FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HARCKHAM GIVES AWARDS TO ‘PUTNAM FOR PALESTINE” LEADERS.
Controversial Anti-Israel Activists Infamous in Harckham District.
Hudson Valley-July 31…Progressive State Senator Pete Harckham gave an award last month to controversial leaders of an anti-Israel group called Putnam for Palestine despite extraordinary blowback against the pair within the Putnam community.
Jim Wise and Abby Lyons are infamous in Putnam for their radical views, which some have called anti-Semitic. Mr. Wise, a local school board member, was censored this month for his extreme statements against Israel, and nearly 3,000 local residents have signed a petition calling for Mr. Wise’s ouster.
“Jewish voters in the 40th Senate District are outraged that Senator Harckham would even be standing with these anti-Israel radicals, much less giving them awards,” said Westchester County resident Stacy Halper. “Israel is under existential threat, and our own state senator is promoting individuals who want the State of Israel extinguished. It’s a real wakeup call for us.”
“It is absolutely shocking that Mr. Harkham would publicly recognize two individuals who spend their days churning out anti-Israel propaganda inside the 40th State Senate District,” Ms. Arena, a long-time children’s advocate and mother of eight said. “Mr. Harkham clearly knows about the controversy surrounding these two individuals, yet he issued them an official government award at a recent unrelated rally. There is no place in the Hudson Valley for the kind of anti-Israel vitriol that Putnam for Palestine is spreading, and Mr. Harckham owes the public an explanation for why he’s elevating its leaders with awards.”
Congressman Jamal Bowman was soundly defeated in a Democratic primary in parts of Westchester recently after making repeated anti-Israel remarks.
“Israel was brutally attacked last October, and it has every right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism,” Ms. Arena continued. “What on earth is Mr. Harckham thinking?”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2024.
Statement on Drag Queen ‘Last Supper’ Desecration at Olympics by
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“The Last Supper is sacred to 2.4 billion Christians around the world. It is the basis of most Christian masses, yet progressives running the Paris Olympics somehow thought it would be funny to lampoon the sacred imagery with drag queens at the opening of the Paris Olympics. To call the decision outrageous would be an understatement.
“Everyday people are sick and tired of the progressive left attacking the beliefs, traditions, and customs billions hold dear. There is a meanness to these people, a cruelty, that belies every argument they make about equality.
“Here in the U.S. we see the left’s vitriol against Christians and Jews alike, and the New York State Conservative Party will not stand for it.
“I’ll be rooting for the U.S. Olympic Team with all my heart, but with the television off. Blatant sacrilege doesn’t deserve an audience.”
Statement by Lower Manhattan Elected Officials on State Health Department’s Conditional Approval of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Closure.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, Rep. Dan Goldman, Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Senator Brian Kavanagh, Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Assemblymember Tony Simone, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Member Erik Bottcher, Council Member Keith Powers, Council Member Carlina Rivera, and Council Member Chris Marte, all of whom represent parts of Lower Manhattan served by Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, issued the following joint statement:
“As elected officials representing Lower Manhattan, we have fought to ensure that our communities continue to have full access to high-quality health care in response to Mount Sinai Health System’s application to close Beth Israel Hospital. Today, the State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a conditional approval of the closure, with several critical contingencies that Mount Sinai would have to meet before closing Beth Israel. While the conditions reflect efforts by DOH and Mount Sinai to respond to serious concerns we have raised on behalf of our constituents, the announcement today falls well short of providing the assurances our communities need and deserve that the closure will not impede access to essential healthcare. The lack of a clear timeframe for any closure also will continue to sow uncertainty in our communities.
“With regard to emergency care, it is helpful that any closure would be premised on other hospitals having the capacity to receive the full volume of ambulances and other emergency visits, and in particular that Mount Sinai would not be permitted to close Beth Israel until they reach a binding agreement with New York City Health and Hospitals (H+H) to provide adequate funding and other resources to enable Bellevue Hospital to expand its emergency department—to ensure high-quality treatment for the thousands of additional patients who would visit Bellevue each year. We will continue to advocate for patients at Bellevue and we urge H+H not to approve any agreement unless its terms ensure that all necessary resources are guaranteed by Mount Sinai and DOH. We also urge DOH to closely monitor treatment of stroke and cardiac patients following the closure of Beth Israel Hospital.
