A steering committee of leaders of Italian American organizations set to meet with Representative Lee Zeldin this weekend.

NEW YORK, USA, November 19, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Joint dispatch: New York

A steering committee of leaders of Italian American organizations set to meet with Representative Lee Zeldin this weekend. On the agenda are critical issues fomented from a series of recent negative events that impact the Italian American community in the State of New York and the Tri-State area.

The steering committee, comprised of representatives of national Italian American organizations with many thousands of constituents in New York, includes Robert Ferrito, President Commission for Social Justice (“CSJ”) of The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (“OSDIA”), John Fratta NY Chairman CSJ OSDIA, Michele Cagiano Ment, NY State OSDIA President; Andre' DiMino, Executive Board Member and Frank Lorenzo, Vice President of the Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”); Basil Russo, President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations; Dr. Joseph Scelsa, Founder and President of the Italian American Museum of New York; and, Angelo Vivolo, of The Columbus Citizens Foundation.

The impetus for the meeting is in reaction to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent handling of the Italian Americans Affairs Director position and her actions with respect to Columbus Day. After appearing at the New York City Columbus Day Parade last month, Italian Americans were shocked that Governor Hochul, for the first time in history, signed a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day.

“It is essential that our elected officials are sensitive to the Italian American community,” stated Mr. Ferrito. “We are hopeful that Congressman Zeldin will hear our concerns.” Congressman Lee Zeldin has announced he will not be seeking re-election to Congress but has set his sights on the New York Governor seat in the next election. Lee Zeldin has served as Congressman since 2014 representing New York's 1st District.

“We need to know where candidates for Governor stand with respect to the issues important to Italian Americans,” stated Mr. Fratta. “This is a great opportunity for us to hear directly from Congressman Zeldin on these issues.”

“The proclamation by Governor Hochul is an insult,” stated Mr. DiMino. “We look forward to this meeting with Congressman Zeldin and we welcome the opportunity to meet with any and all candidates to understand if they will support issues important to our community.”

Robert Ferrito
CSJ OSDIA
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