CoDA General Metting 9/9/2024
AGENDA:
1. Report back of CoDA events since the last meeting
a. Harris/Walz Work: DNC Watch Party, tabling for Vote Blue, CoDA Phone Bank
b. Outreach Committee Work: Project 2025
2. Vote on adoption of minutes from last meeting
3. Membership Welcome
4. Bylaws Change
5. Events coming up – Phone bank (open slots), debate party tomorrow
6. Other Business
1. Events Update
a. Phone Bank, DNC watch party, tabling
i. Phone Bank – First phone bank was a success, very easy to do
ii. DNC Watch Party – In collaboration with other clubs, packed at Mary O’s. Noted there was a protest for Gaza outside, which is important to acknowledge
iii. Tabling to promote Vote Blue buses, NY ERA Vote yes on Prop 1 and our phone banks and watch parties. There was good turnout, and it’s nice that this
is a Presidential because we don’t have to talk to locally registered voters.
b. Outreach Committee
i. Looking to do tabling throughout the community and focusing further east to engage local voters and promote club membership
ii. Using the Center for American Progress’ Project 2025 Impact on New York and including environmental impacts
iii. Looking to get voter registration information so people can register there
iv. Looking for more volunteers to table on these days with Donna
v. Working on a history of CoDA document w/ Michael Farrin
2. Bylaws Change
a. Style note: changed CODA to CoDA
b. Article 3, subsection 6 “Qualifications,” subsection A change to add language enabling staff members for elected officials to join the Executive Board. Limited to only the secretary position, included conflicts of interest and recusal policies. Read by Jacob Golden.
i. Ayo moves to vote, Donna objects
ii. GENERAL DISCUSSION:
1. Points in support: we don’t have a lot of people participating and that ifwe limit who can be members of the board, we may diminish
participation and membership. Our current policy is exclusive, and weshould change it to be inclusive. We don’t have to vote for people forthe Board who we don’t think will be good, so the board voting processshould be sufficient to address concerns over conflicts of interest.
2. Points in opposition: it will put the staffers on the board and the electedofficials in an awkward position if the club decides to support something
in opposition to the elected official. We don’t want to have electedofficials influencing the actions of the club, we want the influence to be
the other way.
3. There is discussion that this amendment is currently put forth so Katie can join the Executive Board as co-secretary, however, everyone acknowledges that we have to be intentional and consider these changes irrespective of what they think of Katie or her work with CoDA or any particular elected official. Everyone praises Katie, and genuinely believes she is amazing.
4. Other points: What are other clubs doing, specifically other progressive clubs in the reform movement? If someone wants to participate and is motivated, do they technically need the title to still participate?
5. Members expressed wanting to add more nuance to the rule and try to make it work by addressing the conflicts of interest. A friendly amendment to add a sunset clause was denied. They said they would prefer to do more research, and called the question.iii. VOTE: 7 in favor, 4 opposed, 3 abstentions. Motion fails. Bylaw amendment is not adopted.
c. Additional bylaws changes should be discussed one item at a time, and this is the only item being discussed tonight.
3. Upcoming Events
a. Phone Banks every Wednesday with rotating hosts. Katie Loeb will send out the already decided on dates and Marquis Jenkins signed up to host.
b. Debate watch party at Donnybrook at 35 Clinton Street on 9/10. DNC is promoting the event, and 65 people have signed up! Not anticipating overcrowding and there will beno sign up requirement to attend.
c. Vote Blue buses to swing districts are every Saturday. Harvey Epstein will be hosting a bus to Pennsylvania on 10/5.
4. Other Business
a. Marquis is spearheading a campaign against ballot measures 2-6. These came from a Mayoral charter revision and are overreaches of Mayoral powers, especially in regard to public safety and criminal justice.
i. Marquis is spearheading the field organizing and provided dates and times people can participate.
ii. CoDA can host outreach sessions below 14 th Street, but we have to make sure we have people to work it.
iii. More information regarding getting involved and breaking down the ballot measures are forthcoming.
b. The work of the bylaws committee will continue to try to find nuance to the question of melected staffers being on the Executive Board, and other items. Emails for Michael Farrin will be confirmed because there was miscommunication related to the changes discussed tonight.
