Gaveled in 1:53 PM · Albany, New York · 2013–14 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
June 19, 2013
1:53 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR DIANE J. SAVINO, Acting President
FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Senate will please come to order.
I ask everyone present to rise and please repeat with me the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Today's invocation will be delivered by the Reverend Peter G. Young, of the Mother Teresa Community here in Albany.
FATHER YOUNG:Thank you, Senator.
Let us pray.
As the legislative session draws to a close, we would like to honor all those men and women from New York State who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
For 54 years I have appreciated the privilege of offering your invocations. And now, returning from several leg operations, I have asked friends to assist me in a chorus support, to sing with you and join together in the song: Michael Roche, Michael Doegan, and Christopher Gil to sing "God Bless America," as a tribute to those people and for our country and our Senate membership.
Amen.
(Whereupon, the guest chorus sang "God Bless America.")
(Sustained applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Tuesday, June 18th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Monday, June 17th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, I believe, if you call on Senator Gianaris, he has a motion.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Madam President.
On behalf of Senator Espaillat, I move to amend Senate Bill 1743B by striking out the amendments made on June 18th and restoring it to its previous print, 1743A.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:So ordered.
SENATOR GIANARIS:And on behalf of Senator Stavisky, I move that the following bill be discharged from its respective committee and be recommitted with instructions to strike the enacting clause: Senate Print 628.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
On behalf of Senator Grisanti, on page 24 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 821, Senate Print 5054, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The amendments are accepted, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, at this time could we take up a previously adopted resolution by Senator Tkaczyk, and it's Number 3136. Read the title and call on the Senator, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3136, by Senator Tkaczyk, honoring the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District Odyssey of the Mind Team on being named 2013 World Champions.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Tkaczyk on the resolution.
SENATOR TKACZYK:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise to welcome the 2013 World Champions to the Senate floor.
This is a team from Hunter-Tannersville Central School District, and the team members are here with us today: Troy Bates, William Garrison, Neal Statts, Dylan Endy and Emily Farrell, along with their coaches Rich and Dawn Outtrim.
I really want people to understand, these are the Odyssey of the Mind world champions. And not only is this extraordinary in and of itself, Hunter-Tannersville Central School District is one of the smallest schools in my Senate district. They're on the top of Hunter Mountain, and they have 375 kids in their school, K through 12. Their senior class is less than 40 members.
I was an Odyssey of the Mind coach when I coached my son's team, so I know how much time and dedication this competition requires. Winning the World Finals is a remarkable achievement.
The competition teaches students cooperation, respect for ideas of others, how to work together -- skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. It also teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods and rewards thinking that is outside the box.
This team went to Michigan State University on May 22-25 to compete in the World Finals competition. Before they got there, though, they had to compete and win in their regional competition against six other teams. They then competed in the state competition against 14 other teams.
They went as representatives of New York State to the world competition and competed against and defeated 47 teams in the World Finals, 39 from the U.S. as well as teams from Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and Poland. This is an incredibly remarkable accomplishment for this team. Most of them are seniors who are going off to college. But what they accomplished could not have been done without the dedication of their coaches, Rich and Dawn Outtrim. This is not the first Odyssey of the Mind team they've coached, nor, I expect, will it be the last.
And I know that their parents are also here, and what they accomplished could not have been done without the support of their parents.
I know the people of Hunter-Tannersville Central School District, Greene County, and the State of New York are very proud of this team for their great achievement, and I ask you all to join me in welcoming and congratulating them.
Thank you.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:This resolution was previously adopted on June 4th.
And we welcome the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District Odyssey of the Mind Team and congratulate you on being named 2013 World Champions.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Madam President.
There will be an immediate meeting of the Energy Committee in Room 332, an immediate meeting of the Energy Committee in Room 332. And then we will stand at ease.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There will be an immediate meeting of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee in Room 332.
Until then, the Senate will stand at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 2:02 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 2:49 p.m.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:There will be an immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in Room 332, an immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in Room 332.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There will be an immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in Room 332.
The Senate will stand at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 2:50 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 4:09 p.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, can we go to reports of standing companies. I believe there's a report of the Finance Committee at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Reports of standing committees.
The Secretary will read the report of the Finance Committee.
THE SECRETARY:Senator DeFrancisco, from the Committee on Finance, reports the following nomination.
As commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Kristin M. Proud, of Loudonville.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, thank you, Madam President.
