Northattan

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While Northattan residents prepare for Tuesday’s midterm election, we want to introduce a few candidates on the ballot that you may not have heard of yet.

Since Northattan is strongly Democratic, most of the races have already been virtually decided, but that hasn’t deterred these “alternatives” from running anyway. Here are three of the underdogs.

Michel Faulkner. Photo Courtesy of Jillian Plomin

An ordained minister and a former New York Jets linesman, Michel J. Faulkner is running as a Republican for the U.S. House of Representatives against the longtime incumbent,  Charles B. Rangel, a Democrat. Northattan Reporter Kim Chakanetsa spoke with him about his candidacy.

Q.: Why are you running?

A.: I’m running because faith, hope and democracy have been eradicated because of mistrust in our leaders. People don’t trust their elected leaders. As a patriot, I want to restore dignity by giving voters two options. 1) Voting for someone who is honest. 2) Someone who won’t treat them as kids as if they are not smart especially poor people. They don’t want to depend on government handouts.

Q.: You are a Republican running in a Democratic area. How are you appealing to voters?

A.: Voters are fed up with Democrats and Republicans. The political machinery has not served them. People are willing to cross party lines. People have no problem voting for someone who represents their needs.

Q.: Do you think you can win?

A.: I‘m very confident, absolutely. When I started this race it was not about criticizing Mr. Rangel. It was more about what I plan to do. I had a job fair with 22 employers. As a result 50 people found jobs. I am very proud of that. The key to victory is giving people back their dignity.

Q.: Beyond winning the election, what do you think you will gain by mounting a campaign for office?

A.: I want to turn our focus back on what makes America great — true American values have been thrown under a bus. I am not a career politician. I pray to God I never become or sound like one. I want to always be a man of the people.  People count, people matter. We are here to make sure their voices are heard.

Craig Schley. Photo courtesy of Craig Schley

Craig Schley is running for U.S. Congress in the 15^th District on the Independence Party line, against the longtime Democratic incumbent,. Charles B. Rangel.  His campaign office is on 123^rd Street in Harlem, in a space that used to be a “fish joint.” An ex-model and firefighter, Schley founded a human rights advocacy organization called VOTE People, which has actively opposed the rezoning of 125^th Street.  Northattan reporter Ashley Semler talked to him about his candidacy.

Q.: You are an independent in a highly vocal Democratic part of New York. How are you appealing to voters who normally vote for the Democratic candidate right down the ticket?

A.: The arts and entertainment piece is a very vital piece to this district in light of the fact that every community in this city, you need to invigorate it with foot traffic, attention and bring art to that community. That’s how SoHo was developed …  and that’s how Lincoln Center invigorated Midtown. That should have been right up in this district in combination or conjunction with the Apollo Theater, the arts alliances up here.

The biggest one is that they know where I stand on displacement … of businesses and residents. I’m very clear on that area. Business cannot compete with the conglomerates that are coming up here, and they know that in order to do that they need to bring the lowering of the taxes and someone that supports that type of residential environment, which I did.

Q.: Why do you think you will win?

A.: Every Democrat except for your district levels are on the Independence line. [Gubernatorial candidate Andrew] Cuomo’s on the Independence line, [Sen.] Chuck Schumer’s on the Independence line, [Sen. Kirsten] Gilldebrand is on the Independence line, [attorney general candidate] Eric Schneiderman’s on the Independence line, and I’m on the Independence line. The reason why they’re there is because they realize the second-largest number of voters in this district are 55,000 registered voters that are not party committed. They know that there’s something chasing voters away from the Democratic ballot. There’s the scandal in Albany, the scandal in Washington, D.C., with Congressman Rangel, and the same goes for the Republicans.

There’s a discontent in the community about this, so I like my chances. We’re gonna pump this. We like what’s going on. And I like a good fight. It’s not a matter of me quitting, and plus I’ve been campaigning since ’08. So whether you get recognition in the papers is not an actual correlation between exposure and voter recognition.

