United States Senator and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, participated, and offered his perspective of the impeachment proceedings in Washington DC, and the 2020 Presidential elections, during a town hall meeting in Richmond Hill, organized by Richard David, district leader in the Assembly District 31.
The forum, co-sponsored by elected, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Members Vivian Cook, Alicia Hyndman, David Weprin, and Council Members Adrienne Adams and Donovan Richards, was attended by more than 150 residents, who had an opportunity to interact and ask questions during the hours-long session at the Richi Rich Palace, on Atlantic Avenue.
The event that was attended by Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, and Counci8l Member Helen Rosenthal was hosted in conjunction with nonprofit and community organizations in Assembly District 31.
Topics included Census 2020, gender-based violence, immigration, the impeachment hearing, de-colonizing education, importance of voting, redistricting, Diwali as a public-school holiday in New York City, and the upcoming elections for US President, Queens Borough President and an Assembly Member for District 31.
The event opened with the recognition of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanakji, the founder of the Sikh religion.
Jarnail Singh said it was an honor to host the community at Richi Rich Palace, “as we observe this important anniversary for Sikhs in the neighborhood and around the world.”
Chair of the Queens County Democratic Organization, Representative Gregory Meeks, discussed democratic reform, clarified the role of district leaders, and a planned Congressional tour of Guyana.
“I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who joined us on Saturday, and contributed to the rich discussion on the issues important to our community. I am always impressed by the great diversity our borough brings to our town halls, including the diversity of ideas and perspectives. Thanks to all the elected officials who came, and a special thanks to District Leader Richard David for organizing the event. I look forward to the next town hall,” said Rep. Meeks.
David, who went house to house to get thousands of signatures in order to become district leader clarified the purpose of the town hall, saying, “I wanted to bring people from all across this district to focus on what we can do together. There’s a whole lot we have in common including wanting more gifted and talented programs in our schools with after-school programming, property tax reform and access to affordable housing, and ways to help families and women confronted with violence.”
Thanking the audience, Senator Leroy Comrie, said, “I would like to extend my thanks to the Hon. U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, the Hon. Richard David, my colleagues in government and the numerous civic and community organizations that co-sponsored this critical community discussion.”
“As we edge towards 2020, we need to continue the dialogue where we can talk openly about the challenges we face, from immigration to the census, to economic development and empowerment in our neighborhoods and beyond. Engaging our community early and often is the best and most strategic way to organize and galvanize residents on issues that matter most.”
Assemblyman David I. Weprin assured that many of his constituents, who also reside in Congressman Gregory Meeks’ district, appreciated the update from Washington at the Southeast Queens Town Hall.
“I am glad to be a co-sponsor of the Southeast Queens Town Hall and would like to thank Representative Meeks for holding this important event,” said Assemblyman Weprin.
“This was a great Town Hall coordinated by District Leader Richard David which included high level Democrats. We asked hard questions and got answers,” said Lonnie Glover, who has served as President of the Spring-Gar Civic Association for over 12 years.
“Thank you to our Southeast Queens leaders and community organizations for their hard work and diligence in ensuring our communities (of color) are educated on not only on local issues but federal issues that affects us all.”
“The event promoted a place of positive and thought-provoking dialogue. Congressman Meeks, Councilwoman Adams and District Leader David have always put their community first. This is what unity looks like,” said Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, District 29.
“The event was very well attended, I’m very proud of Community Activist Richard David for bring together politicians from all different level of government in our community to listen to us and to update us on what’s happening locally and events as far as Guyana” said Romeo Hitlall of the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club.
“What is the role of a District Leader? I wanted to know, and I’m glad this was answered,” said Fay Hill, member of Community Board 13.
“The town hall meeting was informative; it gave us an opportunity to come together as a community. It’s one way to get accountability and transparency from our politicians at every level of government“ said Dilip Nath, President of New American Voters Association.
The non-profit partners in attendance, included: Alliance of South Asian American Labor, Rockaway Institute for Sustainability and Equity, Richmond Hill / South Ozone Park Lions Club, New American Voters Association Indo-Caribbean Alliance, SpringGar Civic Association, Beacon of Peace, NAACP Jamaica Branch, Jahajee Sisters: Empowering Indo-Caribbean Women, New American Democratic Club, Southeast Queens Muslim Collective, Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus,Queens Book Fair, Friends of Brookville Park, Shri Trimurti Bhavan, NYC Correction – Desi Society, Caribbean Equality Project, United Madrassi Association Inc., Indian Diaspora Council, Eastern America Cricket Association, Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Inc., Queens County Young Democrats (QCYD) and Chhaya Community Development Corporation.
