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Congresswoman Nita Lowey

Westchester Students Voice their Ideas to Tackle the Challenge of Gun Violence

February 27, 2018 by Grace Bennett

Students Meet with Rep. Nita Lowey and Law Enforcement Officers to Discuss Gun Violence in Aftermath of Parkland Massacre

White Plains, NY, February 27— At the outset of a round table discussion about gun violence–with over a dozen Westchester students and several law enforcement officers participating–Congresswoman Nita Lowey expressed her frustration over the refusal of the powers that be in Washington to address a range of gun control reform initiatives she has introduced over her years in office.* 

“I could walk you through the legislation that I have introduced,” she stated, calling out Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, in particular. “But I’m here today to listen to all of you, to get all your ideas.”

The students gathered in the auditorium of the White Plains Public Library on February 23 proceeded to share their concerns and their ideas in the aftermath of the Parkland massacre that took 17 lives on Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Williams, Executive Director of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, attending too, said it is “important to speak up and speak out… One day, it was in Parkland, Florida; the next day, it could be in our own community. We need to lead our community and nation.”

The kids shared this in common: They want to be heard. They also were nearly unanimous in desiring a ban of assault weaponry (outside New York State too), greater campus security, and they all want improved background checks.

Ryan Burton, a sophomore from Pleasantville High School, stated: “Students have a voice. We matter.” Kevin O’Neill, a senior from the same school: “We feel very passionate.” Rebecca Bachenheimer of Horace Greeley High School: “I am happy to have this voice I can use.” From White Plains High School, stated Melissa Rodriguez: “We want to use our voices to help ourselves and generations to come.” Ari Silver, a junior at Greeley, too: “If we don’t speak now, then what’s going to happen next?” 

Michelle Mazzocchi of the New Castle Police Department, and the Chappaqua Central School District community resource officer, said she is working anew with all six schools in the District. “We are working on building a rapport with our schools to make sure kids are safe when they go into school.”

Lowey asked ‘what positives’ the kids have witnessed in their schools since the shooting.

Joseph Kennedy of Iona Prep said his school has implemented the use of ID cards with doors locked at all times.

The kids who attend schools with open campuses with multiple entry points expressed acute worry and a desire to either limit entry points, establish a ‘single point of entry’ or strengthen existing ones. “If someone who looks like me walks in, anything can happen. I think we need more security, more check points,” one student said.

“What scares me the most is not much has changed at all,” one student said, referring to the ease anyone has gaining access to automatic rifles. “There’s not much a school can do if someone like that who is so scary and determined walks in with a gun.”

Henry McCants of White Plains High School advocated stricter background checks everywhere: “Not everyone should be able to own an automatic weapon.  People with mental disabilities shouldn’t.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Department lamented that there was too little follow up after acquiring a gun permit. “People’s circumstances change,” she said. “They may experience physical and mental health decline. If I have to renew my driver’s license, people should have to renew their permit.”

Lowey asked all gathered whether persons on the terrorist watch list should be permitted to purchase guns, another piece of legislation that has been thwarted.  No one advocated that. “I’m glad that’s unanimous,” she said.

She noted that the NRA has extraordinary power, and referred to a listing of members of Congress and Senate who receive”an enormous amount of money” from the NRA.  “People are so afraid of them,” said. “Not me, though. I’m proud of my zero rating from them. “Those who get a lot of money from them are quick to introduce legislation (the NRA pushes) like conceal carry laws. “Everyone carrying a gun is not the answer.”

One student asked Lowey to address campaign finance reform, too. “Without a doubt the amount of money spent in these elections is obscene. The Koch Brothers are spending mega millions, and organizing again,” she answered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She told the kids that people like former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, “who has recovered somewhat, travels with her husband to support legislation to oppose NRA initiatives. She was shot in broad daylight.”

 Joseph from Iona Prep was for conceal carry. He said he “learned from my dad “an officer with the NYPD for 25 years” that it is “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

One home-schooled student, Sophia Libman-Roshal, disagreed and advocated for the reinstatement of an assault weapon ban.  “I really don’t want to get shot,” she said.

Rebecca stated that she does support the Second Amendment, but noted potential dangers with conceal carry. “How many are going to get shot first, getting into the holster and out, there can still can be misfiring. You may not be able to stop a shooter in time.”

Said Ryan: “The AR-15 is almost identical to the M-16 used by the military. Why are these even in the hands of civilians? It is not right.”

Lowey offered that “the NRA  should either disappear or to work with us to at least be open to some sensible gun legislation.” She encouraged all the kids “to talk to your parents and neighbors about the powers of your vote. Make sure everyone understands what you stand for and what you believe in.”

“Too many people don’t exercise the right to vote,” she added. She thanked Indivisible Westchester for “registering people. They are making an amazing difference.”

Regarding ‘conceal carry,’ Lowey said that she is against having ‘so many weapons out there.”