I proudly, I proudly move the nomination of Kristin M. Proud for commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
There was a lot of discussion in the Senate Finance Committee, all extremely positive, about this nominee. And we're just very pleased that she's willing to take on this new position, because we know she's going to serve the State of New York well.
And I'd ask to move this nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Farley on the nomination.
SENATOR FARLEY:Yes, thank you, Madam President.
I'm very pleased to rise to support and second the nomination of Kristin Proud.
Let me just say something. She's a graduate of the State University of Albany, the School of Business, where I taught for many years, and was one of the most brilliant students they ever had there, graduated summa cum laude.
And you know, she not only has been a product of this Senate, she's been a product of the Assembly, was a giant over in the Ways and Means Committee, was described by some of the other members of this body as one of the most gifted people that ever served in the Assembly staff.
And you know, Kristin, we are so fortunate to have somebody of this talent and ability to literally take a pay cut to serve as commissioner. You know, the Governor is fortunate to be able to get people like this to serve because their salaries are frozen and so forth. And I know Senator DeFrancisco has legislation to help these commissioners to at least make more than the people that are working for them.
And, Kristin, we are so fortunate to have you serving our State of New York. You have been described by another member, I think Madam President said that Senator Klein said you were the smartest woman he ever knew. And I think that's quite a compliment too, because he's known a lot of smart women.
My colleagues, I urge the support of this outstanding nominee because we're very fortunate to have her in a position that is very, very important.
The best of luck to you, Kristin.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Gianaris on the nomination.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Madam President.
I want to add my words of support to Kristin Proud. She and I have known each other almost two decades, when I worked in the Assembly, when she was one of the giants of Ways and Means that Senator Farley referred to and I was a counsel on the staff.
And this will be one of those moments when I agree with Senator Klein: She is not only one of the smartest women I have ever known, but one of the smartest individuals of any gender that I have known.
And I'm sure she's going to do an incredible job as the commissioner and, in the future, whatever other major responsibilities she undertakes. So I'm happy to encourage my colleagues to vote in support of this nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator Gianaris.
Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of Kristin M. Proud, of Loudonville, to be the commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The ayes have it.
Congratulations, Kristin Proud.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:As member and chair of the State Board of Parole, Tina Marie Stanford, of Saratoga Springs.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, I move the nomination of Tina Marie Stanford, of Saratoga Springs, as a member and chair of the State Board of Parole.
And I just want to speak generally about the rest of the members of the Board of Parole that we'll be dealing with very shortly, that this is truly a great cross-section of New Yorkers. Too many people from Buffalo, but a great cross-section of Central New Yorkers.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: And of diverse backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, but experience, diverse experience, from a Secret Service agent to a former New York City detective. I mean, this is a group that I can't wait till they have their Parole Board parties, because I want to talk to all of them over a beer.
A very interesting, very great group that we have here, and we compliment the Governor.
So back to business, I do move the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Gallivan on the nomination.
SENATOR GALLIVAN:Thank you, Madam President.
I stand to support the nomination of Tina Stanford for the chairwoman of the Board of Parole.
I first met Tina back in the Erie County days, Buffalo of course being the center when she was in the DA's office, but have had a long-standing relationship. Most recently she was the chair of the New York State Office of Victims Services, did an outstanding job there and worked with our committee. And I look forward to working with her in this capacity.
And I also would like to speak in general terms about the next six nominees that will be placed before the body as members of the Parole Board.
Three are reappointments who I had the privilege of working with -- and I think their renomination or reappointment by the Governor speaks volumes for their professionalism and their abilities -- and three new nominees. When combined, the depth and breadth of experience is really incredible.
Senator DeFrancisco always says this, but I'll say it for him this time: Again, impressed by the Governor's nominees and the quality of people that they've brought before us. And I think it will bode well for the Board of Parole and, of course, the state.
So I will in advance second all their nominations.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Hassell-Thompson on the nomination.
SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise to echo -- and I very rarely echo anything that Senator DeFrancisco says. But today I do have to agree with him. I have to agree with him that the Governor has made a phenomenal choice not only in our chairwoman Tina Stanford, but also in each of the appointees.
I think it's important for me to stand here and make these comments because last year I'm sure that everybody is well aware of my displeasure with the Governor's failure to appoint anyone to this board of color, particularly with the number of inmates who represent disproportionately the numbers of people who are of black and Latino descent.
