tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30811651149089031152024-03-15T21:10:20.371-04:00T.O.T. Private consulting servicesT.O.T. Consulting Services performs many different kinds of investigations, according to your needs. We specialize in matrimonial issues in the Orthodox Jewish population – infidelities, divorce and disagreements between Orthodox Jewish couples. We are well versed in the laws and uniqueness of the religious Jewish world, and know how to operate within it discretely while completely integrating in the populationjoe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.comBlogger13697125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-17985789714791347632022-09-14T15:31:00.001-04:002022-09-14T15:31:08.005-04:00The real housewives of Bnei Brak<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jm4CU07MiyMp7kGgCyENZx1Wn_Z1M0LQcswLbBzGRvYCO84C5Ka17KhvLAecxGs9qdrSdj70zbXkt9bnJkPSSoibj9vo2LcUOkK9ZK3UE-zKYzWWrP1EELhcmNJzcrwzTfxzMkL3wZrWCiOzIl8VMOKiTZdS3FoUs_iZ7Qaukm3gtNGDKIsuoaD3Lw/s490/SJABYdQgo_0_269_2843_2049_0_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="490" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jm4CU07MiyMp7kGgCyENZx1Wn_Z1M0LQcswLbBzGRvYCO84C5Ka17KhvLAecxGs9qdrSdj70zbXkt9bnJkPSSoibj9vo2LcUOkK9ZK3UE-zKYzWWrP1EELhcmNJzcrwzTfxzMkL3wZrWCiOzIl8VMOKiTZdS3FoUs_iZ7Qaukm3gtNGDKIsuoaD3Lw/w400-h289/SJABYdQgo_0_269_2843_2049_0_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It truly was only a matter of time before ultra-Orthodox
Jews made their way into the world of reality TV. The new series "Brak
Girls" was released on Monday on the Israeli TV network HOT, featuring
five Haredi women from the predominantly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak,
offering a glimpse into their world for all those curious seculars to see. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The women, representing a minority of the Haredi sector in
their appearance and behavior, stand out from most Haredi women who are
normally dressed in a conservative manner. While they take pride in their
relatively advanced economic independence and social media skills, they are
subject to harsh criticism from within their own religious community.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nina Halperin, one of the five women, is a blogger who goes
on jogs along the neighborhood's promenade and possesses a smart phone; Ofra
Shimoni is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and owner of an architecture and
design magazine; Simi Hershkop manages the "Dos Celeb" online
platform, which covers the world of entertainment from the ultra-Orthodox
perspective and focuses mainly on secular celebrities who have an affinity for
religion; Estee Sokoloveski defines herself a strong and independent woman who
chose to rebel against the customary religious feminine paths, pursuing a
career in make up and has her own car; Yael Zilberman is the owner of a wig
manufacturing business, and holds left-wing political views. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They all hope to expose the "beautiful sides of the
religion."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some critics called the show a pathetic attempt to show
secular people just how beautiful religion is. Others don't even agree to
categorize the women as Haredi, claiming they completely disregard the
religious values and adopt totally secular lifestyle. In their opinion, gossip,
social media, the internet, and fashion are tools used to swank the female
body.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Critics said it's difficult to buy into the story that these
five characters are the strong and independent Haredi women who portray a
beautiful picture of their religion, given they are brutally marginalized by
the men of the community they belong to. This narrative is not a convincing
one, especially after the footage emerged, showing being hit or cursed at in
the streets of their own neighborhoods.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Portraying women that drive alone in a car or upkeep a
business as groundbreaking may seem a bit insulting to some, and rightfully
so," said one critic. "These women, in many ways, are still fighting
for basic rights that most women were granted last century, yet they claim to be
more than content with the present situation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"All in all, this show can not claim to
anthropologically present the life of an average Haredi woman. Rather, its
content - like most of reality TV - creates a parody of these women's
lifestyle. Instead of showing the beautiful sides of religion, the talks of
cholent and wigs only make it seem shallow and unprogressive."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-56716571240752948362022-09-14T15:24:00.008-04:002022-09-14T15:25:24.995-04:00YOU HAVE A SITUATION. WE HAVE THE SOLUTION.<p><!--[if !mso]>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8qDZSsBSstVvkIz-aotjPLp2kjB1IGT76KyvsVBt8G_IDQ0buATTzl6NhCSd7Vf09d8UEEAQULjQnK7h8HbaNjcZvF3pAZzxhcL9bxJqeAK_kr6vX7yCgce34WMRa991m8AvGEVreylgrALaDiOGj11EnGqJmECagusrUgphTHbup2BOhdflp7VrqA/s1500/334466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8qDZSsBSstVvkIz-aotjPLp2kjB1IGT76KyvsVBt8G_IDQ0buATTzl6NhCSd7Vf09d8UEEAQULjQnK7h8HbaNjcZvF3pAZzxhcL9bxJqeAK_kr6vX7yCgce34WMRa991m8AvGEVreylgrALaDiOGj11EnGqJmECagusrUgphTHbup2BOhdflp7VrqA/w400-h268/334466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The effective tendency these days is to analyze and assess
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<p class="MsoNormal">Understandably, it is vital to execute thorough background
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<p class="MsoNormal">Looking forward to hearing from you.</p>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="" size="0" style="color: #666666;" width="100%" />
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Sincerely yours,</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Joe Levin</i></p>
