Francesco Ricobono (carriage owner) testifies opposing ban
Francesco Ricobono, whose family has been in the industry since 1979, owns 13 horses and three carriages, testifies about spending $40,000/year per horse on care, offers condolences to the Mahajan family, and asks the council to oppose the ban and work together on reforms.
Thank you.
Okay, good afternoon, Chair, members of City Council.
My name is Francesco Ricobono.
has probably been a part of New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry since 1979.
Today, I own three carriages.
I care and own for 13 horses.
And I also am one of the founders of 501c6, a nonprofit organization for the NYC Horse Carriage Alliance, which is devoted to enhancing safety and horse welfare.
Okay, 47 years ago, my father came to America from Sicily with nothing but a dream.
He found that dream in New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry.
Growing up, I didn't watch my father work.
I watched him dedicate his life to caring for his horses with love, patience, and pride.
Those horses shaped my childhood and inspired my future.
They are not equipment or machines.
They are my family.
Before I continue, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Romance.
His tragic passing was heartbreaking and the entire industry continues to mourn alongside his loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with them.
That tragedy has only strengthened our commitment to improving safety.
We are actively working with the TWU, the NYC Horse Carriage Alliance, and members of the council to implement stronger driving training certification programs, enhanced horse welfare standards, and so on.
Because protecting both people and horses has always been our highest priority.
That is why I respectfully ask you to oppose Intro 0943.
This bill does not solve a problem.
It destroys an industry that has been a part of New York City's identity for 168 years.
It threatens the futures of hardworking families, stable workers, various drivers, countless others whose livelihoods depend on this profession.
It also jeopardizes the futures of the horses we have devoted our lives to caring for.
I personally spend approximately $40,000 a year per horse because their health and well-being comes first.
I am a newlywed father.
I have two beautiful girls at home.
The industry is how I support my family, just as it supported mine as a child.
Like so many others, I have dedicated my life, my savings, and my future to this profession because I truly believe in this industry.
And I'll just wrap up one more sentence.
Changes are needed.
Let's work together to make them.
Please don't erase generations of honest, hardworking New Yorkers who have devoted their lives to the industry.
Real progress comes from collaboration, compassion, and thoughtful solutions, not from dismantling.
An entire community.
Thank you.
No clapping in the chambers.
Tommy Hughes?
Not here.
Oh, he's not here?
I guess I could speak for Tommy Hughes.
I take his time.
And so my name is Joseph Kernigliaro.
Joseph?
Yeah, just find me there.
I asked you before.
Did you sign up?
You should have talked to me before you even come to bring a bill up because I am the original owner.
My father was the owner of two stables.
I'm surprised that you guys don't even consult us.
I'm a lawyer.
I'm a politician.
I'm a radio announcer, TV announcer, a host, and you don't contact me, and you're just doing this today?
It's not about the horses.
It's about the property.
When I started this business 52 years ago, there was prostitute pimps and drugs on 38th Street.
Jacob Javits did not even exist.
They came afterwards.
Now everybody is a slave over here.
These people are working for the New York class.
Steve Nislick, that's the people that they're working for.
And you guys are part of the conspiracy if you allow this moron to take you for a ride.
He's paying politicians.
He's paying everybody else.
Okay?
He is cited for violation of the election law, and therefore he should be reprimanded, not rewarded.
That's what's going on right now.
You guys are rewarding this guy.
You're working for him.
We have to maintain decorum, so lower your voice.
You've got to understand that.
You know, as a lawyer, as a politician,
I do like to speak.
And you did not consult me at all.
Two, we have two stables, okay?
And that's why I think, you know, wait a second.
No.
No.
Because I asked you to maintain decorum and you wouldn't, so.
That's fine.
Who's Valone?
Or is that you?
Sorry, sir.
Guys, enough.
So go ahead.
Sir, go ahead.