TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014 • 62 Amid Scandal, Queens Library Board Retains CEO; Politicians Fume Suspects Sought In Ridgewood Cab Robberies -CONTINUED FROM PG. 8- Ben Carson News & Opinion any entity that refuses to cooperate with its mandates. For example, recently, the last lead-smelting plant in the United States was shut down by the Environmental Protection Agency for violating some of those regulatory shackles. That certainly could be seen as a victory for some who are interested in decreasing the amount of ammunition available to gun owners. Putting the Internal Revenue Service in charge of the enforcement of the components of Obamacare establishes a situation where the most feared government agency is empowered to wreak havoc on the lives of citizens who express dissent. It is quite astonishing that many are unable to fathom this danger and thus dismiss it—much like those in charge of the passenger train speeding toward danger. Liberals have just as many disagreements among themselves as conservatives. Still, in order to accomplish their goals, they have learned to put aside their differences and create large, loyal voting blocs. Sometimes they make empty promises, but by repeating them often, people actually believe that they are benefiting, when, in fact, the opposite may be occurring. Liberals appear to be quite comfortable with a health care bill that was passed with obvious deceit emanating from the highest levels of government. Very much like the radical Islamists who believe any means is acceptable to accomplish their goals, many in the liberal movement are willing to relegate to the sidelines the Judeo-Christian values that so rapidly elevated our country. Conservatives shouldn't emulate this deception, but they ought to learn to present a united front to harness the power and energy necessary to reverse the downward spiral of the greatest nation in the history of the world. We must look at the big picture and concentrate our efforts on establishing responsible fiscal policies, fair taxation, responsible energy and environmental policies, and empowerment through education. Many social issues can be dealt with in time, including entitlement reform. To worry about these issues before addressing the failing economy is a mistake. The dismal state of the current economy, as indicated by the falling labor-force participation rate, is conducive to the further development of big-government programs. By the same token, the policies that will result in an explosion of the economy will make entitlement reform much easier. If we focus on the big picture, everyone will win. * * * Ben S. Carson is professor emeritus of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 4- the library’s sitting president faces a federal investigation.” Since the Galante scandal broke, it was reported, the FBI, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Loretta E. Lynch, the city Department of Investigation and City Comptroller Scott Stringer each launched investigations into Queens Library’s operations. “I am very aware that many of the members of the Board of Trustees have strong feelings towards Tom,” she continued. “However, this isn’t about one person; this is about getting the Queens Public Library through the next budget cycle and making sure the funders of the institution have faith that the Board of Trustees is monitoring the tax dollars it receives and is acting in the best interests of the institution.” In a second letter to Galante, Katz personally appealed for him to take a leave of absence “in order for the library to operate effectively and, more importantly, to continue to receive taxpayer money.” “Elected officials must have faith in the integrity of the institution and its leadership in order for the library to continue to receive city money,” Katz told Galante. “Given the current state of uncertainty and turmoil, I don’t believe you will be able to successfully lead the institution News From The WRBA So, about one-half of one percent of all eligible Woodhaven residents took the time to vote. This is extremely disappointing. What does it take to get residents involved? Offering them a say in how $1 million will be spent appears was obviously not enough. I know what some people will reply to justify their failure to vote. During the hours I spent at the WRBA office staffing the polling place, I heard the objections from those who actually did cast ballots. Some believe the projects they could choose from were not the greatest options. Others say they did not know about participatory budgeting until someone told them about it directly. Still others claimed their vote would have little impact. These are poor excuses, in my opinion. Even if someone didn’t like all the items on the ballot, surely there was at least one that he or she could deem worthwhile. Those who didn’t know about participatory budgeting must have missed the robocalls, failed to read the newspapers, and never bothered to attend a WRBA town hall. And because relatively few ballots were cast, those who did vote had far more influence over the outcome than they’ve probably had in any election they’ve ever participated in. The sad fact of the matter, though, is that this low turnout was not unique to participatory budgeting. The WRBA sees it every month at our town halls. A truly spectacular town hall turnout will be 120 residents. That’s about one-third of one percent of the neighborhood’s population. Quite poor attendance, despite the fact that our town halls are regularly attended by all our elected officials, representatives from the 102nd Precinct and other city agencies, candidates for elected office, those speaking on behalf of neighborhood organizations, and other concerned residents. The WRBA has been nearly a constant presence in our newspapers, on our news stations, and on the streets of our neighborhood. Anyone who’s unaware of our existence simply hasn’t been looking. I know that many residents have many obligations in their lives—long work hours, raising children, etc. But so do the people who attend the town halls, and so do the members of the WRBA’s Board of Directors. My point is that not enough residents are involved. Woodhaven has not even scratched the surface when it comes to civic engagement. Our residents need to step up and play their part to make the neighborhood a better place. But it’s tough to see that happening when not even a million dollars is incentive enough. Do you have a solution to this problem? