Minutes of ADA Meeting of May 22, 2004
Meeting was called to order at 10:40 AM.
Bea McNannie is getting better, but is still in the hospital.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Housing - discussed the bill passed in the NY State House, but bottled up in committee in the Senate that provides that a developer must set aside 10% for families making less than 80% of the median income median income housing in developments of 5 units or more.
Mrs. Kelmansen read a sample letter to our local elected official in support of this important legislation.
Mark’s motion to send letters in support of the bill was seconded and unanimous approved.
2. Bea’s report on Social Security was tabled until she is well enough to rejoin us and report on her findings.
NEW BUSINESS
1. ADA’s National Convention is June 24-27, 2004
We are allotted 31 delegates this year based on our membership. Last year we only sent one delegate, Judith Maxwell.
Helen Maxwell and Mark Finkel will represent us this year.
2. Donald Schaffer of the Working Families Party mailed a more detailed response to a question we raised at the April 27, 2004 concerning the effects of their tax plan on the State’s revenue.
Working Families income tax plan calls for a 1% income tax for income over $150,000 and a 2% increase for income over $200, 000 in Nassau and Suffolk which would result in a decrease in property taxes.
Yonkers and all five (5) Boroughs of NYC already have this plan.
JHM read letter from D Schaffer of 4/28/04
Motion to support the Working Families Party tax plan, but with the change that it should be for every county, and not just for Nassau and Suffolk counties, to have the right to opt for this income tax.
Unanimously passed.
3. The annual end of the year open meeting will be at the Finkel’s home in West Hempstead on June 13, 2004 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Already invited speakers: NYS Assemblyman Phil Ramos at NOON
Helen to invite NYS Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli to discuss his thoughts on the tax plan.
Mark to contact Scottie to ask her to invite people.
4. WEBSITE - to update our website, NYLIADA.ORG, board members were asked to put their email addresses on the sign in sheet.
5. Do we support “staying the course in Iraq?”
Resolution - LIADA, “Our position is that US policy should call for the complete turnover of power to the Iraqi government and our troops be withdrawn at that time, whenever there is an Iraqi government”.
Referendum on Iraq - government - US military subordinate to Iraqi people or International force formation replacing coalition forces.
Ruth to prepare resolution and email to Board members for comments - Helen to bring it to National meeting in June.
6. Discussion on replacing the DEBOLD voting machines as they are too old and need to be replaced.
Jack McNannie agreed to prepare a statement on this.
7. At the request of our webmaster Mark agreed to prepare a list of our accomplishments over the last year to be presented at next meeting. One of our most recent accomplishments was listed as having sent out 300 voter registration forms.
8. A motion made by Helen was unanimously passed that supports the current bill to make animal fighting illegal.
Motion by Mark to adjourn meeting was seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at noon.