Move to adjourn: Alana, Second Esther
CoDA General Meeting 7/30/2024 AGENDA
A. District Leader Update on Judicial Elections
B. Endorse on State Supreme Court Judge
C. Elect Executive Board. Current nominations include:
President: Alana Sivin
Co Vice Presidents: Ciara Lugo and Donna Ellaby
Treasurer: Jake Wolff
Corresponding Secretary: Katie Loeb
Recording Secretary: Albert Mercado
D. Vote to endorse in the presidential election and plan for next steps, including weekly phone banks.
E. Update on state committeewoman
F. Mount Sinai Beth Israel Update
G. Announcements: Event in Support of Ana Irma Rivera Lassén on August 15 at 6PM, other
announcements
A District Leader Update on Judicial Elections
The Governor created three new judicial seats, we believe they will be serving in Family Court.
The District Leaders had to last minute vote to fill these seats (brief discussion on process flaws)
The judges who were selected are:
o Harold Bahr, a previous CoDA endorsee
o Liz Seamus, a strong disability candidate
o Crystal Villasenor, who was not voted for by our District Leaders but ran and dropped out of the judge race previously
Ayo mentioned that this candidate had been previously registered as a
Republican, which caused many people to have concerns over her judgeship
Ayo mentioned that all the Lower East Side representatives of color said they
believed she was too conservative, yet the white people selected her over their
concerns
Alana mentioned that uptown leaders of color, including Melissa Mark Viverito,were advocating for Crystal, but the District Leaders of CoDA went with another candidate because of the concerns raised by Ayo and others in the community
Judge preferred by our District Leaders but did not win
o Eric Worsthorn
B. Endorse on State Supreme Court Judge Discussion on Process
People are elected judicial delegates to select who will appear on the Democratic line in the
General Election for all vacancies for State Supreme Court.
Judicial Delegates for CoDA are: Donna Ellaby, Michael Schweinsburg, Michael Faran
Judicial Delegate alternates are: Marquis Jenkins, Aura Olavarria
Alana says supreme Court Judges are very important because they will often serve on weekends,
so they will determine bail for those arrested on weekends. They also determine if people are
issued orders of protection, help pro se clients, and other very important issues.
Michael Faran says this process may seem opaque and like back room politics, but it is important
for protecting the integrity of a progressive judiciary because it makes sure people are vetted
and have support, and not someone who can buy their way into an election.
Some clubs bind their Delegates to a club vote, but CoDA does not have this rule. Generally
there is an advisory poll and the delegates will have a first choice, but judges often count votes
and then drop out if they can’t win, so there’s some flexibility in judicial delegates.
Candidates and Discussion
Donna Ellaby is supporting Jerrold Leibowitz because of his tenure in Housing Court. He was the only person who created a guide for tenants facing eviction, called a Tenants Rights Booklet so that all tenants knew their rights. This has subsequently been adopted writ large by the courts and is now the standard for tenants. He is being forced into retirement, so if we support him for Supreme Court he gets 4 extra years to serve on the court. We also get a Civil Court opening that we can select someone for.
o Q: KL – Does Supreme Court deal with housing issues?
o A: DE – They are assigned to other courts, so they can be assigned to Housing Court as
well as criminal, family, pro se/pro bono, etc
o A: AH – Supreme Court can hear anything except for cases against the state
Alana Sivin spoke on a new organization that uses metrics to analyze how judges set bail, and
said that Jerry Liebowitz sets the highest bail, so she does not feel comfortable with voting for
him for judge. She prefers Judy Kim who was determined to set the lowest bail and prefers
Alternatives to Incarceration and other programs.
o Q: What other metrics do they look at?
o A: AS – They also look at what cases were overturned. We can look up how many of his
decisions are overturned. In Judge Liebowitz’s defense, they also track how transparent
judges are and how many decisions they write, and he has written a lot of decisions and
is rate transparent.
o MF – Overturned decisions are not really a great metric, so we should look into this with
a grain of salt.