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Or better yet, come to our next town hall and tell us. Editor’s note: The next Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting is on Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall (89-02 91st Street). Blenkinsopp is member of Community Board 9 and director of communications for the WRBA. For additional information on the WRBA, visit www.woodhaven-nyc.org. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 4- through this budget cycle, and the library will suffer, which is an outcome nobody wants.” In a statement issued last Friday, Apr. 4, Katz expressed disappointment with the board’s vote, charging that the body collectively “missed an opportunity to restore faith in the institution.” “As I have said repeatedly, the Queens Library is one of the greatest institutions in this City and is one of the best libraries in the country,” she added. “As such, it deserves uncompromised leadership and the best set of corporate governance practices. Legislating library reform Speaking on the steps of Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens last Thursday morning, Katz joined Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry and State Sen. Michael Gianaris in announcing legislation to reform Queens Library’s board of trustees and the organization’s overall operations. The legislation calls for the creation of an Audit Committee to examine the library’s accounting and financial reporting practices and a Labor Relations Committee to address various matters between management and workers, including the contracting of services to outside firms. Also included in the bill are measures requiring that Queens Library executives file various financial disclosure forms; that the board impose various compensation limits for outside employment; and that the board be mandated to approve all hiring of executive library staff. “The Queens Library is a treasured institution that has long served as a beacon of knowledge, education and entertainment for the people of Queens,” Katz said. “Passage of this bill into law would be an important step toward making the Queens Library an institution that all Queens residents can be proud of once again.” “The Queens Library system is a jewel in the borough of Queens,” Aubry added, but noted that the scandal surrounding Galante has dulled it. “This legislation focuses on the governance of the library so that the services it provides can again be an inspiration to the entire borough,” he stated. “This bill would immediately rein in the excesses of the Queens Library and provide a long-term blueprint for efficiency, transparency and accountability,” Gianaris said. Many members of the Queens state legislative delegation have sponsored the legislation, including State Senators Joseph Addabbo, Jose Peralta, James Sanders, Malcolm Smith and Toby Ann Stavisky; Assemblymen Ed Braunstein, Michael DenDekker, Phil Goldfeder, Andrew Hevesi, William Scarborough and Michael Simanowitz; and Assemblywomen Barbara Clark, Vivian Cook, Margaret Markey and Michele Titus. Board: We’re taking action But Queens Library claimed it already had such reforms in place in statements from Taussig and a library spokesperson issued after the borough hall press conference. “The proposed state legislation includes specific measures that are already in place,” a Queens Library spokesperson said. “Measures already in place at the Queens Library include an audit committee and a labor relations committee of the board of trustees, as well as a conflict of interest policy for senior officers.” “We look forward to working with all our stakeholders to continue to enhance and strengthen the library,” the spokesperson added, noting that “several other measures are currently under consideration.” “Every organization needs to continually monitor and, when needed, to adjust its governing structure, policies and procedures to stay current and to adopt industry best practices,” said Taussig. “Thanks to the leadership of the Board of Trustees, its management and its entire dedicated staff, Queens Library is a model that other library systems from across the globe seek to emulate. These changes will help ensure that the library remains transparent, accountable and effective.” According to Queens Library, it has established an Audit Committee, which is now actively reviewing the organization’s finances. The board of trustees also established a Special Committee on Governance to review various “serious matters,” including the committee structure of the board itself. Queens Library also launched a review of Galante’s contract and revised its conflicts of interest policy to require that future executives limit outside employment and disclose any secondary jobs they may have when applying for an executive position. Katz reacted to the library’s reform measures in last Friday’s statement, noting that “while the Board of Trustees is slowly beginning to implement one or two of the reforms in the bill, there is still much work to be done and I remain committed to ensuring that transparency and meaningful internal controls are put in place at the Queens Library so that the public’s trust in it can be restored.” -CONTINUED FROM PG. 6- Both of the robberies were reported to the 83rd Precinct; neither driver was injured. Anyone with information regarding the taxi robberies or the suspects’ whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800- 577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. All calls and messages will be kept confidential. At right, security camera images of the two suspects wanted for last Saturday’s livery cab holdups in Ridgewood, Brooklyn. WE’RE ON TWITTER @timesnewsweekly
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