Category: Press Release

22Apr

Statement by Chairman Gerard Kassar on State Health Department’s New Guidelines for Emergency Responders on Reviving Patients

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2020
Contact:  Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org   @cpnys

Statement by Chairman Gerard Kassar on State Health Department’s New Guidelines for Emergency Responders on Reviving Patients

Brooklyn, NY – Outrageous! Shameful! It is unconscionable to think that the state Health Department would think so little of a human life that they would issue a do-not-resuscitate guideline for cardiac patients amid the coronavirus crisis.

According to today’s NY Post, first responders were issued new guidelines when responding for cardiac patients.

Our first line of defense in a medical emergency is our paramedics – men and women who see heartbreaking emergencies and are exposed to every imaginable highly contagious disease. These extremely professional, dedicated, compassionate men and women deserve every bit of protection possible; but to ask these very same special, loving, caring people to not do everything possible to save another human life, borders on sacrilege. They are trained to save lives; not standby and do nothing to help revived them.

Imagine for one moment watching your loved one die knowing that the paramedics have been told do not resuscitate, especially if there is no health care proxy that states do-not-resuscitate. Think also for one minute, the guilt these dedicated first responders will feel if they are forced to stand by and do nothing.

Yes, these are trying times with hospitals and health care at their breaking points; but every single person, at every level of health care, does what they do because of their dedication to saving lives. And now the bureaucratic bean counters are telling them to just let them die.

The state Health Department defends itself by noting “many areas of the US as well as other locations throughout the world” use this standard – even pre COVID-19.

Why issue these guidelines now? Didn’t Governor Cuomo just tell President Trump that New York no longer needs USNS Comfort? (Thank you, President Trump for providing it when we needed it.) Haven’t we reached the plateau? Haven’t we been told daily that the hospital admissions are decreasing and thankfully, due to the excellent care of our doctors, nurses and first responders, recovery numbers are increasing.

We must end this practice NOW!

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21Apr

Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman on Universal Absentee Ballots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman on Universal Absentee Ballots

April 21, 2020

“Universal absentee ballots for the upcoming New York primaries and special elections may sound like a voting solution during this ongoing health crisis, but it is an unconstitutional measure that would open up New York to rampant voter fraud potential. Governor Cuomo’s initial plan to allow universal absentee ballot applications was the right one due to the special circumstances during this crisis.

“Absentee ballots are inherently insecure voting documents — anyone can mail them back in to the Board of Elections — and universally distributing them would be both prohibitively risky and a flagrant violation of New York’s Constitution.

“The New York State Conservative Party urges Governor Cuomo to employ the solution he initially proposed, and to open a limited number of polling sites for anyone wishing to vote in person. By allowing all New Yorkers to apply for and cast absentee ballots, the integrity of our upcoming elections will be better secured.”

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02Apr

NEW YORK PASSES ‘POLITICAL BUDGET’ AT EXACTLY THE WRONG TIME: NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

NEW YORK PASSES ‘POLITICAL BUDGET’ AT EXACTLY THE WRONG TIME: NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY

New York–Apr. 2…New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar today criticized the “highly political” state budget passed with less input than at any other time in New York State history potentially. Mr. Kassar said that Governor Andrew Cuomo should have pigeonholed controversial items in his budget and moved them into the regular legislative session where they belong and could be vigorously debated.

“In times of crisis, politics has to take a backseat to pragmatism, and that sadly didn’t occur in Albany this week,” Chairman Kassar said. “While members were away from the chamber and reform advocates were sequestered in their homes, billions of dollars of new borrowing was green-lighted; some small political parties were all but eradicated in New York; a taxpayer-paid campaign system was created; new financial burdens were placed on small business owners, and a massive $3-billion bond issue was approved for the November ballot, among other things. What else the governor stuffed into this budget we will soon find out.”

Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, virtually no budget debate took place in Albany in the days leading up to the budget’s passage. Senators and assembly members were not present in their respective chambers and votes were taken remotely.

Mr. Kassar also expressed disappointment that judges were deprived of the right to use discretion in determining whether to require cash bail from those arrested for crimes. Law enforcement leaders and prosecutors begged the governor and state legislature to give judges that discretion. Governor Cuomo’s budget further deprived localities of the right to require approval for certain energy development projects, making a mockery of local zoning laws and effectively eliminating “home rule.”