“Consider if two people fight on a bus.  Not everyone is as responsible as your father,” she said to the young man from Iona.

“Does anyone think we should be able to purchase assault rifles?” Lowey asked the group. No one responded in the affirmative.

“Ok, we should take that off the table too.”

One student suggested:  “Rifles should be completely removed from society. If anyone wants to use an AR-15, they should go somewhere. Even if you are responsible, go to a shooting range, and hand the gun back when you are done.”

Another said people buying need to be reminded of the dangers of weapons. “What is their need for automatic firing to feel protected?” he asked.

Lowey said buy-back programs have been successful. “We should probably do more of them.” She lauded the recent Westchester County legislation closing down the Gun show at the County Center.  Gun violence is so simple’ yet solving the issue so complicated, she said. “There is no reason that at least some of the legislation could pass to show progress.”

“No youngsters should feel their lives are in danger when going to school,” she said.

Detective Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Dept. expressed reservation over an outright ban. “It is my personal opinion that unfortunately the second you make an all encompassing ban on anything, it immediately becomes desirable on the black market, expensive and lucrative to anyone with access to them.”

The option of arming teachers, as advocated recently by the President, was discussed too.

A White Plains High student: “With guns present you are way more likely to have an accident.”

NCPD’s Officer Mazzocchi commented against this option: “Teachers went to school to teach; this is not what they signed up. Arming teachers is unsafe, and will scare students.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard talked about the hazards of  arming teachers. First, she explained that “active shooter training” was instituted in police departments around the country followed the massacre at Columbine. She said at Parkland, “the officer who arrived took a long time to respond… and waited for a Swat team,” but that according to active shooter protocol, “If I’m the first one there, I’m going in and going after that person to get rid of that threat. If it’s two people, two go in, or if three, we all do. There are scenarios we go through… We walk through and know our schools, so if a call comes in and someone’s in the library, all of our officers know where that is and the quickest way to get there,  so help is coming, but we are going in. 

As for armed teachers, the Pleasantville Detective added:

“If I’m going into a school and a quarter of the teachers are armed… Some teachers look pretty young these days,.. we could have a bad situation.”  It’s unlikely that those teachers would go through the same active shooter training that a police officer goes through, she added.

Another student from White Plains High School does not necessarily oppose arming teachers but limiting this option.  He said it was ‘debatable’ and that it should include “only teachers who volunteer: and that there should be designated locations around the building with access to weapon. 

“Only designated teachers go who are willing to put their lives on the line, grab a weapon and defend a school,” he said.

Another student said she’d feel much safer with more officers stationed in and around schools instead. “I’d feel less safe with teachers armed. Most would not know how to defend themselves in a school shooting. There are plenty of teachers who become criminals too.”

Lowey had invited these students to participate in the round table after several  reached out to her expressing their fear of gun violence in their communities, particularly in their schools, as well as their frustration with congressional inaction on gun violence.

In a post roundtable statement, Lowey added: “These mass shootings, including the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, continue to shake all of us to the core, and students are left fearful for their safety. That’s unacceptable, and congressional Republicans must join Democrats in commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and improve public safety. The students I spoke with today demand action, and it’s past time that the Republican-controlled Congress take meaningful steps to end this nation’s gun crisis.”

* From www.lowey.house.gov: Lowey is a member of the congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has been a leader in fighting to prevent gun violence, including working to strengthen background checks, close the terror gap loophole, and ban assault weapons and bump stocks. Last Congress, Lowey introduced the NICS Community Protection Act, which would close the Charleston loophole by providing 14 businesses days rather than three for a background check to be completed by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This week, Lowey sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to allow a vote to lift the ban on federal gun violence research. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey has repeatedly offered an amendment in the committee to provide funding for the CDC to conduct gun violence prevention research.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average 96 Americans, including seven children and teens, are killed with guns every day, while nearly 13,000 are the victims of gun homicides every year. According to The American Journal of Medicine, among high-income nations, 91 percent of children 14 and under who were killed by a firearm lived in the United States. The U.S. has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world as well as a significantly higher gun homicide rate than other advanced countries.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Inside Westchester Tagged With: Active Shooter protocol, arming teachers, campus security, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, gun control, High School Students, Law Enforcement Officers, Roundtable Discussion, White Plains Public Library

Expressions of Gratitude to First Responders during New Castle’s 9/11 Ceremony

September 11, 2016 by Inside Press

 Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

A spirit of appreciation filled the bucolic space of Gedney Park’s 9/11 Memorial today as New Castle and Westchester public officials and clergy expressed their gratitude to First Responders while also commending community service and generous neighbor acts which emulate their work; preceding the ceremony, firefighters and police officers first circled into the heart of the Memorial facing and saluting speakers.