“We also believe that the new urgent care facility Mount Sinai would be required to establish permanently on the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary campus, open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients, and providing enhanced services beyond those typically available in an urgent care facility could mitigate some of the lost capacity of Beth Israel. We acknowledge and appreciate that DOH and Mount Sinai have added this requirement and expanded its scope in response to our advocacy, but we are very concerned that the range of services at this facility are largely unspecified in the conditional approval of the closure and that 24/7 operations would only be guaranteed until a 3-month reassessment. We urge DOH to require that the new urgent care facility must offer a robust range of services, with sufficient staffing, specifically detailed in any final closure plan.
“Finally, it is critical that DOH and Mount Sinai follow through on the conditions of closure that require strong transfer agreements between Mount Sinai and nearby hospitals, including those that will ensure that patients with behavioral health needs can easily move from Bellevue and other hospitals to the Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center on Rivington Street, a process which will be critical to keeping beds available as these hospitals see an increase in patients as a result of the closure.
“There is no substitute for the full-service general hospital that the community would lose with the closure of Beth Israel. We are very disappointed in today’s announcement, and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the communities we represent have full access to high-quality health care. We urge Mount Sinai and DOH to proceed with utmost transparency and effective community engagement as this process continues.”
Statement on Washington Flag Burnings by Left-Wing Radicals from
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“There’s a reason millions of Americans cheer when President Donald Trump says ‘fight, fight, fight!’ Patriotic Americans, like Rep. Brandon Williams who replaced three American flags Wednesday that had been burned by radical leftists in our nation’s capital, have had it with the despicable anti-American political violence coming from the Left.
We’ve been here before: 1960s and 1970s radicals held the nation hostage with political violence a generation ago. Those acts of violence included hundreds of bombings, bank robberies, and the assassination of police officers who symbolize public safety in America. These radicals are not people who believe in Democracy. They are hardened and often professional Socialists who will do anything in their arsenal to fundamentally change the nation in their image.
“Is it any wonder that 1970’s anti-American radicalism led to the unabashed patriotism of the Reagan Era?
“History is now repeating itself. Millions upon millions of Americans, including countless traditional Democrats, are rallying around President Trump’s call for a renewed American spirit. Make no mistake about it: we’re taking this country back. The anti-Americanism of today’s left-wing has struck a powerful nerve. The country is ready to move forward again.
Since taking office in the State Senate, I have worked hard to deliver $7.9 million in state grant funding to our first responders.
This means getting much-needed financial support to police and fire departments, EMS, ambulance corps and public safety professionals.
That’s $7.9 million for new police cars and command vehicles…new ambulances with mechanical stretchers…SCBA air compressors and oxygen masks…fire safety improvements in public buildings…
License plate readers…slow down signs…patrol boats…mobile two-way radios and transceivers…security systems…ATVs and UTVs…training center renovations…
All acquired or installed or accomplished through funding I secured with State and Municipal (SAM) Facilities grants and the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology (CREST) program.
I am focused and actively working on securing funds for SD40 because supporting our first responders improves public safety.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
New York State Senator 40th District Democrat - Pete Harckham.
I respect President Biden’s decision to step aside as nominee in the upcoming presidential election and am grateful for his service to our country.
And I endorse VP Harris as the Democratic nominee in the most consequential election in our lifetime.
It’s time to unite and save our democracy!
Here in New York, we can show our strength in numbers.
My re-election to the State Senate is part of the Blue Wave we’ll need to protect our values and maintain the progress we’ve made.
Thank you.
New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District - Democrat.
Statement on President Biden Dropping Out by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
"The charade foisted on the country by irresponsible Democrats has come to an end. President Joe Biden should have stepped aside long ago, but he's finally done the right thing and we applaud him for that. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
"This nation is ready for fundamental change from the chaotic Biden years, and President Donald Trump is fully prepared to restore us to greatness. There is no one in the Democratic Party that can stop the momentum of reform that Republicans are leading. Freedom is returning at long last."
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Statement on President Trump at Republican National Convention by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“After a boisterous three days at the Republican National Convention, you could hear a pin drop as President Donald Trump described the day last weekend that could have been his last. In all the years I’ve been attending conventions, I’ve never seen a candidate more adored by his supporters than Donald Trump was in Milwaukee. The love for him in the room was palpable.
“The Convention itself was masterful from start to finish. It layed out a clear, thoughtful, and positive vision for American renewal, while honoring its pledge to help unify the nation. The contrast between President Trump’s clear-eyed agenda for this country and President’s Biden shrinking presidency is stark, and voters of all backgrounds and ethnicities clearly see it. President Trump will Make America Great Again, and the New York State Conservative Party will do everything in its power over the next four months to help him achieve that victory. On to November!
