NYS Comptroller H. Carl McCall commented on the State's proposed budget at the 1995 Legislative Forum hosted by the Queens Jewish Community Council ["QJCC"] and  the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council ["NEQJCC"] this past  Sunday, March 19, 1995 at The Samuel Field/ Bay Terrace YM&YWHA, which also co-sponsored the event.  Comptroller McCall also spoke of the need to build coalitions to an audience that included a number of leaders from the African-American community from the Borough of Queens.  Mr. McCall was introduced by NEQJCC President Corey B. Bearak as a "distinguished public servant with significant private sector experience in  finance."

At the conclusion of the program, the community dedicated the recently installed traffic signal at 59th Avenue and Little Neck Parkway with assistance from City Councilman Sheldon S. Leffler (Eastern Queens) and Giuliani Administration representative City Transportation Commissioner Elliot Sander.  Councilman Leffler presented City Council citations to Dr. Murray Rosenman who organized community drive to get the light, and four community groups which supported efforts to get the traffic light, the NEQJCC, the Samuel Field Y, the Deepdale Gardens Community Council which operates the Seymour Perlmutter Center across Little Neck Parkway from the Y, and the Eastern Queens Democratic Club.

The forum also included opportunities for public officials to update the community on their the City and State budgets and other matters of concerns.   District Attorney Richard A. Brown, introduced by QJCC President Harold Baron, spoke of his office's effort to attack the organized crime elements which drive the large number of  auto thefts in the borough.  Member of Congress Nita Lowey noted her efforts to protect New York's interests in our nation's capitol.  Deputy City Council Majority Leader Archie Spigner (Southeast Queens) spoke on City budget concerns.  NYS Assembly Members Melinda Katz (Forest Hills), Mark Weprin (eastern Queens) and William "Bill" Scarborough (Jamaica) raised their concerns about the Governor's proposed budget and the need to provide for local programs.  Assemblyman Doug Prescott zeroed in on his effort to secure permanent funding for one local program: The Holocaust Center at Queensborough College.   Councilman Thomas White (Jamaica) also attended the forum.

Governor George Pataki was represented by his Executive Assistant, Jeff Weisenfeld.  NYC Comptroller Alan Hevesi was represented by his top aide, Executive Deputy Comptroller Jack Chartier.  Member of Congress Floyd H. Flake was represented by his District Manager, Sam Moon.  Borough President Claire Shulman was represented by her Assistant Counsel, Michael Rogovin.

Several party figures also attended:  24th A.D. Democratic Leaders Honey Miller, Chet Szarejko and Honey Miller, 26th A.D. Democratic Leader James Wrynn and 33rd A.D. Democratic Leaders Henry McCoy and Laura Sanders.

An association of religious, education, fraternal and community organizations, the NEQJCC covers Bay Terrace, Bayside, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Hollis Hills, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village (north).

Council projects include neighborhood development, fostering intergroup understanding and building a multi-cultural coalition. The Council combats anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.  The NEQJCC also sponsors forums with major public figures, Jewish Cultural events, open discussions with local Rabbis and represents community concerns.  In October, the Council hosted a Community-Wide Safety Fair.

A UJA/Federation agency, the NEQJCC works closely with the QJCC, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York, the Metropolitan New York Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty and the Samuel Field Y.  For more information, call (718) 225-6750 ext. 247.

The Queens Jewish Community Council is an umbrella organization for more than 90 synagogues and institutions throughout the borough.  It provides a wide range of social services which include benefits counseling, distribution of security devices to senior citizens, [employment placement for new immigrants and distribution of food and emergency assistance  to the poor.  The Council has sponsored educational and cultural programs and mobilizes the Jewish community's response to issues of concern such as support for Israel, combatting anti-Semitism and local issues which impact on the Jewish community.  For more information, call (718) 544-9033.

The Samuel Field YM-YWHA, a not for profit Jewish social service organization, provides a comprehensive program of social services and education, recreation and Jewish culture for  families, children, teenagers, single parents, adults and seniors, primarily residing in northeast Queens and Great Neck, regardless of race, creed or religion.  The Y's commitment to the needs of special populations include quality programs for the mentally retarded. the learning and developmentally disabled, people suffering from dementia and related memory disorders and a mental health service for older adults experiencing emotional and psychological disorders.  For more information, call (718) 544-9033.

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