<p></p>joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-57619429670306952832019-05-16T09:05:00.000-04:002019-05-16T09:05:16.536-04:00WILEN et al v. FORTIS PROPERTY GROUP, L.L.C. et al, No. 2:2009cv06325 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ-T0ekWSd5UzqJHEt1O5gYZKAW4EoRK4KTocP5ocU20qrFXyceEfuPH_-Y0ItoDkBilsdfxbfIryo_v9pvr2p769WewdIfe_BYXyrk4QQhKIWuR1YsQbuV6CcrYfqVBYw0PBRm80jHMl/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ-T0ekWSd5UzqJHEt1O5gYZKAW4EoRK4KTocP5ocU20qrFXyceEfuPH_-Y0ItoDkBilsdfxbfIryo_v9pvr2p769WewdIfe_BYXyrk4QQhKIWuR1YsQbuV6CcrYfqVBYw0PBRm80jHMl/s640/009.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/new-jersey/njdce/2:2009cv06325/236290/12/0.pdf?ts=1411677234">https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/new-jersey/njdce/2:2009cv06325/236290/12/0.pdf?ts=1411677234</a>joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-27239119555168596272019-05-16T09:01:00.001-04:002019-05-16T09:01:22.381-04:00Fortis blames contractor Pizzarotti for leaning Seaport tower<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ-T0ekWSd5UzqJHEt1O5gYZKAW4EoRK4KTocP5ocU20qrFXyceEfuPH_-Y0ItoDkBilsdfxbfIryo_v9pvr2p769WewdIfe_BYXyrk4QQhKIWuR1YsQbuV6CcrYfqVBYw0PBRm80jHMl/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ-T0ekWSd5UzqJHEt1O5gYZKAW4EoRK4KTocP5ocU20qrFXyceEfuPH_-Y0ItoDkBilsdfxbfIryo_v9pvr2p769WewdIfe_BYXyrk4QQhKIWuR1YsQbuV6CcrYfqVBYw0PBRm80jHMl/s640/009.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
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Fortis Property Group is firing back against Pizzarotti,
blaming the construction company for a series of delays and a “misalignment
condition” at its luxury Seaport condominium project.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The developer filed counterclaims against Pizzarotti in New
York Supreme Court on Friday, alleging that the company didn’t properly survey
the project at 161 Maiden Lane, resulting in a “slight misalignment” of the
building on its north side. The issue was exacerbated by a series of delays at
the project, which Fortis says were the result of inadequate staffing and
safety issues — the latter of which resulted in 13 stop-work orders on the
site. The countersuit also claims that Pizzarotti’s “failure to follow proper
safety protocol” resulted in the death of a worker in September 2017.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Our counterclaim lays bare the astounding breadth of
failures by Pizzarotti, which is why we terminated the company from the project
last month,” a spokesperson for Fortis said in a statement. “We look forward to
completing construction and starting the delivery of this world-class building
to buyers by the end of the year.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Representatives for Pizzarotti couldn’t immediately comment
on the allegations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The claims were in response to a lawsuit filed against
Fortis in March. Pizzarotti accused Fortis of using a cost-cutting method on
the building’s foundation, which caused the tower to lean three inches to the
north. Pizzarotti had filed a motion to halt construction on the site, arguing
that it couldn’t continue “without putting persons and property at grave risk
of harm.” In its complaint, Fortis notes that this motion was denied.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an affidavit in support of Pizzarotti’s motion, Elisabeth
Malsch, a senior principal with engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, notes that
while the building doesn’t currently pose a safety concern to the public, the
tower continues to move and further construction could prove dangerous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“There is insufficient information to assure that the building
will remain safe if work advances because the building continues to settle and
there is no evidence that the curtain wall has been properly re-designed to
take the movement into account,” she states. Malsch also asserts that the
building’s movement isn’t a product of how Pizzarotti poured the concrete
floors but rather how the building’s foundation has settled. A representative
for Fortis said the new general contractor on the site has already adopted a
new plan for installing the tower’s curtain wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two complaints also disagree as to why Pizzarotti no
longer works at the tower. Fortis asserts that it fired the construction
company on April 2, 2019, but Pizzarotti maintains that it gave notice that it
would end its contract on March 1. Pizzarotti claims it’s owed $32 million for
its role on the project. Fortis is seeking $95 million from Pizzarotti and
another $78.5 million from the companies that issued performance and payment
bonds on the project, Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland and Zurich
American Insurance Company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-45266183752084193352019-05-16T08:58:00.003-04:002019-05-16T08:58:43.353-04:00Brooklyn Dems Celebrate At Their Annual Gala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUsm3rC4k4d5jhoAFY4LLRXqh5E7Y0Zn54hvbssgy2oyD8gecdKBBiz61GEMlmYeauDqW6RUF0FVy7oaY5HcGn30MqTzCB3TNNef6hqM0SiG4Srg8ZThwdCsHOyOBoHv7c6ExcNkwJEzz/s1600/6677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUsm3rC4k4d5jhoAFY4LLRXqh5E7Y0Zn54hvbssgy2oyD8gecdKBBiz61GEMlmYeauDqW6RUF0FVy7oaY5HcGn30MqTzCB3TNNef6hqM0SiG4Srg8ZThwdCsHOyOBoHv7c6ExcNkwJEzz/s400/6677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brooklyn and the city and state’s top Democrats filled the house with optimism and politicking at last week’s 2019 Kings County Democratic Party Gala.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio</strong> and the party’s attorney <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Frank Carone</strong> acted as emcees for the packed annual event held at El Caribe Country Club, 5945 Strickland Avenue in Mill Basin. Over 300 politicians, operatives, consultants and major non-profits attended the affair.</div>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_36192" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8rem; margin: 5px auto 30px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 1010px;">
<img alt="" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36192" class="wp-image-36192 size-full" height="709" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_072145.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_072145.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1 1000w, https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_072145.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w" style="backface-visibility: hidden; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="946" /><div class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36192" style="border: 0px; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 19.84px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 5px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kings County Democratic Party Executive Director Jeff Feldman and Assemblyman Peter Abbate Jr. share a laugh. Photo from Kings County Politics.</strong></div>