Q.: What have you gained, personally and in the community, by mounting a campaign for office?

A.: First, what I gained is an appreciation for this district. A knowledge of it. And I know where they stand.

What I’ve gained is the support of people and the ability to have the community understand who Craig is, what he represents and truly is. And the accomplishments are people would like to hear someone consistent with what they stand for. The knowledge of the actual fight that I’ve been waging against displacement of our residential values, or small businesses, or funding for public schools and colleges. Being able to articulate to people that it’s not a competition between charter schools and public schools. You know, this is a matter of people providing education opportunities that says to the community at large that our children are too important to fail. Not that one system is inverse to the other or superior to the other. We put on a big showcase of artists that are up here that would support an arts and entertainment industry, talking about, selling the idea, showing the community not just by doing election but actually exercising the ability that they can have a viable industry that is orientated to this community and this culture that would work.. This community has witnessed my efforts to stabilize it from being displaced and find an economy, industry, that puts it on par with the district in this city and state.

Dan Russo. Photo courtesy of Dan Russo

Dan Russo is running as a Republican for the 72nd District Assembly seat against former City Council Member Guillermo Linares. Given that this district is overwhelmingly Democratic, his chances are slim. Northattan reporter Robin Respaut talked to him about his candidacy and why he decided to run against the odds.

Q.: How are you appealing to voters who normally vote Democratic?

A.: By talking to people in the community at the grassroots level. As a member of the 34th Police Precinct Council and through other activities, I’ve spoken with many Democratic folks who are looking for change. They are relatively frustrated with local politicians, so when they hear there’s an alternative — and that’s how I like to frame myself, an alternative — they listen. I’ve found that a lot of people are more interested in the individual than the political party.

Q.: Why are you running?

A.: I decided to put my name in the ring when I realized I wouldn’t be running against an incumbent. With Adriano Espaillat and Guillermo Linares, I don’t feel so comfortable with two Dominicans Democrats at the state level and community level. It will be too biased, and I feel some parts of our community would be under-represented. I’m thinking a nice balance of power would be a better mix.

Q.: Beyond winning the election, what will you gain from this campaign?

A.: I would like nothing more than to have an actual two-party system working in this state. While I’m not a rich person, I think a native New Yorker, who cares about this city and puts his name into the hat, is a good thing. I’m not tied to unions or big donors for support. I’m spending a little more than $10,000 of my own money to make this campaign the way it is. I’m a middle-of-the-road candidate, and I want to give New Yorkers a working class, working-professional option on the ballot.

Michel Faulkner, at left, campaigning in East Harlem. Photo by Kim Chakanetsa/Northattan

“Retire Rangel! Retire Rangel!” The bullhorns on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 125^th Street were at full tilt Friday morning as the Rev. Michel Faulkner and his supporters launched a final campaign push ahead of the Nov. 2 elections.

Armed with pamphlets and placards, Faulkner, a Republican, implored residents to unseat the incumbent, Charles Rangel, in the district’s race for the House of Representatives.  This is a big ask. Rangel is popular and Harlem is loyal, and very Democratic.

Despite the polls and predictions, Faulkner’s faithful remained hopeful —even confident.  “If we came out, we the people of the 15^th District, then yes he can,” said Pastor Jack Royster, who had temporarily ceased manning the bullhorn.

Among Faulkner’s volunteers was Esther Williams, a tall, witty woman. “Somebody was telling me there was an honest man in the neighborhood,” she said.  “I researched this man like a husband. If I’m going to be doing anything for anybody I have to research him. To make sure there is no baggage, no crazies.”

For Chaplain Viviana Hernandez, another volunteer, it was Faulkner’s consistent record of service across the city that won her over. Having known Faulkner for 10 years, she said, “I can look at people and see if they are genuine. He is the genuine article. He has convictions, a man of integrity.”  Those qualities, integrity and honesty, were mentioned  time and again by his supporters. “He can’t be bought and sold, “ said Williams, a less-than-subtle dig at the ethics violation charges that Rangel is facing.

