Three of Ten Nominees to The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government Rejected by the Independent Review Committe
By Robert Press
A Independent Review Committee of fifteen leaders of New York’s accredited law schools rejected three of the first ten nominees to the new eleven member Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, the body that will replace JCOPE. The Governor has three appointments, the Senate and Assembly majority each have two, the Senate minority, Assembly minority, Comptroller, and Attorney General each have one.
The nomination of Gary Lavine, the only former JCOPE commissioner by Republican Senate minority Leader Richard Ott, the nomination of Robert Torres former State Supreme Court Judge by Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the nomination of Emily Jane Goodman former State Supreme Court Judge by Democratic State Attorney General Letitia James were rejected by the panel to the new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. No approved names have been released yet. Governor Hochul has not named her third choice yet also.
Ott, Heastie, and James can now either make new nominations to be reviewed by the Independent Review Committee or they could file court challenges of the rejection of their choices to the new Commission. It is unknown what will be done right now.
The new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was created during the final days of the state budget negotiations between Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat led state legislature in secret. The Governor and state legislature can overrule the Independent Review Committee that was set up, but it is unlikely to be done given the legislature and governor overruling the redistricting Independent Review Committee which caused a special master to draw new district lines after courts ruled the district lines unconstitutional.
Mayor Adams Visits Bronx Hiring Hall at Lehman College
By Robert Press
Close to one thousand people came to Lehman College to apply for one of the twelve thousand jobs Mayor Eric Adams said were available at the second Bronx Hiring Hall. There were three long lines for the Health and Hospitals Corporation which has three hospitals in the Bronx and eleven full service hospitals in New York City. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson also stopped in to see how thing were going in the “Boogie Down Bronx”.
New York City agencies such as the Administration for Children’s Services, Civic Engagement Unit, Department of Citywide Services, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health and Hospitals, and the New York Police Department. Also on hand were the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, Office of Citywide Recruitment, and Union DC 37 as resources.
Second Annual Riverdale Pride Event At the Riverdale Neighborhood House
By Robert Press
It was the Second Annual Riverdale Pride at the Riverdale Neighborhood House which was attended by hundreds of people and elected officials Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Performers included the Famous Kelly KaBoom Alexus Lewinsky, Alexa Dumont, and Jahiyrah McQueen, Laura Levine-Pinedo, and others. There was a Drag Queen Hour Storybook reading, and even a pride dog show.
Tables were set up in the Riverdale Neighborhood front, back and side yards with various gifts to buy, free information, and games to play. The two local Democratic clubs were well represented as three of the four party positions are controlled by the Unity Democratic Club, while the assembly, city council, and fourth party position seats are controlled by the Ben Franklin Democratic club.
Bronx Supplies Giveaway
Today in the frigid cold of winter, service to humanity was not short. Volunteers joined former Bronxite Dr. Elizabeth Thompsom of Atlanta GA and delivered 29 palettes of household goods to Bronx Fire victims and other bronxties in need. The two locations serviced over 200 families with items from bleach, dish washing liquid, sponges, food and other supplies.
Allerton Avenue Hip Hop Festival Honoring Legendary DJ Jazzy Jay
By Robert Press
The rain held off just long enough for the 1st Allerton Avenue Hip Hop Festival to end. There was rapping, song, and dancing on Allerton Avenue, and a mural unveiled to honor DJ Jazzy Jay, at the place where his career in Hip Hop took off at 759 Allerton Avenue.
It was at 759 Allerton Avenue where DJ Jazzy Jay and Rocky Bucano joined to form Strong City Records in 1987. The pair produced early recordings by Diamond D., Fat Joe, Brand Nubian, Sheff Anselm (Tribe Called Quest), and others.
A stage was set up on Allerton Avenue where performances ran for hours with Famous Hip Hop Artist after Hip Hop Artist paying tribute to DJ Jazzy Jay. Proclamations from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Councilman Mark Gjonaj were given to DJ Jazzy Jay. The event was put together by Ms. Grace Lovag, Irene Estrada, Al Pizzaro, and others.
