Meng, Avella, Ulrich Mourn Padavan’s Death
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, and Maspeth), State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) and City Council Member Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven) yesterday mourned the death of former State Sen. Frank Padavan (R), who represented northeast Queens for nearly four decades in Albany.
Padavan reportedly died of a heart attack at New York Presbyterian Hospital, although his official cause of death has not been confirmed. He was 83 years old.
Padavan served in the 11th Senate District lawmaker from 1973 to 2010 until he was unseated by Avella.
“Frank Padavan was a tireless public servant who loved representing the people of Queens. For 38 years, he was a fixture in the borough as he championed many important issues and causes such as education, mental health and anti-crime initiatives. He also worked to address many neighborhood concerns that were important to his constituents,” said Meng.
“In addition, Frank was very active in his district, constantly involved in local activities and always present at community events. I’m proud to have known and worked with him during my time in the state legislature and I will remember him fondly. He made a difference in his district and in our state and proudly served those he represented. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator Frank Padavan. He will be well remembered as someone who fought diligently for Northeast Queens and served our community well,” said Avella .
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former New York State Senator Frank Padavan. Sen. Padavan was a staunch advocate for his Northeast Queens district, and a fighter for the forgotten middle class. He was an absolute gentleman and raised the bar for public service. He will be remembered for his enormous legislative accomplishments in Albany, as well as the positive impact he had at home in the Borough of Queens,” said Ulrich.
Katz Has Busy Day With Three Events Scheduled
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is out and about the borough today starting with delivering remarks at 10 a.m. at the dedication ceremony for Maria Thomson Way at Jamaica Avenue and Forest Parkway in Woodhaven.
Then at 11:30 a.m. Katz delivers remarks on it being Organ Donor Enrollment Day with LiveOnNY and Jamiaca Hospital Medical Center at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd in Kew Gardens.
Katz ends her day at 7:30 p.m., when she delivers remarks at the Queens Chamber of Commerce Business person of the year Awards Dinner at Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th Street in Flushing.
Kim Leads Rally Against Education Debt
Assemblymember Ron Kim (D) today will hold a rally to speak out against the unsustainable levels of student debt in America and New York.
Education debt is projected to reach $1.6 trillion (45 million borrowers) by the end of this year. In New York City, more than 15% of adults (1 million people) collectively owe $35 billion student debt, and their ability to repay varies dramatically by neighborhoods.
Kim will call for the cancellation of student debt, and announcing the details of a letter signed by over 20 major labor groups, nonprofits, and community leaders requesting the White House, New York’s Congressional Delegation, and 2018 NY Congressional candidates to pledge to cancel student debt.
The rally is slated for 12 noon, today. Oct 10 on the steps of City Hall in LOwer Manhattan.
Lancman Hosts Film Screening of New Documentary on NYPD Chokeholds and the Eric Garner Tragedy
City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) next week will host a film screening and panel discussion of “By Any Means Necessary,” a new documentary examining how and why Police Departments use force, like chokeholds, against non-violent minor offenders.
“By Any Means Necessary,” directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Damian Kudelka, is told primarily through the lens of the Eric Garner tragedy.
At the conclusion of the film screening, Lancman, Damian Kudelka, Gwen Carr, and individuals featured in the documentary will take part in a panel discussion on policing practices, use of force, and the need for reform.
Lancman introduced legislation in the City Council to ban Police Officers from using chokeholds after the tragic death of Eric Garner in 2014. Despite opposition from the Mayor, Lancman has continued to advocate strongly for the legislation, and recently reintroduced it in the City Council.
The film screening is slated for 6 p.m., Oct. 18 at the Queens Central Library Auditorium, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica.