Ayo emphasized the importance of selecting people of color for these seats and would like more
information about the racial demographics of the court.
AH – what is the process for the delegates to select judges? Does it reflect the CoDA
membership, or do the delegates make decisions on their own?
o AS: Some clubs bind their delegates with a vote, but CoDA does not have this in our
bylaws.
o MF: We have always said the delegates are not individual actors, but they reflect the
membership. In the past, we had the judges appear before the whole group, and then
took a poll of membership. This was just an advisory opinion, where you had a first
choice. The way it works is that people start counting up the vote and if they know they won’t win will drop out, so you can’t select your first choice. There is then some discretion on who to choose.
Tito Delgado followed up Ayo’s point on race. He said that incarceration rates for Black and
Latinos are the highest, and if this particular judge is not rated very well, it is hard to push for
that. Our community has to be represented in this vote. There is a scale that they use, and this
particular judge did not do very well with leniency or parole and being a little fairer. I would go with Alana’s take on this because she is in the system and she has been in this system for quite a while now. She knows the players. We talk a lot of procedure issues, those are important, but wants to raise the issue of race that Ayo said. Too many people are going to jail and it’s a bad situation.
Donna Ellaby said over the past 30 years she has been a judicial delegate, CoDA has supported
diversity as a significant issue and as a result the bench is much more diverse than it was in the
past. On the issue about the carceral decisions, I want us to move forward on the rest of the
agenda. I would like to contact the candidate and tell him this is an issue for our club and allow
him to provide a response to this. She will share this information with the club.
Ayo asked if we could also have more information about Judy Kim. She also says that 85% of people in jail are from 11 neighborhoods that are majority Black and brown, including the Lower East Side.
Edwin Hernandez asked where they stand on the Campaign to Close Rikers
o A: Harvey Epstein says that judges can’t take positions on these sort of campaigns
because they may hear related cases and would have to recuse themselves.
o A: AS – we can’t close Rikers if there are too many people in pre-trial detention, and
Judy Kim has shown that she is going to do this by sentencing fewer people to pre-trial
detention.
Harvey Epstein says that white people are overrepresented in the judiciary. He shared statistics
on the representation based on population demographics, and says that Asian judges are
underrepresented.
Ayo recommends there be a change in the bylaws to make the Judicial Delegates be binding.
Harvey says we should add an agenda item to the next meeting to create a bylaws committee to
see if we can change our bylaws.
Michael says that in the past it helps for us to call County and let them know what our decision
is in advance.
Donna says she has spoken to 30 judicial delegates outside of community and she thinks there is
overwhelming support for Jerrold Liebowitz.
Tito says that doesn’t mean that we should pick him.
Katie moves to take an advisory poll of the club, Ayo seconds, acknowledging that this is just
advisory
Discussion over whether to move forward with the advisory poll
Jacob Golden asks that we have the poll be online due 48 hours before the vote.
The poll will be sent out on Friday with the report on judicial ratings by Alana and information
from Donna
C. Executive Board Elections
Nominated Candidates
President: Alana Sivin
Co Vice Presidents: Ciara Lugo and Donna Ellaby
Treasurer: Jake Wolff
Corresponding Secretary: Katie Loeb
Recording Secretary: Albert Mercado
Discussion on the appropriateness of an elected official staffer to be on the executive.
Next month when we discuss the bylaws, we will also include recusal policies for staff of elected officials staff if they are on the executive board for review.