Chaplain Hernandez holding campaign leaflets for Michel Faulkner. Photo by Kim Chakanetsa/Northattan

Hernandez was confident that the overwhelmingly Democratic district would back Faulkner. “This election people are going to look at the person, not the party, and we can no longer be beholden to a party,” she said. For those unwilling to shift party allegiances, come Tuesday, Faulkner will be on the ballot twice – as a Republican and as the Jobs Now candidate.

Job creation, or “jobenomics” as his campaign refers to it, has been central to Faulkner’s campaign platform in the area, which has been hit hard by the recession.  The job rhetoric drew in residents like Greg Valentine, who has been hunting for a job for over a year. Valentine’s job search was further compounded by his criminal record: “I served 4 and a half years. I used to smoke crack and I sold it to an undercover policeman,” he said. “Now every time I go they look at my history. I’ve cleaned my life up.”

The jobs message was drummed again when a couple dressed in matching denim stopped to ask Faulkner about what they would do about people living in the streets.  Faulkner said: “Jobs, we need jobs to help people take care of themselves.” The couple, perhaps unsure what to make of the response, conferred quietly.

Earlier that day, Tyletha Samuels, Faulkner’s campaign organizer, had described the candidate as “a pastor posing as a politician.”  Outside of Harlem’s Pathmark supermarket, Faulkner’s impersonation of a politician had been uncanny:  smiles and short conversations punctuated by handshakes and high waves.  He greeted commuters streaming out of the 125^th Street subway stop. Some shook his hand out of curiosity, some out of politeness. Others were less receptive. A man, reaching to accept a leaflet, asked, “Democrat?” before recoiling. “Come on, seriously, they don’t care about the working class, ” he said before rushing off in the opposite direction. A woman crossing the street stopped and shouted “Democrats!” to no one in particular.

One woman who had been circling the volunteers for the best part of an hour approached with a message for the candidate. “We as taxpayers are tired of paying for everything and getting nothing. It hurts.  I am a person who grew up with Martin and Malcolm. Then we had the government come in and say yes we can, well no, we can’t. This man has good intentions but I think once he gets in and sees the layers of bigotry, lies and racism, he will see that he is alone.”

So would she be voting for Faulkner?

“No, I am voting for me. I am a write-in candidate.”

Local designer M. Tony Peralta designed this "off the map" t-shirt depicting Inwood and Washington Heights sliced off from the rest of Manhattan. Photo courtesy of M. Tony Peralta.

Of the 48 million people expected to visit New York City this year, it’s unlikely many of them will make it to Inwood, the northernmost neighborhood in Manhattan. Maybe that’s because for years these neighborhoods have literally been off the map. Local artists have branded being left out with new artwork, including M. Tony Peralta’s T-shirt design pictured at left. Chiara Sottile has this audio story.

Valerio celebrated his freedom with local elected officials Thursday. Photo by Juliana Schatz/Northattan

A Northern Manhattan cab driver narrowly avoided deportation following his arrest last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, based on a 28-year-old gun possession conviction.

The cabby, Eligio Valerio, stood closely by his daughter, Elibany, as Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and the former Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Guillermo Linares, addressed a small crowd gathered outside of 26 Federal Plaza immediately following his release. Rodriguez gave a clear and ardent plea.

“ICE is out of control,” said Rodriguez, “that’s the bottom line.”

Early last Wednesday, as Valerio picked up his first two passengers, he received a call from his wife that ICE agents at their home asked to meet him in front of the 33^rd Precinct in Washington Heights. When Valerio met them there, they told him that he was being arrested for something in his past.

In 1982, when Valerio owned a bodega in Washington Heights, he was arrested for possession of an unregistered gun that he says used for protection while he ran his store. But Valerio, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1979 and has a green card, completed three years of probation and has maintained a clean record since then. So the ICE arrest was a complete surprise.

