Gaveled in 11:05 AM · Albany, New York · 1999–00 session
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 17, 1999
11:05 A.M.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR JOHN H. KUHL, JR., ACTING PRESIDENT
STEVEN BOGGESS, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G STHE PRESIDENT:The Senate will come to order. I ask all the members to take their seats and staff to take their places. And I'd ask everybody in the chamber to rise and join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
THE PRESIDENT:In the absence of clergy, may we bow our heads in a moment of silence.
(Whereupon, a moment of silence was observed.)
THE PRESIDENT:The reading of the journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Tuesday, March 16, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Monday, March 15th, was read and approved.
On motion, Senate adjourned.
THE PRESIDENT:Hearing no objections, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions? Messages from the Assembly? Messages from the Governor? Reports of standing
Committees? Senator Bruno?
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, I believe there's a report from the Finance Committee at the desk. I would ask that at this time it be read.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Stafford, from the Committee on Finance, reports the following nominations;
As a Member of the Board of Parole, Daniel B. Reardon of Ilion.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chairman recognizes Senator Seward on the nomination.
SENATOR SEWARD:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
I am very pleased to rise to move this confirmation of Daniel B. Reardon to be a Member of the State Board of Parole. Dan Reardon's a constituent of mine from the Village of Ilion and Herkimer County. And I've known Dan for many, many years. And I'm very pleased with this nomination that the Governor has made of Dan to be a Member of this important Board.
Dan Reardon has had a very distinguished career in law enforcement. He has served for ten years as the Herkimer County Sheriff and the last four years as the chief investigations with the New York State Attorney General's Office.
On top of that very distinguished law enforcement experience, Dan Reardon's what I would call a people person. He has, previous to his law enforcement career, he has served in capacities which proved that very, very well, as Executive Director of the Herkimer County Youth Bureau and also Executive Director of the Herkimer County Office for the Aging.
He's been an instructor at two community colleges as an adjunct instructor of both in criminology and sociology.
There's no question in my mind that Dan Reardon possesses all of the necessary qualifications to be a Member of the Parole Board. He's known throughout the Mohawk Valley and throughout the state for his hard work, his good judgment and his commitment to public service.
Mr. President, I urge all of the Members to join in confirming Dan Reardon to be a Member of the State Board of Parole. I congratulate the Governor on an excellent choice.
I congratulate Dan and his family. I see his wife Joan and their two daughters are in the gallery with Dan.
This is a great day for the Reardon family and its a great day for the people of the State of New York.
THE PRESIDENT:Is there any other Member wishing to speak on the nomination?
The Chair recognizes Senator Nozzolio on the nomination.
SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise in support of this nomination that I think the Governor has chosen an excellent individual with law enforcement and administrative background to handle what is a very, very difficult task as a Member of the Parole Commission, the Parole Board.
Dan Reardon I've known for many, many years. He served his county extremely well. As Senator Seward has indicated in moving this nomination, Dan has an excellent law enforcement background and one that will serve to be a great credit as he takes on this extremely important responsibility.
I support the nomination, Mr. President, and wish the nominee all the luck in this new capacity.
THE PRESIDENT:Any other Member wishing to speak on the nomination?
Hearing none, the question's on the nomination of Daniel B. Reardon of Ilion to become a Member of the State Board of Parole.
All of those in favor signify by saying aye.
FROM THE FLOOR:Aye.
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is confirmed.
We are very, very pleased to have Mr. Reardon in the Chamber with us, in the balcony to the Members left, together with his wife, Joan, their children Catherine and Elizabeth, and Dan's sister, Cathy.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As a Member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Michael J. Chassanoff of Oyster Bay.
THE PRESIDENT:The questions on the resolution of Michael J. Chassanoff to become a Member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is confirmed.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:As a Member of the State Environmental Board, Raymond M. Christensen of Davenport Center and M. Peter Lanahan of Rexford.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the nomination of Raymond M. Christensen and Peter Lanahan to become members of the State Environmental Board.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominees are confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As a Member of the Lake George Park Commission, Thomas Conerty of Bolton Landing.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the nomination of Thomas Conerty of Bolton Landing to become a Member of the Lake George Park Commission.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.").