People expressed concern over elected official staff having influence over the process
Others said that they don’t think this is a conflict of interest, and that it should be allowed for anyone qualified to join the board
Decided no exceptions should be allowed, but that we would review the bylaws to enable Katie
Loeb to join the Executive Board in next meeting
Nominations from the floor
Tito Delgado nominates Ayo Harrington for co-president, Alana Sivin seconds, Ayo Harrington
Accepts
Esther Yang nominates herself for co-treasurer of the Board following Agenda Item D. The vote was reopened, and she was unanimously approved Election
Slate unanimously approved
CoDA Board as voted: Co-Presidents: Alana Sivin and Ayo Harrington; Co-Vice Presidents: Ciara Lugo and
Donna Ellaby; Co-Treasurers: Jake Wolff and Esther Yang; Recording Secretary: Alberto Mercado
D. Presidential Election Endorse
Vote to endorse Kamala Harris in the Presidential Election
Unanimously approved
Harvey Epstein requests sponsorship for buses to Pennsylvania and other States for $500 and a Kamala watch party on August 22 for $100
Discussion on whether or not CoDA can donate money to the Vote Blue PAC
Treasurer Jake Wolff is concerned that since CoDA is not a registered Political Committee, they are not able to donate to the Vote Blue PAC, which is how we endorse the buses
Harvey said that we can give under $1,000 to a Federal PAC, which is what Vote Blue is
Jake says that State law prohibits CoDA from making donations to political campaigns or
committees because CoDA is not a registered committee
Ayo requests that executive board register us as a political committee
Vote to endorse bus and watch party, without donating any money (discussion continues without vote)
Ayo Harrington encourages everyone to donate money to the Kamala Harris campaign as well as sign up to phone bank. She is excited as hell that his woman is running. She is so happy. Rachel recommends to reach out to local community based organizations to see what they can do to get more people to vote. There are a lot of people in this community who do not vote, and we have to think of those organizations who can reach these people to get them to vote. We should think about how we can reach them and teach them.
While nonprofits may not be able to endorse candidates, they can register people to vote, so we should get voter registration forms to these organizations.
A member shared she is a community nurse and works with seniors with limited mobility and
some are homebound. She urges us to move with absentee ballots and get seniors to vote
absentee as they may not be able to leave their homes. She also wants us to focus on young
voters as well.
Project 2025 Discussion
Center for American Progress has a one-page breakdown of this, which is pretty terrible for
basically everyone.
Donna says that we should take this and add voter registration information to the bottom, and
take time to do outreach to high schools and around the community Further discussion
Rachel requests to go to swing congressional districts in NY, the buses are going there
Ted – this nomination of Harris is a wonderful thing for the Democratic Party and the country,
but we have to find a way… but CoDA has taken certain positions on Israel, BDS, and Gaza over
the year, and we have to find a way to participate with others to find a way to make sure that
she takes a more progressive position on solving the issues in the Middle East.
Mark Hannay spoke on swing districts in New York State
E. State Committee Update
State Comitteewoman Winfield was unable to stay to this time, but she did leave a report for
members to read (scanned and included)
F. Mt. Sinai Update from Mark Hannay
The State Department of Health gave a conditional approval for Beth Israel to close
The conditions:
o A 24/7 urgent care is conditioned to operate for 3 months, believe this is window
dressing to appease the community, and we must make sure people use it
o Mt Sinai will be required to give Bellevue money
Next steps:
o There is a court hearing next Thursday, August 8 at 3:00pm, but this may no longer be
on the judge’s calendar, there is confusion over this. If this is happening, we will want to
pack the court room
G. Announcements
The Executive Board Members are hosting a fundraiser for Ana Irma Rivera
Q: Tito If she doesn’t have a vote what is the point?
A: Alana she still has influence and the current person is basically a Republican and doesn’t
represent us
Q: Ted who is this person? I don’t remember this.
A: Alana we voted on this last meeting and discussed the importance of supporting her due to the cultural history of the neighborhood. Alana also spoke on the progressive and significant
Legislation passed by Ana Irma.
