Politics & Government
Budget Warnings, Swearing In Of Officers At Clinton Democratic Club Meeting
Borough President Helen Marshall topped list of speakers at St. Patrick's-themed event on Wednesday
The March meeting of the William J. Clinton Democratic Club Wednesday night had a full and varied agenda — from dire budget warnings, swearings-in and pleasant serenades.
As is traditional at the club meetings, after the patriotic opening duties, attendees heard the Clinton Club Kids chorale sing at the offices of Vallone & Vallone LLP in Flushing.
This light-hearted entertainment was followed by Borough President Helen Marshall, who warned of dire consequences of proposed state budget cuts that threatened to close senior centers across the city.
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Marshall then shifted to a more pleasant duty, swearing in officers of the Club and its Young Democrats auxiliary, including Paul Vallone — who also played host to this week's meeting — as president.
Local genius-in-the-making Anthony Barsamian was given a certificate for cancer-fighting research that earned him a coveted slot in a national scholarship contest. His work investigated agents that preserve DNA from breakdowns that lead to cancer.
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The crowd applauded the budding scientist, as well as the complimentary remarks made by Marshall, Vallone and proud father, Tony Barsamian.
Anthony Illiano, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Buildings, concluded the meeting with helpful information about how to deal with the department —both to get action on complaints and avoid trouble with inspectors.
With illegal apartments a growing cause for concern, he advised residents to call 311 if they saw telltale signs of an outlawed dwelling, such as multiple doorbells or excessive amounts of garbage at a single-family home.
Illiano advised listeners to record and keep their complaint number, suggesting concerned citizens forward their complaints to the community boards or to civic associations like the Clinton Democratic Club.
He also reminded those in attendance that residents don't have to let a building inspector into your home, unless there is a work permit ongoing or the DOB worker has an access warrant.