Former Bond Trader And Hedge Fund Founder Jeffrey Soberman Parket Pleads Guilty To $65 Million Ponzi Lending Scheme

 

  Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced that JEFFREY SOBERMAN PARKET, a former bond trader and the former principal of several hedge funds, pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to wire fraud and bank fraud.  PARKET obtained over $65 million in loans from individual and institutional lenders by fabricating assets, doctoring bank and brokerage statements, and forging business correspondence and signatures, resulting in over $37 million in victim losses.  PARKET pled guilty before United States District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Parket traded on his reputation as a respected financier and fabricated paper assets to defraud lenders of millions of dollars in loans that they never would have made if not for his lies and the sophisticated ruses he used to support those lies.  His scheme cost some of his victims everything they had.  He will now be held accountable for his deceit.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “Parket took advantage of his investors’ trust, among them his friends and family members, and perpetrated an intricate scheme involving fraudulent documents and identity theft to hide his fraud from them.  However, Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners unraveled Parket’s web of deceit and exposed all his crimes.  Parket’s conviction vindicates the investors he defrauded of almost $40 million.  His conviction should also serve as a warning to would-be fraudsters: Postal Inspectors will dedicate every resource in our arsenal to protect the integrity of the mail and pursue anyone who betrays the public trust and preys on innocent investors.”

As alleged in the Complaint and Information and based on other filings and statements made in court:

From at least 2016 through December 2021, PARKET fraudulently obtained over $65 million in short-term loans from individuals and financial institutions by materially misrepresenting his financial condition and pledging fake collateral.  Claiming that he needed short-term liquidity for investment opportunities or real estate purchases, PARKET constructed elaborate stories and submitted hundreds of pages of supporting documents to obtain loans he had no intention of repaying.  Among other things, he falsified bank and brokerage statements and contracts allegedly reflecting his significant assets and ownership interests in valuable investment accounts.  To furnish proof of some of these ownership interests, PARKET also used the names, titles, and forged signatures of actual company executives he falsely claimed were his business associates.  He created fake email addresses for them and forged lengthy email correspondence regarding measures supposedly taken by PARKET and his purported business associates to secure the loans.

To perpetuate the scheme, PARKET used loans from new lenders to pay back earlier lenders. He also made fraudulent representations about delayed acquisitions and temporary liquidity issues to induce his existing lenders to extend the maturity date of his loans or to provide him millions of dollars in additional loans.

PARKET’s individual victims included friends and professional acquaintances, some of whom he persuaded to provide him numerous loans.  His institutional victims included short-term bridge lenders, a real estate services company, a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and an insurance company focused on helping clients save for retirement.

Throughout the offense period, PARKET also persuaded family members to transfer funds to his personal accounts by falsely promising to safely invest their life savings on their behalf.  He then used the funds to pay down fraudulently obtained loans.

PARKET, 59, of Great Neck, New York, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution and one count of bank fraud, each of which carries a maximum potential sentence of 30 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  Sentencing has been scheduled for June 28, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of USPIS.

Governor Hochul Announces Annual Free Snowmobiling Weekend

 

Registration Waived for Out-of-State Snowmobilers for March 3 to 5

First Weekend in March to be Dedicated to Free Snowmobile Weekend Each Year

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that beginning March 3 to 5 this year, and annually thereafter, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in March, will be free for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. During this promotional weekend, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York's 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.

“With the support of local governments and snowmobile clubs, we are so glad to welcome out-of-state snowmobilers each year to New York State trails,” Governor Hochul said. “By offering this free snowmobiling weekend at the same time each year, our hope is to spur friendships, get annual trips on calendars and boost promotion of upstate tourism. Our expansive snowmobile network gives visitors and tourists an incredible opportunity to explore our state.”

Out-of-state and Canadian participants in the free snowmobiling event must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/Province and must carry any applicable insurance as required. Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state's trails – from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.