A: Tito she is also the head of the Puerto Rican Bar Association as well
Q: Alberto historically the people on Puerto Rico have voted to remain a colony. If the people
there are continuing to vote to be a colony, what chance does she have?
A: Ayo it’s not a colony, (discussion over this statement begins)
A: Donna let’s not get too sidetracked on this and agree it’s important to educate people on this
issue.
A: Tito to speak to your point it matters because she can be a voice and she can shake things up
A: There’s something to be said for furthering autonomy and furthering self rule and control
over finances and infrastructure, and that in terms of decolonization is very important. And how it’s presented on the ballot is different from what people want. There will be a get out the vote with the downtown clubs. The date is being confirmed still, but aimingfor mid-September once people are back in school. VID is doing get out the vote at the target.
Donna suggests creating a committee on get out the vote. There follows discussion about whether we
should host a forum or town hall on this. Harvey Epstein is hosting one.
Mark said that Beth Israel is open and operating and it is providing excellent care. The nurse to patient ratio is among the best ratio in the city right now. So you get great nursing care there.
Other people are already doing a lot of work on Project 2025, so we should work with those groups on this Agenda Items for next month and follow up
Send out Supreme Court Judge advisory poll on Friday
Bylaws Committee for binding Judicial Delegates and elected official staff serving as an officer on the Executive Board
Further discussion on registering as a political committee
Form a committee on get out the vote and Project 2025 outreach and education
November 5th, 2023
CODA Yearly Retreat
Attendance
Adriana Gordillo, Albert Mercado, Jake Wolff, Alana Sivin
Moderator: Andrea Gordillo started
Agenda
10am – Energizer, Icebreaker, and Welcome
- Facilitator Pablo benson gave us a flavor for how the day will procede – what to expect
- All in attendance stated their name – approximately how long with – CODA
- Facilitor Pablo benson – introduced himself & gave us a small BIO
10:20am – Group Agreements, Managing Expectations For The Day
- Pablo explained – we will all break up into groups – towards the end
- Pablo explained – what is expected of us – in order to get the most of this exercise
10:30am To 11:30am – Timeline Exercise, And Storytelling
- no queremos queso – queremos apartamentos
- Diversity & strength
- The majority is electoral
- Struggle to become more issue oriented
- “green groceries” – most successful issue campaign – 1998-2001
- Vieques campaign – 2000
- Issue based campaign – gain visibility
- David & goliath fights
- CODA people involved in other campaigns
- Many movements of housing organizing
- Are we democrats – or are we 2 club
- Attracting people for our endorsement(s)
- Electoral heavy – but also intentional list of block associations
- Opposed to the democratic machine
- Synergy between – electoral & political
- Critical movement(s) – Guiliani era –
- watching multiple community fronts
- UHAB
- Gardens
- A lot of targets in the – 90’s
- DID film lecture series – community events and political education
- Don’t blame CODA – stepping back from grassroots – electoral has it’s timeline
- Democratic changes – asisan community- growing gentrification
- Nexus between – old/new – local/global
- Having 2 clear opponents – creates motivation(s)
- Follow thru with electives
- Opposition has becom – other persons organization
- Overcome grudges
- Tension between reform & transformation
- Inside/outside strategy
- Connecting movement(s) – to electoral committee(s)
- Organizing around issues – bring in new people
- Having an enemy focal point – can deter from objectives
- Response & resilience – work was dropped
- Healthcare potential campaign
- Position to other progressive groups
- Mutual aid – rapid response – as for of recruitment
- Getting passed neighborhood beefs – difference on specific policy solution(s)
- Political organizing has changed onlie causing tools – bigger tent
- Build the organization – before others attack
- Personality issues corroding coalition building
- Joining in synergy
Guiding questions to consider:
- What are some of our wins?
- When did we stumble?
- Who was here and isn’t here any longer?
- When was there a breakdown?
- Who have been our targets?
- What tactics have been effective?