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New Castle First Responders include members of the New Castle Police Department, Chappaqua Fire Department, Millwood Fire Company, Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps,, and Westchester EMS
Congresswoman Nita Lowey
Keynote Speaker Congresswoman Nita Lowey

“We follow the inspiring lead of those who sacrificed their own health in long and arduous rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero by joining this weekend in community service projects to help our neighbors,” said keynote speaker Congresswoman Nita Lowey. “And we proudly celebrate the American spirit of endurance and perseverance.”

A generosity of spirit was alive and well in New Castle in the days and months following 9/11,  according to a Narrative of 9/11*  written by New Castle’s Bob Coulombe. At the conclusion of the ceremony, it was read in three parts by New Castle town board members. The text of the narrative can be found toward the end of this story.

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Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein at the podium

At the start of the ceremony, Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein said that “On 9/11, around America we give thanks to who rushed toward danger instead of away from it; here in New Castle we have both those who grieve and those we honor and thank.  Out of the ashes we have grown stronger.

“In New Castle, that spirit of community surrounds us 365 days a year from our First Responders–fire departments and ambulance corps.– to those who help our elderly,  teach our children, or volunteer to help homeless and hungry through houses of worship.

“Let’s make sure every day we remember those we love and join me to thank those who serve us.”

Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, First Congregational Church of Chappaqua
Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, First Congregational Church of Chappaqua

In the invocation, Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, senior minister of the First Congregational Church, stated: “God be with all of our First Responders as they risk their own well-being themselves for us every day. Help us to never take for granted the work that they do so that we might be safe. Help us to remember just how precious life and living are and we may never ever take that for granted.”

911-16-trucksIntroducing Congresswoman Lowey as the keynote speaker, state Assemblyman David Buchwald described Lowey as “a guide to this country in heeding the lessons of 15 years ago at home and abroad.” He stated that as a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Lowey secured dollars for First Responders, and makes sure that the New York metropolitan area has received its fair share of 9/11 funds. He said Lowey has also been at the forefront of “securing our nuclear facilities, air and train facilities, and stood by our allies fighting terrorism overseas in their own land.”

“United together we will continue to endure to protect the American people,” Lowey stated, too.

Greenstein introduced Mike Wolfensohn for the “Reading of the Lost.” In doing so, Greenstein noted, “We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the efforts of Mike to bring this memorial to New Castle.”

Wolfensohn spoke eloquently and emotionally about how neighbor helped neighbor and asked the New Castle community to embrace those neighborly feelings again.

Mike Wolfensohn
Mike Wolfensohn of Chappaqua

“We all remember the color of the sky that day. We banded together…to offer love and support as we searched for our lost neighbor–everybody putting their own lives on hold for whatever needed to be done. That feeling of unity and community is what served as the basis for this memorial and this contemplative space. It was never about anything but the spirit that we all felt.”

“We tend to fall back into our regular routines… lessons are forgotten…”  He asked the New Castle community “”to embrace those good feelings about being a good neighbor, that spirit of patriotism; let’s honor the memory of those lost…by trying harder to live like we did.”

And then, with his voice breaking, Wolfensohn fondly remembered the residents of New Castle who were lost, reciting their names: Louis Inghliteria, George Morell, and Alan Schwartzstein.

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Temple Beth El’s Cantor Starr Trumpeter
Presentation of the Wreath, Ltd. John Vise, New Castle Police Deparement
Presentation of the Wreath, Lieutenant John Vise, New Castle Police Department

In a Benediction, Cantor Starr Trumpeter of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester stated: “9/11 ingrained in all of us that each life is a cherished offering and that each life has meaning and intention. We are reminded that many wounds are still healing and many emotions are still raw. The challenge is to remember the worst that has happened to America while moving toward a better America. “

Bagpiper Kevin Moore
Bagpiper Kevin Moore performed: Flowers of the Forest and Amazing Grace
"Brotherhood of Heroes" Girl Scout Troop 1033
“Brotherhood of Heroes” Girl Scout Troop 1033
Reading by Shobha Vanchiswar "I Remember (September 11)"
Reading by Shobha Vanchiswar “I Remember (September 11)”
"Taps" performed by Joe Sabia of the Chappaqua Orchestra
“Taps” performed by Joe Sabia of the Chappaqua Orchestra
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Volunteers of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps. joined many others at a reception at the Millwood Fire Department following the ceremony. A delicious spread was prepared by the MFD’s Ladies’ Auxiliary.

* Narrative of 9/11 by CVAC Captain Bob Coulombe 

Part One, read by Council Member Lisa Katz

“On September 11, 2001, our country was attacked by Al Quaeda terrorists. These horrific attacks took place at the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, at The Pentagon in Washington D.C., and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed. In total, 2,973 people perished on September 11, 2001, including three Town of New Castle Residents, Louis Inghliteria, George Morell, and Allan Schwartzstein.

“In the aftermath, up to 10,000 volunteers worked to recover survivors and those who were lost. These brave first responders came from all over the United States and overseas. Unfortunately, only 28 people were found alive. Another 112 people perished but were identified and returned to their grieving families for burial and closure. There are currently another 1022 victims who are memorialized at the Reflection Pools at the 9/11 Plaza. This stands at their final resting place. Visitors can find white roses from time to time at the memorial; this white rose denotes which denotes the birthday of the person on whose name it rests. This is one way we are still able to show respect and, “never forget” those who lost their lives that day.