And so from that perspective I was more than gratified to see that this year the appointees not only met my expectations but exceeded them. And as each of people who have spoken have said today, it was a pleasure to sit this morning and to listen to each of them talk about themselves but, more importantly, to look at the resume and the lifework that each of them has contributed to doing public service for the State of New York and their desire to continue to do so.
And so therefore it gives me great pleasure to support the names of nominees for today for the Board of Parole and thank the Governor for a very thoughtful and meaningful selection of people to serve.
Thank you, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Marchione on the nomination.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you.
I just wanted to rise to congratulate Tina Marie Stanford of Saratoga Springs. I have the good fortune of representing Saratoga Springs and wanted to personally congratulate her and wish her well in her new appointment.
In addition, the members of the state board, I do know personally one of those members and know how good she is in serving, one who is being reappointed at this time. So congratulations to each and every one of them. They are good, good selections.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Nozzolio on the nomination.
SENATOR NOZZOLIO:Thank you, Madam President and my colleagues.
I rise with great enthusiasm to echo the comments of those who spoke on behalf of Tina Marie Stanford to be the new chairman of the Parole Board.
I also wish to associate myself with the remarks of Senator Gallivan and Senator Hassell-Thompson on the quality of service that the Parole Board members as a rule and as a body have experienced. And many of them were confirmed a number of years ago when I was the chair of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections. To see reappointments on the Parole Board of people who have done a very good job -- in many cases, an outstanding job -- is very, very good to see.
I rise specifically to congratulate chairman Stanford on her appointment to be chairman of the New York State Board of Parole. That she was also confirmed in the past by the Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee in the capacity of heading up the Victims Services Unit, then called the Crime Victims Board.
The board is a very important group enterprise in terms of ensuring that crime victims are given their appropriate support and considerations, and that for many years always struggled with the fact that there were backlogs.
And that I'm very pleased to say that under the chairmanship of Tina Stanford, the board had no backlogs, virtually none. And that provided justice, because otherwise justice delayed would be justice denied.
So we very much appreciate the skill, the administrative ability, the leadership that the nominee now to the Parole Board had already brought to the criminal justice process at the state level in her responsibilities to help crime victims and as chair of the Crime Victims Board.
And now to be chairman of the Parole Board, bringing that experience as well as a number of criminal justice experiences, including being a former prosecutor, I think is a great combination. A person with ability, with talent, with professionalism, and with class is what Governor Cuomo has nominated, and I am very appreciative of Governor Cuomo making this appointment, making this nomination.
And that I'm also pleased to be standing here before you, Madam Chair and my colleagues, to wholeheartedly, enthusiastically support the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of Tina Marie Stanford, of Saratoga Springs, as a member and chair of the state Board of Parole.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is approved.
Congratulations to Tina Marie Stanford, chair of the State Board of Parole.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:As members of the State Board of Parole: Lisa Beth Elovich, of Rensselaer; Gail I. Hallerdin, of Jamaica; Milton D. Johnson III, of Hopewell Junction; Julie A. Smith, of Batavia; Walter William Smith, Jr., of Clarence Center; and Sally A. Thompson, of Putnam Valley.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I move each of the nominations for the reasons I set forth earlier.
They were all unanimously approved in our committee, and they're great appointments.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Senator Maziarz on the nominations.
SENATOR MAZIARZ:Thank you very much, Madam President.
I was at the Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections meeting today and was most impressed with these candidates.
I specifically want to point out my good friend Bill Smith from Western New York. When the Governor wants talent and intelligence, he goes to Buffalo. That was for Senator DeFrancisco's comment.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR MAZIARZ:But I do want to just say that Bill Smith has been a member of the Board of Parole for several years now, since 1996. He's done an excellent job, and it's a great reappointment.
Congratulations, Bill.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Senator Ranzenhofer on the nominations.
SENATOR RANZENHOFER:Thank you.
I'd also like to commend the Governor on his very good selection and cross-selection of reappointments and appointments to the board. It represents great diversity, not only in gender, geographic area -- although I will concur that many of them are from Western New York.
Two of them I would like to comment on particularly, and not related to each other, but one is Bill Smith and the other is Julie Smith.
Julie Smith has been the director of probation for over 20 years in Genesee County, and she had a very wide and broad breadth of experience. She also has the disposition, the training, the education and the experience and has been through a very long two-year process for this day to finally come.
I think the community will be very well served by her nomination, and I think she'll do great work for the Parole Board and for the people of the State of New York.