11:30 – 11:40am – Stretch Break
11:40am – 1:15 – Who Are We – Spectrum Of Allies Activity.
Issue Campaigns’ Success: Discussion on various campaigns, including successful
issue campaigns like ” green groceries” and the Vieques campaign. Campaigns like
“green groceries” and the Vieques campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of issue-
oriented approaches. They highlighted how focusing on specific, tangible problems
within the community can garner support and visibility, contributing to the coalition's
credibility and relevance.
● Historical Context and Learning: Exploring past campaigns, such as during the
Giuliani era, provides valuable lessons and insights. Understanding the successes,
challenges, and strategies employed during these times informs the coalition’s current
approach and decision-making processes.
● Community Engagement and Grassroots Movements: Highlighting the involvement
in housing organizing, block associations, and grassroots initiatives demonstrates the
coalition’s commitment to engaging with the community at a local level. This involvement
strengthens trust and connections within the neighborhood.
● Adapting to Changing Dynamics: Recognizing shifts in community demographics, like
growing gentrification or changes in political landscapes, enables the coalition to adapt
its strategies. Adapting to these changes ensures that the coalition remains relevant and
responsive to evolving community needs.
● Building Alliances and Addressing Differences: Acknowledging tensions between
reform and transformation and addressing personality issues impacting coalition building
is vital. Building alliances, overcoming differences, and fostering unity are key to
maintaining the coalition’s strength and influence.
● Strategic Focus and Recruitment: Identifying target focal points, understanding the
significance of issue-based organizing for recruitment, and exploring new campaign
potentials, like healthcare initiatives, helps the coalition stay aligned with its progressive
objectives while attracting new supporters.
1:15PM – 2PM – LUNCH
2pm – 2:45pm – LES Power Map
2:45 – 3:15pm – Energizer Activity
3:15 – 4:15 – Objective Setting
4:30pm – 5:30pm – Work Planning
Dot Voting
Save Beth Israel 8
Ceasefire Now 7
Democratize the Democratic Party 6
Rad Pact Education 4
Comunity Land Trust 4
Quality of Life w Human Rights 2
Move The Money 2
Single Payer Healthcare 2
Invest in Our New York 1
Housing 1
Taxing Institution (NYU, Columbia) 1
Extreme Heat Bill
Just Cause Bill
Ceasefire Now
- Feeder Marches
- Mobilize when they are organized
- Mobilize Other Clubs
- Ask them to endorse resolutions
- Contact NY Delegation
- Letter, Conversations
- Interfaith groups
- Research and Sign on
- Senior Center
- One-on-One, Group Leaders, Make Calls
- Political Education Events
- Originate and Amplify Other Events
- Silent Vigils
- Join Events
- Send Email Invitation
- Paul Send Emalils
Ended
Recording Secretary
Albert Mercado – aka – ALM
October 12, 2023 – 7:00 PM
CODA General Membership Meeting
GOLES @ – 171 Ave B
(Minutes)
(Page 1)
Exe. Bd. Attendance Meeting Started 7:13pm
Andrea Gordillo, Jake Wolff, Albert Mercado
Local Politicians: ASM Harvey Espstein/Channel Eliot & John Blasco/ Dan Goldman’s Office,
Susan Mckeown, Nelson Valentine
Gen. Attendance : Allison Greenfield, Paul Bartlett, Rachael de Aragon, Ted Reich, Carolyn English, Mark
Hannay, Michael Quinn, Michael Schweinsburg, Valentina Jones, Edward Brunicardi
Virtual Attendance:
Laura Olenick
Moderator: Andrea Gordillo
ASM Harvey Epstein
Briefly Discussed Situation In Israel
Summary De-Briefed Us – County Committee Meeting
Manhattan Must Do Our Part In Order Support Entire County Committee(S) – Get Stuff Done!!