The only surviving tree from September 11, 2001 was discovered by two iron workers, who said they tried to save it because it was the only living thing down there that day. Fortunately they were able to save it and it was treated at the New York Botanical Garden. Today that tree can be found replanted on the site just west of the South Tower. It is thriving to this day and is a great symbol of our perseverance.

O’Hara’s, a pub just south of the FDNY Ten House was cleaned up by the owner and used as a triage center on September 11, 2001. In the days following, it was used as a rehab center for the people working at Ground Zero. Volunteers were able to go to O’Hara’s for a meal, a shower, and a little rest. The Pub’s owner, Mike O’Hara, never charged anyone a cent for six months. Word of this generosity spread quickly throughout the First Responder Community and today, O’Hara’s Pub is home to over 3,000 patches from Police, Fire, EMS and Military Worldwide.

Part 2, read by Town Council Member Adam Brodsky

Minutes after the second airplane hit the towers, an unprecedented mobilization began. Our Country hadn’t seen anything like it, since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The first ever “All Hands” alarm was called by the New York City Fire Department. Police, Fire and EMS personnel mobilized in Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, as well as in surrounding states and then around the country.

Here, in The Town of New Castle, Police Chief Bob Breen received call at 9:30 am from Bob Coulombe, Captain of Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corp asking permission to use the police bus to take CVAC volunteers to the World Trade Center. Chief Breen quickly agreed and CVAC Captain Bob Coulombe asked members who could to report in–with the advisory that their stay would be for an undetermined period of time. Fifteen volunteers reported in within minutes of the call for help. Dan Blum, a CVAC member and then Director of Operations for Westchester EMS joined his Paramedics at CVAC Headquarters and we were ordered by County EMS Command to report to Yonkers Raceway. First responders, along with 350 other pieces of fire apparatuses, ambulances and police vehicles, and over 1500 volunteers waited for a call to Ground Zero, but were never called down.

As CVAC was preparing to deploy, Richie Lange, from Lange’s Little Store, pulled up with sandwiches, cases of water and soda for the volunteers. We still don’t know how Richie knew we were preparing to go to Ground Zero, but we appreciate the thought and respect we felt that day, especially from Richie and his crew.

Chief Charlie Bergstrom, from the Chappaqua Fire Department, had 52 members who volunteered to go to Ground Zero in the aftermath. They were not called to Ground Zero, but reported to station houses in The Bronx to cover for fire companies, who had responded to Ground Zero. Millwood Chief, Ray Lips, had 37 members of his department respond as well.  First Assistant Chief Walter Quast and his engine crew were deployed to a staging center in Valhalla, by Westchester County Incident Command. Captain Mike Horan called his brother, Robert, in Massachusetts and with the help of FDNY Captain Rickets, set up a critical item relay to Ground Zero.

Chief Breen put on his other hat as a Lt. Commander in the Naval Militia and was part of a team who reached out to the affected families to secure DNA evidence to help identify victims. Bob Coulombe was the Commander of a team and the effort of his people and other teams resulted in the largest DNA effort to assist victim identification in United States History.

Under the supervision of Lt. John Vize, The New Castle Police Department sent officers to New York City in order to provide a variety of services, including controlling critical infrastructure, roadways and passages such as tunnels and bridges. Many went on their own time to help with Rescue and Recovery on the pile and spent days working there.

Part 3, read by Town Council Member Jeremy Saland

Jerry Faiella, who was New Castle Town Administrator at the time, with the consent of Supervisor Marion Sinek, sent out an appeal to the citizens of New Castle to donate equipment to help the rescuers have sufficient tools, gloves, masks etc. Within a few days The Town was able to fill a tractor trailer, donated by Barr Brothers Moving Company, and drive down to Ground Zero to be put to use by all rescue teams and volunteers.

Diana Quast and the women of the Millwood Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary collaborated to provide a compendium of skill sets offered by the citizens of New Castle. This book was delivered to the Jacob Javitz Center and became an asset of the Incident Command Team dealing with the complexity of the work being done in and around Ground Zero.

On May 2, 2002, the last piece of steel was removed in a ceremony marking the end of that deployment. The cost is calculated at 100 million dollars a week. 1.5 million tons of debris was removed. Mike Wolfenson arranged for New Castle to receive the steel remnant from Ground Zero, that steel is the centerpiece of this memorial around which we gather today.

Today is the 15th Anniversary of these horrific attacks and since this memorial was created in 2008, we come here to reflect and remember every year. It is a good thing that we, as a community meet, pause to reflect, and remember the impact of this solemn day in our history. We must also remember the immediate and active response that the citizens of New Castle contributed that day and in the days that followed– ready to go at a moments notice and with no questions asked.

