Howard Polivy Confirmed as New RIOC Director By NY State Senate - Vote For Another 2 RIOC Board Members Scheduled For May 19

Image from Roosevelt Island 360

I received the following message from Assembly Member Micah Kellner's office that Howard Polivy has been confirmed by the New York State Senate as a member of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp's Board of Directors. This means that 4 of the 6 Roosevelt Island residents elected to be nominated for the RIOC Board have been appointed by either the Governor or Mayor and confirmed by the State Senate. Mr. Polivy joins Mr. Kalkin, Dr. Grimm and Ms. Christian as elected by residents RIOC Board members. Congratulations to Mr. Polivy!

Kellner Commends Polivy’s Confirmation to RIOC Board
Statement by Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner

“Roosevelt Island residents have gained a powerful advocate today with the New York State Senate’s confirmation of Howard Polivy to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) Board of Directors. I congratulate Mr. Polivy on his confirmation to the RIOC Board; this is a validation of the democratic will of the Island. I know that Howard will be a passionate and responsive voice for all residents.

“Howard Polivy’s nomination process was representative of the role he will assume today. For decades, residents have expressed that the RIOC Board of Directors has not truly reflected their interests. Taking matters into their own hands, on February 5, 2009, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) held an island-wide referendum to recommend to the Governor and the Mayor the residents’ choices for filling the six vacant or expired Board seats. Turnout for this historic vote was unprecedented. More Roosevelt Island residents voted for the RIOC Board nominations than voted in the 2008 Presidential primary or in the 2006 gubernatorial elections. Altogether, 1,718 votes were cast, and Mr. Polivy was chosen to be one of the six men and women the Island residents put forward as the people’s candidates. His confirmation today validates this democratic process.”

“Howard Polivy has worked tirelessly to bring about positive change in the community.
He was instrumental in creating the Roosevelt Island Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) and serves as its Team Chief. He is also a tenant representative for his building to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council.

“Mr. Polivy was nominated to the RIOC Board by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Earlier this week, State Senator José Serrano and I wrote to the Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions in support of Mr. Polivy’s nomination and were gratified to see him quickly confirmed.”

Currently, there are three non-elected Roosevelt Island residents serving on the RIOC Board.The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) plans to hold a special election on May 19 to nominate 2 additional resident RIOC Board Members. According to the March 4, 2009 Main Street WIRE:

... In the February election, six residents were nominated to the RIOC Board, including Kalkin and Polivy. Dr. Kathie Grimm, Kalkin, and Fay Christian, who were among the top six vote-getters in that election, now serve on the RIOC Board. Polivy's appointment is pending. The third- and fourth-highest winners in the February 5 election, Erin Feely-Nahem and Frank Farance, were not appointed; Farance subsequently ran for and won the presidency of the Residents Association.

In the planned May election process, nominees will be chosen for RIOC Board seats that are currently open or are expected to become open shortly. RIRA will forward the names of the winners, but will also remind the Governor's Appointments Office that Feely-Nahem and Farance were winners in the 2008 election and remain available for appointment.

UPDATE - 11:55 PM - CORRECTION - ADVISED BY DICK LUTZ OF MAIN STREET WIRE THAT ABOVE PRESS RELEASE IS INCORRECT. MR POLIVY WAS NOT CONFIRMED BY NY STATE SENATE BUT BY A COMMITTEE OF THE STATE SENATE.