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This year’s honorees were <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">George Gresham </strong>– President, 1199 SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East, longtime Assemblyman <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peter J. Abbate </strong>(D-Bensonhurst, Sunset Park) – Chair of the Assembly Governmental Employees Committee, <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meera Joshi</strong>– Former Chairwoman New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">G. Jack Spatola</strong>– Chairman of the Board, The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn and the <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hon. Howard Golden</strong>– Former Borough President of Brooklyn, Chairman of the executive committee of the Kings County Democratic County Committee</div>
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Among the statewide elected who attended the gala was <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul</strong>, who related well with the working-class Brooklyn style as she spoke about having similar roots coming from a working-class Irish family from Buffalo.</div>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_36193" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8rem; margin: 5px auto 30px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 810px;">
<img alt="" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36193" class="wp-image-36193 size-full" height="536" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_073358.jpg?resize=800%2C536&ssl=1" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_073358.jpg?w=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i1.wp.com/www.kingscountypolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_20190510_073358.jpg?resize=300%2C201&ssl=1 300w" style="backface-visibility: hidden; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="800" /><div class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36193" style="border: 0px; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 19.84px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 5px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio with district leaders from around the borough. Photo from Kings County Politics.</strong></div>
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The order of the day was for everyone to solidify and come together to help defeat President Trump in the upcoming 2020 presidential election.</div>
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As usual, the food and drinks were flowing and conversation from table to table included conversation about the upcoming judicial races, district leader seats and progressives versus mainstream Democrats.</div>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-2912556654682087802019-05-16T08:55:00.001-04:002019-05-16T08:55:49.076-04:00The Importance of Judge Elena Baron’s Campaign – Defeating the Political Party Bosses and Unencumbered Justice<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Gentium Book Basic", serif; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Community and political leaders were astounded when in 2017 Elena Baron beat Brooklyn’s political bosses and won her election to become a Civil Court Judge. Elena ran a grassroots judicial campaign winning by an overwhelming majority against three opponents in the 6th municipal court district, all backed by politicians. Voters understood the importance of Baron’s independence from entrenched political insiders, who according to the <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">NY Times</em> pick almost all the judges in Brooklyn. This year, Baron, who is running for Surrogate Court, is clearly the front runner in the race. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Voters do not want to see lawyers connected to the Democratic Party looting the estates of widows, seniors and orphans in the Brooklyn Surrogate Court. </span></span></span></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignright" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; display: inline; float: right; font-family: "Gentium Book Basic", serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 2em; max-width: 100%;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img scale="0" src="https://shorefrontnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Elena-Baron.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="300px" /></span><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555d66; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Judge Elena Baron</span></figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Gentium Book Basic", serif; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">In Brooklyn Heights Anne got out of her car to tell Baron, who was campaigning, how courageous she was to take on the Brooklyn Democratic Party Bosses and to run independent for judge. In an era where the so-called progressives and reformers look the other way as the political bosses pick judges and use our courts for patronage, Baron is the leader that Brooklyn needs. </span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Ann was familiar with how the Surrogate court operates because her close friend fell into a serious life-long depression after the estate of her mother was drained by administrators appointed by a Surrogate Court Judge. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">One of Elena’s best friends compared her campaign against the political bosses to the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, where an outsider takes on the entrenched establishment to serve the people. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Judge Elena Baron has spent over a decade working in five NYC Courthouses with a wide variety of issues and matters that come before the civil and supreme courts. Elena has worked with families going through guardianships, dealt with myriads of issues pertaining to residential and commercial real estate, small claims, receiverships and refereeships, as well as matters concerning credit card debt and personal injury cases. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">“Judge Baron’s independence and her well-diversified experience working in NYC Courts for over a decade will make her a very effective Surrogate, able to create personalized solutions to many individual family situations that come before the Surrogate Court,”</span></span>said Yana Saffian, an attorney who practices before the Surrogate Court. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">Elena has a track record of being independent from the Democratic party bosses, having been elected grass roots as a Civil Court Judge. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">To enter the Surrogate Court is to stumble upon Ponce de Leon’s own spring, an eternal source of easy money for the politically wired. The Surrogate Court Judges appoint guardians to estates who make handsome fees of those residents who die without wills. Robert Kennedy called the “The Surrogate Court A Political Toll Booth Exacting Tribute from Widows and Orphans.” <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">The Democratic Party bosses tell the Surrogate Court Judges they elect to hire party supporters, a patronage operation that strengthens organization by make money for their troops. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Surrogate Court races are more about who and whose money is behind the candidates then the person running for office. That is because the people behind the candidates get the benefits of the office, being appointed as administrators and guardians. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">Elena Baron is the only candidate in this race who is not backed by the political bosses and the money and political support they bring to their candidates’ campaigns. In her first race Elena Baron was a grassroots candidate who was challenged by the political bosses and she won overwhelmingly, because the voters want independent judges.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Growing up in the Soviet Union Elena witnessed many injustices that effected people around her and her immediate family. One family member was sexually harassed and had to quit her job, another family member was being pressured into diverting funds going into the organization to a real estate development project, which she refused, and her private business venture was destroyed by thugs threatening to murder family members. These and other experiences made Elena Baron love and respect justice and the law and to become a lawyer. Elena would be the first immigrant to be elected to the Surrogate Court. </span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">The current surrogate, Margarita Lopez Torres, who is backed by bosses Seddio, Carone and the party machine this year, several times appointed Adam Kalish, who works out of Brooklyn County Boss Frank Seddio’s Canarsie home and office as a guardian. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red;">Lopez Torres is running for a second 14 years term, although she is unable to serve it, since she must retire in 2 years at 70, the mandatory retirement age for a Surrogate Court Judge. There is also talk, despite her denials, that Torres will take a Supreme Court position after the primary which will allow her to serve until she is 76 and allow party boss Seddio to back-fill one of his hacks as a replacement for a full 14-year term. </span></span></span></div>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-60839723432132955722019-05-14T07:31:00.002-04:002019-05-14T07:31:43.907-04:00Judge Jacobson, Brooklyn, The Judicial Screening Panel and the Attorneys in Kings County – Lawsuit and Allegations<h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #283d4b; font-family: Alegreya, serif; font-weight: 400; margin: 0.67em 0px;">
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<a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-seddio-carone-dearcy-hall-jacobson-batra-court-20190513-ktyutamuargcbebmmnvtvfsdaa-story.html" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1185d7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Federal judge did not disclose connection to player in lawsuit, records show</a></h1>
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A Brooklyn federal judge did not disclose she was colleagues with a lawyer in a politically-charged civil lawsuit over which she presided — raising potential ethics concerns.</h4>
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Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall handled a suit filed by former Brooklyn Civil Court Judge Laura Jacobson against the Brooklyn Democratic Party, its leader Frank Seddio and its judicial screening committee.</div>
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Jacobson alleges she was railroaded out of her judicial seat and defamed by the party and its screening committee — in part because she ruled against the Kings County Democratic Committee’s chief lawyer Frank Carone in a 2014 case.</div>
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Hall and Carone served together on the city Taxi and Limousine Commission beginning in 2011, their online bios show. Judge Hall did not disclose that connection during the Jacobson legal proceedings, which began in 2016. Carone was not a defendant in Jacobson’s lawsuit.</h4>
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“They would normally at least raise the issue,” Ronald Minkoff, a legal ethics professor at Columbia Law School, said of judges in such situations. “Is it something in a perfect world you would disclose? Yes. Is it something that matters? I don’t know.”</div>
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Minkoff said situations where relatives or close friends show up in lawsuits would be clear grounds for disclosure or recusal. A situation like Hall’s is more of a gray area, but Minkoff said judges often leave such situations for lawyers to decide.</div>
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Jacobson’s attorney Ravi Batra said it’s “too early to say” whether he would pursue an ethics complaint through the federal court system.</div>
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“While I’m more comfortable with it, my client is not,” Batra said of Hall presiding over the case. “I just wish there had been fuller disclosure so this would not even be an issue.”</div>
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Ravi Batra speaks on the City Hall steps. (Hagen, Kevin Freelance NYDN)</div>
