Chelsea Reform Democratic Club’s Resolution

On November 4, the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club passed the following resolution fully supporting Bill 1096-2024 which intends to protect the vested health insurance and contributions of retired employees of the City of New York

Whereas, the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, also known as CRDC, is more than 60 years old;

Whereas, it has functioned as a conduit for advanced support for its many constituents and other New Yorkers who worked for the city;

Whereas, some 250,000 people are retired from city jobs;

Whereas, the choice of the retirees’ healthcare has been up to them;

Whereas, their healthcare benefits have also been based upon factors that include union activity which can be overridden if retirees are forced into Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP);

Whereas, this denial of choice makes the MAP plan anti-union;

Whereas, MAP is not Medicare, but a private insurance plan drawing money away from Medicare;

Whereas, MAP will cost many millions that will not be spent for the public good;

Whereas, the benefits of this MAP plan are not equal to traditional Medicare and may cause retirees to be forced to see other doctors, which may result in delayed referrals and resulting treatment. This would cause stress and worry and possible harm to their health if proper referrals are slow-coming or inappropriate;

Whereas, costs incurred by this MAP, which is not Medicare, may cause retirees to pay for deductibles;

Whereas, The City of New York has continued to fight against the retirees in court;

Whereas, the retirees have won ten favorable Supreme Court decisions including two unanimous appeal decisions;

Whereas, New York Times, Sunday, November 2, 2024, Business section talks about major changes to MAP which may include 4 times higher costs for deductibles; and

Whereas, the leadership of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) who originally led the movement to change retirees to a MAP, have changed their position, and no longer supports a MAP; now therefore, be it

Resolved that the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC), on behalf of its members:

1. Urges all its elected officials to publicly support the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees supporting the proposed legislation, and that the city maintains the original Medicare plan provided at the time of hiring—and not force retirees onto a private profit-driven plan.

2. Urges city officials to uphold New York Administrative Code Section 12-126 and consistent with contractual and statutory obligations to continue to cover out-ofpocket expenses as required.

3. Urges the City Council to exercise leadership, voting to approve the proposed legislation by the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees protecting retirees from onerous and costly forced change of healthcare plan.

4. Monitors individual council member’s position as who is supporting this legislation. Furthermore, CRDC membership will consider the council member’s position regarding Intro Bill 1096 when determining which members to publicly support and work to get them re-elected.

Roberta Gelb Roberta Gelb,
President Chelsea Reform Democratic Club

Manhattan Democratic District Leaders and Democratic Political Clubs Statement Calling for Mayor Adams to Resign

The recent indictment of Mayor Eric Adams on charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations is a serious and troubling development for New York City. 

We, the people, almost 9 million strong, deserve more than a leader shackled by suspicion. New York City deserves a leader who walks among us with integrity, unencumbered by the distraction of serious legal battles. In the coming weeks, Mayor Adams will find himself less a steward of this city and more a defendant in a court of law, struggling not to guide us, but to defend himself.

Mayor Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and he is innocent until proven guilty. Yet, it is clear that defending himself against these sweeping charges will require his full attention and resources. 

New York City faces immense challenges, from addressing housing affordability to ensuring public safety and maintaining essential services. To lead New York is to take on a burden that leaves no room for divided focus. With a budget of $112 billion and the fate of nearly 9 million people to consider, we cannot afford to have a mayor preoccupied with defending his own name.

We call on Mayor Adams to resign. We believe that the best course of action for the city is for Mayor Adams to step aside and allow a new leader to step in, one who can fully devote themselves to the enormous task of governing. Mayor Adams can prove that his loyalty lies not with his own defense, but with the future of New York.

Signatories:

Vittoria Fariello - District Leader – AD61

Caroline Laskow - District Leader – AD65/A

Magda Napoleon – District Leader – AD65/B

Mariama James - District Leader – AD65/C

Paul Newell - District Leader – AD65/C

Jennifer Hoppe - District Leader – AD66/A

Aura Olavaria - District Leader – AD74/A

Layla Law-Gisiko - District Leader – AD75/A

Roberta Gelb – President - Chelsea Reform Democratic Club

Jasmin Sanchez – President – Three Bridges Democratic Club

Chelsea Reform Democratic Club – Executive Committee

Three Bridges Democratic Club – Executive Committee

Join fellow supporters of Congressman Suozzi to help speak with voters, reminding them how important it is to get out and vote for Tom on February 13!

There are less than 2 months until Election Day.  We need everyone's help to get the word out and let people know how important this special election is!  

This was part one of our two-part series that started with our November 30th program presenting the views supporting the NYCHA project. If you missed it, the video is now available on YouTube.

THANK YOU! We want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out and joined us at CRDC'S Annual Holiday Party!  We enjoyed seeing you all.

And thanks again to all of you who brought a scarf, hat and or gloves to be donated to those in need!

Here are the election results for the Officer positions for October 2023:

• Chair of the County Committee | Domenico Minerva
• 1st Vice Chair | Mariama James
• 2nd Vice Chair | Kyle Ishmael
• 3rd Vice Chair | Johanna Garcia
• Secretary | Barry Weinberg
• Treasurer | Charlette Mimiasie
• Vice Treasurer | Sharase DeBouse
• Sergeant-at-Arms | Paula Diamond Román

We want to note that the vote for the position of Chair of the County Committee was very close, demonstrating the engagement and enthusiasm of county party members in this important decision.

COME JOIN US FOR A BBQ!

Sunday, August 6 from noon to 3:00PM at the Frying Pan.

CRDC urges you to join our upcoming panel discussion on Madison Square Garden (MSG) on June 15, 2023, at 7pm. Madison Square Garden special operating permit expires in July 2023. The City Council is set to review and vote on a new permit for the arena sometime in July or August.