer.
I attended last year and felt that it was a great effort by Squadron to listen to his constituents directly.
All of our elected officials should be forced to have such conventions once a year.
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