Transcript: Mayor Bill de Blasio Names a New Staten Island Ferry Boat After Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis

January 28, 2016

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Alright. Well, it is a real honor to be here with all of you today. This is a very special moment for Staten Island, it is a very special moment for all of New York City. We’re going to bestow an honor in the name of someone who is so worthy and speaks to all that we value here in this city and certainly in this borough.

I’m going to make an important announcement but before I do I just want thank [inaudible] those you’re going to hear from in just a moment. I want to thank our Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and our Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for Veteran Affairs, General Loree Sutton. And I also would like to take a moment to thank the Chief Operations Officer for the Staten Island Ferry, Captain Jim DeSimone. Thank you all. There - I think can safely say - is nothing more important than the day-to-life of this good borough than the Staten Island Ferry. It’s a symbol of the borough, a lifeline for this borough, and we were very proud in the last year to finally achieve something that’s been a goal of people in Staten Island for a long time - true 24/7 service on the Staten Island Ferry. We also knew it was important to upgrade the fleet and so with our latest budget we announced that it will now be three new ferry vessels replacing the three oldest boats that are many decades old. We wanted to get a much more modern fleet for the Staten Island Fleet and boats that will be stronger and will be storm resistant and will have the look that I think is everyone’s favorite model - the Kennedy Class. So, we’ll be building three more in that class.

Now, with every new ferry boat, of course, there is an opportunity to bestow a name - and the names that have graced these vessels over the years are not ordinary names by any stretch of the imagination - they’re names of great men and women who have done great things for this borough and even for our entire nation. And today, we add to that roster of great Staten Islanders and great Americans whose names are seen every day floating by us in the harbor, floating by the Statue of Liberty, names that make us remember what’s good, what’s right - the way we all should live.

I’m proud to announce that in 2019 there will be a brand new Staten Island Ferry plying the waters of this harbor and it will be named the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Staten Island Ferry.

[Applause]

Sergeant Michael Ollis, US Army 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division was a proud son of this great borough. It has been an honor for me today to spend time with Linda and Robert Ollis. I have to tell you we talked about their son, the way they brought him up, his values, what he wanted to devote his life to, and it was so moving and humbling because these parents did everything right and it sure showed in their son. He was so devoted to his country. He was willing to put his life on the line more than once - he kept coming back to serve at the front in conflicts overseas. He was committed to the US Army. He was committed to his fellow soldiers. But that was, I think from what I’ve heard, simply an extension on something that was clear earlier in his life - his care for others, his care for his fellow human beings. His love of his nation, his love of his neighbors, his love of family all came together into a intense sense of commitment and it’s clear that whatever he did, wherever he went, others were inspired by his leadership and his actions. This was an extraordinary young man and we lost him way too son but his deeds, his example continues to show people the right way and starting again in 2019 his name will be seen every single day in this city and in this borough as a reminder and as an inspiration to us all.

Linda, Robert - you did a hell of a job. You were great parents and are great parents. And I want to commend you for bringing up your young man the right way with the right values, and a wonderful loving home with your daughters Kimberly and Kelly as well - a warm tight-knit family in New Dorp, all of whom shared a bond and this is a day we also celebrate this whole family and all they’ve done for all of us.

Michael was eager to join to Army. Eager is the right word. He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father served in Vietnam. His grandfathers served in the Army in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. And Michael seemed destined for it. First, running around in his yard in his father’s old fatigues when he was a child, then joining the Air  Force ROTC when he arrived at [inaudible] High School, and then as soon as he turned 17 enlisting in the Army - his dream becoming real. Over the next few years he would serve with distinction during multiple deployments in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was very smart. He was exceptionally dedicated. His capacity for leadership was both obvious and extraordinary. His fearlessness was respected by all and at the same time he was profoundly compassionate. We were talking about the way he thought about the people who lived in the nations in which he served and it was very striking how he maintained his compassion despite the pain of war that surged all around him.

Just a few weeks before we lost him, he was awarded the Bronze Star just like his father had been before. Ultimately, Sergeant Ollis proved himself the greatest kind of hero on August 28, 2013. That day, insurgents attacked his base in Afghanistan. Sergeant Ollis ran toward the danger, throwing himself in front of a suicide bomber to save a fellow soldier - a Polish soldier, in fact, who would later name his own child after Michael. Michael was only 24-years-old and I can say personally, that strikes a chord deeply with me because my own children, Chiara and Dante, are just a few years younger than that; and I can’t imagine life without them and I am so moved by this family’s ability to take the pain they have felt but continue all the good that was Michael’s way, and spread the message of what his life was about, and, again, being an example to all of us, this great, strong family.