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is confirmed.
The Chair recognizes Senator Bruno.
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, can we at this time ask for an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332?
THE PRESIDENT:There'll be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee. Immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in the Majority Conference Room, Room 332. Immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in the Majority Conference Room, Room 332.
The Secretary, continue to read the report of the Finance Committee.
THE SECRETARY:As a Member of the State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission for the City of New York, Theodore Roosevelt IV of Brooklyn.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt IV of Brooklyn, New York to become a Member of the State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission of the City of New York.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.").
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee's confirmed.
Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As a Member of the Steward Airport Commission, Thomas Schaaff of Middletown.
THE PRESIDENT:The question is on the nomination of Thomas Schaaff of Middletown to become a Member of the Stewart Airport Commission.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.").
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:Director of the New York State Urban Development Corporation, J. Patrick Barrett of Manilus.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chair recognizes Senator DeFrancisco on the nomination.
SENATOR DEFRANCISCO:I rise in support of the nomination of J. Patrick Barrett for the position of Director of the New York State Urban Development Corporation.
I've known Pat Barrett for many years in many different capacities. And Pat is truly the American success story. He was born of very humble beginnings and actually graduated from a high school with only 15 graduating seniors, almost like a one room school house. From there he excelled in everything he did.
He went to Sienna College for those of you from the Albany area, and has never forgotten the education he got from Sienna by being very generous to that college and often participating in activities to strengthen that college and the academic curriculum of that college.
He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avis. He's been involved in many, many different businesses and has become one of the most successful businessmen in the State of New York.
His generosity is known from one end of the state to the other. He's involved with many charitable organizations. He's had many directorships in various other universities. And most importantly, his charitable works that have not been recognized because of the private nature of the individual are limitless.
I rise and commend the Governor for this outstanding nomination. And I'm sure the State of New York will benefit from the expertise and wisdom that Central New York has benefitted from in the past.
THE PRESIDENT:Is there any other Member wishing to speak on the nomination?
Hearing none, the question is on the nomination of J. Patrick Barrett of Manlius to become a Director of the New York State Urban Development Corporation.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.").
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:Sheriff of Orleans County, Merle R. Fredericks of Medina.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chair recognizes Senator Maziarz on the nomination.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
I would also like to note, Mr. President, that we're joined in Senate Chamber today by two of our colleagues from the New York State Assembly, Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt and Assembly Dave Seaman who together represent Orleans County.
Mr. President, I'd like to rise today in support of Governor Pataki's nomination of Merle Fredericks.
Merle currently serves as the Under Sheriff of Orleans County. He has a lifelong career in law enforcement. And quite frankly, Mr. President, this nomination by Governor Pataki was an easy one. Merle Fredericks was the unanimous choice, not only of our State Legislative Delegation, but also of the County Legislature, the town, local officials in Orleans County all unanimously supported the appointment of Merle Fredericks to be the Sheriff of Orleans County.
Its great that Merle was able to be joined here today by his wife and his children. And Merle, we certainly want to congratulate you and I think I would be remiss if I didn't note that this is kind of a bittersweet time for you given that the fact that your late father who served for many years in law enforcement was the Under Sheriff of Orleans County recently passed away. But Merle, you can take a lot of pride in the fact that even though your dad may not be here in person and I know that he wanted to be, he's here in spirit and he's going to be with you during the rest of your lengthy career as the Sheriff of Orleans County.
Mr. President, I rise in support of this nomination.
THE PRESIDENT:Is there any other Member wishing to speak on the nomination?
Hearing none, the question's on the nomination of Merle R. Fredericks of Medina to become the Sheriff of Orleans County.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.)
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The nominee is unanimously confirmed. We're very, very pleased to have Sheriff Fredericks in the gallery to your left with us today and also the other four M. Fredericks, Mitsy and Mandy and Merle II and Martin.