State Parks Announces Federal Grant Supporting LGBT Heritage Research in Greenwich Village Fifth Grant Supports Project Begun in 2014 Nine Greenwich Village Properties Named to State, National Historic Registers So Far
Marking LGBT History Month in October, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today the award of a $49,999 federal grant from the National Park Service to expand State and National Registers of Historic Places documentation for the Greenwich Village Historic District in Manhattan.
The grant was made under the National Park Service’s Underrepresented Community Grants Program, which works towards diversifying nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. The grant will be facilitated by Park’s Division for Historic Preservation and the New York City LGBT Historic Sites Project, a cultural heritage initiative documenting the city’s LGBT heritage.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Greenwich Village, a site of layered social, art, and culture movements, holds a singular place in the nation’s LGBTQ history. It is of the utmost importance that we preserve the Greenwich Village landscape for future generations to understand the accomplishments, struggles, and fortitude of the individuals that have paved the way to expand LGBTQ rights.”
While the Greenwich Village Historic District was originally listed in the Registers in 1978, documentation then did not acknowledge the significant role that the LGBT community played in the history of the village.
In 2014, State Parks received a $49,999 federal grant to help launch the New York City LGBT Historic Sites Project to supplement research in the historic district. This was followed by another $49,999 federal grant in 2016 and additional grants of $25,000 in 2018 & 2019.
The latest grant will expand the registers’ documented history of the historic district, adding important scholarship on LGBT history that encompasses early 20th century LGBT culture and contributions, through late 20th century, an era of extraordinary significance due to the impact of AIDS epidemic.
Amanda Davis, Manager of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project said, “In the 1920s, Greenwich Village emerged as one of the world’s most famous LGBT enclaves, building a presence that continues today through sites of activism, arts and culture, community, nightlife, and residence. Creating an LGBT overlay to the Greenwich Village National Register Historic District will officially recognize the transformative contributions that the LGBT community has made to this famed neighborhood and, we hope, will inspire other historic preservationists to look for and document queer history within new or existing historic districts throughout the country going forward.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “The LGBT Historic Sites Project was an invaluable partner in our fight to designate the Stonewall National Monument, and I’m thrilled that the National Parks Service is able to support the Project’s vital work of expanding understanding of our collective history. LGBTQ history is American history, and I look forward to learning what the LGBT Historic Sites Project is able to uncover.”
October’s LGBT History Month was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson. The month-long celebration promotes LGBTQ+ role models and documents the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
So far, nine New York City properties have been listed on the National Register due to the project, with the most recent being the Women’s Liberation Center, the first permanent advocacy space for women’s and lesbians’ organizations in New York, and Raisin in the Sun author Lorraine Hansberry’s residence in New York City.
The Stonewall Inn State Historic Site, a New York City bar and site of a 1969 uprising widely recognized as a key turning point in the LGBT rights movement, was the first such site of its kind in the nation to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
State Parks has subcontracted the Greenwich Village District amendment project to the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, which so far has documented the history of more than 350 sites across the city, including residences, stores, performance venues, bars and restaurants, organizational and community spaces, medical facilities, and cultural and educational institutions.
The project has documented these locations on its website http://www.
In 2018, State Parks honored the NYC LGBT Sites Project team with a state Historic Preservation Award for its ground-breaking, nationally significant work.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter
The Annual West Indies Parade in New York Celebrates Caribbean Culture in Style
Photo by: Seitu Orond
For over 90 years, the Annual West Indies Parade in Brooklyn has been a highlight of carnival week, and this year was no exception. With its vibrant displays of Caribbean culture, the parade drew in more than 1 million people, making it one of the world’s largest celebrations of its kind.
The parade, which began in 1930, is the culmination of a week-long extravaganza that showcases the rich traditions and heritage of the Caribbean. From colorful costumes and lively music to delicious food and energetic dancing, the West Indies Parade is a spectacle for all to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the parade is the J’Ouvert street party, which takes place in the early morning hours. This separate event commemorates freedom from slavery and adds an extra layer of significance to the festivities. Participants don their unique J’Ouvert attire, often covered in paint or oil, as a symbol of liberation and resilience.