God rest the souls of Louis Inghliteria, George Morell, and Alan Schwartzstein. God Bless their families, God Bless this Community and God Bless the United States of America.

Respectfully submitted

Bob Coulombe, Captain CVAC on September 11, 2001

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: 9/11, Chappaqua Fire Department, Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., community, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, First Responders, Gedney Park, Martha Jacobs, Mike Wolfensohn, Millwood Fire Department, New Castle, Robert Greenstein, Starr Trumpeter

Congresswoman Nita Lowey and her Decades Long Fight for Gun Violence Prevention

November 21, 2015 by The Inside Press

Congresswoman Nita Lowey
Congresswoman Nita Lowey

By Grace Bennett
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Editor’s Note: We were immediately struck by the modest building on Mamaroneck Avenue housing our Congresswoman and her staff serving the 17th district. But that the offices were alive and buzzing with busy staff and interns came as no surprise at all. While we waited for Congresswoman Lowey–who has been serving our country since 1989– to meet with us in her office, it was fun to take note of various framed photos, the ones of her together with Hillary Clinton, in particular, as I’ve personally observed the warm relationship between the two at different local events over the years.

I also noted her graduation certificate from the Bronx High School of Science, which I attended as well. It was the first thing I mentioned, since us “Scienceites” do have a special bond. And indeed, she seemed tickled to learn that I attended Science too; a brief personal chat followed and also with photographer Carolyn Simpson about her own background and about her daughter’s photography pursuits, too! And then we dove right into a photo shoot, after which I sat down with Rep. Lowey for a 30-minute discussion about a range of issues she holds most dear…from her initiatives for improved rail crossing safety to an in depth discussion about her tireless efforts to prevent gun violence.

Community Day 2015: Rep. Lowey with our State Assemblyman David Buchwald
Community Day 2015: Rep. Lowey with our
State Assemblyman David Buchwald

Grace: Please comment about the specific upgrades and safety improvements for railroad crossings…What are the chances of that all happening and of money being appropriated for that, and what are some of the solutions that would make a difference?

Rep. Lowey: I think it’s essential that we really look at every rail crossing and that we do a careful analysis of every crossing. And, this is what I discussed with Sara Feinberg, who is the acting commissioner in charge of this effort. I brought her up to Chappaqua because of the loss of life (following the Metro North tragedy). And, we have to be sure that the crossings are safe. If they are not in an appropriate place, we have to look at closing some down, opening others. But we can make them safe and therefore we need an accurate evaluation of every crossing…because we cannot lose another life. (*1)

Grace: Regarding your work with the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act; as a caregiver, many people would be affected by loss of income. Please explain why this issue so important to you.

Rep. Lowey: As I travel around the district, the caregiver initiative is one of the most important bills I have introduced. If you have an Alzheimer’s patient, and the daughter or son becomes the chief caregiver, and they have to leave their own job, they are making a huge sacrifice–not only their job, but to their future benefits from Social Security.

So what this would do, is create a credit that would be added to earnings to calculate future Social Security benefits. The credit is progressive and varies on an income-based sliding scale. (*2)

Now there are technicalities and that it won’t be more than a national average. What is most important, if you are taking care of a loved one and in most cases, with a lot of love and care and concern, you don’t have to sacrifice the money that you would get after you retire.

Many families have decided that a child, a grown adult, is the best caregiver, rather than hiring someone from the outside, and hiring someone from the outside would cost even more. And that’s why this is so important, whether it’s a patient with Alzheimer’s or other illnesses, I am very proud that this, I hope, will be able to help so many Westchester families.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey was awarded the Million Mom March "Apple Pie Award" at an event held to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Million Mom March. The award was given in appreciation of Rep. Lowey as an outstanding elected official committed to promoting sensible gun laws to keep families and communities safe. She was also honored, along with organizers Donna Dees-Thomases, Jill Brooke and Elise Richman, as a participant in the original Million Mom March. 750,000 people attended the march in D.C on Mother's Day of 2000, with over 150,000 people joining in events across the country. Pictured: Alex Dubroff (New Yorkers Against Gun Violence), Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Jessica Meller (Million Mom March Northern Westchester Chapter).
Congresswoman Nita Lowey was awarded the Million Mom March “Apple Pie Award” at an event held to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Million Mom March. The award was given in appreciation of Rep. Lowey as an outstanding elected official committed to promoting sensible gun laws to keep families and communities safe. She was also honored, along with organizers Donna Dees-Thomases, Jill Brooke and Elise Richman, as a participant in the original Million Mom March. 750,000 people attended the march in D.C on Mother’s Day of 2000, with over 150,000 people joining in events across the country. Pictured: Alex Dubroff (New Yorkers Against Gun Violence), Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Jessica Meller (Million Mom March Northern Westchester Chapter).

Grace: During the first Democrat debate, gun violence prevention came up as a key issue; as someone who is such a strong voice on this issue…how did this make you feel?