The ICE officials told Valerio he was not eligible for bail or a hearing at the time of his arrest.

Valerio’s daughter, Elibany Valerio, a paralegal, told the lawyers at the firm where she worked, who then were in touch with local officials. Together the law firm and local officials put pressure on ICE for a prompt hearing on Wednesday. Valerio was then released on $2,500 bond.

At the press conference Wednesday, Valerio was solemn but subtly demonstrated gestures of affection toward his daughter, after what was a traumatic week for the family.

Valerio, who took the microphone briefly, thanked the local officials in his native Spanish and the community for their support. His daughter stepped in afterward to translate.

“My father thanks everybody in the community,” said Elibany Valerio.

Just days earlier, she had stood before the press pleading for her father’s release.  Tearful and frightened, she told reporters at a press conference along side Councilman Rodriguez how her father had been detained. She was confused and frustrated because he was a legal resident, who for nearly 30 years had paid his taxes.

Elibany Valerio, a paralegal, brought her father's case to the attention of lawyers at her firm. Photo by Juliana Schatz/Northattan

“Even the judge who saw him Wednesday was confused. He asked ‘Why is here here?’” said Rodriguez.

Valerio’s lawyer did not permit him to comment further, and Rodriguez said he didn’t know what had prompted ICE to arrest Valerio. ICE has declined to comment on the reason for detaining Valerio.

Valerio’s arrest comes on the after of a recent surge by federal government to increase deportations with a program called Secure Communities.

The ICE website says that Secure Communities is a “comprehensive strategy to improve and modernize the identification and removal of criminal aliens from the United States.” They work with local authorities to obtain fingerprints and compare them with their records.

ICE emphasizes its  intent to deport the worst of the worst, those with crimes like murder or rape on their record. The reality, however, is that  people like Valerio, with minor nonviolent offenses, can get caught in the system.

Advocates and local officials like Rodriguez, Espaillat and Linares are calling on Gov. David Patterson to withdraw New York from participation with Secure Communities because of the controversial effects.

Some of those biggest issues are the dismal conditions for immigrants in prison awaiting deportation. Valerio describes the location as hell on earth.

“To make a phone call to one person in your family was incredibly difficult. They have like 20 there but to make a call is as hard as reaching the sky with your own two hands,” said Valerio, with translation from his daughter.

Elibany Valerio recognized immediately that her father’s rights had been violated. But not everyone has such an advocate.

“What about the average citizen, what about the young man Mr. Valerio met inside who is a teenager, a Mexican teenager, he knows how to speak both English and Spanish, educated here,” said Rodriguez, “He told Mr. Valerio that all he was doing was graffiti. Because of that, he will be deported next week to Mexico.”

Other concerns about Secure Communities are that for fear of being deported, many undocumented residents will forgo reporting serious crimes or accidents in their neighborhoods.

Valerio escaped deportation this week, but he is due to return to this detention center for a second court appearance with the judge in January. While that looms ahead, Rodriguez was sanguine.

“Yeah, ICE took his green card, but we are confident,” said Rodriguez, “It could be that this is a mistake, but if it’s a mistake they have to fix it.”

As the press conference ended, a local advocacy group, Make the Road, chanted “familia, familia unidad jamas sera vencida,” meaning that a family together will never be torn apart. For now, Valerio is happy to be reunited with daughter and family, especially now as his daughter awaits the birth of her child next month.

A man prays in Manhattan's 96th Street mosque. Photo by Bilal Lakhani/Northattan.

The plans for Park 51 – that’s the proposed mosque and Muslim community center near ground zero – are still in flux. Meanwhile, the 600,000 Muslims in New York City have many other places to worship—starting right here in Northattan, at the city’ s largest mosque.

Watch how Northattan resident Bridget Polk pursues her unusual hobby next to the Hudson River.