I'd like to echo Senator Maziarz's comments with respect to Bill Smith, the most experienced member of the board. I think the Governor was wise in reappointing him. He's been reappointed by a number of governors, and I think that is because of his experience, his training, but most importantly his disposition and temperament as he deals with those very, very sensitive issues that come before the Parole Board.
I just wanted to comment on those two. I think our community will be very well served by all of them, but especially the two that I happen to know and from my area.
Thank you, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Senator Farley on the nominations.
SENATOR FARLEY:Yes, I'd like to speak that all of these nominees are eminently qualified.
I just want to pay attention to one nominee, Lisa Elovich, who I've known. A brilliant prosecutor and lawyer that is a reappointment, has done a great job. She also has another facet. She was an outstanding promoter of boxing, many matches of which I went to and enjoyed. Lisa is a multi-talented woman and one that we're very lucky to have as a member of the Parole Board.
And, Lisa, I wish you well in your new term, and best wishes.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the nominations?
Seeing none, the question is on the nominations of the members that have been read by the Secretary. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nominations have been approved.
Congratulations to Lisa Beth Elovich, Gail I. Hallerdin, Milton D. Johnson III, Julie A. Smith, Walter William Smith, Jr., and Sally A. Thompson. Congratulations.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, the next group of nominees that will be read in a moment is about two and a half pages long. And in the interests of time, without objection, we would like to have them all read. And if anyone wants to comment on any specific nominee, none of whom had to appear, and none of them are here, if they'd save their remarks to the end.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:As member and chair of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Richard L. Kauffman, of New York.
As member and chairman of the State Board for Historic Preservation, Robert B. MacKay, Ph.D., of Cold Spring Harbor.
As director and chair of the New York State Convention Center Operating Corporation, Henry R. Silverman, of New York.
As member and chair of the Adirondack Park Agency, Leilani Crafts Ulrich, of Old Forge.
As member of the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Vita DeMarchi, of Manlius.
As member of the Citizens Policy and Complaint Review Council, Nicholas A. LaBella, of New Hartford.
As trustee of the New York Power Authority, Eugene L. Nicandri, of Massena.
As member of the New York State Housing Finance Agency, Joyce L. Miller, of New York.
As member and chair of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Alfonso L. Carney, Jr., of New York.
As director of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Charles J. Kruzansky, of Voorheesville.
As commissioner of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, Roberta Moseley Nero, of Hudson.
As member of the State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission for the City of New York, Leisle Lin, of New York.
As member of the Niagara Frontier State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission, Thomas J. Yots, of Buffalo.
As member and chairman of the Genesee State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission, Peter G. Humphrey, of Scottsville.
As member of the Allegany State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission, Michael K. Lyons, of Bemus Point.
As members of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York: John B. Johnson, Jr., of Watertown, and Beryl L. Snyder, of New York.
As members of the Adirondack Park Agency: Arthur S. Lussi, of Lake Placid; Daniel Wilt, of Lake Pleasant; Karen M. Feldman, of Hudson; and William H. Thomas, of North Creek.
As commissioners of the New York State Insurance Fund: Joseph W. Canovas, of Staten Island, and Barry J. Swidler, of Brookville.
As directors of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation: Daniel F. DeVita, of Syosset; David Emil, of New York; Edward Kane, of New York; and Andrew M. Murstein, of New York.
As members of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission: Harvey J. Alexander, of Schenectady; John K. Brust, of Central Bridge; Nancy A. Pierson, of Slingerlands; and Steven K. Rice, Ph.D., of Rexford.
As members of the Advisory Council on Agriculture: Samuel J. Casella, of Canandaigua; David Haight, of Malta; and Lesa Sobelewski, of Avon.
As members of the Genesee State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission: Frank X. Allkofer, of Rochester, and Thomas Jennings, of Albion.
And as members of the State Board for Historic Preservation: John W. Aldrich, of Albany, and Randall T. Crawford, of Syracuse.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The question is on the nominees as read by the Secretary. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nominees are approved.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, allow me to stand.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR LIBOUS:We are going to have another Finance Committee meeting, but not yet, because the teapot is not boiling. So I would ask that we stand at ease temporarily.
I apologize for the day, but it's just the end of session. And I think all of you who have been here a while understand that the mechanics of doing things take a little bit of time, and sometimes it's not good for us because it wastes our time. But it is what it is, and I'm doing the best I can. And I would suggest that you bring folders with work in it so that you can read or do things that are beneficial to your constituents.