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Hall dismissed Jacobson’s lawsuit last September. Batra filed a notice of appeal the following month.</div>
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The complaint alleges that the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s judicial screening committee found Jacobson “not qualified” in order to push her from the bench over court decisions she made, including the one involving Carone.</div>
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Batra noted that this is not the first time ethics issues have arisen around Carone, a Brooklyn lawyer and a donor and friend to Mayor de Blasio.</h4>
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To continue reading click <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-seddio-carone-dearcy-hall-jacobson-batra-court-20190513-ktyutamuargcbebmmnvtvfsdaa-story.html" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1185d7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-33991223153129981132019-05-14T07:27:00.002-04:002019-05-14T07:27:33.172-04:00Who Really Picks New York’s Judges? Brennan Center & NY Times<div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Who Really Picks New York’s Judges?</b></span></h2>
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Legislators in Albany should replace the state's exclusionary judicial selection system in which judges are “made” with one that actually reflects our democratic values.</div>
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Last week, many New York voters looked at their election ballots and only saw judges. Even more confusing was that many of them had no opposition. In Brooklyn, for example, <a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=Candidat_32" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">the same five candidates were listed three times</a>, once for each of the major parties that nominated them for the five available seats. There were no other options. That hardly seems like a real election.</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>How do NY Judicial Elections Work?</b></span></div>
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At first glance, New York’s method of electing judges to its major trial court — confusingly referred to as the supreme court — is nothing extraordinary.</div>
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The process begins during the September primaries. In each assembly district, voters elect judicial delegates, residents whose sole job is to represent their neighborhood at a party nominating convention held a few weeks later. At these conventions, which unite delegates from the various assembly districts within a larger judicial district, the delegates cast votes to determine which judicial candidates will appear as the party’s nominees on the general election ballot. Voters then elect judges to 14-year terms in the November election.</div>
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It all sounds highly democratic, but the public engagement allegedly present in New York’s system is in fact an unfulfilled promise. In reality, the system entrusts the selection of judges neither to the voting public nor to elected officials. Instead, unaccountable political party leaders control every step of the process.</div>
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First, most delegates are handpicked by their county’s party officials and do not even appear on the ballot <a href="http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/ELN/6/6-160" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">because they almost always run unopposed</a>. According to the state <a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2015/Primary/2015StatePrimaryResults.pdf" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Board of Elections</a>, only one of the 11 assembly districts in the Bronx featured a contested delegate election this year. This means that voters often have no chance to pick who represents them at the conventions.</div>
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Second, the nominating conventions are strictly for show. The party leaders decide on their preferred judicial candidates in advance and direct the delegates accordingly; other candidates have no realistic shot at nomination. The delegates — usually party loyalists, their family members, or members of their campaign staffs — receive no information about the judicial candidates in advance of the convention, and are often given no time to debate each candidate’s qualifications, according to a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/nyregion/picking-judges-party-machines-rubber-stamps.html?pagewanted=all" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><i>New York Times</i></a> investigation. In more than <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/opinion/02tue1.html?_r=2&" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">96 percent</a> of nominations, no alternate candidates are put forward by the delegates and “conventions” last as little as 20 minutes. Even party leaders have conceded that the conventions are largely performative. “These delegates really don’t have any function,” said one assemblyman, acknowledging that his wife, a delegate, knew “zero” about the judicial candidates. “There is a fairly justified perception that things are sort of decided before the delegates go in.”</div>
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All of this might be slightly less objectionable if voters had a genuine choice in the general election. But because of cross-party endorsements (when the same candidate appears on the ballot under multiple party lines) they are frequently asked to pick the same number of judges as there are candidates. For example, in New York’s 8th Judicial District, which includes Buffalo, <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/sedita-colaiacovo-rubber-stamped-for-state-supreme-court-judgeships-20150928" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">both seats were determined</a> before the election by cross-endorsements. This is not an aberration. <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/sedita-colaiacovo-rubber-stamped-for-state-supreme-court-judgeships-20150928" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">More than half</a> of the district’s supreme court nominees since 1995 have been cross-endorsed, leaving voters with nothing to do but approve the names the parties have placed before them.</div>