Congratulations, Sheriff. We know from your experience which all of us have been aware of that it will be safe in Orleans County. And we will look forward to traveling there despite what Senator Maziarz has told us. So congratulations. Good luck. We look to hear from good things from you.
(Applause.) Reports of select committees. Communications reports from
state officers. Motions and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Senator
McGee. SENATOR McGEE: Thank you,
Mr. President. On page Number 5 I offer the
following amendment to Calendar Number 60, Senate Print Number 31, and on behalf of Senator LaValle I ask that said bill retain its place in the third reading calendar.
THE PRESIDENT:The amendments are received and adopted and the bill will retain its place in the third reading calendar.
Senator Bruno, we have one substitution at the desk.
SENATOR BRUNO:Make the substitution.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the substitution.
THE SECRETARY:On page 20, Senator Meier moves to discharge from the Committee on Education, Assembly Bill Number 3052 and substitute it for the identical third reading Calendar 313.
THE PRESIDENT:Substitution's ordered.
Senator Bruno?
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, there's a privileged resolution at the desk. I would ask that it be read in its entirety and move for its immediate adoption.
THE PRESIDENT:There is a privileged resolution by Senator Bruno at the desk. The Secretary will read it in its entirety.
THE SECRETARY:By Senator Bruno Legislative Resolution honoring the life and career of Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, and American hero.
And Wherereas, baseball fans throughout the world awoke on March 8th to the sad news that after a long and brave struggle, Joe DiMaggio, the former New York Yankee and Baseball Hall of Famer, affectionately known by all as the Yankee Clipper, had died in his home in Hollywood, Florida; and.
Wherereas, born on November 25, 1914 in Martinez, California, the son of an immigrant fisherman, Joe D. Commenced his professional baseball career at the age of 17 with the San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League and in 1936 at the age of 21 he introduced himself to the New York Yankees as their starting center fielder, a position he would occupy with grace, style and aplomb until his retirement after the 1951 season; and.
Whereas, during his long and illustrious career, this American icon, the consummate gentleman both on and off the field, set the standard for three generations of the New York Yankee tradition; he played the game with skill and with class, with pride in his performance, and with the elegance that has been unmatched by any other player; and
Whereas, elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955, joltin Joe DiMaggio won three American League Most Valuable Player Awards, appeared in 11 All Star Games, played on ten American League pennant winners and nine World Series champions, and he ended his career with a .325 lifetime batting average with 361 home runs, striking out only 369 times in 6,821 at bats. However, his greatest accomplishment is his 56 game consecutive hitting streak in 1941, a feat that is recognized as one of the greatest singular accomplishments by any athlete in any sport and which is to this day unmatched. The Streak as it was called, riveted a nation and is still recognized as a defining event in baseball history; and.
Whereas, after his retirement as an active player he immersed himself in raising money for the Joe DiMaggio children's Hospital in his hometown, making numerous public appearances on its behalf, and returning to the House that Ruth Built in support of his beloved lifetime team. DiMaggio's mere presence at opening day or at an old timer's day electrified the New York crowd. The loudest cheers were always reserved for the appearance of the greatest living baseball player and applause crescendoed from the farthest seat in the center field bleachers to the closest box seats behind home plate as he jogged to his rightful spot of honor on the emerald green fields of Yankee Stadium; and.
Whereas, Joe DiMaggio, as a major league baseball player and as a true American hero, earned the right to be called an immortal, and he will never be replaced. In the words of the songwriter Paul Simon, it is indeed a sad day for all baseball aficionados, Yankee fans and all who cherish the manner in which he lived his life, because indeed, joltin Joe has left and gone away; now, therefore, be it.
Resolved, that the Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to reflect upon and celebrate the legacy of a true American hero and baseball legend, and today in respect of his memory, recall the achievements of that person who will forever be known as the center fielder for the New York Yankees wearing number five, Joe DiMaggio; and be it further
Resolved that copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the DiMaggio family members, the New York Yankees, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chair recognizes Senator Bruno on the Resolution.
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, we've heard and know that Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, died on Monday March 8th at his home in Hollywood, Florida at the age of 84. Joltin Joe, as he was called, was a true New Yorker. He was a consummate gentleman. A hero at a time when we in this state in this country desperately needed a hero.
