MANH Lawmakers on the Move, July 15, 2019

Manhattan Lawmakers on the Move bannner

Johnson Mourns Passing of Hector Figueroa

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) released a statement on Friday paying respects to Héctor Figueroa, President of the 32BJ Service Employees International Union.

Council Member Corey Johnson
Council Member Corey Johnson (Credit: Jeff Reed)

Figueroa, one of the most influential union bosses in the City’s history, suffered a fatal heart attack last Thursday. He was 57.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Hector Figueroa, a visionary labor leader who dedicated his life to helping working New Yorkers,” said Johnson. “As a voice for the voiceless, he led the charge for better wages and working conditions for janitors, cleaners, fast food workers, superintendents, taxi drivers, window cleaners, porters, security officers, airport workers, maintenance workers and doormen. One of the things I admired most about Hector was the fact that he didn’t care if you were a 32BJ member or not. If you were a working person who needed help, Hector was in your corner.”


Williams Condemns Homophobic Epithets Directed at Staff Members

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (D) released a statement denouncing the anonymous pedestrian who hurled homophobic slurs at two of his staff members last Friday.

Said staff members were attending a rally in support of a Central Harlem gay bar that was subjected to a homophobic attack late last month, as an LGBTQ pride flag was burned right outside its door.

“The incident, and the context in which it occurred– amid two Pride flag burnings in the space of one month at this location– highlight a sobering truth,” said Williams. “As much progress has been made in this city and country for LGBTQ individuals, highlighted over the last month, the struggle borne of homophobic hatred that ignited the riot at Stonewall fifty years ago is still pervasive. It’s disturbing that statistically this can be more prevalent in communities that continue to feel the distressing impact of marginalization.”


Keith Powers Gives Kudos to First Responders

Council Member Keith Powers
Council Member Keith Powers

City Council Member Keith Powers (D-Upper East Side, Carnegie Hill, Yorkville) released a tweet yesterday thanking the first responders who worked to restore power to the City after the blackout on Saturday.

At 7 p.m., Manhattan was struck with a power outage spanning from 72nd Street to 30th Street, and from the Hudson River to 5th Avenue. The outage lasted for several hours before power was restored.

“Tonight reminded me how special New York City is,” Powers said in a tweet. “From Carnegie Hall performing in the street to the volunteer crossing guards, you’re all the best. A big thank you to the first responders who did a great job tonight restoring power to the thousands of New Yorkers in the dark.”