The energy and spirit of the parade are infectious, with participants and spectators alike joining in the fun. The lively music and infectious rhythms fill the air as the colorful floats and performers make their way through the streets of Brooklyn, creating a feast for the senses.
The Annual West Indies Parade not only celebrates Caribbean culture but also serves as a platform for unity and inclusivity. It brings together people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and promoting cultural exchange. Through its vibrant displays and joyful atmosphere, the parade showcases the beauty and diversity of Caribbean heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
As the city’s most spirited annual event, the West Indies Parade in New York continues to captivate, educate, and entertain. It is a testament to the rich and vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture, reminding us of the importance of celebration and embracing our shared humanity.
Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, the Annual West Indies Parade is an event not to be missed. So mark your calendars for next year’s festivities and immerse yourself in the colorful and joyful world of Caribbean culture. The West Indies Parade promises an experience that will leave you captivated and yearning for more.
Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters
Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action on a shelf near the front door — one “go
bag” for each family member.
Manhattan resident Courtney Dover leaves nothing to chance when it comes to her and her teenage
daughter’s safety. “Being prepared is really important,” said Courtney. We try to make sure we’re
conscious of what to do in case there’s an emergency.”
While the Dovers prepare to keep themselves safe, they continue to pray for victims of Hurricane Ian and
support disaster relief efforts organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses. “It’s out of love that we give what we
can,” said Courtney’s daughter.
With extreme weather events escalating in frequency and severity in recent years, experts urge families
to plan ahead for natural disasters. Ready.gov, a FEMA website, recommends putting together a
“collection of basic items” to last for several days, including food, water, a change of clothes, cash and a
flashlight.
The Dovers also rehearse scenarios like escaping a hurricane, flooding, power outages or a building fire.
They check periodically to make sure that clothes in their go bags match New York’s changing seasons,
and that batteries, food and other supplies have not expired.
Courtney said that preparing for emergencies, determining meeting places and “what if” scenarios are
included in their family discussions.
Regular disaster-preparedness reminders from their congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Harlem
Heights and the Christian organization’s official website, jw.org, help to keep them ready.
“
We can’t just say life is precious; we need to live it. That’s why
the Bible’s advice to take practical steps to protect ourselves
and our families from danger makes so much sense — even if
threats seem far off.
– Robert Hendriks III
U.S. SPOKESMAN FOR JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
“Being ready to face a natural disaster may be the difference between life and death when it
unexpectedly hits,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesperson for the Christian organization. “We can’t
just say life is precious; we need to live it. That’s why the Bible’s advice to take practical steps to protect
ourselves and our families from danger makes so much sense — even if threats seem far off.”
Until recently, Colorado couple Michael and Crystal Brook only thought of wildfires as a threat to those
high on the slopes of the Rockies — never imagining that their suburban home in the foothills would be
at risk.
Still, heeding advice to expect the unexpected, the Brooks assembled go bags, utilizing tips from the
jw.org article “When Disaster Strikes — Steps That Can Save Lives.”
Last December, their efforts paid off when the Marshall Fire, a record-breaking inferno fueled by drought
conditions and high winds, ravaged homes and businesses in Boulder County.
As flames leapt across the interstate highway near their home and billows of smoke darkened the
midday sky, the Brooks grabbed their go bags, along with pillows and stuffed toys to help keep 6-year-old
daughter Annastyn calm amid the chaos of evacuating their community.
Michael recalls the panic within the community. “They didn’t know what to do,” he said.
Though the Brooks’ house sustained only minor smoke damage, and their go bags went unused, the
couple feel being prepared helped them remain calm and act swiftly under pressure. “Having the go bags
made things simple,” said Michael.
“These days, anything can happen anytime, anywhere,” added Crystal. “It’s good to be prepared.”
In flood-prone Louisa, Kentucky, Brandon and C’onia Fitch made preparing go bags a fun activity for kids
Nolan, Gavin and Stella, letting them pick out their own bags and add their favorite toys and
nonperishable snacks.
“Everyone in the family had a role in preparing the bags,” said Brandon. “They know what’s in them, and
they know where to find them.”
The importance of being ‘go bag ready’ was put to the test last year when floodwaters surrounded their
home in rural Appalachia.