He was a son of an Italian immigrant who arrived in New York in 1936 and the height of the depression in this country. And in his first game as we heard in his life he was a star hitting, I believe, two doubles and a triple in his very first time at bat.
When you talk about excellence, you talk about Joe DiMaggio. When you talk about a gentleman, you are remembering and reminded of Joe DiMaggio. As a kid and many of you here can remember from the time I could focus on anyone in this country, it was Joe DiMaggio. And when we followed his hitting streak it was all the conversation with us kids and as we were growing up. If you looked up to anybody, it was Joe DiMaggio.
They wrote songs about him. Hemingway wrote about him. He was a hero among heros. And when he passes as he has passed, his legend goes on. And he was a legend, literally, in his own time. And it is just fitting that legislators like us and groups all over the country will constantly remember Joe DiMaggio, the outstanding athlete, The outstanding gentleman, the person who truly just personified grace and greatness. And his passing is a real loss to all of us, but we have his memory, we have his record. It will be there with us forever.
I had the privilege and really one of the greatest thrills in my life a few years ago when I was at the opening game at Yankee Stadium and I sat with Joe DiMaggio there before the game. And he signed an autograph for me very graciously. And I visited with him for a few minutes. And it just struck me how humble he was in just relating on a personal basis, looking you right in the eye, talking. And he had to be at the time, I guess, 82. He went out to the mound and threw in the first pitch. And it was right over the plate. And he jogged up to the catcher to shake hands. And I thought what that is true greatness at every stage and at every age. So all of us can just remember him, not just for all the athletic accomplishments, but for the man that he was.
Mr. President, I would invite all of my colleagues to join in signing on this Resolution. And if any of you would not want to be on it, would you please address the desk. Otherwise, Mr. President, I would recommend that all of us be on the Resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chair will direct that the Clerk put all the Members on the Resolution as co-sponsors with the exception of those individuals who indicate to the desk that they don't wish to be co-sponsors.
The Chair recognizes Senator Waldon on the Resolution.
SENATOR WALDON:Thank you very much, Mr. President.
First let me comment our esteemed leader for so quickly bringing a comprehensive Resolution for our consideration on one of the greatest Americans to ever live.
I did not have the benefit of seeing Joe D play many times. One, I was too young for my mother to let me go to that place called the Bronx alone. So when we went to Yankee Stadium, we sneaked and we didn't tell her that we were there.
I recall a lot of things about him. One, he played through pain. I remember when he had the bone spurs in his heel and a lesser man would not have put on the cleats to play. And Joe D stuck it out.
I recall that he could have had an even greater career in terms of numbers, but he did not shirk his responsibility to his nation at time of war and went into the service on behalf of his country. But the things that I remember most about him have to do with grace, with dignity and with being the kind of roll model that every kid every where in America could identify with.
He was never seen in publicwithout his suit and tie because he felt responsible to set the example for the young kids who loved him so. was, despite the greatness of Will Mayes, despite the greatness of Micky Mantle, despite the greatness of Duke Snyder who had a thing going on in sports in New York at onetime in terms of competition, the single most graceful ballplayer who suited up in a baseball uniform I have ever seen.
I remember one game that I did see. They were playing the Washington Senators. And I don't remember the player's name, but his nickname was Jungle Jim. He was a Cuban. And he was a left handed hitter and he hit a shot to center field straightaway at the statues. And Joe D turned and with his back to home plate gracefully strode and reached up and caught the ball in full stride without looking back. It was breathtaking. It was heavenly.
So I went back to Brooklyn and I practiced with a stick ball, running, trying to do what Joe D had done. It is sad to lose him. It is sad to lose him. But I'm glad that we had him.
Thank you very much.
THE PRESIDENT:The Chair recognizes Senator Paterson on the Resolution.
SENATOR PATERSON:Thank you, Mr. President.
