PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Hunter Severini, Resident of Lower Manhattan
2:46:49
·
125 sec
Hunter Severini, a resident of Lower Manhattan who has reported thousands of air code violations, expresses support for Intros 5 and 291 while opposing Intros 747 and 941. Severini discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of each bill, emphasizing concerns about due process and separation of powers.
- Supports Intro 5 to make the Citizens Air Complaint Program accessible to non-English speakers
- Advocates for Intro 291 to increase idling penalties and reduce air pollution
- Expresses concern about Intros 747 and 941, citing potential constitutional issues and separation of powers
- Mentions active lawsuits against DEP and OATH regarding citizen reporter practices
Hunter Severini
2:46:49
Hello.
2:46:50
My name is Hunter Severini, and I'm a resident of Lower Manhattan that has reported thousands of air code violations all over the 5 boroughs.
2:46:58
I'm here to voice my strong support for intro 5 and intro 291 as well as my strong opposition to intro 747 and intro 9 41.
2:47:06
Intro 5 will open up the citizens' air complaint program to the quarter of New York City residents that are not English proficient.
2:47:12
This requirement to provide government services in other languages is widely acknowledged by the city and I believe deserves to be extended here.
2:47:19
Intro 291 is another outstanding bill that should be scheduled for a vote as soon as possible.
2:47:23
Considering the limited number of citizen reporters, increasing idling penalties is the only way to further reduce air pollution.
2:47:29
The current system has been effective, but legal idling remains a persistent and widespread problem.
2:47:34
As much of these bills would each improve our collective environment, there are 2 others that pose the potential to cause lasting and irreversible harm.
2:47:41
Intro 747 seeks to impose an unconstitutional and unnecessary code of conduct against citizens, much like its sister Bill intro 941.
2:47:48
Both bills mentioned a reasonable opportunity to be heard in regard to disqualifying citizens from serving complaints.
2:47:54
In practice, this can mean an on paper hearing, as mentioned by August stats, former deputy commissioner and general counsel at oath, in an internal email that became public as part of a court filing.
2:48:04
On paper hearings do not allow the accused to be heard or to cross examine witnesses.
2:48:09
I have an active lawsuit against DP and oath challenging this practice.
2:48:12
I also have another active lawsuit challenging DP's abuse of 24 dash 112 charges against citizen reporters for allegedly making false and misleading statements that has been transferred to the appellate division, first department for disposition.
2:48:25
Medidata on intro 941 shows the author is Lisa Alley, a lawyer at DEP, who has been involved with these charges against citizens.
2:48:32
I believe that introducing legislation authored at least in part by DEP violates the intended separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government.
2:48:41
Aside from my thoughts on these bills, there are real lasting issues the DEP that I've shared with numerous men members of the council and would like to see a dress at some point.
2:48:51
So would I would I have a moment to finish that?