Mentioned May Be More Difficult Next Year To Get Stuff Done
Mentioned Several Meeting(S) & Legislation(S) & Congressional Seats
Mentioned For All Of Us To Get Involved With – NY Eye & Ear & Beth Israel – Being Closed
Mentioned Building A New Coalition To Combat – Closing Issue(S) – NY Eye & Ear & Beth Israel
Mentioned CC Could Support Clubs Like – CODA To Translate – Different Languages – For Transparency
John Blasco
Dan Goldman Office Inundated With Questions – Crisis In Israel
Briefly discussed about the – Legislated Process – How the City Council works
The Speaker is elected by Council Members – Leads us in setting priorities and passing laws
The Speaker also – Directs Public Money – For the benefit of all – New Yorkers
The Committee Votes on any particular – Bill
If the Bill passes the Committee by a majority vote – Then the Bill is sent to the Full Council
Where it will be considered and voted on a Stated Meeting
The Bill must again pass by a majority vote
Despite numerous Bills on the floor – In the end the Speaker decides and pushes any Bill…
Which is in the best interest – Of any given Speaker in charge
Vote Change CODA Bylaws
Create Disability Rights Officer – The Disability Rights Officer Shall Be Responsible For Ensuring…
All Policies, Procedures, Programs, Events, Etc – Are Viewed First Through A Disability Lens…
Campaigns, Operations and Activities – The Officer May Also Hold an Executive Position…
In The Absence Of An Officer – A Committee May Be Informed
Members Should Fill Different Officer(S) – Within CODA
Vote To Create – Disability Rights Officer – To Review Thru Disability Committee – Tabled For Now
Ongoing Campaign Updates
Not Discussed
Event Planning – For Our Retreat & Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE: November 5 th – 10am to 5pm – CODA Retreat – Location TBD!!
Join our Executive Committee, members, and friends as we gather for a strategic retreat, plan our
campaigns, and break bread together…
We’ll discuss the upcoming major elections, power mapping our neighborhood, local organizing, and
how to focus and improve our messaging. Light breakfast and Lunch will be provided to attendees…
This retreat will be facilitated by Pablo Benson Silva. Pablo Benson Silva is currently Organizing Director
for the Citizen Victory Movement (Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana), an emergent progressive political
party in Puerto Rico. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Pablo has just returned to his native country after
living in New York for 15 years…
During his decade and a half in NYC he led and ventured into many projects around social movements,
participatory politics and solidarity economy. From organizing the largest municipality conference in the
United States with Fearless Cities North America in 2018 to co-directing the New York network of
workers&; cooperatives (NYC NOWC) for more than four years. His interest in enhancing the current
historical situation to achieve political and social change has led him to advise municipality campaigns
and grassroots organizations around the world…
Meeting Ended 9:07
Recording Secretary
Albert Mercado – aka – ALM
Sept. 7th, 2023 – 7:00 PM
CODA General Membership Meeting
In Person – Loisaida Center at 710 E. 9 th . St / CODA zoom link
Executive. Board. Attendance Meeting Started 7:13pm
Andrea Gordillo, Alana Sivin, Jake Wolf, Albert Mercado, Jesus Salas
Local Politicians
ASM Harvey Epstein, John Blasco/Cong. Dan Goldman Rep, Simone Kanter/Con. Dan Goldman Com. Dir,
Gen. Attendance
Christopher D. Grief/MTA ACTA Assesibility, Dave Brauswell, Alejandro Ep. , Michael Farin, Allison Greenfield, Paul Garrin, Joseph Puma, Michael Quinn, Lanette Murphy,
Virtual Attendance
Channel Elliot/Harvey Epstein Rep, Ted Reich
Moderator: Andrea Gordillo
CNM Harvey Epstein Reported