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The problem with judges being de facto selected by unaccountable party leaders is not only that it is undemocratic, but also that it raises questions about judicial quality. Without democratic accountability, there is a higher risk that a candidate’s job qualifications could take a backseat to other, political, considerations. The two cross-endorsed supreme court nominees for the 8th District, for example, <a href="http://eriebar.org/BarAssociationIssuesUpdatedRatingsforJudicialCandidates2015" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">received “Qualified” ratings</a> from the Erie County Bar Association, the lowest of its three passing ratings.</div>
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Across the state, supreme court judges preside over the most complex civil and criminal proceedings in the state, impacting thousands of lives. Any compromise in the quality of our judges compromises the justice they mete out.</div>
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<b>What’s Next?</b></div>
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In spite of the system’s democratic flaws, New York’s use of the delegate primary convention has survived constitutional scrutiny. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality <a href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/07pdf/06-766.pdf" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">in a 2008 decision</a> but emphasized that they backed neither the merit nor the wisdom of such a model. In a concurring opinion joined by Justice David Souter, Justice John Stevens said the ruling “should not be misread as endorsement of the electoral system under review.” Quoting Justice Thurgood Marshall, Justice Stevens added, “The Constitution does not prohibit legislatures from enacting stupid laws.”</div>
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Nor does the Constitution prohibit legislatures from being smart. In 1977, the legislature passed — and New Yorkers approved — an amendment to the state constitution to change the selection of judges to the state’s highest court, the court of appeals, away from the convention-based primary system.</div>
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As far back as 1989, the <a href="http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1485&context=plr" style="color: #f40c1a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">New York Commission on Public Integrity noted</a>, “[M]ost of our judges are chosen by elections that are almost totally controlled by political party leaders, a system which clashes with the fundamental objective of an independent and nonpartisan judiciary…New York can and must do better.”</div>
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Legislators in Albany should replace this exclusionary selection system in which judges are “made” with one that actually reflects our democratic values.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.wnyc.org/story/judicial-races-little-choice-voters/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">In Judicial Races, Little Choice for Voters</a> (WNYC)</span></h1>
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<a href="https://www.villagevoice.com/2007/01/09/the-sales-of-justice/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Sales of Justice | Village Voice</a></h3>
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It's time to reform New York's machine-controlled judicial system | CSNY</h3>
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Why do Judges Run With Party A <span class="st">Affiliations?</span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/20/nyregion/electing-little-known-candidates-as-judges.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=78A65BBC1474CC9E8880AEF7E421FC7C&gwt=pay" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Electing Little-Known Candidates as Judges</a> - The New York Times 1991</h3>
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To Brooklyn Democratic Party Belong the Power and the Spoils - The ...</h3>
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<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/15/archives/to-brooklyn-democratic-party-belong-the-power-and-the-spoils-a.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">“I have great questions about the quality of the judges,” said Charles Monaghan, a Brooklyn district leader affiliated with the New Democratic Coalition er who often challenges Mr. Esposito's decisions, “Meade appoints judges to fill political contracts,” said Mr. Monaghan, a magazine editor when he isn't politicking and an apparent target for Mr. Esposito in the September primary when the district leaders are elected.</span></h3>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/bench-pressing-judges-can-control-your-life-are-they-up-to-the-job.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"></a><br /><h3 class="LC20lb" style="margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/bench-pressing-judges-can-control-your-life-are-they-up-to-the-job.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">Bench-Pressing; Judges Can Control Your Life. Are They Up to the Job?</a></h3>
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<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/opinion/17thu2.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">A Defeat for Judicial Reform - The New York Times 2008</a></h3>
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<span class="st"><span class="f">Jan 17, 2008 - </span>The court has once again allowed political bosses to rig <i>elections</i> in <i>ways</i> that deny voters a meaningful role. New York's political power ...</span><br /><br /><span class="st"><a href="https://www.wnyc.org/story/judge-your-judges-ny-voters-little-say/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"></a></span><br /><h3 class="LC20lb" style="margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.wnyc.org/story/judge-your-judges-ny-voters-little-say/" style="color: #3778cd; text-decoration-line: none;">In Electing NY Judges, Voters Have Little Say | WNYC News | WNYC</a></span></h3>
