Eric Bottcher addresses reporters on Nov. 18 after a scaffolding collapse in on W. 29th St. injured three people. He was not aware at that time that a knife wielding maniac had already started a deadly spree that morning in Chelsea which would eventually claim three lives across Manhattan. ( Photo: Keith J. Kelly) Bottcher Thanks NYPD, Says Knife Attack Shows Failures of Justice, Mental Health Systems Friends, I am heartbroken and outraged by the senseless violence that transpired in our city yesterday. The tragic loss of... Voices 19 Nov 2024 | 03:59
For local Democrats, it may feel like the circus is back in Washington D.C. with Donald Trump ready to ascend to the White House once again. ( Photo: KMJ/Wikimedia Commons) How the Political Landscape Shifts for NYC After Trump Win “It’s tough to make predictions–especially about the future.” – Yogi Berra For those Democrats looking for a silver lining... Voices 15 Nov 2024 | 02:50
Our columnist recalls how her late father Harold Willens and the actor Paul Newman congratulated each other when they found out they were on Richard Nixon’s enemies list. ( Photo: Studio/Wikimedia Commons) What Makes an Enemy? I still remember when my late father, Harold Willens, and his political pal, Paul Newman, found themselves on Richard Nixon’s... Voices 08 Nov 2024 | 03:19
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their victory over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. ( Photo: Ken Frydman) Yankee Fan Learns to Forgive and Even Pal Around with Dodgers’ Fans as He Watches Game 5 Loss I took my son Beau to the game-five stinker at Yankee Stadium. Depressing as it was for the Yankees to lose the World Series... Voices 08 Nov 2024 | 12:32
Local Democratic political leaders from Manhattan joined campaign workers in the northern suburbs before election day, campaigning for incumbent Pat Ryan in a race against Republican challenger Allison Esposito. ( Photo: Layla Law-Gisiko) Musings on the Campaign Trail Part 2: Local Leaders Head to Kingston Kingston was the first capital of New York State. Located in Ulster County, it is now a sleepy town with a penchant for gentrification.... Voices 04 Nov 2024 | 03:30
Why We’re Endorsing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz In the end, it comes down to a matter of character. There are many reasons not to vote for Donald J. Trump for president,... Voices 28 Oct 2024 | 07:11
Letters to the Editor 10.31.24 To the Letters Editor : Re : “Trump Rally Slated For MSG Stirs Controversy” October 24-30, 2024. Sen. Hoylman-Sigal displays... Voices 25 Oct 2024 | 03:48
Mayor Eric Adams wore a cap with both the Mets/Yankees logos during the Columbus Day parade. At his weekly press conference on Oct. 22, he admitted he’s a Mets fan, but his partner is a Yankees fan. And much like our columnist, he wishes the Yankees well in the World Series. ( Photo: Mayor’s Photography Office) There’s No Subway Series...and I’m Ok with That... For decades, I have lived in a house divided with my husband and son rooting for the Mets, and my daughter and mother cheering... Voices 25 Oct 2024 | 02:23
Early voting in NYC starts on Saturday, Oct. 26. That is also the last day one can register to vote in the general election on Nov. 5. ( Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Early Voting Starts Oct 26 in NY; Here’s How to Register and Find Your Local Polling Place Early Voting begins October 26th: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s voter guide says: “New Yorkers can vote early... Voices 22 Oct 2024 | 03:34
Eric Adams with religious leaders at Gracie Mansion press conference following the unsealing of the five count federal corruption indictment that was unsealed on Sept. 26. ( Photo: Associated Press) Many NYers Want Eric Adams to Resign; He Would Prefer Not To... On Sunday, September 29, speaking from the pulpit of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church in the Bronx, Mayor Eric Adams... Voices 23 Oct 2024 | 02:34
“Rachel” is a person that the artist Zhenya Gershman met near her studio. On the day the artist’s exhibit opened with “Rachel” one of the featured paintings, Gershman learned that Rachael had fortunately relocated into housing in New Jersey. The joy for her friend was a little bittersweet since Rachel never got to see the finished portrait. ( Photo: Courtesy Zheny Gershman) Artist Marks World Homeless Day on Oct. 10 October 10th marks World Homeless Day. Here in New York, I wanted to do my part in honoring the homeless as individuals rather... Voices 10 Oct 2024 | 11:18
The 2024 U.S. general election will be held on November 5. ( Photo: Wikimedia Commons ) How to Vote in the 2024 General Election November 5, when the U.S. 2024 general election is held, is less than a month away. As such, prospective NYC voters–whether... Voices 07 Oct 2024 | 01:01
Since Nov. 4, 2023, a group of marchers have gathered each week and made a trek across downtown Manhattan to publicize the plight of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, with the hope that they will be returned. Among those snatched were a 24-year old woman, Eden Yerushalmi and a 79 year old grandfather, Gadi Moses. ( Photo: Philip Maier) Protestors Call for Return of Hostages on Grim Anniversary of Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel On October 7, 2023 terrorist organizations, led by Hamas, launched a massive rocket barrage breaching Israeli defenses allowing... Voices 07 Oct 2024 | 12:07
The grave of Eliakum Zunser, and his wife Fannie (Feigel), Washington Cemetery, Brooklyn. The elevated F train to and from Coney Island is in the near distance behind it. ( Photo: Brian Berger) The Resurrection of Eliakum Zunser, “the Father of Yiddish Poetry” What if I told you one of the most famous and beloved Russian Jews of the 19th century—”the father of Yiddish poetry” no... Voices 30 Sep 2024 | 11:07
City Council member Eric Bottcher is expected to join the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce to celebrate ten years of the Chelsea Farmers Market on Oct. 5th at W. 23rd St. and Ninth Ave. at 9 a.m. followed by free coffee and cookies reception. ( Photo: Down to Earth Markets) Farmers Market Celebrates 10 Years of Bringing Local Food to Heart of Chelsea In the early morning hours of a summer Saturday in 2014, an intrepid group of small-scale farmers and food makers set up... Voices 24 Sep 2024 | 10:41