In pitch darkness and with freezing water rising steadily in their home, the Fitches loaded their go bags
— and Princess Pickles, 6-year-old Stella’s beloved guinea pig — into the family car and drove to higher
ground.
By morning, four feet of muddy floodwater had devastated the Fitches’ home and brought into sharp
focus the true value of their efforts to prepare.
“It took a bit of the panic away,” said C’onia. “It seemed like a daunting task … but I’m so glad we did it.”
“You’re not going to regret it,” agreed Nolan, 16. “It could save your life.”
BOYS TO MEN III SIT DOWN
On Saturday November 5, Men from the clergy, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. , OHBM, Doctors, Coaches, Fathers and Grandfathers came together at the RICHARD R.GREEN MIDDLE SCHOOL in the Bronx to talk young boys about the transition to manhood. The event organized and hosted by Andy King and the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program targeted elementary through high school boys for a spirited fellowship conference. Special Guest Speaker from a Federal Prison Hip-Hop artist Casanova offer an example of truth of what and where street life can land you. “Don’t even start” If you are there and you walk away….WALK AWAY!
SOAPS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Hope confronted Steffy about interfering in her marriage. Taylor may have had ulterior motives when giving advice to Deacon. Steffy’s protective instincts came to light. Brooke demanded that Taylor back off. Excitement surrounded an upcoming fashion preview. Brooke was shocked when Taylor showed her true colors. Deacon tested a new theory. Ridge admitted something shocking. Taylor went back on her word. Wait to See: Brooke wonders what caused Deacon’s sudden change of heart. R.J. tells Hope why he really returned to Los Angeles. Brooke is shocked by what she witnesses.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Laura hosted an important event. Sonny and Carly conferred in private. Nina slipped info to Olivia. Drew visited with Sam and Scout. Diane had an agenda. Josslyn pressed Carly. Gregory was quite contrite. Marshall reassured Stella. Anna got a bad feeling. Laura developed a theory. Anna found herself in the hot seat. Valentin surprised Laura. Austin and Ava were interrupted. Jordan hid her disappointment. Trina and Joss conspired. Ava was gobsmacked. Ned got into a public altercation. Wait to See: Dante cautions Sonny. Curtis puts his cards on the table. Michael makes an offer to Carly.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Victor gave Nate the third degree. Summer played with fire. Christine uncovered Phyllis’s scheme. Daniel had a change of heart. Diane received an unexpected apology. Nikki confronted Nick about keeping secrets. Chance gave Sharon some disturbing news. Adam proved himself to Sally. Kyle got caught in Summer’s web of deceit. Nick was torn between Sally and Sharon. Chelsea empathized with Adam. Wait to See: Ashley and Tucker discuss their future. Kyle busts Summer. Phyllis tries to make amends.
MAYOR ADAMS, CTO FRASER, AND LINKNYC UNVEIL FIRST LINK5G KIOSK IN NEW YORK CITY
New Kiosk Will Provide Fast, Reliable, Free Wi-Fi, Wireless Communication, and Nationwide Phone Calls to Residents of the Bronx
Underscores Administration’s Bold Digital Equity Agenda, Including Expanding Broadband Connectivity to Underserved Areas
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams was today joined by New York City Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser and LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin to unveil the first active Link5G kiosk, located in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The new phase of LinkNYC — which provides free Wi-Fi, nationwide phone calls, and other digital services to New Yorkers — will offer 5G connectivity, with priority given to underserved areas throughout the five boroughs.
“Accessible broadband and phone service isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. These new LinkNYC 5G kiosks are going to finally help to close the digital divide and expand and improve mobile technology coverage all over this city,” said Mayor Adams. “When it comes to digital services, we know that too many New Yorkers have been left behind. Our administration is committed to changing that and ensuring that all of our city’s residents have access to tech services, no matter where they live. Ninety percent of these new kiosks will be located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and above 96th Street in Manhattan — all areas that are affected by the digital divide. We thank LinkNYC for its partnership and for helping push forward our broader digital equity agenda.”
