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December 2007

Mount Hope Monitor

A Project of the WEST BRONX NEWS NETWORK

Vol. 1, No. 5  -  December 2007

More at http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dhd63bnf_0cjtjcc&hl=en

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November 29, 2007

"Helping the Hungry"

Local Groups Struggle to Fill Gaps Left By Government

By Alex Kratz - Norwood News

Filling in the Gaps

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Hands on New York, a fledgling nonprofit run out of the University Heights apartment of activist Haile Rivera, helps out food-wise when it can. Last Tuesday, Rivera, who also works for the Food Bank for New York City, gave out more than 200 turkeys at Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church, thanks to a last-minute $1,000 donation from Bronx Bachata group Aventura. Bronx-based Cibao Meat Products chipped in a couple dozen turkeys as well.

Rivera sent 25 of those birds to Concourse House in North Fordham, a full-service transitional shelter for women and their children...

For complete story, visit: http://norwoodnews.org/story/?id=343&story=helping+the+hungry

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November 28, 2007

HAILE RIVERA SEEKS ANSWERS FROM BRONX COUNCIL MEMBER MARIA BAEZ AND SAYS "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

     

Bronx, NY - Bronx Community Activist and 2009 City Council Candidate for the Northwest Bronx, Haile Rivera, calls upon its current representative, Councilwoman Maria Baez to explain to her constituents her motives for not supporting Intro. #627 proposed by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, 30 other Council members as well as the Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.

 

"Intro. 627 is a much-needed legislation that seeks to protects tenants from being harassed by landlords who are looking to kick them out of their apartments. I have serious concerns as to why our Councilwoman is not supporting this legislation and would urge for her to provide her motives," said Rivera.

   

"I can not imagine any Council member or elected official from the Bronx opposing or not supporting laws to protects tenants from harassment. I also question the real motives behind Intro. 638 which seeks to protect landlords instead of tenants. I think our community has had enough of elected officials protecting landlords and not tenants."

 

"I commend Speaker Quinn, the 30 Council members, particularly those from The Bronx, and the Public Advocate for drafting Intro. 627 and I strongly urge Councilwoman Baez to support this legislation for the sake of the residents of the Northwest Bronx and the entire City of New York. Enough is enough. Basta Ya," concludes Rivera.

Foto tomada de El Diario/La Prensa (9/28/07)

"INQUILINOS VS. BAEZ" por Jose Acosta (EDLP)

http://eldiariony.com/noticias/detail.aspx?section=17&desc=LOCALES&id=1763697

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October 23, 2007

Message to NYS Senator Joe Bruno and Friends: LET SPITZER GOVERN!

"I am getting sick, and so is everyone else, of hearing the Senate Majority Leader and others complaining about this and that. For God's sake, do what your constituents elected you to do: govern. Enough is enough. Get back to fighting for New Yorkers and getting bills passed once and for all. Stop whining and start doing. Let Spitzer govern."

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October 2, 2007

Statement on Governor Spitzer’s Changes to Obtaining a Driver License in NYS

Bronx, NY – Haile Rivera, Bronx grassroots community activist and 2009 City Council Candidate praised Governor Spitzer for fulfilling a campaign promise and changing the requirements to obtain a Driver License in the State of New York.

“The Governor has kept his word and is taking action on his campaign promises. I commend him for not letting anyone get in his way of making sure that the work of undocumented immigrants and families here in New YorkState is recognized and valued. Spitzer is stepping up to the plate and making the tough decisions, something we were missing in Albany for many years”, stated Rivera.

Critics and Republican leaders need to stop their “fear-mongering and extremist rhetoric” and get down to real business for the residents of this State. Stop complaining about everything the Governor does and start passing bills that are in the best interest of ALL New Yorkers” concluded Rivera.

Haile Rivera has also been a strong supporter of Eliot Spitzer. His first interaction with the Governor dates back to 1998 when Spitzer was running for Attorney General and Haile, along with some college friends, joined Spitzer at the East 170^th and Jerome Ave train station in The Bronx and spent a few hours meeting voters.

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September 24, 2007

COMMUNITY RALLY FOR YOUTH CENTER IN THE BRONX

Bronx, NY -- On Sunday, September 23rd, over 200 Bronx residents participated in the rally to support converting the old Fordham Library into a state-of-the-art community youth center.

NYS Assemblyman Jose Rivera and New York City Councilman and Majority Leader Joel Rivera attended the rally and committed themselves to continue the fight to make sure that our community has, once and for all, a modern-day youth center where our children could go after school and during the weekends.

