Campaign Stop for Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder, Candidate for Manhattan DA

The democratic primary this coming September 15th has two very important races including Manhattan District Attorney and City Comptroller. This morning former Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder greeted commuters outside the Roosevelt Island subway station alongside New York State Assembly Member Micah Kellner (D - 65) who is endorsing the former judge and who strongly supports her candidacy.

Judge Snyder is one of three candidates to replace long time DA Robert Morgenthau and whoever wins the primary has a strong chance of keeping that non-partisan position in Democratic hands. Judge Snyder's opponents in the pprimary include Cy Vance and Richard Aborn. Morgenthau has publicly endorsed Cy Vance. A profile of Judge Snyder's career can be found on the New York Times here.

Micah Kellner has been a strong presence on this Island and has proven he fights for and watches out for Roosevelt Island as does City Council Member Jessica Lappin (D - 5). A representative of Ms. Lappin's office confirmed that she "hasn't formally taken a position on the DA race."

What's Behind East Side Officials Asking for Green Manhattan Tram Station Roof?

In a joint letter signed by virtually every East Side elected official the request was made to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to incorporate into the design of the new Manhattan Tram station a green roof.

Why is this request coming now? Yes, RIOC is still in the design phase but it is interesting that the chorus has just started when the process discussing the new Tram and its stations has been going on for well over a year to two. If the overhaul had kept to its original schedule this question would be way late and impossible to even consider. My fellow blogger the Roosevelt Islander infers that it is because East Siders perhaps don't like the current design in some form.

For me I am all for "greening" our neighborhoods and construction practices but I say to these elected officials if you are going to push this at this time RIOC has a right to ask for the additional cash to make it happen. Let's see who is first to float a bill to increase the funding for the Tram overhaul for a green roof over another project they are currently backing.

I am in a cranky mood today so I apologize to each of the elected officials as the goal is admirable but I question why this project and why now and not earlier.

NBC: What's the Deal: Roosevelt Island

The second of two videos with our local City Council Member Jessica Lappin. The first on the Tram and now Roosevelt Island itself.

WNBC's "Whats the Deal" Focuses on The Tram

The video of the Roosevelt Island Tram includes an interview with Council Member Jessica Lappin. Very cool and stylishly edited.