Eleven (11) legislative victories in 2023 – New progressive agenda for 2024 legislation period
East River update – Walk through with DDC (dep’t design & construction)
Expediting working papers for Asylum Seekers
Asylum Seekers being housed in NYCHA apartments that are being renovated by NYCHA
Had a political mixer Sept. 5 th – 35 people attended
Hang With Harvey – Summer Social W/Community – Political Mixer – Sept. 21 st – At 225 E. 27 th Street
New Migrant Center – At 29 th Street
NY Eye & Ear – Merging with BIMC – Numerous local politicians have voiced their immediate concerns
Congressman Daniel Goldman – Rep. John Blasco & Simone
John also reported – East River update – Walk through with DDC (dep’t design & construction)
John letter to MTA CEO/Chair – Janno Lieber – Delancey/Essex ADA Train Station – See Attached
Signed by – Sen. Brian Kavanah, Cong. Dan Goldman, ASM Harvey Epstein, MPB Mark Levine…
CMN. Chris Marte, CWM. Carlina Rivera – See letter attached
Christopher Grief – MTA ACTA – Advisory Committee On Accessibility
Essex/Delancey ADA Train Station – Scheduled 2020-2024 Capital Expend.Project – See Attached
Imperative Entire CB 3 Community – “Letter of Support with Signed Petitions”
Submit Support Letter(s) & Petition(s) – MTA Government Affairs – 2 Broadway NY,NY 10004
Christopher – All MTA’s Capital Projects – Are 1.5yrs Behind – Because COVID
See Essex St/JMZ Trains & Delancey St/F Train
Updates Judicial Convention & County Committee
The Count Committee consists of two members from each voting district in each municipality. The
members are elected at the June primary election
On Thursday, August 10 th , the recently-elected Democratic Judicial Delegates of the 1 st Judicial District…
Convened for the Manhattan Democratic Party’s 2023Supreme Court Judicial Convention
The following candidates were selected as the 2023 Democratic Nominees for the 1 st . Judicial District
Hon. Phaedra Perry & Hon. Lyle Frank & Hon. Leslie Stroth
The Democratic Party is governed by committees of the registered Democrats, from the National
Committee level, down to State Committees, and then local community levels
Joe Biden – President
National Democratic Committee
Democratic State Committees – District Leaders & State Committee Members
Democratic County Committee – District Leaders & County Committee Members
SALT Meeting – Delancey Street Subway Accessibility Campaign
CODA has partnered with like-minded groups such as GSD/Grand St. Dem’s & Other Democratic Clubs
SALT/Senior Advocacy Leadership Team & Cong. Daniel Goldman
Deputy Chief of Staff – For Con. Daniel Goldman – John Blasco – Created thread which included
Seven Local Politicians – From Districts 1+2 – All of which signed a letter addressed to (attached)
MTA Chair & Chief Exec. Officer – Janno Lieber – Regarding Accessibility – Essex/Delancey Train Station
ALM shared info at meeting Tuesday 8.29/2pm with SALT Team – “Senior Leadership Team”….
Bill Ferns from GSD was also present – GSD means – “Grand St. Democrats”
Plan is to visit CMN Christopher Marte Office – Weeks of Sept. 11 th or 18 th – Revise Attack Plan
ALM will invite – CWMN Carlina Rivera & ASSBLMN Harvey Epstein – Attend or Send Representative
We also plan on meeting personally with – MTA CEO Janno Lieber – Discuss Updated Station Info, etc
ALM & Bill Ferns & SALT will also “Attend & Talk” at MTA Board Meetings
Keep MTA board Members – “Feet To The Fire”
ALM suggested SALT to hold – Press Conference or Rally(s) – At Delancey/Essex Train Station
ALM suggested contacting – District 1 & District 2 – Local Politicians & Political Clubs
ALM will contact- “DIA & “CIDNY” – Regarding support with – 50-100 Wheelchairs at Rally(s)
“DIA” means – “Disabled In Action” – “CINDY” means – “Center for Independence of The Disabled NY”
Voting Changes To CODA (bylaws)
Voted to table until next meeting
Meeting Ended 8:17pm
Recording Secretary
Albert Mercado – aka – ALM