Rep. Lowey: I feel so proud not only to support Hillary as the next President, but her strong language on preventing gun violence is absolutely essential. We need real leadership. The fact that the NRA has such influence in Congress is an embarrassment to me.

With Newtown, and all those lives were lost, and now in Oregon, it’s unconscionable that Congress hasn’t taken action. There are thousands of lives that are lost every year as a result of guns. [33,000 gun deaths in 2013–the most recent available number and we lose 90 people per day to firearms.] And what’s amazing is on the Appropriations Committee, I introduced language to do research, so we can really determine why these lives were lost. (*3)

Was the person mentally ill, were they addicted? We have a lot to learn. The language I introduced would take the place of language that was offered 20 years ago in my same Committee and I wanted to reverse it, and the Republicans wouldn’t support me. It shows you the power of the NRA. We’ve got to do this research, it is essential.

Grace: How or why did you develop a passion to prevent gun violence?

Rep. Lowey: As a mother and a grandmother, and I would even say as a woman, it is astonishing to me that the NRA has such influence on so many colleagues of mine, men and women. It just doesn’t make any sense.

Grace: How does the NRA do that? Have they tried with you?

Rep. Lowey: The NRA would not even approach my office because I have been such a strong supporter of gun prevention violence my entire career. How can we not do accurate background checks? How can we not determine whether a person is mentally ill, or whether they are responsible enough to have a gun in the home. I don’t want a gun in my home. I don’t have a gun in my home. I don’t even want to lift a gun…You don’t need assault weapons, and you don’t need to be able to have repetition in the magazines that could just slaughter dozens of people at the same time.

I will continue to fight those who are trying to prevent us from doing even a simple amendment like allowing research to determine what we need to do to prevent this violence and what kind of laws we should have in place.

Grace: What’s the problem with holding a gun show in the County?

Rep. Lowey: I don’t like these gun shows where anybody can come up and exhibit their guns. I don’t think we need a gun show in Westchester County. And, it was disappointing to me to see the County Executive approve future gun shows. Is there an accurate check on those who are purchasing a gun? If you are selling a gun in just a few minutes or in an hour, you should be able to do an adequate background check so you know who is buying the gun. And again, I want to see background checks on the dealers and the sellers. Are they responsible people and will they comply with all the laws that are in place?

Grace: Can you please explain the ‘terror gap?’

Rep. Lowey: It is shocking to me that you can be on a terrorist watch list and prevented from getting on a plane, but you are allowed to go and buy a gun. This is totally inconsistent.

Grace: Can you address the rural to urban trafficking of guns?

Rep. Lowey: This is the problem. We have tough laws in New York State. However, you can have someone from a neighboring state without the tough laws come in to New York, come in to our crowded city and destroy a family’s future, by killing the mother, the father or a child. So you need Federal gun laws so you can’t travel with guns from a state with loose laws to one with tough laws.

Grace: Taxing ammunition – what is your view about that?

Rep. Lowey: I don’t think it should be easy for you to buy ammunition over the internet. I think there has to be a lot more work. If it were up to me, I would not allow the sale of ammunition over the internet. I want to see who is buying it. I want to know how much they bought. Certainly taxing may have some impact but I do not know what the studies are on that.
I think if someone wants to buy ammunition, they are going to buy it even if it is a little bit more. That is why I don’t like sales over the internet. I think you should be able to go to the store, use your identification, do an adequate background check; the dealer should have an adequate background check, and the purchaser.

Grace: Where do these differentiations come from; when does it become ever so more dangerous?

Rep. Lowey: I would ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, possession of magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition because sometimes someone may have accuracy and shoot their targets with one round, but if you have repeated rounds, you could really destroy a group of people in a classroom.

Grace: What’s the chance of these bills coming up for a vote before the next election?

Rep. Lowey: I feel very confident that our task force in the House, which is composed primarily of Democrats, will present these bills to the Congress, but because of the power of the NRA, especially on the Republican side of the aisle, I don’t think they’ll get passed. But I know that we are going to work very, very hard, and we are introducing a package of bills that I think can make a difference.

We have been talking about preventing gun violence for so many years, and again after Newtown and Oregon, it’s hard for me to believe that even somebody who leans toward the position of the NRA would vote against simple background checks.

Grace: How do you reconcile the 2nd Amendment with gun advocate claims that all these initiatives violate it?

Rep. Lowey: Well, we just disagree. I don’t think these initiatives are in violation of the 2nd Amendment. And, we have a responsibility to protect the public good.

Grace: What is your biggest wish regarding gun violence prevention?

Rep. Lowey: It seems the most basic legislation is adequate background checks. It should go from three days to 14 days, but I would even compromise; we just have to make it stronger. The burden should not just be on the purchaser, but on the dealer too. We need to be sure there are responsible dealers selling those guns. And make sure that the purchaser has a background consistent with the law.

