October 19, 2023, 7:00 pm
Room 603; Brooklyn Law School and via Zoom
Ilyssa Meyer, President of IND, welcomed those in attendance in person and on Zoom.
Ilyssa announced that the next “Day of Action” for Justin Brannan would be held on October 28 and urged all to participate. She also noted that Caroline Cohen, who is running for Supreme Court Judge and is the only judicial candidate with a challenger, will be campaigning outside various subway stops in the district and asked members to join her.
Ilyssa also announced that members are invited to participate in weekly phonebooks in support of Ballot Proposal #1 in Ohio, which would support abortion rights.
Ilyssa acknowledged the presence of Rena Malik, our endorsed candidate for Civil Court Judge, and Caroline Cohen, our endorsed candidate for Supreme Court Judge.
Katy Shaffer, representing the Center for Community Alternatives, discussed three bills currently proposed for reforms in sentencing and incarceration. The bills would eliminate mandatory minimums, provide for a “second look” to reconsider sentences and offer rehabilitation through an “earned time” act. A motion to draft an IND resolution in support of these bills was approved.
Brian Fessler, representing the New York State School Boards Association, spoke in favor of the first of the two State ballot initiatives, which would remove small city school districts from special constitutional debt limitation.
Diana Gonzalez, President of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, introduced herself to IND and announced that she is running for a District Leader position in the 44th Assembly District.
City Councilmember Lincoln Restler briefly discussed his positions on jail size, the reduction of therapeutic beds in the prison system, transit improvements, education, and parks.
Senator Andrew Gounardes briefly discussed his legislation to keep children safe online from algorithmic feeds and misinformation.
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon briefly discussed her advocacy for cutting down school lockdown drills, reducing allowable blood alcohol levels for drivers, and developing a state plan for the teaching of reading.
Tevin Williams representing Congressman Dan Goldman spoke about establishing safe zones in Gaza and called for U.S. support for Israel.
A motion to condemn Councilmember Shahana Hanif for her statements and positions regarding anti-Semitism and Israel was tabled, with the understanding that the Executive Board will draft a resolution that can be presented at the next general meeting of the IND.