“We are looking at a policy-driven budget of misstarts and overreaches,” Chairman Kassar said, “and New Yorkers will pay dearly for it.”

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01Apr

Statement on Cuomo Budget Power Grab by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117

Bill@NovemberTeam.com

Statement on Cuomo Budget Power Grab by New York State

Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

April 1, 2020

“It’s unfortunate in the extreme that Governor Andrew Cuomo capitalized on the Coronavirus pandemic today by embedding taxpayer-paid political campaigns in state budget bills that are needed to keep the state afloat. This is akin to having a new and odious tax shoved down our throats while everyone is preoccupied with life-and-death health issues.

“The Governor, who has the support of all New Yorkers during this crisis, should know better than to engage in a political trick like this now. New Yorkers don’t want welfare for politicians — they have made that clear for years in polling — and legislators should have been able to debate this as a standalone issue later this year. This was a cynical ploy and a time where cynicism is least appropriate.

“Taxpayer-paid campaigns will cost New Yorkers a minimum of $100 million per election cycle, and, plain and simple, that’s money we don’t have. Even before COVID-19, New York was in a six-plus billion dollar hole. When all is said and done, the state’s debt load will be many multiples of that. And yet, taxpayers will be forced to shell out money to political consultants.

“It is equally outrageous that the budget was used to eliminate political opposition and dissenting speech. By drastically increasing the requirement for small political parties to attain ballot status, Governor Cuomo will have effectively stifled debate in a state that needs more of it. The Conservative Party will more than meet the new threshold based on our nearly 58-year history of garnering votes, but other smaller parties will almost certainly perish, directly suppressing the political speech they have traditionally provided.

“Governor Cuomo has been widely lauded in the news media for his leadership during this crisis. But what he did today in Albany was anything but. New Yorkers will be paying for it for years to come.”

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25Mar

Statement by State Chairman Gerard Kassar on Senator John Flanagan’s retirement.

For Immediate Release
March 25, 2020
Contact:  Shaun Marie
518-356-7882 
cpnys.org @cpnys

Statement by State Chairman Gerard Kassar on Senator John Flanagan’s retirement.

Brooklyn, NY — “John Flanagan has been a dedicated public servant for more than thirty years, as an assemblyman, senator, and senate leader. I have worked closely with him during those years and consider him a friend. The New York State Conservative Party thanks Senator Flanagan for his long service, and wishes him the best in all future endeavors.”

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12Mar

Statement by New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on “Total Victory for Political Freedom in New York; Reason Has Won out Over Machiavellianism”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

Statement by New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on “Total Victory for Political Freedom in New York; Reason Has Won out Over Machiavellianism”

March 12, 2020

“Today’s court decision confirms what the State Conservative Party has maintained since day one: Governor Cuomo’s Public Finance Commission had no Constitutional right to make or amend state law. This was a total overreach by an overzealous governor, and we are grateful that the Court acted to protect the political and First Amendment rights of New Yorkers and the parties with which they choose to affiliate. This is a total victory for political freedom in New York, and a reminder to Governor Cuomo that he is an executive and not an emperor. Reason has won out over Machiavellianism, and New York is better for it.”

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05Mar

Schumer the Hypocrite

For Immediate Release
March 5, 2020
Contact:  Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org   @cpnys

Schumer the Hypocrite

“Senator Chuck Schumer crossed a dangerous line yesterday, and he has to address it head-on. His response so far has been entirely inadequate, if not downright mealy-mouthed.

“Threatening Supreme Court justices in an attempt to score political points with an advocacy group is well beneath the dignity of a United States Senator. It puts the independence of the Court at risk by seeking to intimidate its justices.

“This is no small matter: Mr. Schumer has introduced an egregious precedent at the highest levels of government, and he must not be allowed to skirt accountability for it. A full retraction and apology are urgently required. Anything less will demean Mr. Schumer’s legacy as a senator.”