But before we stand at ease, I would ask you to go back to motions and call on Senator Gianaris.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Motions and resolutions.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:On behalf of Senator Gipson, Madam President, I move that the following bill be discharged from its respective committee and be recommitted with instructions to strike the enacting clause: Senate Number 5521.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:So ordered.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, we will stand at ease.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Senate will stand at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 4:31 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 6:26 p.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Senate will come to order.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Yes, there will be an immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in the Majority Conference Room, Room 332.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There will be an immediate meeting of the Senate Finance Committee in Room 332.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: If we get a quorum, we could get moving, all those out there in listening land.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Senate will stand at ease pending the return of the Finance Committee.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 6:27 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 7:12 p.m.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, if we can go to reports of standing committees, I believe there's a report of the Finance Committee at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Reports of standing committees.
There is a report of the Finance Committee at the desk. The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator DeFrancisco, from the Committee on Finance, reports the following nomination.
As a member of the Public Service Commission, Audrey Zibelman, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you, Madam President.
In the interests of time, I'd like to just make a general statement about all the nominees coming before us this evening.
Another set of great, great appointments, many very, very accomplished individuals, some of whom have been serving in public service for years in other capacities, others from private industry, some combinations of both. But all highly competent and capable of doing the job in an extraordinary way to which they have been nominated.
And I again praise the Governor for his appointments, and I praise them for being willing to serve.
So with respect to the first nominee, I move her nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Are there any members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of Audrey Zibelman as a member of the Public Service Commission. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is confirmed.
Congratulations to Audrey Zibelman, member of the Public Service Commission.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As executive director of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, Jeffrey A. Wise, J.D., of Saratoga Springs.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Ditto on what I said before, and I move the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Are there any members wishing to be heard on the nomination of Jeffrey A. Wise as executive director of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs?
Senator Tkaczyk.
SENATOR TKACZYK:I would just like to note that I knew Jeffrey Wise when he worked for the Coalition for the Homeless. I can think of no better advocate for this center.
This is a very important new entity, and I'm very confident that he will lead it with great leadership.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Marchione.
SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you.
As the Senator who represents Saratoga Springs, I want to extend my personal congratulations to Mr. Wise on this appointment, knowing that he'll do a great job.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of Jeffrey A. Wise, J.D., as executive director of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is approved.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Wise, of Saratoga Springs.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As members of the New York State Gaming Commission: John A. Crotty, of New York; John J. Poklemba, of Clifton Park; Barry C. Sample, of Albany; and Todd R. Snyder, of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I move the nominations.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Bonacic on the nominations.
SENATOR BONACIC:Briefly.
These four gentlemen appeared before the Racing and Wagering Committee. They were unanimously approved. I want to thank the Governor for sending us these four gentlemen.
When we look at their backgrounds, they are well suited for the job that they're going to be appointed to. Some are lawyers, some have worked in the financial field, some have experience in racing and wagering.
And they're going to face quite a bit of responsibility. And the question we've asked them is will they be independent, will they use their best judgment on issues that come before them and they will not be influenced by any political forces, whether from the Legislature, the Governor or outside.
And keep in mind, this Gaming Commission will be responsible for the Lottery, the horse race industry, charitable gaming, and non-Native and Native gaming if the referendum is approved.
So I thank them for their sacrifice, and I wholeheartedly support their confirmation.
Thank you, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you, Senator Bonacic.
Senator Larkin.
SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, Madam President.
Of the four nominees, I had the privilege of working with three of them for many years. John and Barry, we were young in those days.
But during the times that I had the privilege of working with various agencies in the years that I've been here, I've always found them to be up-front. When they can't do something, they would tell you. If there was a problem, they would help you resolve it. But they were always interested in the fact that what we do, we should do in the best interests of the people of the State of New York.
I think the choice by the Governor is outstanding, and I wish you good luck.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard on the nominations?
Seeing none, the question is on the nominations of John A. Crotty, John J. Poklemba, Barry C. Sample, and Todd R. Snyder as members of the New York State Gaming Commission. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nominations are hereby confirmed.
Congratulations, gentlemen.