This year's free snowmobiling weekend, March 3 to 5, 2023, reinforces the importance of tourism to state and local economies, and New York's commitment to the industry in the wake of the pandemic. New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails. The trail grants support 10,500 miles of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy.

Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Erik Kulleseid said, “There is no limit to what New Yorkers can experience across our state and now we’re revved up to welcome even more outdoor winter enthusiasts to the Empire State. I’m grateful to the snowmobile clubs and local governments who help with the upkeep of trails and make sure they are safe and well-groomed for residents and visitors alike.”

Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. State Parks cautions snowmobilers, fishermen, skiers and snowshoers to put safety first and to proceed with extreme caution before venturing on ice- or snow-covered bodies of water. The unusually warm weather conditions forecasted over the next week and associated runoff could undermine existing ice. Ice thickness can vary on every body of water; even within the same body of water. Given the warmer temperatures we’ve had this winter, lakes and ponds that appear to be frozen over may be deceiving. Be aware of potential hazards under ice- or snow-covered bodies of water. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions locally and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Venturing out on ice that is not thick enough can lead to tragedy and we want to ensure that recreationalists have an enjoyable time while also taking the proper precautions to stay safe. State funded snowmobile trails never cross frozen bodies of water.

Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. Individuals operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The New York State Snowmobile Association website provides information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks' website here.

A guide from I LOVE NY to snowmobile trips available in the state can be found here.

The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100 but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club.

Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov. Visit the DEC website here for more information on snowmobiling on state lands.

Wave Hill Events March 2-March 9

 

Spring into Wave Hill! It’s the perfect time to visit and experience the beauty of early spring. Join our weekly guided garden walk to explore what’s blooming. This week, the Family Art Project takes inspiration from the growing season. Create and decorate your very own pot for planting! On March 5, join us in Wave Hill House for an enlightening conversation with exhibiting artist and horticulturist Rebecca Allan and design historian Sarah Lichtman, and explore our relationship to the natural world and each other, through the related labors and tools of painting and horticulture. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! 

Family Art Project: A Growing Season 

Sat, March 4, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, March 5, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House  

With spring fast approaching, we need pots for planting! Inspired by the many plants emerging at this time of year, design a pot using upcycled cardboard boxes. Then, decorate your pot, add some soil and you'll be ready to plant a seed! 

Registration not required.  

 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

  

Art Conversation: “Spade & Brush: Painting the Material Culture of the Garden” 

Sun, Mar 5, 2023, 1–2:30PM

Free with admission to the grounds 

Wave Hill House 

Join painter and horticulturist Rebecca Allan for a conversation with design historian Sarah Lichtman. The speakers will discuss the ways in which we reinvent and sustain our relationships to the natural world and each other, through the related labors and tools of painting and horticulture. Allan and Lichtman will show images of Allan’s recent works from Cultivating Eden, currently on view in Wave Hill House. They will also reference art historical examples that reflect our fascination with gardens and plant life as subject matter in art, including paintings by 16th century Dutch artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder and 18th-century Italian artist Giovanni Batista Tiepolo. 

Advance registration encouraged but not required, online or at 718.549.3200 x251.   

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator. 

This program is held in conjunction with Rebecca Allan’s exhibition, Cultivating Eden, on view in Wave Hill House from January 18 through June 4, 2023.  

 

 

Public Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, March 5, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

 

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Seeks Increased Diversity at Pension Fund's Portfolio Companies

 

State Pension Fund Seeks Corporate Action on Discrimination and Racial Equity

Chipotle to Conduct an Independent Racial Equity Audit

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a series of shareholder proposals and other initiatives as part of the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s (Fund) ongoing efforts to increase corporate accountability for progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues.

“We encourage the Fund’s portfolio companies to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their businesses not just because it is the right thing to do, but because they will be better positioned to prosper in the long-term,” DiNapoli said. “As a major investor, focused on safeguarding our pension fund’s long-term value, we call on portfolio companies to adopt best practices that benefit their bottom line. More and more companies are making real progress, but more work needs to be done.”