Haile Rivera, a University Heights resident and the first to declare his candidacy for the 14th Council District in 2009, community advocate Mr. Jorman Nuñez from Sistas and Brothers United (SBU) and Mr. Gregory Faulkner, Chair of Community Board 7 were also present. In his remarks, Majority Leader Joel Rivera urged the residents to "go home and call 311 to let the Mayor know that you care about this cause."

Rivera (Haile) believes that "the youth in our community need urgent attention. We must act and provide them with a safe haven where they can play games, receive tutoring, and learn new things. We are quick to judge those kids selling drugs in our corners but we need to understand and accept responsibility as well. If we do not provide them with safe outlets at a young age, then we can not complain when they are selling drugs in our streets. It's a shame that the youth of the Northwest Bronx have no where to go to but the streets. Enough is enough."

"I thank Assemblyman Rivera and Councilman Rivera for their demonstrated leadership to make sure that our community has the resources needed. I am confident that we will succeed," concludes Rivera (Haile).

September 12, 2007

HAILE RIVERA is selected as one of NYC Rising Political Stars

CITY HALL INVITES YOU TO COCKTAILS WITH THE RISING STARS

40 Under 40:
The Next Generation of Political Leaders in New York

Wednesday, September 26th
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Commerce Bank - City Hall
258 Broadway (at Warren Street)

August 14, 2007

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN 2009

Running for office is a difficult decision. Just campaigning alone, takes you away from your family and stops you from living a normal life.

You may be aware of my strong desire to run for the City Council in the 14th District which is currently represented by Council Member Maria Baez. Unlike others who may want to jump in for this open seat, I am not keeping my intentions secret because "it's the right thing to do." I believe in always being honest with you, the community and finally, myself.

After much discussion with my family, my partner, close friends, clergy leaders, community residents, neighbors, and small business owners, I have decided to open my fundraising committee: Friends of Haile Rivera.

I will begin fundraising immediately and will definitely extend an invitation to each of you to my first fundraising event.

I live in this community and I think it's time the community has a leader who is from here, courageous, independent, passionate and committed to helping this community. There are many issues that are impacting my community and I can not see how anyone could look the other way. To me, my neighbors' concerns are my concerns. A teenager selling drugs in the corner, that's my problem too. My neighbor's children failing in school is my problem too. 300 high school students dropping out every year is my problem too. Someone down the street getting kicked out of her apartment unfairly is my problem too. It is no longer "their problem" it's "OUR PROBLEM."

My campaign strategy is quite simple: what are the issues affecting us as a community AND how are we going to solve them.

I look forward to your much-needed help in the coming months. My good intentions will not get me elected or even on the ballot. I need to fundraise which is probably the hardest thing to do in this process.

The Bronx is rising. A new Yankee Stadium is coming in 2009 along with a state-of-the-art shopping center (Gateway Mall) a few blocks away from the stadium; development is booming; small business are opening up and as I like to say, "we're doing all right." However, there are also many issues in our communities. Together, we can solve them, even if it's one at a time. 

I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you as well.

In Solidarity,

Haile Rivera

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August 3, 2007

Re: Statement on Queens Councilmember Dennis Gallagher's Indictment on Rape

I know that everyone is pressumed innocent until proven guilty, so for his sake, I hope that Councilman Gallagher is innocent. However, if he turns out to be found guilty, his pension and benefits from being a City Councilman should be removed as well.

I am sick of how when we have elected officials who are found guilty of crimes relating to their office, we (taxpayers) continue to cover for their nice pensions. When will there be a Councilmember with the courage to stand up and bring about real change in City Hall? WHEN?

Haile Rivera

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July 25th, 2007

July 18th, 2007

CHECK OUT THE DINNER WITH SENATOR OBAMA HERE:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2PlJR-KBj1c

WWW.BARACKOBAMA.COM/DINNER

July 11th, 2007

DINNER WITH DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
Washington, DC
July 10th, 2007

I have received nearly 100 emails and God knows how many phone calls from family, friends, co-workers, former classmates, Professors and people that I have met at one point or another to ask me about my dinner with Senator Obama.

Before I go into the dinner, let me say that I had an exciting day in Washington. Obama's campaign staff were all very courteous. They took us for a tour of the Lincoln Memorial (my favorite), the Capitol, and throughout the town. Ted (who hardly smiles or jokes--just kidding) was with us from the moment we arrived until the moment we departed. Jen Psaki (Spokeswoman for the Obama Campaign) was also instrumental in making us feel relaxed. We had lunch at the Washington, DC campaign office where Obama's Policy Director, Mark Alexander (a distinguished Seton Hall Law Professor) stopped by to meet us and shared some jokes as well.