Now, no doubt they have drawn some additional strength from the outpouring of love and support from the people of Staten Island and it has been absolutely tremendous. And Michael’s service has been recognized and his sacrifice has been recognized in so many ways including recognition with the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Audie Murphy Medallion, and from the Polish Army - their Gold Medal.

It was another great man, another dedicated war hero, and another ferry namesake, President John F. Kennedy who said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Today we honor and remember a man who gave everything for his name and who embodied the very best of our city.

I am proud that Sergeant Michael Ollis’ name will be enshrined on such a powerful symbol of he borough and the city he loved.

Sergeant Ollis’ infantry regiment’s motto is quote “Deeds not words.” It is my profound hope that this small deed today conveys our gratitude for Sergeant Ollis’ great deeds. And as the son of an army veteran myself, I’ve seen firsthand how much the members of our service give to our nation and the consequences of their service.

Let this be a moment when we thank all of them as well. Let’s thank all the members of our armed forces and all those who have served for the deeds they have done to protect all of us. I salute the memory of Michael Ollis and I salute all the brave veterans who call this great city home.

Just a couple of words in Spanish.

[Mayor de Blasio speaks in Spanish]

With that, I want to bring forward the man who really put his heart and soul into the work of making sure that this brave man was honored. It was a passion for the Borough President and when he talked to me about it, it transcended any of the other kinds of conversations we have and I could hear it was straight from his heart.

Borough President of Staten Island, Jimmy Oddo.

[…]

Mayor: So, we’re going to first take questions about this wonderful announcement today. Now, the Ollis’ presented me with something I’m going to cherish, and I’m going to wear it now for this special occasion while we take these questions, because this is what - a little indicator of the name that’s going to be on the side of a ferry boat soon. So, it’s my honor to wear it. 

Any questions on the announcement we’re making today? We’ll do other questions in a moment - but questions on today’s announcement? 

Question: Yeah, I was just curious - you mentioned that the Kennedy boat would be the class - the class name is going to be Kennedy - it’s going to continue? Or it’s -

Mayor: No, that means it’s just a type of - the design of the boat. 

Question: Yeah, I meant is the class going to be the Ollis class of ferries? And then - or is it going to be -

Mayor: Polly or your colleagues come over - come on over. 

Captain Jim DeSimone: Typically, the class is named after the first vessel of the class. So, I would say that at this point we’ll see that the paperwork is all changed and it’ll say Ollis class instead of 4,500. 

[Applause]

Mayor: He went to the head of the class.

[Laughter] 

Okay, questions on this announcement? Any other questions on - wait, over here first. 

Question: [inaudible] hear from Mr. Ollis. You’ve talked about how exciting this is - what does this mean to you? And what do you think Michael would think of this?

Bob Ollis: Well, first of all, I’m going to answer your second part first. If Michael could reach down from heaven, he’d be rapping me in the back of the head, saying why are you making such a big deal - I didn’t do anything. That would be Michael’s feelings on it. But for Linda and I, it makes Michael’s memory still alive, and that’s what we’re pushing for - the keep his name alive. I have a problem with - being a Vietnam vet, I’ve lost so many people whose names just disappeared, and, when Michael passed, I refused to let that happen. And as long as I live - and I was going to say, as long as his sisters live, we’re going to push Michael’s name. Michael’s name is going to be out there. You’re going to see it - just to honor him, to honor what a person he was. 

Mayor: Amen. 

Yes?

Question: There’s two more ferries that have yet to be named, and I know that you guys are still considering people. There’s only ever been one ferry named after a woman. Is that something that you guys are going to think about when you come try to figure out what the -

Mayor: We’re going to think about a lot of things. I mean, this was something - was obviously very important to do to honor a great man, but obviously very important to a lot of people on Staten Island - that we name this ferry for Michael Ollis. We’re going to start the process in terms of the others, and we’re going to think about a lot of different factors as we do that.

Yes?

Question: The name will be on the ferry - will there be anything in the terminal or in the ferry that tells us a little it about who he is so that people can understand what the name means?

Mayor: You know -

Captain DeSimone: [inaudible]

Mayor: Come on over - come on over.

Captain DeSimone: There will be a builder’s plate on board, but, now, since you raised the question, given the individual, we would probably look to the family to put something like that on board. There’s usually - there’s a little narrative about people when they’re named. So, we would certainly look to them to help us with that.