“Harassment and discrimination, too often swept under the rug, can have a corrosive effect on work environment and threaten the reputation and success of companies,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who co-filed two of the shareholder proposals on behalf of the NYC Retirement Systems. “As shareholders, we believe that it does not serve companies or their workers to maintain a culture of secrecy about these negative experiences in the workplace. What cannot be discussed cannot be addressed. We are proud to join Comptroller DiNapoli and the New York State Common Retirement Fund to ask these companies to publicly report on the outcomes of their efforts to prevent harassment and discrimination and hold these employers accountable for their efforts.”

Companies—and their shareholders—benefit from DEI and policies that ensure hiring from the deepest pool of talent. To encourage companies to improve their practices and, by extension, their long-term value, DiNapoli and the Fund have filed a series of shareholder proposals that ask portfolio companies to increase their transparency and address the risks that come with a failure to uphold inclusivity and diversity.

Racial Equity Audit

At Chipotle, DiNapoli refiled a shareholder proposal seeking an independent audit of the company’s practices related to civil rights, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and how these affect the company’s business. Last year, the proposal won 36% support from Chipotle’s shareholders. Last week, Chipotle announced the commencement of an independent third-party audit, joining Amazon, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Match Group who adopted the pension fund’s proposal last year. As a result of the company’s action, the proposal has been withdrawn.

Workforce DEI Reporting

DiNapoli’s shareholder proposals filed at Universal Health Services, Inc. and Brinker International, Inc. ask the companies to disclose progress they have made on improving DEI in their workplaces. The proposals ask for a public accounting of the companies’ employee recruitment, retention and promotion rates, and pay by gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability and veteran status.   

Disparities in Health Care Outcomes

DiNapoli advanced two new initiatives focused on health care equity. Proposals filed at Humana Inc. and Elevance Health Inc. seek an analysis of racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare outcomes. DiNapoli and the Fund ask that these reports detail the extent of racial and ethnic disparities identified, along with information about any impediments faced in collecting this data and the efforts the companies are making to eliminate the disparities and improve healthcare results. Since filing, the Comptroller has reached an agreement with Humana, which has agreed to publish a report on identifying and addressing racial and ethnic health disparities. The proposal has been withdrawn from Humana as a result.

Separate proposals, filed at two Fortune 500 health care companies — Centene Corporation and Molina Healthcare, Inc. — ask the companies to include reductions in maternal morbidity (death or unexpected severe outcomes after labor or delivery) as part their performance evaluations that determine senior executives’ compensation. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. 

Discrimination and Harassment Disclosure

Corporations must proactively address the corrosive effect that discrimination and sexual harassment have on workplace rights, morale, and company performance. DiNapoli has filed proposals with Activision Blizzard, Inc., Pinterest, Inc., and Wells Fargo Company — companies that have been impacted by allegations of discrimination or harassment. The proposals ask the companies to publicly report on their efforts to prevent harassment and discrimination, including the number of pending complaints, the number and dollar amounts of recent settlements and the number of enforceable contracts that contain concealment clauses that restrict discussion of harassment or discrimination. The proposals at Pinterest and Wells Fargo were co-filed by Lander and three of the NYC Retirement Systems.

In addition to these shareholder proposals, DiNapoli is writing to companies in the Fund’s portfolio requesting information about board and workforce DEI policies and practices. The letter expands on his August 2020 request that companies embrace improved policies. The letters will be sent to 75 of the largest Russell 1000 index companies that lack sufficient board diversity according to the Fund’s Proxy Voting Guidelines. Companies receiving the letter include JPMorgan Chase & Co., Costco Wholesale Corporation, Netflix, Inc., Citigroup Inc., Moderna, Inc., Dell Technologies, Inc., and Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Board Votes

The Fund believes in the importance of board diversity as an essential measure of sound governance and a critical attribute of a well-functioning board of directors. At board elections of Russell 1000 companies, the Fund, in accordance with its Proxy Voting Guidelines, will vote:

• Against all incumbent board nominees at companies with no board directors identifying as an underrepresented minority (as defined by federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which includes one or more of the following: Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander);
• Against all incumbent nominating committee nominees when a board has just one director identifying as an underrepresented minority;
• Against all incumbent nominating committee nominees at companies that do not disclose the self-identified individual racial/ethnic diversity of their board directors; and
• Against all incumbent nominating committee nominees at companies that do not explicitly consider both gender and racial/ethnic diversity in their search for directors.