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joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-13603947874191821712019-05-14T07:25:00.003-04:002019-05-14T07:25:49.256-04:00History of the Brooklyn Surrogate Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiyBK5CR0AX3k4DQCQLL_0NaJd7C1JysPwL8pm98HWfyKyapxx4LzDYYe_dEEcJ3pJbN0ljUmuZCGc4qi1A6ERU9EnDj6H04jnAihRxmGymdIyvXIeTb_L4os7-JOeKsn3gkxcEe5OWDl/s1600/7534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiyBK5CR0AX3k4DQCQLL_0NaJd7C1JysPwL8pm98HWfyKyapxx4LzDYYe_dEEcJ3pJbN0ljUmuZCGc4qi1A6ERU9EnDj6H04jnAihRxmGymdIyvXIeTb_L4os7-JOeKsn3gkxcEe5OWDl/s640/7534.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSBxfi_ht_816nFhrqqRdVm6C1g65jfKHOtEAI5G-ILB65ZJ5GpYv9VTEym6Ad_vUA3lThKT5A8pyDQ6risMv9A11GCG_mcVjiDpe0kmol5ijeIuXnyVc5aIW1ksB7bNSr3SM_PB8k62o/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="256" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSBxfi_ht_816nFhrqqRdVm6C1g65jfKHOtEAI5G-ILB65ZJ5GpYv9VTEym6Ad_vUA3lThKT5A8pyDQ6risMv9A11GCG_mcVjiDpe0kmol5ijeIuXnyVc5aIW1ksB7bNSr3SM_PB8k62o/s400/index.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The Surrogate Court hears cases involving probate of wills, estates of people who die without a will, as well as handles u<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">nclaimed property of the deceased without wills, adoptions and </span>certain guardianship proceedings. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />There is a Surrogate's Court in each <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_counties_in_New_York" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="List of counties in New York"><span style="color: #0b0080;">county in the New York State</span></a>. A Surrogate Judge is elected countywide, and is required to be a resident of the pertaining county. Each of New York's 62 counties has one surrogate, except <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Manhattan"><span style="color: #0b0080;">New York County</span></a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Brooklyn"><span style="color: #0b0080;">Kings County</span></a> which have two each. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br />Surrogates are elected to 10-year terms, except those in the five counties within <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="New York City"><span style="color: #0b0080;">New York City</span></a> where surrogates are elected to 14-year terms. In some counties, usually those with a small number of inhabitants, the judge of the </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judiciary_of_New_York" style="background-image: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Judiciary of New York"><span style="color: #0b0080;">County Court</span></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> holds at the same time the office of surrogate.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A Court With History of Corruption </b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YEj6Vn2ctCJ8zr0leateaTbhjEsm0z13kGDxYbbCd0xjXri2_c90_OgBVHCzcqNQd_MEfMvTAsldLTa2ojXzvLQHNlPhIrJV1yi03wA9U_bTR_j9kImTWcqsScai7rkPe26Oz88dHaCb/s1600/1a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="135" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YEj6Vn2ctCJ8zr0leateaTbhjEsm0z13kGDxYbbCd0xjXri2_c90_OgBVHCzcqNQd_MEfMvTAsldLTa2ojXzvLQHNlPhIrJV1yi03wA9U_bTR_j9kImTWcqsScai7rkPe26Oz88dHaCb/s320/1a1.png" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2012/07/29/how-insiders-snatch-millions-from-estates-in-the-scandal-scarred-surrogate-courts/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Due to persistent corruption and mismanagement in the Surrogate Courts</a> there have been frequent efforts to abolish the Surrogate's Court and redistribute its powers to the judges in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Supreme_Court" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="New York Supreme Court"><span style="color: #0b0080;">New York Supreme Court</span></a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Family_Court" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="New York Family Court"><span style="color: #0b0080;">Family Court</span></a>. The most recent efforts stem from the corruption scandal surrounding former <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn" style="background: none; color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Brooklyn"><span style="color: #0b0080;">Brooklyn</span></a> Surrogate Michael Feinberg, who was <a href="http://www.parentadvocates.org/nicecontent/dsp_printable.cfm?articleID=6139" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">removed from the bench in 2005.</a> In the past, </span><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Surrogate's Court Judges put into office by the democratic party bosses have been known to <a href="https://nypost.com/2012/07/29/how-insiders-snatch-millions-from-estates-in-the-scandal-scarred-surrogate-courts/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">funnel millions of dollars a year to lawyers connected to the democratic party machine by appointing them to cases pending before the court.</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In the past, election of a democratic party machine's judge to the Surrogate </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Court meant the many appointments made by the judge went to the party insiders who looted estates while propping up the party machine. </span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJVp5v4TNd2bZvYqhbZViIr-EeXi6Hfel30XEnYnUEpH9HDCooAXaE74mz5k5P1wjD9C28_hYjStGXgTgqj4C_clWGSiAytbP8XiOR7h5e3Ddv9WUFnEBQumUysuvYaD41Hwz4wlglXm8/s1600/new-york-times-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="640" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJVp5v4TNd2bZvYqhbZViIr-EeXi6Hfel30XEnYnUEpH9HDCooAXaE74mz5k5P1wjD9C28_hYjStGXgTgqj4C_clWGSiAytbP8XiOR7h5e3Ddv9WUFnEBQumUysuvYaD41Hwz4wlglXm8/s200/new-york-times-logo.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In Brooklyn Surrogate Court, <a href="https://nypost.com/2012/07/29/how-insiders-snatch-millions-from-estates-in-the-scandal-scarred-surrogate-courts/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">the New York Times wrote in 2012,</a> "</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Richard Paul, the bookkeeper for the Brooklyn public administrator, was indicted for stealing $2.6 million from these estates, allegedly manipulating the check-writing process to get at the cash." The New York Times quoted </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Monroe Freedman, a Hofstra University professor and leading expert on legal ethics, who said that </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">"</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Judges who allow fraudulent pay-outs are 'a disgrace to the legal profession and to the state of New York...