“The dawn of the Link5G era heralds a monumental evolutionary advance in our city’s LinkNYC program and our broader, ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said CTO and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matthew Fraser. “As New York City continues its post-pandemic revival, Link5G’s ultra-fast network speed and expanded mobile coverage will go a long way toward clearing the technological barriers so many New Yorkers encountered over the past few years. In addition, Link5G’s equity-centered rollout has the potential to lift up entire neighborhoods and communities that have languished as digital deserts amid this century’s rapid tech advances. I credit Mayor Adams for recognizing that New York City must empower the people who have the least access to tech in order for the city to reach its boundless potential. I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and our partners at CityBridge as we launch Link5G across the city in the near future.”
“Today marks an important milestone on our path toward fulfilling LinkNYC’s mission — to bring digital connectivity to everyone in New York City’s five boroughs,” said LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin. “Millions of New Yorkers have already used LinkNYC to get connected and we are proud to partner with Mayor Adams, Commissioner Fraser, and the city of New York to bring free, super-fast Wi-Fi and next-generation 5G infrastructure to even more New Yorkers over the next few years.”
Link5G will provide the needed infrastructure for cellular service providers to expand 5G wireless technology — the next generation of mobile phone service — across the five boroughs. Installation on the new kiosks is beginning summer of this year. While the city is working with LinkNYC, and in close collaboration with community stakeholders, to determine exact sittings for future kiosks, 90 percent will be located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and above 96th Street in Manhattan.
In order to provide resources to historically underserved communities, priority for new builds will be given to specified equity community districts that were chosen based on lack of other broadband options, lower median annual incomes, lack of existing LinkNYC infrastructure, and high levels of pedestrian and street traffic. Once fully deployed, there will be approximately 2,000 new Link5G kiosks throughout the five boroughs, which will bring the total LinkNYC network to at least 4,000 locations citywide.
The kiosks will offer expanded free services to New Yorkers with broader coverage, and newly available 5G spectrum radios will greatly increase coverage and capacity for all New Yorkers, especially in historically underserved areas.
“We are thrilled at this opportunity to be the first recipients of LinkNYC’s latest phase in tech development as we unveil their new Link5G Kiosk here in the Morris Heights section,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The decision to launch the project in the West Bronx speaks to the leadership of Mayor Adams, LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin, and New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser and their commitment to eliminating the digital divide in our city.”
“The Bronx, one of the hardest hit communities by COVID-19, has experienced longstanding health and socioeconomic inequities, including a lack of access to affordable and reliable broadband internet,” said New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. “I thank Mayor Adams for his commitment to end these disparities and coming to the Bronx to unveil the first Link5G kiosk in the city. Fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is not a luxury, it’s an essential utility for learning, working, public health, and to ensure all people can thrive.”
“Bringing advanced technology to communities is critical for basic access to mobile and internet connectivity,” said Clayton Banks, CEO, Silicon Harlem. “The new high-capacity Link5G infrastructure is another step forward to ensure technology can be deployed in an equitable manner.”
“From the information highway to digital technology at our doorsteps, this is the best innovation of the 21st century. God bless America,” said Dr. Bola Omotosho, chair, Bronx Community Board 5.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Sunday's Police Involved Shooting in his District
“It is disheartening that a 24-year-old father lost his life in my district early Sunday morning. As police officers were involved in the shooting, the Attorney General will be tasked with investigating the incident, which is a policy I fought to implement in an effort to bring transparency and accountability to such devastating incidents. It is my hope that the investigation will bring clarity and justice to our community.”
ASSEMBLYWOMAN RICHARDSON ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO HELP END GUN VIOLENCE
Albany, NY — Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (D, WFP-Brooklyn) announced that $10 million in funding has been secured for the Community Violence Intervention Act (C-VIA). The funding was allocated as part of the 2021-22 state budget, which Richardson helped pass, to provide grants for community-based intervention and violence cure programs.
“Gun violence and other forms of violence pose a serious threat to the health and quality of life for families across our state,” Richardson said. “By providing our local organizations with the resources they need, we can bring real solutions to end cycles of violence here in Brooklyn.”