The Fund believes that disclosure of EEO-1 data helps investors assess their portfolio companies’ commitments to greater inclusion not just in a given year, but over time and will vote against all incumbent compensation committee members of Russell 1000 Index companies that fail to disclose EEO-1 data to investors.

Since 2018, the Fund has voted against incumbent board directors seeking re-election at companies that have no women on their boards. When a company has just one woman on its board, the Fund votes against all incumbent members of the board's nominating committee.

Permits Filed For 1446 Bryant Avenue In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1446 Bryant Avenue in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Freeman Street and Jennings Street, the lot is three blocks from the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Eduard Haxhari under the REK Realty LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 47-foot-tall development will yield 5,301 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have nine residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 589 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 31-foot-long rear yard.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting PC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced

Developers Close On $288M To Complete North Cove At 373 West 207th Street In Inwood, Manhattan

 

New rendering of North Cove at 373 West 207th Street (aka 375 West 207th Street) - Aufgang Architects

Joy Construction Corporation and Maddd Equities have secured $288 million in financing to complete North Cove, a 100-percent affordable housing tower at 373 West 207th Street in Inwood, Manhattan. Designed by Aufgang Architects, the 30-story building will comprise 611 apartments, a collection of amenity spaces, 60,000 square feet of retail on the lower levels, and 120 parking spaces.

The property is alternately addressed as 375 West 207th Street and 3875 Ninth Avenue and is located at the corner of Ninth Avenue and West 207th Street, adjacent to the Harlem River.

The building features a mix of beige, gray, and brown cladding, and a standard grid-pattern window system. The massing of the structure includes multiple setbacks above the eighth, tenth, 12th, and 17th floors, which will likely be used for a mix of private and communal outdoor space.

Amenities include bike storage, recreation rooms, shared laundry facilities, outdoor lounge and recreation spaces, and picnic areas. A public access waterfront park will also debut adjacent to the development site on land provided by New York City.

Available apartments will be reserved for households earning between 27 and 110 percent of the area median income (AMI). A total of 94 units will be reserved for formerly homeless households, which will have access to on-site supportive services.

Complimentary high-speed internet will be provided in each unit.

Rendering of North Cove at 373 West 207th Street (aka 375 West 207th Street) – Aufgang Architects

Wells Fargo’s Community Lending and Investment provided the financial package, which includes a $155 million letter of credit to back NYC-issued tax-exempt bonds arranged by CLI Debt. The remaining $133 million was provided by CLI Equity as an equity investment through the purchase of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and New York State Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits.

North Cove is expected to debut in June 2024.

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC PARKS COMMISSIONER DONOGHUE ANNOUNCE SELECTION OF LEGENDS HOSPITALITY AS NEW OPERATOR OF THE LOEB BOATHOUSE IN CENTRAL PARK

 

Legends Hospitality Commits $3.2 Million Capital Investment Into The Loeb Boathouse, Along With $250,000 for Structural Maintenance Improvements 

 

Iconic Central Park Venue Hopefully Will Open to New Yorkers and Visitors This Summer

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced that the city has selected Legends Hospitality as its new operator for the iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, for a 10-year term. If approved by the Franchise & Concession Review Committee (FCRC), the iconic venue will reopen to the public this summer.

