Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Senator Shelley Mayer: Nomination of Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle.

 

In late December, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her nomination of Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle to the New York State Court of Appeals. The New York State Court of Appeals is the highest in the State and is responsible for both the substantive and -- through the Chief Administrative Judge -- the operation of the New York Court System. We must ensure the Court of Appeals reflects the needs of all litigants and stakeholders, including those who appear in Family Court, as well as our City, Town, and Village courts both in and out of New York City.  

I believe this moment provides the needed opportunity to change the balance of the NY Court of Appeals with new leadership. At this moment in time, when we are faced with a highly politicized and dangerous US Supreme Court, whose decisions have upended established rights under our Federal Constitution, it is even more pressing that the New York Court of Appeals provides New Yorkers with the legal protections they deserve. 

As a New York State Senator, I have a duty to act with the greatest scrutiny and consideration before casting my vote to confirm a nominee for the highest court of New York State. After my review of the decisions of Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle, and a respectful and frank personal meeting with PJ LaSalle, I announced that I will be voting “no” on any vote to confirm PJ LaSalle to the position of Chief Judge. I also will be joining the Judiciary Committee, as I had requested before the nomination of Judge LaSalle,  based on my longstanding concerns with access to justice and the operation of the courts.