Skyler Smoke blocks for Ian Pierce during a recent game at George Washington High School. Photo by Brett Teal

Tens of thousands of high school football players suffer concussions each year.  It’s not a new problem, but it’s getting new attention as evidence mounts of the long-term consequences of head injuries.  With the fall season under way Brett Teal looks at a Northern Manhattan High School’s efforts to deal with concussions. 

There is one play Victor Jerez will never forget from last year’s football season at George Washington High School.

He was chasing a running back and grabbed his opponent’s jersey, but couldn’t make the tackle.  Jerez lost his grip, smacked head first into his teammate, and landed on the turf.

“I just laid there, I faced up and all I saw was a white light,” Jerez said.

A teammate pulled him up and he was back in the game a few plays later.  He was unaware he had suffered a concussion.

“I was dizzy, everything was shaky and I got the ball a few times, but I couldn’t do anything because everything was double or triple.”

According to a 2007 study conducted by the Journal of Athletic Training, 55,000 high school football players sustain concussions each year.

Like Jerez, many return to play without receiving medical treatment.  Numerous or untreated concussions can lead to memory loss, depression and even increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last season the NFL started forcing players to sit out after having a concussion.  And now, every team is required to put up a poster listing the signs, symptoms, and dangers of concussions.

Professional football has recognized the risks, but there are no national standards for dealing with head injuries at the high school level.  Four states have laws requiring coaches to receive concussion training and the National Football League is urging other states to do the same.

New York is considering a bill that would make concussion education courses mandatory for all high school coaches.  Players would not be able to re-enter a game after sustaining a head injury, and would need a medical release from a doctor clearing them to play.

Meanwhile, the problem has become a federal issue.  The House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would require concussion training for all coaches and set standards for when players have to come of the field.  The bill now goes to the Senate.

George Washington High School competes in New York City’s Public School Athletic League.  It offers concussion education, but coaches are not required to take the courses.

The team’s head coach, Fred Caprista, went to voluntary training where doctors explained cues to identify head injuries and how long athletes should be held out of games, practices and school.

The league requires doctors to be on the sideline for games, but Caprista says games represent only a portion of the hard-hitting physical activity.

“We practice all week long and injuries of all kind occur more frequently in practice,” Caprista said.  “We don’t have trainers, we don’t have doctors,” he added. “We don’t have any of that type of personnel at the practice site.”

The coach said he would rather have emergency medical technicians on the field during games because league doctors aren’t necessarily concussion experts.

“The old joke has always been you could have a gynecologist at the football game and you’re covered legally,” Caprista said.

An onsite ambulance would be better equipped to immediately treat head trauma, according to the coach.

George Washington’s team physician, Dr. James Gladstone said mandatory training could help coaches who may be blinded by the desire to win.

“There’s always a possibility of overlooking the severity of an injury if having to take the player out can affect the course of the game,” Gladstone said.  “No one wants to lose their best player”

Players also have a role in wanting to stay on the field, even after taking a helmet-to-helmet blow.

Joseph Price’s son, Brian, plays for George Washington and hopes to play college football next year. He said he worries about his son avoiding treatment to remain in a game.

“A kid just wants to play so he is going to try to hide everything,” Price said, “but a concussion is a serious matter and he could die on the field as well as off the field.”

Two George Washington football players, including Victor Jerez, had concussions last season.  And this year two more players have suffered head injuries.  Jerez ignored his symptoms and returned to play.  He said he thinks New York’s proposed law goes too far.

“Football is a physical sport and once in a while you get your head rung, but I don’t know about getting taken out of the game,” said Jerez.  “I work hard to get on the field and I expect to stay on the field.”

On Oct. 7, 2010, the staff of Northattan produced a live radio broadcast. You can listen to it here in its entirety.

NYPD officers surround the Central Savings Bank on the northwest corner of West 74th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan/photo by Alex Luchsinger

An unidentified device was found at the Central Savings Bank located at West 74th Street and Amsterdam Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Thursday. Authorities say the device was a fake but took necessary caution to ensure safety, cordoning off surrounding streets and detouring crowds away from the area. Authorities say there are no suspects at this point.