 

“The Central Park Boathouse has been a landmark for generations of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “When it closed last year, many worried about its future, but our administration moved quickly to keep this piece of New York City history alive. Thanks to the fast work of NYC Parks, we’ve selected a new operator so the Boathouse can come back better than ever, ensuring tourists and New Yorkers alike can enjoy this beautiful space and scenery once again.”

 

“The Central Park Boathouse is a treasured space not only for the Manhattan community but everyone living in and visiting the city. It’s a beautiful building that has created countless memories for its visitors,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This administration has worked hard to ensure that new management was selected to reopen and manage the Boathouse in time for the summer season. I’m excited for Legends to reopen the Boathouse this summer and very appreciative of the Parks team that works tirelessly to ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

 

“Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse is a landmark venue that has delighted New Yorkers and visitors to our city for more than 70 years,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are thrilled that the Boathouse will soon reopen under the expert management of Legends Hospitality, and we look forward to working with them as they steward this beloved park treasure.”

 

“Legends is honored to be selected by NYC Parks to operate the iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park,” said Dan Smith, president, Legends Hospitality. “We proudly serve as stewards of legendary brands around the globe and are committed to making the Loeb Boathouse a dining destination that provides memorable experiences for visitors and locals for years to come.”

 

First initially opened more than 150 years ago, The Loeb Boathouse shut down on December 31, 2022. In August 2022, NYC Parks launched a competitive-negotiated concession process in which operators were invited to submit their plans and interest in operating, renovating, and maintaining a high-quality restaurant, snack bar, and rowboat rental at The Loeb Boathouse. After engaging with all interested parties, NYC Parks selected Legends Hospitality to operate the site. In accordance with the competitive negotiated process, NYC Parks’ license agreement with Legends Hospitality will go before the city’s FCRC for a public hearing on March 3, 2023. If approved, the Boathouse could be open as early as summer of 2023.

 

As part of their agreement, Legends Hospitality has committed to a $3,250,000 capital investment into The Loeb Boathouse, along with $250,000 for structural maintenance improvements. The company is planning a complete refresh of the menus at the Boathouse, including collaborations with iconic chefs, and an overhaul of the boat rental program, with added credit card payment acceptance and an online booking system. Their restoration plans also include renovating and expanding public restrooms, connecting the upper and lower outdoor dining patios and upgrading patio service, upgrading the building systems to be more efficient and sustainable, and fostering improvements to the outdoor bar to open up views from the pathways to the pond.

 

Legends Hospitality is a division of global premium experiences company Legends. Within New York City, they currently operate at One World Observatory, Yankee Stadium, the Intrepid, Circle Line, and Oculus Beer Garden. Legends’ past projects, current portfolio, and financial capacity will enable the company to carry out all aspects of the license agreement and provide a key amenity to the millions visiting Central Park every year.

 

Located on the eastern shore of the 72^nd Street Lake in Central Park, The Loeb Boathouse first opened in 1872 and was rebuilt in 1952, and has subsequently served as a unique dining and recreational amenity in one of New York City’s most picturesque locations. The restaurant’s main dining room opens onto the lake and features accordion style glass windows that fold back to allow the restaurant to become totally open to the lake during the warmer months, and close to allow for uninterrupted views with protection from the elements during the winter months. The building also includes an indoor bar with a large stone fireplace, a snack bar with indoor and outdoor access and seating, a Lake Room currently used for special events, and an enclosed courtyard accessible to the public. Rowboats are also rented from an outdoor kiosk with boats stored on a series of wooden docks.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul - the Nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle.

 "As I have said from the very beginning, the Constitution requires a full Senate vote on a Governor's nomination for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. While long overdue, the Senate has finally acquiesced to a vote on the floor on the nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle.

"This vote is an important victory for the Constitution. But it was not a vote on the merits of Justice LaSalle, who is an overwhelmingly qualified and talented jurist.

"Now that the full Senate has taken a vote, I will work toward making a new nomination. I remain committed to selecting a qualified candidate to lead the court and deliver justice. That is what New Yorkers deserve."