Op-ed: Show Me the Teachers!

“Mayor to Kids: Say Goodbye to Your Teacher” is the glaring headline on the front page of the Feb. 17 edition of New York Teacher, a bi-weekly periodical for teachers. Its sub-head reads “Bloomberg would rather lay off teachers than extend millionaire’s tax.” This state tax is due to expire at the end of this year, and my immediate thought on this sub-head was: I wonder if the mayor objects because he himself is a millionaire, which would mean his own taxes would be higher. It has been reported that this tax could add billions of dollars to the state budget which could prevent layoffs.

Letter: Grammy-Winner Plays at Norwood Church

Maybe you’ve seen him at Willie’s Steak House, or even at the Grammys in Los Angeles. Pete Nater earned his Grammy in 2005, along with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. But has he forgotten that he’s from the Bronx? Not a chance. Even though he’s made it, he seems to have a soft spot for us.

New School Library Has PS 8 ‘Believin”

As guests filed down the aisles of the PS 8 auditorium during the Bedford Park school’s celebration of their new library, the Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” blared from a boom-box. “I love this song,” said 5th grader Iris Bermudez. “It just feels hopeful.” For many, the new library is just that — a symbol of hope.

State Budget Saves Some, Cuts Others

New Governor Andrew Cuomo and the legislature in Albany officially passed a state budget at the end of March, a day before the start of the new fiscal year. It marked the first time in five years that a budget has been approved in New York before its April 1 deadline and will eliminate a $10 billion deficit, Cuomo boasted in a press release. For the Bronx, the $132.5 million budget contains a mix of ups and downs. Certain funding that was on the chopping block was restored, while other cuts will mean major setbacks for a number of agencies, social service programs and local organizations.

Frustration Bubbles Over at Reservoir Access Meeting

After a long-delayed report that essentially denies the community greater access to the Jerome Park Reservoir was issued last week, activists and officials are feeling powerless, particularly because a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) official assigned to report to the community on its findings refused to answer any questions.

2010 Census Numbers Show Significant Bronx Growth

The Bronx gained more new residents than the other four boroughs over the last decade, and had the second highest gain in the state, according to recently released data from the 2010 United States Census.

Living Wage Campaign Heats Up

The campaign that would require developers of retail projects receiving taxpayer subsidies to pay a living wage — $10 with benefits and $11.50 without — is heating up as advocates press for an April City Council hearing. Council Speaker Christine Quinn has said she would allow hearings on the bill, which has 29 supporters, including every member of the City Council except for James Vacca of the east Bronx.

Montefiore Enacts Expanded No-Smoking Policy

Like many longtime smokers, Jarrel Jackson wants to quit smoking. Fortunately for his sake, so does Montefiore Medical Center, his employer and the largest employer in the Bronx, which recently expanded its No Smoking zones and is now offering smoking cessation resources for its employees.

Juilliard Instrumental in Ursula Music Program

When 11th grader Mayira Rodriguez heard The Juilliard School would be offering free instruction in playing musical instruments at her high school, The Academy of Mount St. Ursula, she was one of the first to sign up for the program.