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| Photo: Tony Cenicola|The New New Times |
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| Photo: Barbara Freeman|Hutton Archive|Getty Images |
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| Photo: Stephen McKay |
Anticipating potential changes in federal immigration enforcement practices and priorities, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today provided local governments and law enforcement agencies with a legal roadmap for improving public safety by protecting vulnerable communities. As part of that roadmap, A. G. Schneiderman also provided local governments with model laws and policies that, if voluntarily enacted by a local government, would codify "sanctuary" policies into local law. In recent years, several cities across New York State, including Syracuse and New York City, have successfully adopted such policies.
The model provisions offered by the A.G.'s Civil Rights Bureau clarify that local New York law enforcement agencies can limit their participation in federal immigration activities in several ways. . . .
"Public safety relies on trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. No local law enforcement agency should have to undercut that trust just to carry out Donald Trump's draconian immigration policies," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "The legal guidance and model policies my office released today give local governments the tools they need to protect immigrant communities from an over-reach by federal agencies. New York has a long history of welcoming immigrants and embracing diversity. Now, more than ever, we must stand up for our values of inclusion and pluralism." . . .The entire press release can be read here.
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| Copyright © Lynn Davis |
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.COPYRIGHT 2017 CAROLE OSTERINK
Early yesterday morning, we learned that the Riverloft building at 59 N. Front Street was burning. This building, and the property it sits on, was a gift to Kite’s Nest, and we stepped into ownership last September. We hadn’t begun construction, but we had begun dreaming: bringing together children, families, and other local organizations to imagine how this site might develop as a place of intergenerational learning and community. Already it is the site of our River City Garden, a public garden and a place of nourishment and gathering for dozens of families. The building was also a home for Hudson Sloop Club boats and equipment, which were lost in the fire.
The building will be demolished. But not our work, our dreams, our relationships, and our commitment to creating spaces of safety, hope and joy for Hudson’s children and families.
We are so filled with gratitude. Thank you to the firefighters, police, the Mayor, and the first responders from Hudson, Greenport, Stottville, Claverack and Catskill, who fought this fire for many hours, and kept everyone safe. Thankfully no lives were lost, and no one was harmed. An extraordinary community of people came down with full hearts, with words of support, with food. To all of our neighbors who had to be evacuated from their homes, who lost water this morning, to the kids who had to miss some school, to the parents who had to shift their schedules, we are grateful. Thank you to everyone who sent us messages of support, reminding us that “the beat goes on,” and that “though this fire was huge, our hearts are huger.” Heartbreaking moments like this one are also moments of remarkable generosity and solidarity.
The loss of the Riverloft building, once known as the Hudson River Knitting Mills, is certainly a loss of a piece of Hudson’s history. But this is also a moment for us to construct new history, together, in its wake. We invite all of our neighbors and friends to join us in rebuilding together. Let this fire our collective imagination for a future that holds all of our dreams.