Mayor: Good. No worries. Okay, anybody else on this announcement? 

Yes?

Question: This one will hit the water, so to speak, in 2019 -

Mayor: Right, so they’re going to go out to bid to find a shipbuilder who will build it, and then it’ll be completed, and then it’ll go into service in 2019. 

Question: When are the other two scheduled to go out as well?

Mayor: Hold on - I’ll give you a little extra height. There you go.

Captain DeSimone: Second one will also be 2019 - third vessel, 2020 - that’s the timetable now. 

Question: [inaudible] I know that some of them have the deck on the side, or in the back, or - is there a design for it [inaudible]

Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Department of Transportation: Maybe we’ll have Jim come up. We’re still finalizing the last bits of the design. But I don’t know, Jim, if you want to talk about the decks in particular? 

Captain DeSimone: We are pretty much finished with the design. The American Bureau of Shipping is currently approving it. And we have had a tremendous amount of public outreach - we had passenger preference surveys conducted, as many of you know. We had seats over in Whitehall. We get a lot of feedback, and so we think we have come up with something that really incorporates what the traveling public, the people of Staten Island are looking for, and, at the same time, serves a purpose. So, we think we have a - we have plenty of open decks, outdoor decks on it, and a lot of other features that people have been asking for. So, I think we have a pretty good design here. 

Mayor: Yes, go ahead.

Question: One of the things I hear a lot from riders is that they want, in the lady’s bathrooms - they’re used on some of the older classes of ferries - there are makeup stations. Is that something you guys might bring back?

Captain DeSimone: We’re not - we’ll look at that. We’re not quite to the detail of that yet. But, I mean, it’s something we’ll look at. Space is everything - everything you put on the boat, you deduct the number of passengers. So, that’s always an - sort of one of these balancing things. 

Mayor: Okay. Last call - yes?

Question: Mayor, this was obviously something that had a lot of support on Staten Island - this particular name. But for the remaining two boats and their names, I know you said you’ll be looking [inaudible]. Can you give us of, like, what that process will be like or what you expect to go into picking the name of a ferry?

Mayor: I think it’s obviously a very individualized process. You know, we don’t have a matrix we use or anything like that. We try and listen to what people in the borough are feeling. We try and look a different examples of people worthy. I think if there is an example anywhere of a consensus-name, it was Michael Ollis. I think people - a lot of people felt strongly and rightfully that he was an example of the borough that was sort of beyond comparison, and that it was very important to honor him, to honor this family, to keep that name alive. So, we’ll look at a lot of different things, but I think this one was really the right thing to do.

Yes? Please, we’ll finish up here.

Question: What was that plate?

Mayor: What plate? Jimmy, do you want to show the plate?

Borough President Oddo: [inaudible]

Mayor: Jimmy Oddo has a mysterious plate. What is it, Jimmy?

[Laughter]

Borough President Oddo: This is a plate that apparently Borough President Molinaro received in April - April 14th, 2004, from Nicole O’Donnell - man, I need glasses. 

Mayor: Nicole O’Donnell and Fran Daley. 

Borough President Oddo: Can’t forget Fran. Paint Your Own Ceramic Studio 332 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, New York, 718-9 - you’ve got to plug small businesses people. 

[Laughter]

Borough President Oddo: The mayor taught me that when we were in the Council - always stay on message.

Mayor: That’s right.

Borough President Oddo: 718-979-1841. Anyway, this is in Borough Hall in my Deputy Chief of Staff’s office, and we pass it every day, and we were sitting, having a little staff meeting at the end of the day, and I looked up, and I said grab that - this is - we can get it signed. So, I got it signed by the mayor, the general, Commissioner Trottenberg, and Bob, and Linda, and we’ll keep it at Borough Hall for a subsequent - everybody want to get in?

Mayor: Yeah, c’mon.

Borough President Oddo: I always bring the visuals, apparently.

[Laughter]

Mayor: It’s a big deal. Everyone’s got to see the plate. 

Unknown: [inaudible]

Mayor: Don’t quote the Godfather just yet.

[Laughter]

Jimmy, you’re off-message.

[Laughter]

Got it? Thank you, everyone. Thank you.

Mayor: Okay. We can turn to other topics now - questions on other topics?

Marcia?

Question: Mr. Mayor, a homeless man was killed in a shelter last night - almost decapitated by a man with a knife, who subsequently got away. I wonder what this says about security in the shelter that despite a metal detector and wands that this man was able to get a knife in so sharp that he nearly decapitated a man.