Statement on Night Three of Republican National Convention by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“In nearly 50 years in politics, I have never seen a Republican/Conservative movement more united than it is right now in Milwaukee. What we are witnessing is a genuine and welcome phenomenon. Ever Upward!”
“After Tuesday night’s electrifying speeches, including one by powerful New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, the New York State Conservative Party is thrilled that former New York Congressman and 2022 Republican-Conservative gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin will be speaking during primetime on night three of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Congressman Zeldin, a proud U.S. Army veteran who nearly unseated progressive Governor Kathy Hochul two years ago, is a national political figure — even out of office — and his primetime speaking spot well reflects that. We can’t think of a political leader with a brighter future, frankly.
“Congressman Zeldin will be speaking, of course, before the most exciting element of Wednesday evening: the designation of celebrated author, Marine Corps veteran, and U.S. Senator from Ohio J.D. Vance as the 2024 Republican candidate for Vice President. We join millions from around the nation in eagerly anticipating Congressman Vance’s remarks.
“In nearly 50 years in politics, I have never seen a Republican/Conservative movement more united than it is right now in Milwaukee. What we are witnessing is a genuine and welcome phenomenon. Ever Upward!”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAIRE JONES DOUBLES DOWN ON INCENDIARY RHETORIC; HARCKHAM STANDS BY IN SILENCE.
Arena Calls on Harckham to Condemn Remarks.
Hudson Valley - July 16…State Senator Pete Harckham stood beside former Rep. Mondaire Jones at a rally on Tuesday and said nothing as Jones doubled down on the type of dangerous hyperbole that both Democrats and Republicans have been saying has no place in America following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, State Senate candidate Gina Arena (SD-40) today noted. Ms. Arena, a lifelong Westchester resident and community advocate, is calling on Mr. Harckham to condemn Mr. Jones’s remarks.
“This has nothing to do with political parties and everything to do with common sense and common decency,” Ms. Arena said. “A U.S. Presidential candidate was shot three days ago, and a former congressman is already inciting additional hatred into the mix. It almost defies belief. Mr. Harckham clearly should have said something at the event, but he just stood there smiling and applauding instead. That’s totally unacceptable. I call on Mr. Harckham to publicly reject Mr. Jones’s remarks from this afternoon.”
Among other things, Mr. Jones said the former President wants to “terminate the Constitution.”
Statement on JD Vance as Trump Running Mate by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“President Trump has made a brilliant choice in selecting celebrated author, Marine Corps veteran, and U.S. Senator from Ohio J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential pick. Mr. Vance personifies the tens of millions of disaffected Americans, of all ethnicities and backgrounds, who could only watch as millions of well-paying manufacturing jobs vanished from our nation in recent decades. In selecting Mr. Vance as his vice presidential running mate, President Trump is sending an unmistakable message to the voting public: America comes first.
“The Conservative Party looks forward to campaigning with President Trump and Senator Vance throughout New York, a state now in play. It’s full steam ahead ‘til Election Day.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2024.
Statement on Assasination Attempt on President Donald J. Trump by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.
“The assassination attempt on President Trump is a shocking development and should serve as a national wakeup call against the hatred consuming our country. We are relieved to learn that President Trump is now safe, and encouraged by his iconic fist pump while leaving the Pennsylvania stage. We congratulate law enforcement on their quick action in taking down a shooter, and are fully confident that a meticulous investigation will take place. We express our deepest sympathies to other innocent parties reportedly shot at the event.
“The vitriol in this country must be toned down. This is not who we are as a nation.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Statement From Coalition To Protect Kids-NY On Controversial Prop One Initiative Returning to Ballot.
July 11, 2024
“The nonpartisan Coalition to Protect Kids - NY is disappointed, but not surprised, that the controversial ‘Equal Rights Amendment’ initiative will, indeed, appear on the November ballot as Prop One.
“Proposition One is a dangerously worded proposal that could establish the permanent right of biological males to compete on girls and womens sports teams, threatening athletic scholarships for young women and taking away precious playing time. Sixty-six percent (66%) of New Yorkers recently surveyed by the Siena College Research Institute said they oppose biological males competing on girls and womens sports teams in New York State.
