Vacca Raises Fines For Cab Refusals

Councilman James Vacca has led the charge to raise fines associated with the refusal of cabs to take passengers to the outer boroughs. The New York Post reports that fines are now $500 for the first offense and $1000 for the second offense. If you have ever tried to get a cab to the Bronx late at night you will appreciate this change.

Espada Wants to Keep Getting Paid

Despite being indicted on charges of looting his own health care clinic, the New York Post reports that former State Senator Pedro Espada is asking a judge to allow taxpayer medicaid dollars to continue to pay his six-figure salary as the head of the clinic. He currently lives in an $800,000 home in Westchester and drives a $95,000 mercedes.

Member Item Funding for Groups That Discriminate

Here is an outstanding article from Andy Humm at the Gotham Gazette that takes a close look at member item funding from City Council members that goes to organizations that promote a religion and discriminate against certain groups such as gays or women. The article cites a number of examples, including a St. Patrick's Day committee in the Bronx funded by Councilman James Vacca, and explores the moral and legal issues raised by such appropriations.

Living Wage Study Heats Up Debate Among Bronx Politicos UPDATE

Bronx News Network reports that the City's Economic Development Corporation released the results of its study on the impact of a living wage bill, and it findings are that it would potentially kill tens of thousands of jobs and stifle commerical development. Of course, a number of politicians, including Bronx Council members Oliver Koppell and Anabel Palma who sponsored the bill at the behest of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., panned those findings and called the process rigged. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has not taken a formal stance on the issue, but the Gotham Gazette reports that Councilman Koppell has stated that he is willing to consider using a rare motion to discharge the bill and bring it to the floor should Quinn not support the bill. UPDATE: Here is a recent Daily News article by Dan Beekman tracking the progress of this proposal.

Jeff Klein Goes After Doctors with Ties

Here is a bit of an odd story out of Albany. It seems that Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein and his Independent Democratic Conference are supporting legislation to ban doctors and some hospital workers from wearing neckties. It is believed that this will prevent the transfer of germs that might reside on the necktie. I guess they have not heard that the world has gone to casual wear.

Diaz to Rally for "Traditional" Marriage

Captial Tonight reports that State Senator Ruben Diaz Jr. is at it again over the issue of gay marriage. He is planning a rally for "traditional" marriage on May 15th -- the same day as the annual AIDS walk in NYC.

Klein and Savino Make It Official

Here is a New York Times article about the worst kept secret in the State Senate -- the relationship between Bronx Senator Jeff Klein and Diane Savino, who represents parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn. They have been dubed "Klavino". You might recall that both are also part of a group of 4 Democrats who formed a breakaway conference.