And we would like to thank the Majority Leader, Senator Bruno, for including all the Members on this Resolution. And would also like to point out that in the ensuing bill that anyone that wants to be on the bill can goup and notify the desk that they would like to be on the bill in honor of one of our nation's great athletes and great people, Joe DiMaggio, who Senator Waldon so eloquently spoke of.
Of all of the records in baseball that were thought never to be broken, somehow they all were. Babe Ruth's 60 home run record, Roger Marris's 61 home run record. The record of consecutive games played by Lou Gehrig was just broken in the last couple of years. And yet the one major record that still stands unbroken was the 56 game hitting streak, in other words, getting a hit in 56 consecutive games attained by Joe DiMaggio in 1941. And a little known fact is that in 1935 playing in the minor leagues, Joe DiMaggio actually had a 61 game hitting streak, the longest hitting streak ever accrued by a baseball player in the minor leagues. And this was only matched by his personal style and his eloquence.
There's a story that in 1989 after the terrible earthquake that took place during the World Series in San Francisco that Joe DiMaggio was seen on line behind 200 people trying to get information about his sister who lives in the area of the earthquake, not even trying to be first on line, not even trying to be treated specially or in any way equal to the greatness that was felt by people. They always would have stepped aside for him. But he actually never asked that. So his humility and his understanding of other people made him just as great off the field as he was on the field.
We are all very proud to go on the Resolution, Senator Bruno. And the nickname we always thought you were joltin Joe, but I guess --actually that was Joe DiMaggio's reputation.
Just the other day in the New York Times, George Vessie, the columnist, said that he was in a hotel once, he was in an elevator and he saw Joe DiMaggio walking up to the elevator. And the elevator operator closed the door right in front of him. And the elevator started descending and Vessie said to the elevator operator do you know who you just left up there? And she said, "Sure I do. That's Mr.Coffee."
So that was the kind of life that he led and its terrific that we honored him. And I'm very happy to see that he was honored many times before this point. So he ended his life knowing how much people appreciated him.
THE PRESIDENT:Questions on the resolution.
All those in favor signifying by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.".
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay?
(No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The Resolution is adopted.
Senator Bruno?
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, can we return to reports of standing committees? And I believe there's a report of the Rules Committee at the desk.
THE PRESIDENT:We will return to the order of reports of standing committees. There is a report of the Rules Committee at the desk.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Bruno, from the Committee on Rules reports the following bill direct to third reading, Senate Print 2405A, by Senator Maltese, an act to amend the Highway Law in relation to designating a portion of the state highway system as to Joe DiMaggio Highway.
THE PRESIDENT:The motion is to accept the report of the Rules Committee.
All those in favor signify by saying aye?
(Response of "Aye.").
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay? No response.)
THE PRESIDENT:The report is accepted. The bills ordered directly to third reading.
Senator Bruno?
SENATOR BRUNO:Mr. President, can we at this time take up Calendar Number 326?
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read Calendar Number 326.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to calendar Number 326, Senator Maltese moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules Assembly Bill Number 4559A and substitute it for the identical third reading Calendar 326.
THE PRESIDENT:Substitution's ordered. The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 326, by Member of the Assembly Silver, Assembly Print 4559A, an act to amend the Highway Law in relation to designating a portion of the state highway system as the Joe DiMaggio Highway.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill's before the House.
The Chair recognizes Senator Maltese on the bill.
SENATOR MALTESE:Mr. President, the record of Joe DiMaggio speaks for itself. Our Majority Leader has just touched upon the record in the Resolution that we've just passed. I think the fact that all the Members of this House, in both political parties have agreed to join together in recognition of Joe DiMaggio tells us something about the man and his life.
This is a simple bill on its face. Its simply indicates that a portion of the highway system from Battery Place to West 72nd Street would be designated in the state highway system as Joe DiMaggio Highway.
I share the Majority Leader's reminiscences about Joe DiMaggio and some of the things that were said by my colleague Al Waldon.
I remember as a young boy being brought to Yankee Stadium in the late thirties and seeing Joe DiMaggio play together with Tommy Henrick and Bill Dicky and other's names that have now gone into history, but still remain with many of us and remain a part of baseball history and American history.