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04Mar

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPER TUESDAY PRIMARIES

For Immediate Release
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org   @cpnys

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPER TUESDAY PRIMARIES

March 4, 2020

Brooklyn, NY — “Tuesday was a super day for President Donald Trump who’s watching the American political left devour itself.

“The latest narrative Democrats have been trying to sell — a socialist vs. moderate primary — couldn’t be more false or desperate: There are no more moderates in today’s Democratic Party leadership; Joe Biden’s radical plans are just as reckless as Bernie Sanders’. Either of the candidates would drive the American economy off a cliff, and each of them would raise taxes, reduce our individual liberties, and massively expand the size of the federal government.

“The clear winner on Tuesday was President Donald Trump. The Democratic Party is spinning out of control.”

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09Feb

Statement from Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Shooting of NYPD Officers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com

Statement from Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Shooting of NYPD Officers

February 9, 2020

“Elected leaders who fire up crowds with anti-police rhetoric in the name of ‘progressivism’ may as well have armed accused cop shooter Robert Williams. They have created a dangerous hair-trigger environment for anti-police crackpots, and shouldn’t act surprised when shootings like these occur. We pray for the officers wounded this weekend — and for serious reflection from those stirring the rage. There’s nothing progressive about blind hatred.”

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06Feb

NEW YORK — THE STATE THAT SUFFERED THE DEADLIEST TERRORIST ATTACK IN U.S. HISTORY — TOO UNSAFE FOR GLOBAL ENTRY PROGRAMS, THANKS TO NEW ‘PROGRESSIVE’ LAW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117

February 6, 2020

Bill@NovemberTeam.com

NEW YORK — THE STATE THAT SUFFERED THE DEADLIEST

TERRORIST ATTACK IN U.S. HISTORY —

TOO UNSAFE FOR GLOBAL ENTRY PROGRAMS, THANKS TO NEW ‘PROGRESSIVE’ LAW

Conservative Party Calls for Restoration of Common Sense, Urgent Fix

New York-Feb. 6…Global Entry and other Trusted Travel programs, including NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST, can no longer be used by New Yorkers or New York businesses, thanks to the new, pro-illegal-immigrant “Green Light Law” passed by the Democrat-controlled State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York State Conservative Party today demanded immediate repeal of the law, which gives New York driver licenses to illegal immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security yesterday announced its suspension of renewals and enrollments for New Yorkers using or seeking to use these expedited entry programs.

“Liberalism is one thing, but this is madness,” State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said. “Thousands of New Yorkers were killed by terrorists a blink of an eye ago, and New York’s political leaders are proactively making our citizenry less safe. Governor Cuomo needs to view this Department of Homeland Security decision as a jarring wake-up call, and get busy restoring common sense security measures in our identification document and reporting systems. This is a matter of public safety.”

The 19 9/11 terrorists obtained dozens of state-issued driver licenses in advance of the attacks to help them operate freely and unnoticed on U.S. soil. Those licenses were used for, among things, the wiring of funds internationally and the Florida flight lessons that taught them how to pilot the planes.

Following the attacks, a major national effort was undertaken, culminating in the federal Real ID Act of 2005, to establish minimum security protocols for state-issued licenses. These biometric and other safeguards were developed to ensure that a license holder is who he says he is.

“The ‘Green Light Law’ flies in the face of two decades of homeland security efforts,” Mr. Kassar said, “and it makes New Yorkers more vulnerable. The Department of Homeland Security clearly agrees.”

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05Feb

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ACQUITTAL

For Immediate Release
February 5, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ACQUITTAL

February 5, 2020

“After wasting millions of dollars on a senseless show trial to divide the nation even further for political gain, Democrats in Congress have predictably come up empty. We congratulate President Trump on his acquittal today, and urge all in Washington to get back to work. These past three months have been nothing but a waste of time and money.”

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05Feb

Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys

Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

February 4, 2020

“President Donald Trump again delivered in his State of the Union Address because he has a great story to tell. This is a President who has kept his word to the American People – to put us first and above all other things – and his unquestionable accomplishments on our behalf are resonating throughout the economy and American spirit. America is, indeed, first again. With the nonsense of last week’s Democratic Party meltdown behind us, President Trump has a clear and deserved path to reelection. The New York State Conservative Party is proud to stand by his side.”

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