Assemblywoman Richardson continues to be an outspoken advocate against senseless violence, having been the primary sponsor of C-VIA previously (A.5505). In subsequent years, 10 percent of funding received through the federal Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) will be directed to C-VIA.
“Thank you to the local organizations for leading the way to help ensure that our neighborhoods are safe places to live, work and play,” said Richardson. “Together, we can keep our community safe.”
Funding for C-VIA is due largely in part to the courage and tireless efforts of New York’s cure violence programs and organizations, including New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), Everytown, Brady United Against Gun Violence, the Gifford Law Center, the Center for Court Innovation (CCI), CAMBA, Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI), Man Up, Kings Against Violence (KAVI) Brooklyn and Elite Learners.
Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to Senator Zellnor Myrie for his stewardship of this legislation through the New York State Senate.
New York City Council Confirms Georgia M. Pestana as Corporation Counsel Pestana will be the first woman and the first Latina to lead the City’s Law Departmen
NEW YORK––The New York City Council today confirmed Georgia M. Pestana as New York City’s 80th Corporation Counsel. Pestana is an historic choice. She is the first woman and the first Latina to lead the City’s Law Department, an agency that pursues the best interests of the City as a whole with fairness and justice for City residents. Pestana has worked in the Law Department for 33 years, including as First Assistant Corporation Counsel since 2015. She succeeds James E. Johnson, who was appointed in 2019 and left the position in June 2021. A 2019 revision to the City Charter requires City Council confirmation of the Corporation Counsel appointed by the mayor.
“The Law Department is at the forefront of New York City’s fights for fairness and justice, and Georgia Pestana has the experience and vision needed to win those battles,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Georgia is an outstanding legal thinker and a compassionate leader, and I thank Speaker Corey Johnson and the City Council for confirming her nomination today.”
“It is an honor to serve as New York City’s 80th Corporation Counsel, the greatest legal job there is,” said Georgia M. Pestana. “This is an historic moment in many respects. I look forward to continuing my work with the dedicated professionals of the Law Department to protect the City’s interests and help it recover from the pandemic. We’ll fight on behalf of all New Yorkers. I will make them — especially other women and Latinas in this City — proud.”
Pestana joined the Law Department’s General Litigation Division directly after graduating from NYU School of Law. After a brief period as Deputy General Counsel at one of the City’s agencies, she returned to the Law Department as the Managing Attorney of the General Litigation Division and was later promoted to Deputy Chief in 1996. In 2002, she was appointed Chief of the Law Department’s newly created Labor and Employment Law Division, which handles all the litigation arising out of the City’s role as employer of more than 300,000 workers. In 2013, she was promoted to Executive Assistant Corporation Counsel for Employment and Policy Litigation, where she oversaw the General Litigation, Administrative Law, and Labor and Employment Law Divisions. She has served as First Assistant Corporation Counsel since 2015.
Statements from Former Corporation Counsels
“In the last 20 months, New York City has faced an unprecedented crisis and the Law Department was called upon to do more than we would have ever imagined possible,” said James E. Johnson. “Throughout it all, Georgia Pestana was the picture of calm, steady and wise leadership. I could not have asked for a better partner in the storm and I can’t imagine a better person to take the helm moving forward. Georgia Pestana will be an extraordinary Corporation Counsel, just the person this City needs to move forward in recovery.”
Zachary W. Carter said, “Georgia’s confirmation as Corporation Counsel will make her the first woman and first Latina to hold that position and that alone is cause for celebration. Equally important, however, is that she is the first Corporation Counsel in modern history to be drawn from the ranks of the extraordinary career lawyers of the Law Department. As such, she brings to the job an unprecedented knowledge of the specialized areas of law necessary to defend the legal interests of the City and its residents.”
“The City Council clearly made the correct decision in confirming Mayor de Blasio’s nomination of Georgia Pestana – a truly outstanding lawyer – as New York City Corporation Counsel,” said Michael A. Cardozo. “It has been far too long for New York City not to have had a woman as its chief lawyer. And it has also been far too long for a Hispanic not to have served in that position. Given the difficult issues the City faces, which will inevitably include major legal challenges, I believe Georgia is the right person to serve as the City’s chief legal officer and will be a terrific Corporation Counsel.