Joe DiMaggio in the midst of his career, I believe in 1944, at the height of his career enlisted to serve in the United States Army and served in the United States Army air force.
He was a true American hero. When people speak of Joe DiMaggio, they don't only speak about his baseball record. The words that keep coming up are grace, a consummate gentleman, areal American hero.
He was content, as was indicated by Senator Paterson, to remain in the background many times. To not grab for the spotlight. He was apparently a modest,unassuming man who sought deliberately to avoid the limelight and carry on his life..
Mr. President, I'm proud to support this bill. We have distributed for co-sponsorship to member of both houses. It presently has 40 co-sponsors. If all other members would wish to join, we would welcome them as a fitting tribute to a real American hero, a great American hero, Joseph Paul DiMaggio.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Marcellino on the bill.
SENATOR MARCELLINO:Thank you, Mr. President.
And I also rise to just reflect a little bit. I heard about the death of Joe DiMaggio when I was driving up from my home to Albany. And I couldn't help but reflect at the moment about what my father has said when I was a young fellow, was watching baseball with him. And we say Joe. And I only saw Joe play in his later years. I didn't see him in his prime. Well, my father kept pointing out, he said this is a young man with class. This is a young man who is a roll model for Italian Americans. And one that he said if you could achieve only a portion of what this person achieved, worked as hard as this person worked and showed the same kind of demeanor in all you could do in all your life's work, he says you'll go a long way towards being a good citizen.
I remembered that and I remember my father's words. He was very proud every time Joe DiMaggio would come up and play a game because he knew of the worth of the man and of the quality of his behavior. So I often have told my children the same message that this is a person who will be remembered for many years, not just for Mr. Coffee and not just for other things, but for class and for gentility. And this kind of behavior that is so lacking today in many of our sports figures.
You have to remember the situation. Joe DiMaggio, I think, made $100,000. That was the most I believe he ever made in his entire career as a prime year. In those years if you had a good year your salary could go up if you negotiated hard enough. But if you were off, they lowered your pay. They reduced salaries in those days. I can't remember seeing that happen in recent years with any sports situation. The salaries go up and up regardless of the production of the figure.
Joe is a class act and something to be thought of and something to remember and someone to tell your children about because this person really did a good thing.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Rath on the legislation.
SENATOR RATH:Thank you, Mr. President.
Its moments like this in this chamber that I've so often observed that we share with each other some recollections and vignettes that make all of us a little more personally acquainted with each other. And this, of course, being a great moment recollecting a great American hero is one of those times. And I'd like to share with you a Rath family recollection of Joe DiMaggio.
My husband's uncle, Maurice Sullivan, served with Joe DiMaggio in the Second World War. They were very close personal friends. My husband, of course, being a young boy and a Yankee fan thought there was nothing more important or noting greater than Uncle Sully's letters when they would talk about his friend Joe DiMaggio. Or the boxes that would come from Uncle Sully with the Yankee's memorabilia signed by Joe DiMaggio. They're certainly part of the household treasures in our household. And I would say that of course the baseball, my children all thought it was just any old baseball. I was always trying to retrieve the Joe DiMaggio baseball from out of the kids or the dog because they both thought it was a nice ball to play with.
Fortunately the ball remains in tact and as we remember a great man like that, I think, Senator Maltese, your bringing forward the dedication of a segment of highway, people will drive down that segment of highway and their children will be in the back seat and they'll be reading what's along the side of the road and they'll say mom or day, who was Joe DiMaggio. And then there will be an opportunity for that parent to say the kinds of things that Senator Marcellino has said, the kinds of comments made by our Majority Leader and indeed Senator Waldon and all of the Senators in this room who have testified to a gentleman who was an example and epitomized what we were looking for heros in a time of our life when it was very important to have strong American heros.
His legacy lives and will live long after him. And I'm just hopeful I can keep the baseball out of the hands of the grandchildren.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Dollinger on the bill.
SENATOR DOLLINGER:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise. I didn't know Joe DiMaggio. Never saw him play. Never collected his baseball cards.
