THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK EDUCATION
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CHAIR
BLACK, LATINO & ASIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIR
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CITY HALL OFFICE 250 BROADWAY, ROOM 1747 NEW YORK, NY 10007 212.788.7007 FAX 212.788.9190
[email protected] council.nyc.gov
ROBERT JACKSON
COMMITTEES:
COUNCILMEMBER, 7TH DISTRICT MANHATTAN
CONTRACTS FINANCE HOUSING & BUILDINGS LAND USE – ZONING & FRANCHISES RULES, PRIVILEGES & ELECTIONS SANITATION & SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STANDARDS & ETHICS
July 6, 2009 RE: Independent Public Defense Commission S:6002 The Honorable John L. Sampson 409 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12247 Dear Senator Sampson: I am writing to express my deep appreciation to your colleague and my own State Senator, Eric Schneiderman, for introducing legislation to create an Independent Public Defense Commission. My gratitude is also extended to you and Senator Perkins for your cosponsorship of this important bill. There is absolutely no question in my mind that reform is long overdue. As you well know, in 2006 Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye appointed a panel to examine the issue and make recommendations regarding public defense services. Now, it happens that I have some personal experience with Judge Kaye and her judicial wisdom – experience forged through thirteen long years of Campaign for Fiscal Equity litigation. I have profound respect for her insight and expertise, but, as a result of that experience, I also know what happens when the legislature does not act to implement judicial recommendations. I urge you to pass this legislation before the Senate recesses for the summer. We need your leadership on this issue more than ever. I know you have an unbelievable amount on your plate right now but I encourage you to keep sight of this long term goal. I just want you to know that you have my unqualified support on this issue. I look forward to collaborating on this reform with the goal of better serving our constituents and implementing the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution. In Unity,
Robert Jackson C Senator Eric Schneiderman Senator William Perkins