Grace: Tell me about your initiatives for youth and family. I’ve noted some wonderful work!

Rep. Lowey: In communities like Chappaqua and Armonk, most families provide so much enrichment to their children in the early years that you can compare the outcomes. Other communities are not so fortunate…but everyone should have the opportunity to have dreams, and to fulfill their dreams…Every youngster should be able to gain a head start in a Headstart program; every youngster should have preK and full day kindergarten because many studies have shown that that is the beginning of a person’s education. So I have pushed to increase dollars for Headstart and preK and most of the money for education does come from state and local.

Grace: Let’s talk about Planned Parenthood. Why did you take such a lead on that and please talk about the shutdown threat.

Rep. Lowey: It is hard to believe that 151 Republicans voted to shut down the government and we kept it open because of the combination of the Republican and Democratic votes. Planned Parenthood (PP) provides a whole range of essential health care services to a whole range of people across the country; it’s not about abortion. It’s about birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It’s about screening for STDs.

PP has become an absolutely essential factor in almost every district across the country and to try and shut down PP when in fact the bill that the Republicans said they wanted to attach closing off all funds to PP didn’t even have funds for PP in it because the competitive funds come later in the process. I was very pleased that we were able to keep the government open but it seems that the Republicans still want to have hearings on PP…

Grace: Please talk about the Algonquin pipeline which so many people are worried about and protesting. What is your view about its safety?

Rep. Lowey: I’ve been concerned that this pipeline runs too close to Indian Point. And, I’ve taken a strong position that Indian Point should be closed. We are working together with activists in the community to interact with the federal agencies that control this decision and I’m still hoping that we can get a consensus on what is safe, and the impact that that pipeline on the citizens.

Grace: Is it close enough to Northern Westchester to cause harm?

Rep. Lowey: If God forbid there was an accident at IP, it would affect everyone in a 50-mile radius that includes New York City.

Grace: What else do you wish to communicate to our readers as we come to the close now?

Rep. Lowey: It is such an honor and privilege for me to serve communities across Northern Westchester. The families care. They care about the environment; they care about the schools, they care about every factor that impacts their lives. For me, it’s a privilege to serve. I have many who come to my office, sometimes it’s a veteran who wants medals that he hasn’t been able to get, or needs assistance with health, education, or disability benefits. Sometimes it’s a senior who has not had adequate Medicare payments. Certainly the issue of rail crossings has been a major focus of my office since that tragic incident.

Grace: And a little personal information our readers would enjoy knowing about you?

Rep. Lowey: Well, I am married to Steve Lowey for 54 years. We have three children and eight grandchildren. It is such a joy for me to be involved with their lives. I feel very privileged that I have a warm, caring family, and that I can also help people in our community in need of service. Sometimes they are so desperate they don’t know where to go. We have an outstanding, very responsive staff and that makes my heart feel good. To wake up every day and know that you can just do good things and help people is a real honor and privilege.

For more info about Rep. Lowey, visit lowey.house.gov.

Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of The Inside Press, Inc. Special thanks to Kat McKee and to Debra Hand for, respectively, transcribing and editing assistance.

Footnotes (as supplied by Congresswoman Lowey’s office):
(1*): Congresswoman Lowey co-sponsored the Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act (which passed the House on March 4 as part of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act–PRRIA) that would invest in state and local governments’ efforts to build bridges, tunnels or otherwise relocate roads in order to improve the safety of grade crossings for passengers, motorists and pedestrians. (This is awaiting a vote in the Senate.)

Congresswoman Lowey successfully included a provision in a House transportation spending bill that would increase the federal funds for grade crossing improvements from $220 to $350 million.

Congresswoman Lowey fought successfully to set aside $6.5 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a House transportation bill to develop a national media campaign on grade crossing safety.

After bringing FRA Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg to the Roaring Brook Road crossing in Chappaqua, to demonstrate the pressing need for action on improving safety at grade crossings throughout our region, the DOT announced a new partnership on grade crossing safety–integrating DOT’s grade crossing data with Google Maps to alert drivers about grade crossings.

(*2): As an example, someone who is a full-time unpaid caregiver would receive a Social Security credit worth around $22,000 a year, while a caregiver who works part-time and earns $33,000 would receive a credit worth around $5,500. The Social Security Caregiver Credit would phase out when the caregiver makes more than the average national earnings.

