New York State Assembly

News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb

Albany Office:

LOB 725 • Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-3979

District Office:

70 Elizabeth Blackwell St. • Geneva, NY 14456 • 315-781-2030

E-mail:

kolbb@nyassembly.gov

"Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee foolishly rejected my proposal to strengthen the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and Court of Appeals' ability to discipline judges who abuse the public's trust. The Assembly Majority's decision defies common sense.

My bill, A.10112A, prompted by the repeated and willful disregard of the legal system by Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio, would have strengthened judicial law and given greater authority to those charged with overseeing the conduct of judges in New York State. Instead, Assembly Democrats inexplicably let pass a valuable opportunity to show the public we are serious about improving our justice system.

The committee's ill-advised decision harms taxpayers and hampers the work of those asked to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system. The circumstances surrounding Judge Astacio's case in Rochester are rare, but they clearly demonstrate the urgent need for reform. Unfortunately, Assembly Majority members are apparently much more comfortable with the flawed status quo."