 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Carrion Welcomes Senator Schumer and Senator Clinton to the Bronx for Annual State of the Borough Address
Carrión Outlined Plans to Continue the Unprecedented Economic Boom of the Bronx, and Called for Major Improvements to the City’s Schools and the Increase of Police Officer Salaries
BRONX, NY - Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion delivered his 6th State of the Borough Address at Hostos Community College today. Carrion called for a new approach to education, increasing Police Officers salaries and unveiled plans to create a one-stop referral service for returning Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. Carrion began the speech highlighting the unprecedented economic boom that the Bronx is currently experiencing. “I’m happy to declare with confidence that yes, the Bronx is back! The State of our beloved Bronx is better than it was in 2002, when we started our tenure,” said Carrion. “In five years, we’ve created more private sector jobs in the Bronx than any other borough,” he added. 10,000 new private sector jobs have been created during my administration. 30,000 residents have found jobs and unemployment is down 50%. 13,000 fewer residents are living in poverty. Last year, the Bronx ranked 3rd in the state and 1st in the city in Personal Income Growth of residents.” Carrion took a strong stance, calling for a recommitment to leadership in the schools, for major and changes within the New York City School system. “Education does not begin at 8am and end at 3pm. Education is a 24/7 proposition… I believe we must keep the doors of the schoolhouse open before 8 and well after 3 and on the weekends,” stated Carrion. Carrion went on to discuss a new kind of leadership and a certain amount of sacrifice for our schools and teachers. “This will require sacrifice…not complaining that it is not in our job description and is not included in our contract. Our contract is a moral and social contract we have with the future of this republic. If this is going to work we must set aside the immediate for the larger gain,” stated the Borough President. Carrion also addressed the need for an increase in Police Officers salaries. “It’s absolutely ludicrous that we’re paying a rookie a starting salary of $25,000. Let’s raise the starting pay of police officers to what they’re worth to us,” demanded Carrion. “Unless we do this we will keep training police officers in our academy and shipping them off to the surrounding counties where they get paid right. This is must be fixed immediately. Investing in public safety is not just about investing in equipment and training, it is also about investing in the men and women who protect our city.” Among the projects the Borough President said he hoped to see become realities in the near future were: · Major improvements at the sprawling Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market · Veterans Advisory Council · Hotel & Conference Center · Y at Co-op City · West Bronx Boys & Girls Club · Hip Hop Museum · Children’s Museum Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Hillary Clinton, community leaders and Bronx elected officials, including Congressman Jose Serrano, Assembly Member Jose Rivera, Assembly Member Ruben Diaz Jr., Assembly Member Carl Heastie, Council Member Larry Seabrook, City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera and State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson were among the dignitaries who also joined Carrion. |
||
851
Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451 |
||