“Prop One could also prevent parents from knowing, or having a say, if a child is transitioning genders in school, at a time when European nations and many U.S. States are banning underage transgender surgeries because of the harm they have caused young people. The carelessly worded ballot issue that would amend New York’s Constitution also includes language surrounding age that could threaten sensible age restrictions for young people — laws on smoking for example — and senior housing facilities that require residents to be 55 or older.
“Our strictly nonpartisan coalition is fully supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. That includes protecting young people from making permanent, and potentially tragic, life decisions without the input of their guardians.” - Ayesha Kreutz, spokeswoman, Coalition to Protect Kids-NY
The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is a nonpartisan ballot issue committee registered with the New York State Board of Elections. It is composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life dedicated to defeating the so-called Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ARENA: HARCKHAM NEEDS TO EXPLAIN WHY HE’S WORKING AGAINST THE WILL OF HIS CONSTITUENTS.
Hudson Valley - July 10…State Senator Pete Harckham just got caught doing it again: He led an effort in Albany to force the nation’s largest lithium battery facility into a quiet residential Westchester community — against the will of localities — and, then, when the invariable public outrage surfaced, he called for a “temporary moratorium” on the very project he championed, State Senate candidate Gina Arena today noted.
This is nothing new for Mr. Harckham, Ms. Arena charged. Mr. Harckham tried to erase local zoning laws in Westchester and Putnam communities near train stations two years ago. Under Mr. Harckham’s bill, multi-family buildings would have been erected as-of-right in quiet residential neighborhoods in Putnam and Westchester, threatening their resources, character, and traffic patterns. Extraordinary local blowback convinced Mr. Harckham to pull that measure, too. Mr. Harckham also threatened to cut all state school aid to public schools with sports mascots he deemed offensive. He withdrew his threat in the face of more public outrage.
“We have a state senator completely out of touch with the needs and desires of his constituents, and those voters deserve an explanation,” Ms. Arena said. “Mr. Harckham seems to think that political elites like him have carte blanche in Albany to experiment with pie-in-the-sky progressive policies that everyday New Yorkers reject. Whether it’s cashless bail, the congestion pricing tax, a complete Albany takeover of healthcare, or the sanctuary state policies that have attracted more than 200,000 mostly illegal migrants to New York in the past months, Mr. Harkham is directly working against the interests of the people he’s supposed to serve.”
Ms. Arena, a mother of eight and a life-long Westchester resident, said that her priorities in Albany will be the priorities of her neighbors.
“If Mr. Harckham spent time with his constituents rather than with elite progressives he’d understand what Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland families want: a lower cost of living, safer communities, excellent schools, and a lawful immigration system,” Ms. Arena continued. “Families are literally struggling to put food on the table, and all Mr. Harkham seems to care about is higher taxes, open borders, consequence free crimes, and never-ending virtue signaling. It’s time for him to go.”
Common Sense: Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) by Chairman Gerard Kassar.
The New York State Conservative Party is amazed that most Democrat members of Congress are opposed to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which is expected to pass the Republican-led House of Representatives this week. The SAVE Act addresses the critical need to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure that only United States citizens are permitted to vote in federal elections.
The SAVE Act addresses the disturbing trend of some municipalities allowing non-citizens to vote and sends a clear notice that this will not be tolerated. This trend raises significant concerns about the sanctity of our voter rolls and the integrity of our electoral process. The NYS Conservative party is proud that our ten member New York Congressional Delegation unanimously supports its passage. The SAVE Act takes decisive action to combat these concerns by requiring states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls whenever documentation or verified information is received indicating that a registrant is not a U.S. citizen.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has also highlighted a loophole in the National Voter Registration Act that does not require proof of citizenship during registration for federal elections. This loophole has led to instances of non-citizens being registered to vote with no repercussions. Federal law currently prohibits states from verifying citizenship status during registration for federal elections.
The President, Senate and House Democrats oppose the SAVE Act, citing this is another way to make it harder for people to vote; some democrats are even calling it a “non-issue”. Overwhelming, the majority of Americans consider election integrity as one of the major issues facing the American people. To no one's surprise, President Biden has already signaled the possibility of a Presidential veto if it is sent to his desk.
The SAVE Act is a common sense step to shore up election integrity, and to partially combat the Democrat caused immigration crisis. It is imperative that our elections remain free from interference and that every vote cast is legitimate and legal. The question is, why are Democrats, and the President unanimously opposed?
In the General Election, Vote to Re-Elect New York State Senator Shelley Mayer in the 37th District, Running on the Democratic and Working...