Mayor: It’s deeply disturbing. We will get this perpetrator. We know exactly who he is. I have no doubt the NYPD will get him and get him soon - and justice will be served. But, no, it’s very disturbing. You’re exactly right. This was a shelter that had metal detectors, that had its own private security, that had all the things that we need to make sure shelters are safe. Something went wrong. We’re going to do a full investigation to find out how this was possible. But we’re very committed going forward, in that shelter and every other shelter, to making sure they have whatever it takes, the technology, the personnel to keep people safe. But this is very disturbing and we’re going to get down to the bottom of it.

Question: That shelter is in the same building as a head shop that until a few weeks ago was selling K2 and other things, and continues to sell paraphernalia. Do you think that that - the accessibility of K2 and things like that to people in that shelter who already have mental health issues.

Mayor: I don’t want to - I don’t want to conjecture at all on that. K2 is, obviously, a very troubling drug and I have to say the City of New York has been very fast to act. I commend the City Council for passing a law that gave us a lot more enforcement power. NYPD has done an extraordinary job going after stores that were selling K2. We’ve really disrupted a lot of the K2 reality, there’s more to do. But I don’t want to comment on that building until I know more. There’s no question, again we are going to focus on shelter security and continue to put in whatever it takes to get it right.

Question: But should a shelter be in the same building as a head shop?

Mayor: Again, I’m going to be careful because I don’t know the circumstances. I want to make sure that shelters are safe for everyone involved.

Question: Central Park Conservancy has raised a number of concerns about the plan for the horse stables saying that moving the horses between the new stables and where they operate is going to be a bother to other uses of the park among other things. Is anything being done to address their concerns?

Mayor: Well, we’ve been working with the Conservancy throughout this process. There was a rumor that the Traverse was going to be used for moving horse carriages, that’s not true. The movement of horse carriages again, is going to be off of streets that are used by vehicles, off of the streets of Midtown Manhattan, into the park proper. And I think that’s going to make us all safer. I think it’s going to reduce congestion. But we’ve been working with the Conservancy to make this plan work well, and I think it - we’ll find - remember, it’s going to be fewer horses and carriages then in the past, and we’re going to find that, I think, it works a lot better than the current system.

Yes?

Question: You’re going to be missing Groundhog Day on Staten Island.

Mayor: I will, yes.

Question: [Inaudible] for the safety of the groundhog - I mean -

Mayor: I think if there were a groundhog union they would ask me to miss Groundhog Day. There’s no question about it.

[Laughter]

If they were taking a vote, I would not be invited to Groundhog Day.

[Laughter]

Yes?

Question: Mr. Mayor, can you give us some more details about your trip to Iowa. What’s your strategy going to be there, and if you have any specific items on your agenda?

Mayor: Well, that’s all in the hands of the Clinton campaign staff in Iowa. What I simply said to the campaign is I want to help and serve in any way I can. I happen to have been out there campaigning in previous cycles. So, I know a lot about the caucus process for someone who doesn’t come from there, and that I wanted to work. I wanted to do whatever they wanted, knock on doors, or make phone calls, or rally the troops - whatever will be helpful. So, that - they’ve set together, I think, a pretty aggressive schedule of actually working to help them turn out the vote. And look, this is going to be a pivotal moment for our nation, and certainly for New York City. I would like to see the next president of the United States - the next president of the United States come from New York State. And I would like that next president to be Hillary Rodham Clinton. I think that can be, not only the best thing for this entire nation, but for New York City. I think it will be tremendous to have a president who understands our needs and will be someone we can work with so closely. So, I’m very excited to have a chance to go and support her effort.

Question: Mr. Mayor, [inaudible] about what sorts of rallies you might be attending [inaudible]?

Mayor: No, again that there - the campaign team for the Clinton campaign out in Iowa is putting it together, but I’ll do anything and everything they want. I’ll go wherever they need me to go.

Question: Do you have any information about a shooting this morning involving a New York City cop - robbery attempt?

Mayor: I’ve only heard very initially that it was involving a robbery and that the officer, thank God, is safe and okay. But we’ll have a lot more to say on that in the coming hours.

Question: Sorry - I just want to ask [inaudible] a question. The Central Park Conservancy were you, during the negotiations over the details [inaudible]. They were involved?

