Paulin Says, "Unrestricted Access to Concealed Firearms Poses a Massive Threat"
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New York State has had some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. In fact a law that dates back to 1911 restricts the right to carry a concealed gun in public places, unless the bearer shows proper cause for carrying a firearm for self defense.
The constitutionality of that law is now before the Supreme Court of the United States, who is hearing a case called “New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen." The petitioners contend that it is their constitutional right to carry the guns, if the owners have permits.
However, Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Violence says, “This is an NRA-driven lawsuit that really is intended to not only bring more guns in public and sell more guns for-profit for the gun industry, but also to overhaul common sense gun laws across the country ….. Time and time again empirical evidence shows that states with weak right-to-carry laws that allow more concealed carry, more open carry in public, have higher rates of gun violence.”
Scarsdale’s State Assemblymember Amy Paulin has championed gun control legislation in New York and said the following about this challenge to our laws at the Supreme Court.
“Enacting stricter gun laws for New York State has always been one of my top priorities as a legislator,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. So having New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen before this Supreme Court is of great concern to me. Unrestricted access to concealable firearms poses a massive threat to public safety. That’s not just common sense, but it’s also supported by data in states which allow concealed guns – all which have higher rates of gun violence.”
“Imagine every time you go to Times Square, a sports event, or a concert, and everyone is legally allowed to carry a gun?” continued Paulin. “Plus these are occasions where alcohol is often consumed. All it would take is one person to cause incredible devastation. It’s terrifying. If New York can no longer restrict who can carry a concealed weapon, we are going to be at a very great risk of gun violence.”
Former Village Manager Al Gatta Urges You to Support SVAC
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The following letter was writeen by Al Gatta, former Scarsdale Village Manager
To the Editor,
A short note to the residents of Scarsdale and its elected officials.
I have managed five municipalities in the country over the last 45 years, the last of which was 20 years in Scarsdale. In every year and every jurisdiction, I dealt with the most complicated, confounding, life/death, complex, intriguing, interesting matters and issues imaginable. A critical item and service that seldom is recognized, overlooked or taken for granted is Emergency Medical Services.
Until I worked in Scarsdale, I never truly realized the critical importance of EMS. Looking back, I am struck by how truly fortunate Scarsdale is to be served by Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (SVAC) The relationship is effective and rewarding for all residents and officials, but many times not fully understood by many people.
SVAC and the Village have a unique and rewarding relationship that has benefited the community for decades by providing the most modern, advanced, enlightened emergency medical services of any place in the country.
SVAC has initiated its annual fundraising effort and I ask that residents, merchants and others donate to this appeal. We depend on the generosity of Scarsdale volunteers, village government and residents to continue to contribute to maintain one of the best Emergency Medical Services in the country.
Please make a contribution.
Respectfully,
Alfred A. Gatta
Former Village Manager of Scarsdale
Alfred A. Gatta
33 Jared Drive
White Plains, NY 10605
November 2, 2021
Scarsdale Public Library Receives Award for Furthering Employment for the Disabled
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Marcus Renna with Library Director Elizabeth BermelIn honor of the 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, “Powered by Inclusion,” the Scarsdale Public Library was selected to receive a regional award honoring their contribution in furthering employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. SPL was nominated by ACCESS-VR, a member of the Westchester Employment Network, a consortium of agencies who work together to promote the employment of people with disabilities. Each year, they recognize select businesses that have incorporated the talent of persons with disabilities by making them part of our workforce.
As part of her testimonial, Library Director Elizabeth Bermel said, “One of the Library’s goals is inclusivity and access for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and we strive to achieve this in our employment practices as well as our programs and services.”
Marcus Renna, Library Clerk, stated, “Working at the Scarsdale Public Library has been a truly wonderful experience. You are given equal opportunity as everybody else in the workforce, and can’t help but want to continue to learn and grow. You are taught the same methods and skills as everybody else and are never made to feel different or less than.”
“Marcus’ love of learning, friendly, approachable demeanor and willingness to assist in any way possible makes him an outstanding employee. Marcus has played a key role as we reinvent ourselves in our newly renovated building and new ways of serving the public.”
The Scarsdale Public Library was recognized at a virtual awards event on Friday, October 8th.
