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At the December 18th monthly General Membership meeting, we first heard an extensive report on the New York State Budget situation from Assemblyman Jim Brennan, as well as a discussion regarding the next U.S. Senator from the State of New York. During Committee Reports, we reviewed the nominations for Executive Committee positions. At the January meeting, additional nominations may be accepted from the floor by petition (signatures of 10 CBID members in good standing.) Nominees include: Officers: For President - Lucy Koteen; For 1st Vice President - Raul Rothblatt; For 2nd Vice President - Bobby Carroll; Treasurer - Marty Bernstein; Recording Secretary - John Keefe; Corresponding Secretary - Joy Romanski For Members-At-Large (10 or 11 positions available depending upon membership as o f1/29/09): Richard Bruce, Matthew Chachere, Jonathan Cohen, Charlie Davis, Ken Diamondstone, David Galarza, Judy Hoffman, Nosheen Hussein, Jeff Keilholtz, Keith Kinch, Joe Kopitz, Bill Leavitt, Claudia Massa, Ted Monell, Thomas Porper, Josh Skaller, Cheryl Krauss
There were no additional nominations. The President, Chris Owens, announced that suggestions for the 2009 CBID budget need to be emailed to him (
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) as soon as possible for serious consideration in the budget proposal he will be submitting to the CBID Executive Committee and then to the General Membership (at the January meeting). The President stated that an organization such as CBID needs a better understanding of its resources and commitments and that a real budget will assist in ensuring that CBID's vision is pursued in the best way. A discussion took place regarding Governor Paterson's impending selection of the next U.S. Senator -- the successor to incumbent Hillary Clinton, assuming she is confirmed as Secretary of State in the administration of President Barack Obama. There was specific discussion regarding certain candidates as well as general commentary. Consensus was reached that CBID should send a letter to Governor Paterson requesting a transparent process regarding the various parties interested in the Senate seat: all New Yorkers have a right to know where would-be Senators stand on key domestic and foreign policy issues so they can express their preferences to the Governor -- not just those with money and/or political access. The President confirmed that the CBID Annual Dinner will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2009 and that CBID endorsement meetings will start on Thursday, March 26 (Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate), followed by endorsement meetings on Thursday, April 23 (Council Districts 33, 39) and Thursday, May 14 (all other races). ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
