PHOTO: City Councilman Eric Ulrich is calling on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to remove Donald Trump’s name from the Nursing & Rehabilitation Pavilion building after what Ulrich described as Trump’s “offensive rhetoric” toward veterans. Photo Courtesy of MediSys Health Network
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) is trying to scrub 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s name from at least one notable borough building.
In a formal letter on Monday to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center President and CEO Bruce Flanz, Ulrich cited the billionaire developer’s recent “inflammatory remarks” questioning U.S. Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) status as a war hero and disparaging his record on veterans’ issues as the impetus for requesting that the Trump surname be deleted from the hospital’s rehab facility. The building was actually named for Trump’s mother, Mary.
“Clearly, Mr. Trump does not reflect the views of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or its affiliates,” Ulrich wrote. “For this reason, I am strongly urging you and the board of directors to remove his namesake and association with the Trump Pavilion for Nursing and Rehabilitation. His offensive rhetoric is a slap in the face to New York City’s veterans and their families, especially those who have been ‘captured’ as former [Prisoners of War].”
The latter part of the statement is a reference to Trump’s remark that he prefers veterans “who weren’t captured.”
McCain, in an appearance on MSNBC this week, said, “I think the point here is that there are so many men and women who served and sacrificed and happened to be held prisoner… to denigrate in any way that service is offensive to veterans.”
Ulrich on Monday posted the letter to his social media platforms. On Facebook, as of Wednesday afternoon, the missive garnered nearly 250 comments and more than 200 “likes.”
“Way to go Eric!” wrote Leanne Barilla.
“Focus on the garbage piling up on the Conduit. Do something good for our immediate community. I can’t believe you would even write this,” added Glenn Heckel.
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