Mayor: Not me personally, let me be clear I’m speaking very clearly here. The Conservancy had been in discussions - remember, the Council was very involved in this discussion; obviously, members of my team, and the Conservancy was certainly consulted. That’s not saying that they agree with every single piece of it, but they certainly were consulted throughout the process.

Question: Do you think that they should have had a larger role given the large roles that they played -

Mayor: No, I’m very comfortable that their role was appropriate. Remember, the park belongs to the people of New York City. We, ultimately, have to make decisions about the park. The Conservancy provides a lot, but the park belongs to the people. And those decisions are made by the City Council and the mayor.

Jillian?

Question: Mayor, going back to Iowa, I’m curious [inaudible]. I’m curious what do you think - how well known you are to people of Iowa. Are you -

Mayor: I have no idea.

[Laughter]

No, I think - look, as you know for the last few weeks a number of leaders from around the country who support all the candidates have been going in, speaking on behalf of their candidates. I’m someone who, obviously, used to do this work. So, I’m happy to do more than just going to a few speaking opportunities. I’m sure I’ll do some of that too. But I just want to help in every way I can. And I think it’s absolutely a pivotal moment. So, it’s I think more about that I’m happy to go out there and roll up my sleeves and just work in anyway that’s helpful to the campaign.

Yes?

Question: Going to your testimony in Albany - do you think that the discussion of property taxes was perhaps used as a distraction to take away from whatever conversation should be had on Medicaid - potential cuts to Medicaid?

Mayor: I think we need to fully understand that the cuts to Medicaid and CUNY would amount to almost a billion dollars right away - the next fiscal year. And then just on the Medicaid piece alone will go to over a billion dollars alone by Fiscal ‘21. I said in Albany, the governor has given his assurance, it won’t cost New York City a penny. I appreciate that assurance, and I will hold them to it. So, I do think it’s an issue that has to be looked at carefully, in that we all have to make sure that things work out as had been pledged. There are a number of other important issues that I talked about in my testimony involving how we keep this city moving forward: affordable housing, education etcetera. So, there were issues that probably didn’t get the time they deserve, and that one I think got a lot of time, but I think honestly it’s a non-starter. I’m quoting the Speaker of the State Assembly. I think that that cap would be very dangerous for New York City. I know the Speaker of the City Council feels the same way. We’re all united. And I remind you of the historical parallel - what happened with Proposition 13 in California, which I think history has shown fundamentally, set back the people of California in many ways. So, that kind of cap is not appropriate for New York City. It’s not the way we’re going to stay safe, it’s not the way we’re going to be able to build our economy etcetera.

Yes?

Question: On topic, when was the last time you rode the ferry?

Mayor: The last time I rode the ferry - I remember riding the ferry with Karen Hinton. Remember Karen Hinton, that wasn’t so long ago, sometime in the last five months - yeah, four or five months. We will get you a day. It was after the thing - is that what you said Anna? It was after the thing.

[Laughter]

Anna Sanders: It was after the Family Justice Center opening.

Mayor: That’s right. What day was that?

Anna Sanders: I believe that was the first day of November or October.

Mayor: Thank you Anna for that informative presentation.

[Laughter]

Okay - let’s go.

Question: The number of slashings lately - how concerned are you, in particular this week?  And is there anything you’re doing with the police department to crackdown on that?

Mayor: Absolutely. NYPD is doing an amazing job right now. The commissioner has already given you a preview of what will be talked about next week. This month of January has been outstanding in terms of reducing violence, reducing shootings, reducing murders. The important thing is that this overall strategy is working. We know there’s always going to be areas that we have to focus on more. So, shootings have gone down, thank God, but we’ve seen a spate of slashings. We’re going to put more and more resources on stopping them. Thank God the one the other day, the woman who was the victim is ok, has gone back to work. But anytime we see that kind of trend, we throw police resources at it. And this year, I’m happy to say, in 2016 we will have 2,000 more officers on the beat, and that’s going to help us get at this problem quickly and stop any of these trends. But overall, NYPD is doing a remarkable job.

Question: There was an environmental impact review commissioned on the horse carriages. Do you know when those results will be expected? I understand [inaudible] would come before the Council votes.

Mayor: I don’t know the specifics of the review process, but we can get you that answer or sure.

Finally.

Question: Mr. Mayor, in a pending book Mark Green is critical of your treatment of his brother. He claims that in one election you were - you disparaged his brother; and then in the next one you [inaudible] money from him.

Mayor: Yeah, I don’t know what he specifically - I haven’t seen that so I don’t know what he’s referring to.

Thanks, everyone.