The dinner was memorable. Meeting Senator Obama was great but seeing how he was, impressed me even more. Unlike other politicians we see, meet and know, Barack was always talking (not saying he's a talker) but he definitely knows how to carry a normal conversation. As he walked into the banquet room of the restaurant, he walked directly to us (his guests). As he greeted us, he did so with a sincere, normal smile (one of those that you know was not prepped in advance), a firm handshake and a "Hi, nice to meet you." He thanked us for coming (as if we an invitation from him could be turned down).

We proceeded to sit down for an interview for the Today Show (aired on Wednesday at 7:13AM). I had the honors of being seated to his right. As microphones were being installed and checked, we (Barack and I) had the opportunity to exchange a few words. I asked him how his family was; he asked me that he had heard I do work with food pantries and soup kitchens and wanted to hear more about it over dinner; he told me about his bicycle ride with Malia, his 9 year-old daughter a few weeks ago along the South Side of Chicago and their July 4th trip in Iowa and then we were ready for the interview.

Much to my surprise, the first question was for me: David Gregory, Chief White House Correspondent for NBC asked me "How did this come about"? (referring to my selection as one of Barack's guests). My response was clear: "$25 dollars". The purpose of the dinner was to provide small donors (I donated $25) with the opportunity to have a one-on-one with Senator Obama. (Here is the interview: http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=78075cf9-2639-4c78-b47a-10d3d7e941e8&f=00&fg=

After the interview, we proceeded to have dinner. Honestly, I was starving and so was the Senator, whose flight had been delayed in Iowa due to weather conditions. Upon arrival in Washington, he went straight to the restaurant.

We spoke for nearly two hours over issues such as the Iraq war, healthcare, education, and shared personal stories about us, what we do and our family.

Overall, I walked away NOT surprised at the Senator because he was exactly what I had expected: charismatic, a joker, simple, down-to-earth, and just like anyone else. The only difference is that he is a Presidential Candidate (and US Senator).

I walked away even more convinced that what this country needs (desperately) is a leader who can work with BOTH parties to make sure that we do not continue in the path we are in. We need a President who can relate to the American People and we need a President who is not afraid to speak his mind. Barack has been very clear on all the issues, particularly on the Iraq war, which he as bluntly stated that "we have no good options in Iraq. There are no do-overs on an issue as important as war."

Before he parted, we took pictures, had him signed my cope of the "Audacity of Hope" book. I presented him with a baseball cap with the words "Bronx" in the front along with the book: "The Dominican Republic: A National History" written by Dominican Historian Frank Moya Pons.

I concluded by inviting him to the Bronx and letting him know that next time, dinner was on me.

That was my night with Senator Barack Obama, the future President of the United States of America.

And by the way, we will also have our seats at the Inauguration! Courtesy of the Senator himself!

That was my time with Barack Obama, our next President!

More on the dinner at:

www.barackobama.com

www.observer.com/2007/rivers-dinner-obama

video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=78075cf9-2639-4c78-b47a-10d3d7e941e8&f=00&fg=


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June 22, 2007

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/06/22/2007-06-22_obama_breaks_bread_with_25_bronx_donor.html

HAILE RIVERA (me) WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, US SENATOR BARACK OBAMA OVER DINNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.!

HAILE RIVERA (yo) SE REUNIRA EN UNA CENA ESPECIAL CON EL CANDIDATO PRESIDENCIAL, SENADOR FEDERAL BARACK OBAMA!

Read more in / Puede leer mas en: http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/21/obama_campaign_announces_dinne.php http://www.observer.com/2007/hailes-date-obamahttp://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2007/06/dinner_and_an_obama_the_winner.html                                                                   http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/21/politics/p101222D43.DTL&type=politics                               http://obamabarack.blogspot.com/                                                                           http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=3302561    http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics

June 13, 2007
Is an Office for Child Advocate needed in New York City? Here's what I think:
http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/office_of_child_advocate_is_it_worth_it.html

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April 30, 2007

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/norman_gonzalez_vellela_parker_jennings_green_davis_and_the_list_goes_on.html

"The individuals named on the title of this post are familiar to us all. Unfortunately, for no good deed!

Since we all know what were their actions, I will not go into detail.

As former elected officials, all these individuals (corrupt politicians), despite their guilty convictions (except Senator Efrain Gonzalez which has not been proven yet) remain receiving a City or State pension and benefits. This is what I understand and have been unable to confirm if this is true.

If it is, then shame on ALL those elected officials who take pride in being reformers and who advocate for transparency.

I can not see how someone who the public trusted, who betrayed the public's trust and was convicted of a crime, would continue to receive a very nice pension and benefit plan.

THIS NEEDS TO STOP (if it is this way)! Who do we go to? Please advise!