Letter from Amy Paulin: It's Time to Stop the Suffering
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Amy Paulin on the floor of the NYS AssemblyThe following was submitted by State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
The horrific suffering I witnessed my sister endure at the end of her life is something that will remain with me every day for the rest of my life. It was one of the reasons I decided to introduce the New York Medical Aid in Dying Act, which allows terminally ill adults with a confirmed prognosis of six months or less to live to take medication prescribed by a doctor to end their lives peacefully and with dignity. Just as I strongly support legislation that gives compassion and fairness in life, I support this bill which would give terminally ill people that same compassion and fairness when it comes to their death.
Medical aid in dying is currently legal in 10 states, including New Jersey. Even in these states, it’s only available in a narrow set of circumstances: you must be 18 or older, have an incurable and irreversible illness or disease, have a prognosis of six months or less to live confirmed by two doctors, be mentally capable, make the request both verbally and in writing, and be able to self-ingest the medication.
There is a quarter-century of history and data on medical aid in dying since the first law took effect in Oregon in 1997. We know from that data that very few dying patients request a prescription and about one-third of patients who request the prescription never take it. But we also know that for many of them, having the prescription – or just knowing it was available – provided them with the peace of mind they were seeking as they faced the end of life.
Since introducing this bill I’ve heard gut-wrenching stories from countless New Yorkers about how their loved ones were forced to endure horrible deaths. No one should be forced to needlessly suffer, or have to watch their child, parent, spouse, or sibling suffer as they die, wishing they could just close their eyes and pass away peacefully. New Yorkers should have an option and across-the-board overwhelmingly support medical aid in dying. A recent Marist College poll showed New York voters support medical aid in dying, 59-37 percent, with support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents, upstaters and downstaters, white New Yorkers and New Yorkers of color.
New York doctors overwhelmingly support the medical aid in dying bill. The New York Academy of Family Physicians said, “Supporting the authorization of medical aid in dying is commensurate with the Family Physician’s desire to empower our patients not only in their pursuit of wellness, their management of chronic disease, but also the alleviation of suffering when faced with a terminal illness.” The Medical Aid in Dying Act is also supported by the League of Women Voters of New York State, New York Civil Liberties Union, New York State Public Health Association, StateWide Senior Action Council, Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, NOW-NY, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Harlem United, Latino Commission on AIDS, and the WESPAC Foundation, among many others.
The Medical Aid in Dying Act is supported by New York doctors and New Yorkers because it provides a compassionate and dignified option to those suffering horribly as they approach their inevitable death.
Now is the time. New Yorkers have endured enough suffering. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to pass this law in 2022 and give dying New Yorkers a compassionate end-of-life care option.
Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) is the prime sponsor of the Medical Aid in Dying Act in the New York State Assembly, along with over 50 co-sponsors.
Girls Tennis Team Undefeated: Onto the Sectionals
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The team celebrated Senior DayThe Scarsdale Girls Varsity A scored another fast victory at home on Tuesday October 5 at a make-up match against Ursuline. As the Scarsdale B team needed the courts for a home match as well, the coaches agreed to play one eight game pro set rather than the usual three set matches.
The Raiders, who are undefeated for the season were on an off the court in a flash. Playing first singles for the team, Natalie Hu served ace after ace. Her opponent often watched in awe. Hu barely dropped a point the entire eight games, and was the first to finish, 8-0.
Freshman Giana Marks also overpowered her opponent. With daunting serves and deep ground strokes to the baseline she secured an 8-1 victory. Playing third singles, Maya Cukierman also had a smooth win at 8-3.
In fact, Ursulines two singles players had paired up to play first doubles, so that match proved to be a bit more challenging for the Raiders. However, the talented team of Campbell Alin and Laura Mendez prevailed, 8-3. The well oiled second doubles team of Maya Vora and Yelena Sahakyan prevailed with an 8-1 victory, and the third and fourth doubles teams followed suit, winning 8-4 and 8-1.
Team Seniors flank their manager
Commenting on the team’s stellar season, Coach Jennifer Roane said, “With so many new players this year I wasn’t sure what to expect. What a happy surprise…. and they are nice kids too!
The team will send three singles players and two doubles teams to the sectional tournament at Harrison High School this coming weekend. On Thursday October 14, the entire team will play in the first round of the regional tournament at home.
Following the match, Giana Marks showed off team mascot Ace the Bear who was sporting a Wilson tennis bag with a mini racquet inside. He’s been with the team since 2019.
Singles Players Cukierman, Marks and Hu are all smiles after a victory over Ursuline
First Doubles Team Campbell Alin and Laura Mendez