I only rise today to look at the irony of looking around this room and seeing the abundance of green and recognize that on this day when we celebrate our Irish heritage we celebrate an Italian American, the son of an Italian American fisherman.
And its a wonderful thing to look around this chamber and see whose sitting next to each other and recognize what it tells us about America and what Joe D taught us about American.
Skelos sits next Bruno. Stachowski sits next to Mendez. Dollinger sits next to Paterson.
There are places in the world where people couldn't sit next to one another and in fact, depending on how your name ended, what the color of your skin was, what your ethnic or tribe was, you could be summarily executed. And it still happens. We need look no further than Kosovo to realize that the melting pot, the benefit that we have here, is one that is not shared throughout the world.
The fact that we recognize an Italian American hero on a day we celebrate the Irish is really a tremendous demonstration about what this country means and what this state means. Because if there is the upper crust of the melting pot, it is right here in New York. It started in Ellis Island and it continues on this day when we celebrate a great Italian American on a day that we celebrate Irish Americans.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Schneiderman, on the bill.
SENATOR SCHNEIDERMAN:Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of my constituents in the 30th Senate District, the home of the Joe DiMaggio Highway, I want to say how much I appreciate the comments that have gone forth today. And its certainly one thing to reflect in an era when professional athletes often display very little grace and humility. And often display a kind of arrogance that you really don't want young people to emulate to reflect on the life of someone like Joe DiMaggio.
We are working very hard to actually build the Joe DiMaggio Highway now. There's a major reconstruction project under way. We're attempting to build a beautiful park alongside the southern part of it and hopefully with all of this continued support we've got, we're getting from the state, we will have a highway that is,if not as graceful as Mr. DiMaggio, at least not something where we will hear on the radio every day gridlock on the DiMaggio Highway, hour long tie ups on the DiMaggio Highway.
And I hope that the park which I will continue to advocate for in this chamber will get the support it needs and probably will be able to provide a good location for a statue at some point down the road.
I also note that my district also extends into the Bronx and what we're very, very honored and proud to have the highway in Manhattan, we're equally honored and proud to make sure that the stadium Mr. DiMaggio graced with his presence stays in the Bronx.
THE PRESIDENT:Is there any other member wishing to speak on the bill?
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed. Senator Skelos.
SENATOR SKELOS:Mr. President, at this time could we take up the non-controversial calendar?
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the non-controversial calendar.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 57 by Senator Farley, Senate Print 1222, an act to amend the Banking Law in relation to security interest.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 87 by Senator Stafford, Senate Print 774, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law in relation to authorizing the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority.
THE PRESIDENT:There's a Home Rule message at the desk.
The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 180 by Senator Padavan, Senate Print 1400, an act to amend the Penal Law in relation to possession of gambling devices.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5, this act shall take effect on the first day of November.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar 207 by Senator Skelos, Senate Print 965, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law in relation to disinterested persons.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 210 by Senator Johnson, Senate Print 1531, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law in relation to visitation rights to infant grandchildren.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 211 by Senator Lavalle, Senate Print 1621, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law and the Family Court Act in relation to the visitation rights of great-grandparents.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 216 by Senator Balboni, Senate Print 1529, an act to amend the General Obligations Law in relation to notice provisions.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 224 by Senator Libous, Senate Print 2101A, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law in relation to parking spaces for handicapped persons.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4, this act shall take effect January 1.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 274 by Senator Farley, Senate Print 1780, an act to amend the Public Officers Law in relation to the power of the state legislators to administer oaths of office.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes 59.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
Senator Skelos, that completes the reading of the non-controversial and I guess controversial calendars.
SENATOR SKELOS:Thank you, Mr. President. Is there any housekeeping at the desk?
THE PRESIDENT:We're clean, sir.
SENATOR SKELOS:There being no further business, I move we adjourn until Monday March 22nd at 3:00 p.m., intervening days being legislative days.
THE PRESIDENT:Without objection the Senate stands adjourned until Monday March 22nd at 3:00 p.m., intervening days to be legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 11:50 a.m., the Senate Adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.
Not yet analyzed. Open the bill for its official title.