THE FLACKS REPORT [23 December '08]

Schumer's List---Another Civil Court Vacancy?---"Recession Pah-tees"---Jessica Speaks---2009 Manhattan Court Vacancies---Healy & Wolf

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Schumer's List

On 7th Dec., U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, tapped by Gov. David Paterson to advise on the selection of Hillary Clinton’s successor, read a list of what he said were the eleven possibilities who he thought had generated the most substantive conversation, although he said he would make no endorsement. The options, as he saw it, are: Andrew Cuomo, Kristen Gillibrand, Brian Higgins, Steve Israel, Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Nydia Velázquez, Thomas Suozzi, Byron Brown, Adolfo Carrión, Caroline Kennedy. “These 11 names, it would be like the New York Giants,” Schumer joked, “a great team if they could all be chosen.”

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Another Civil Court Vacancy?

Civil Court Judge (9th Dist.) Walter Tolub, whose term ends this year, is considering leaving the bench, but he says that he won't make a decision as to whether or not he'll run again until after 5th Jan., '09. [Tolub, a long-time Liberal Party member, changed his enrollment to Democrat in 2004.]

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"Recession Pah-tees"
The Council's Recession Party: Less Money, No Food, New LocationBy Azi Paybarah
Citing the financial crisis, the City Council has “decided to modify” their December 9 holiday party, charging $20 less than in previous years, but not offering any food.
It’s also being moved from the surrogate courthouse on 1 Centre Street to inside City Hall.
The memo from Christine Quinn’s aide Chuck Meara, which was forwarded to me by a reader, is below.

Memorandum To: All Council Members and Staff
From: Chuck Meara
Date: December 2, 2008
Re: City Council Holiday Party

As is widely known, we are facing an unprecedented economic downturn that is being felt in our own homes and throughout our city. We are all doing more with less, and working to stretch our dollar further.
These are tough times for New Yorkers. We at the Council recognize this situation and, given the current economic climate, have decided to modify our annual holiday party.
This year’s event will be held at City Hall. An assortment of food and refreshments including soda, wine and beer will be provided at the festivities, at a reduced expense from previous years. See attached flyer and please do not forget to RSVP to Maribel Valencia or Gina Guiteau in the Administrative Services Division.
Keeping the holiday spirit in mind, we also encourage you to donate to those less fortunate. A small contribution of canned goods or a toy are welcome and appreciated.
We hope to see you on December 9th and we wish all a Happy Holiday.

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Bloomberg's Modified Holiday Party for Reporters

Like the City Council’s holiday party, the annual event hosted by the mayor for City Hall reporters is being scaled back from previous years.
Now, it’ll cost $45 (it used to be free), and won’t be in Gracie Mansion, but at restaurant. On the upside, it’s a buffet!

[Speaking of parties, most Democratic clubs (but not all) this year proffered a variety of junk-y food; cardiac un-healthy. Best advise: B.Y.O.F(ood). and go for the cheer! -- ed.]

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Jessica Speaks

Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, asked at the Lex Club holiday bar bash if she found her City Council post either too boring or too taxing as the reason she may give it up after only two years--just as she was becoming comfortable and effective--and run for Public Advocate, said "I'm not answering that." Asked and answered.

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2009 Manhattan Court Vacancies

In 2009, there is only one "County-wide" vacancy, that for State Supreme Court Justice as John Stackhouse retires, reaching the constitutional age limit.

In the Civil Court, Cynthia Kern (3rd Dist.), Analisa Torres (6th Dist.), and Walter Tolub (9th Dist.) are up for re-election (if they want it--Tolub may not run; see related story, supra.).

Currently there are two "open" N.Y.C. Civil Court seats: In the 9th Civil Court District [14th to 96th Sts., 7th Ave. to Lex.], vacated by Judith Gische who was elected to the State Supreme Court trial bench, and in the 3rd Dist. [14th to 65th Sts., 7th Ave. to the Hudson] as Marylyn Shafer reaches the constitutional age limit (she certainly does not look it!).

This reminds us of another issue: only State Supreme Court justices may be "certificated" to serve up to six additional years past the mandatory retirement age. Lloyd McAulay and this writer repeatedly have urged our local State Senators to start the bill process to amend the State's constitution to provide for the certification of all elected judges. Here in the City, we lose the sagacity of many Civil Court judges when they turn 70, and being a J.H.O. is NOT the same.

Tom Duane says that with the Democrats in control of the State Senate next year ("barely") and a Democrat as the Senate Judiciary Committee chair, it may be feasible.

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Healy & Wolf

Robert Healy, political maven and Brooklyn, Bronx, & Queens judicial savant, suffered a severe fall and is hospitalized in N.Y.U. (formerly Beekman) Downtown Hospital (212+312+5000). Do a mitzvah and visit the Irishman if you can [subways to Fulton Str.].

John Wolf, our friend, neighbor, and long-time political activist, is at the Jewish Home & Hospital. No visitors, please. You may call Sharon Lauer at (212) TRafalgar 3-01.92, afternoons only.