Thanks... Haile Rivera

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Friday, March 9th, 2007

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/transparency_in_the_city_council.html

Before I went to bed (it's Friday, 2:25AM), I HAD to post this.

I have been advocating - and will continue to do so - for someone in the City Council to propose legislation to make public all member items (how much did my Councilmember received and to who did it go).

The people elected them and have the right to know! What is so complicated about this? Where is the common sense in our so-called leaders? This is a no-brainer.

I would also like to see legislation for the permanet termination of City benefits for convicted Councilmembers. It is my understanding that if a Councilmember is convicted and sentenced to prison, he/she continues to be receive all the benefits as if nothing happened. If this is correct, can someone please tell me what is happening with our leaders in the City Council? Please note that I could be misinformed and would appreciate any clarification on this.

Every Councilmember should stop by Room 8 once in a while and see what is happening...Maybe they needed a "real" constituent to awake them!

Until next time,

Haile Rivera _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, March 2nd, 2007

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/nj_councilman_needs_to_resign_now.html

Councilman Marc LeVine, from Freehold, New Jersey posted a blog on November 14th, 2006 stating the following:  "There is definitely a very promiscuous flavor in — at least — parts of Hispanic culture. All of this is highly problematic in a society in which these people often expect to subsidize their mistakes in growing large families that they cannot afford to support on their own. It does seem to be true, in my own experience, that a little less of this promiscuous behavior is seen among Mexicans, while much more is found among Dominicans, as one example."

This guy does not have any idea about the Dominican and/or Mexican cultures and should be more careful in choosing his words to describe other ethnic groups.This type of free speech is racism and straight-forward discrimination. I'm a strong supporter of our Bill of Rights but to me, this is the same as if saying that Americans were all terrorists. This is definitely not permissible or at least , should not be.Personally, I am very offended by these remarks, having being born in the Dominican Republic.

I have called upon our Dominican elected officials in the City Council (Martinez & Reyna) and NYS Assembly (Espaillat & Peralta) to take action.Without a doubt, Councilman LeVine is very ignorant of the facts regarding the culture of Dominicans and Mexicans. He definitely needs a course in the history of the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Maybe that may help him..maybe!

Haile Rivera

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LETTER TO NYC CHANCELLOR KLEIN REQUESTING THAT THE WORD "DROPOUT" IS REPLACED WITH "OUT-OF-SCHOOL"

February 20, 2007

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/enough_is_enough_no_more_dropouts.html

Dear Chancellor Klein:

I am writing this short letter to respectfully request your assistance with a small concern that I have and know that could be remedy within minutes if instructed to do so by you.

I would like to ask you to have the word "dropout" replaced with the word "out-of-school youth" in ALL NYC Department of Education's documents.

As we all know, the word "dropout" has a negative connotation to it. An individual who "drops out" of school does not generally do so because he/she wants, more often then not, it's because he/she NEEDS to. It's very easy for many to sit back and cast a negative judgment on those young adults who decided to leave school, but we must be in THEIR shoes in order to fully understand.

It takes no genius to know the many reasons why young adults decide to leave school. Some of those reasons include pregnancy, need to work fulltime to support family, school safety, care for an ill family member, not receiving the necessary resources/help at school (particularly those in special education), and so on and so forth. Yes, there is a big number of young adults who just QUIT school for no choice. However, we can not cast a negative judgment on everyone based on a few.

In closing, I hope that this request doe snot go unheard. I trust that you will find my conclusion to "make sense."

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Regards,

Haile Rivera
Bronx, New York _____________________________________________________________________________________________

December 5th, 2006

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/hailerivera2009/its_official_the_mayor_signed_the_increases.html

Hello Everyone,

Today is a great day - for Councilmembers of course. The Mayor, live from City Hall, has just signed the proposal of the salary increases for the City Council, Borough Presidents, the Public Advocate and District Attorneys.

What an embarrasement of our elected officials in City Hall. Speaker Quinn should be very proud of herself and I hope she knows how to address this issue when she decides, if she does, run for Mayor in 2009. New Yorkers will not forget....She's really kissing some.....you put in then word....to get free press along with Mayor Bloomberg, who she knows is popular.

I still strongly oppose that Councilmembers give themselves a raise. This is unethical in every sense of the word.

Get rid of the lulus and make the job of a Councilmember full-time. What's the big deal? The people, the voters, the constituents DESERVE BETTER REPRESENTATION IN CITY HALL. (Thank God for term limits. After 2009, most of the current members will not be in office).

Well, see you all at Speaker Quinn's place tonight...YEAH RIGHT! Only those who favored the increase are invited.

Yours truly,

Haile Rivera
Bronx Resident
14th Council District