(*3): There is a standing 20-year prohibition on federal funding on research related to gun violence. The 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, reported on June 24th by the Appropriations Committee, continues a “general provision to prevent any funds from being spent on gun research,” including data collection, according to the Committee report.
Lowey offered an amendment during the Labor-HHS-Education markup to remove this mindless prohibition, which was defeated by a unanimous Republican majority.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Congresswoman Nita Lowey, gun violence, Gun Violence Prevention, Inside Press, safety, theinsidepress.com

Congresswoman Nita Lowey on the Fight for Gun Control: “If Only as Simple as Apple Pie…”

May 29, 2015 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

Congresswoman Nita Lowey expressed her frustration over the lack of progress in protecting children and teens from gun violence, as she accepted an “Apple Pie” Award during a private Bedford event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Million Mom March and promoting the Brady Campaign, which advocates universal background checks, to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

Million Mom Honorees L-R: Jill Brooke, Donna Dees-Thomases, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Elise Richman.
Million Mom Honorees Jill Brooke, Donna Dees-Thomases, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Elise Richman.
With Rep. Lowey: (L) Alex Dubroff, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Jessica Meller, volunteer for Million Moms March.
With Lowey here: (L) Alex Dubroff, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Jessica Meller, volunteer for Million Moms March.

“We are not seeing progress,” Lowey told those gathered. “It’s hard to believe we are celebrating 15 years.”

Lowey didn’t mince her words regarding mainly Republican legislators (“and the few Democrats who strayed”) voting down key gun control measures, at different points stating they are “fearful of the NRA.”

“After Newtown, we thought that battle was over, but there are members of Congress who are a little thickheaded,” she said.

Lowey also added that the fight was far from over and is the co-sponsor of ever more proposed legislation (see below). “As a mom, I know our voices are powerful,” she stated.

Lowey recalled that the founder of the Million Mom March, Donna Dees-Thomases, had originally imagined a turnout of 10,000.

The group swelled to a whopping 750,000 who assembled in a rally at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Mother’s Day 2000. A release from Lowey’s office noted Secretary Clinton’s attendance that day too and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, and that approximately 200,000 additional activists in more than 70 cities across the country also participated.

Prior to the Congresswoman’s arrival, some 25-30 guests enjoyed tea and lemonade and treats under a tent sharing stories of their activism…or their horrific loss.

Moms honoring Congresswoman Lowey, remembering the Million Mom March...and keeping the heat ON.
Moms honoring Congresswoman Lowey, remembering the Million Mom March…and keeping the heat ON.

A volunteer with Moms Demand Action and Gun Sense in American, Natasha Natalie Christopher, related that her 14-year-old son Akeal Christopher was shot on June 27th, 2012, by indiscriminate gunfire on the streets of Bushwick, in Brooklyn. “He died in the hospital on July 10th, on his 15th birthday…

“No parent should ever know this kind of pain. While other people are planning their kids’ high school graduations, I am planning a June 26th vigil for my son.” She had arrived with her 8-year old son, Christopher, who has become a “Junior Amabassador” sharing his feelings about what it is like to lose a brother at age five.

Lowey with "Junior Ambassador," 8-year-old Christopher.
Lowey with “Junior Ambassador,” 8-year-old Christopher.

Congresswoman Lowey thanked Natasha for “turning your grief into activism,” and commended Christopher, too. “Your personal story maybe can convince some people.”

Po Murray, chairperson of the Newtown Action Alliance, raised four kids who attended Sandy Hook. She works to advocate for legislative changes, and to build awareness, including organizing an annual national vigil in December to remember all victims of gun violence.
“There’s been a total lack of action from Congressional and State Reps given 30,000 gun deaths a year and 700,000 injuries,” she stated. Some wondered what would be “the tipping point,” or wake up call for legislators while others advocated intiating lawsuits against gun manufacturers. “They are always creating little fires to thwart our efforts,” one attendee noted. “Maybe we need to create a few fires for them too.”

Colette Martin, a volunteer from Queens, described a “silent majority” of gun owners who want to see common sense measures passed. “I have more guns in my home than people,” she stated. “The NRA does not represent me. People leave loaded guns lying around like umbrellas. What the hell does that have to do with the Second Amendment?”

Along with Lowey, also honored during the Bedford event were three individuals central to the first Million Mom March in Washington, DC:

• Donna Dees-Thomases established the original Million Mom March in 2000 after she was deeply affected by coverage of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Center day camp shooting in Grenada Hills, CA, in which five people, including three small children, were killed.

• Jill Brooke, aauthor of “The Need to Say No” and the Editor in Chief of Premier Traveler.

• Elise Richman was an original organizer of the Million Mom March.

Gun violence prevention and gun control are important issues for the New York City area. Suspects on the terrorist watch list tried to buy guns from licensed dealers 2,233 times between 2004 and 2014, threatening national security. Gang members used Metro-North trains to engage in a gun-running scheme to bring weapons bought in Port Chester into New York City for resale. A four-year-old Westchester girl recently accidentally shot herself in the face with a handgun.

In the 114th Congress, Lowey is a cosponsor of:

• The Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act (H.R. 752) that would ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition;

• The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act (H.R. 2283) that would require federally licensed dealers to confirm the identity of individuals who arrange to purchase ammunition over the internet by verifying a photo I.D.; and

• The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 (H.R. 1076) that would give the Attorney General the authority block suspects on the terror watch list from purchasing firearms.

Filed Under: Westchester Tagged With: change, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, gun control, gun violence, Inside Press, theinsidepress.com

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