(Applause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As member and chair of the Justice Center Advisory Council, William T. Gettman, Jr., of Glenmont.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Move the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of William T. Gettman, Jr., as member and chair of the Justice Center Advisory Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is confirmed of William T. Gettman, Jr., as member and chair of the Justice Center Advisory Council.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As members of the Justice Center Advisory Council: Michael Arsham, of New York; Mary E. Bonsignore, of the Bronx; Norwig Debye-Saxinger, of Kinderhook; Eva S. Dech, of Albany; S. Earl Eichelberger, of Guilderland; Denise A. Figueroa, of Cohoes; Shirley B. Flowers, of Brooklyn; Lisa Gerbasi Goring, of Manhasset; Tanya L. Hernandez, of Buffalo; Gabrielle Horowitz-Prisco, of Brooklyn; Leslie A. Hulbert, of Victor; Walter J. Joseph, Jr., of Rhinebeck; Alfred H. Kingon, of Bronxville; Jeremy E. Klemanski, of Clay; David Allen Lamphere, of Albany; Ronald S. Lehrer, of Poughkeepsie; Belinda Lerner, of Long Island City; Glenn Liebman, of Albany; Delores McFadden, of Monroe; Brian P. McLane, of Syracuse; Judith A. O'Rourke, of Lackawanna; Clint S. Perrin, of Schenectady; Peter Pierri, of New York; Joseph L. Rich, of Watertown; Harvey B. Rosenthal, of Greenwich; Scott Salmon, of Tappan; Euphemia Strauchn-Adams, of Staten Island; Christopher Tavella, Ph.D., of Putnam Valley; and Robert L. Weisman, D.O., of Pittsford.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Move the nominations.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Are there any members wishing to be heard on the nominations?
Seeing none, the question is on the nominations of those previously read by the Secretary. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nominations are confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As member and chair of the Behavioral Services Advisory Council, Paul N. Samuels, of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Move the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Any members wishing to be heard on the nomination?
Seeing none, the question is on the nomination of Paul N. Samuels as member and chair of the Behavioral Services Advisory Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As members of the Behavioral Services Advisory Council: Kunsook Song Bernstein, Ph.D., of Baldwin; Lieutenant Colonel April Critelli, of Glenville; Robert Cruz, of New York; Ralph G. Fasano, of Northport; William T. Gettman, Jr., of Glenmont; Sharon R. Gillette, of Plattsburgh; Jennifer F. Havens, M.D., of New York; Tino Hernandez, of New York; John Kastan, Ph.D., of Brooklyn; Maura A. Kelley, of Buffalo; Scott S. Lavigne, of Penfield; John D. Lee, of Rochester; Glenn A. Martin, M.D., of Forest Hills; Michael N. Martin, of North Tonawanda; Deborah Mayo, of Stony Brook; Howard P. Meitiner, of Mount Vernon; Grant E. Mitchell, M.D., of Goldens Bridge; Stephanie Orlando, of Albany; Andrew S. Roberts, of New York; James P. Scordo, of Watertown; Euphemia Strauchn-Adams, of Staten Island; and Patrice Wallace-Moore, of Mount Vernon.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Move the nominations.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Any members wishing to be heard on the nominations?
Seeing none, the question is on the nominations as read by the Secretary. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nominations are confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As member of the Behavioral Services Advisory Council, Katherine Breslin, of Saratoga Springs.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Move the nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Breslin.
SENATOR BRESLIN:Thank you, Madam President.
I request permission to abstain from the vote on Katherine Breslin to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:So ordered.
The question is on the nomination of Kate Breslin, of Saratoga Springs, as a member of the Behavioral Services Advisory Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is confirmed.
The Secretary will continue to read.
THE SECRETARY:As member and vice chair of the Workers' Compensation Board, Frances M. Libous, of Binghamton.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, I would ask that the record reflect that I have abstained from voting on this nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The record will so reflect.
Senator DeFrancisco.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: I move the nomination.
I know Fran; she's been on the Workers' Compensation Board for many years, doing a wonderful job. Not only is she deserving of that, she's deserving of direct admittance to heaven, having been married to Tom Libous for so many years.
I move the nomination.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Senator Diaz.
SENATOR DIAZ:I'm standing to tell you that I proudly second that nomination.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Thank you.
Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the nomination of Frances M. Libous as a member and vice chair of the Workers' Compensation Board?
Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:The nomination is confirmed.
Senator DeFrancisco, that completes the report of the Finance Committee.
SENATOR DeFRANCISCO: Thank you for that.
Senator Libous.
SENATOR LIBOUS:Madam President, is there any further business at the desk at this time?
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There is no further business at the desk other than the signing of the nominations.
SENATOR LIBOUS:If there's no further business, Madam President, I move that the Senate adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, June 20th, at 11:00 a.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT SAVINO:There being no further business, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, June 20th, at 11:00 a.m.
(Whereupon, at 7:25 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.