Gianaris, Hoylman call for chief judge pick with diverse legal experience
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) last week sent a letter, signed by 20 members of the State Senate, urging the Commission on Judicial Nominations to send Governor Kathy Hochul a diverse list of candidates to replace outgoing Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who is stepping down as Chief Judge on August 31.
The large number of signatories indicates a strong desire for a more representative Court of Appeals from the body responsible for confirming any nominee.
“Court of Appeals judges must be defined by a lifetime of legal excellence, but that cannot be limited to people in just a few, select fields,” said Gianaris. “For the Court to reflect the values of our state, its jurists should represent that excellence in different areas of the law and a commitment to serving others. That is especially important of the Chief Judge, who not only sets the tone for the Court but administers the state’s entire court system.”
“Last year, the Commission on Judicial Nomination included several candidates with a diverse personal and professional background in selecting its short list for the vacancy on the Court of Appeals,” said Hoylman. “This year, with the vacancy of the Chief Judge and the direction of New York’s highest court at stake, it’s more important than ever that the Commission select candidates with a commitment to ensuring equity and justice for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
Malliotakis announces deadline for U.S. Service Academy Applications
U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island, Brooklyn) yesterday announced that Thursday, October 7 is the final submission deadline for Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn students to submit their U.S. Service Academy application forms to her office.
As a congress member, Malliotakis is able to nominate high school juniors and seniors from New York’s 11th Congressional District to one of our country’s four service academies: Air Force, Army, Merchant Marine, or Navy. Malliotakis may nominate up to ten students for each vacant academy slot allotted to New York’s 11th Congressional District. Students who are accepted make a commitment to serve in the U.S. military for at least five years upon graduation.
“Nominating impressive students from Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn for our country’s service academies is one of the greatest honors I have as a Congresswoman,” Malliotakis said. “I urge students to get all application forms into our office before the October 7 deadline so our nomination committee has ample time to review them. I look forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations and wish the best of luck to these young patriots who wish to serve our great nation.”
Additionally, Malliotakis announced that Wagner College Administrator and retired Coast Guard Captain David J. Martin, Esq. will lead her selection committee to review this year’s applicants, made up of approximately 20 prominent community leaders, high-ranking active duty and former military members personnel, and military academy graduates. The committee will interview applicants, assess their qualifications, and ultimately make nomination recommendations to Malliotakis.
Addabbo announces annual Veterans BBQ event
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo (D-Queens) is inviting veterans from his 15th Senatorial District to join him and his staff for the annual Veterans BBQ next month.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Addabbo has been hosting this free event for veterans every year since he started serving as a member of the Senate in 2009.
“This is definitely one of my favorite events to host each year. There is nothing better than putting smiles on the faces of our veterans,” Addabbo said. “This is just one small way my office and local businesses get to say ‘thank you’ to veterans for the sacrifice they and their families have made to protect our freedoms. And to see how so many of our local restaurants and businesses participate by donating all the delicious food and beverages for our veterans gives me a great sense of pride in our community.”
The event is slated for between 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Howard Beach Motor Club, at 59 Russell Street in Howard Beach. Veterans who wish to attend the event are asked to call Addabbo’s Howard Beach office at 718-738-1111 to make a reservation. Due to space constraints, any veteran who RSVPs may bring only one guest with them.
Espaillat welcomes U.S. Labor Secretary to district
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) will welcome U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to New York’s 13th congressional on Friday, September 9 to tour a series of locations to highlight local business recovery, workforce development and readiness programs.
During the tour, Espaillat and Walsh will visit the Kingsbridge Armory, an iconic symbol of the Kingsbridge neighborhood; and the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Development Initiative (RIWI), which is a critical partner in the Second Avenue Subway Phase II construction.
The Member and Secretary will be joined by New York City and State officials during each visit where they will discuss workforce development and training opportunities in the district.
The visit will start at 11 a.m. at the The Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Development Initiative (RIWI), Shepard Hall, Rm. 109G, 160 Convent Avenue, The City College of New York (CCNY) in Manhattan. The second visit is slated for 12:45 p.m. at the Kingsbridge Armory, W Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx.