[and] should be removed from the bench and disbarred.'" (The New York Times, 6/29/2012). </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdAmi5zT4OYvQMFlvkEFiAnWwQdD7rnyerz4sohLx2yq01lyW1XRwsUMiJ5LpoK0wc3ACrZswaknzgKXb_lnJbYthYZJr7e7nh09Fv9Eas6WLFfLxw8yM08-1bzzBJInHMqpIeQYCuqUe/s1600/mfeinberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdAmi5zT4OYvQMFlvkEFiAnWwQdD7rnyerz4sohLx2yq01lyW1XRwsUMiJ5LpoK0wc3ACrZswaknzgKXb_lnJbYthYZJr7e7nh09Fv9Eas6WLFfLxw8yM08-1bzzBJInHMqpIeQYCuqUe/s1600/mfeinberg.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: x-small;">Freedman said an entrenched system of favor-trading, with hints of bribery, has persisted for decades.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: x-small;">That is the position held by Mr. Rosenthal, who like Judge Feinberg had been active in the Democratic Party and has also served as a judge, though he is now in private practice. According to the commission's decision, his father was the public administrator in Brooklyn from 1958 to 1964, though only about 5 percent of his own legal practice concerned surrogates litigation.</span>Judge Feinberg appointed Mr. Rosenthal shortly after he became surrogate, and began to award him legal fees for handling estates without requiring documentation about the time and effort he put in. The judge also routinely approved legal fees equal to 8 percent of the value of the estate in question, despite the fact that fees are supposed to be limited to 6 percent except in exceptional circumstances.<br /><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In Queens, the democratic party machine is</span></span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> continuing to thrive thanks to its backed and elected judge in the Surrogate Court who doles out lucrative assignments to the party insiders in astonishing proportions. <a href="http://gothamist.com/2019/02/20/joe_crowley_queens_machine.php" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gothamist writes</a>: "w</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">hile the Queens machine faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ocasio-Cortez, it has quietly chugged on. Gerard Sweeney, Frank Bolz and Reich, the three attorneys who live on Long Island but have effectively run the party apparatus for over 30 years, are still in charge...[they]...</span><span style="color: #aa0000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">make millions in Surrogate’s Court</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Court records</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span><span style="color: #aa0000; font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">show</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">that ...Sweeney continues to rake in Surrogate’s Court cash at a startling rate. Since Ocasio-Cortez’s victory last June, he has collected at least $1 million in fees."(<i>Gothamist</i>, 2/20/2019). </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/nyregion/in-queens-political-center-is-in-surrogates-court.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">In 2011 the New York Times wrote:</a> "</span>To enter [the Surrogate Court] is to stumble upon Ponce de Leon’s own spring, an eternal source of easy money for the politically wired. The Surrogate’s judge appointed the public administrator, Lois M. Rosenblatt, who is a fierce and battle-tested elections lawyer, Democratic division...[who]<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> reappointed the court’s counsel, who for about a millennium has been Gerard J. Sweeney. In 2010, Mr. Sweeney’s office pulled down $2.284 million administering estates. " </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">“Surrogate’s Court is the play,” notes a well-connected Queens Democrat who remains that way by talking anonymously. 'You can’t talk about what makes the machine tick without talking about surrogates.'"</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> (<i>The New York Times</i>, 11/28/2011). </span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mayor La Guardia and the Surrogate Court </b></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNcf9_Kx0pVsNuFXA4cCKshbgsaDkfvVw-l97nOGl7oijdNz5L_-IMD4ELQbfIDXLcuA4bg0iOYTyHLrtZ57EelobtgtpN9X83o1U_AHczfjqr2RzT-tDPlahWSk9znxJACTp80MV-hhW/s1600/LaGuardia_Funnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNcf9_Kx0pVsNuFXA4cCKshbgsaDkfvVw-l97nOGl7oijdNz5L_-IMD4ELQbfIDXLcuA4bg0iOYTyHLrtZ57EelobtgtpN9X83o1U_AHczfjqr2RzT-tDPlahWSk9znxJACTp80MV-hhW/s1600/LaGuardia_Funnies.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In 1930's Mayor Fiorello La Guardia<b> </b></span></span>believed it was control of the Surrogate's Court of New York County, more than any other factor, that kept the Tammany Hall political machine alive through the lean years when he deprived it of city jobs and President Franklin Roosevelt denied it federal jobs. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Robert Kennedy </span><span style="text-align: justify;">called the Surrogate Court "A Political Toll Booth Exacting Tribute From Widows and Orphans." </span></span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background: red; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Articles on How Surrogate Judges are Elected</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://indypendent.org/2019/04/brooklyns-political-machine-gets-another-cog/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b>Brooklyn's Political Machine Gets Another Cog (<i>The Indypendent</i>, 4/3/2019)</b></a></span><br />
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<br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It’s not exactly shocking when a reformer becomes a political insider, but the details still matter.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Surrogate Court is where wills and estates are settled. Attorneys connected to the court via the office of Public Administrator collect lucrative fees. As in Queens during Joe Crowley’s reign, the Brooklyn Democratic machine plays an integral role in the process.Once a determined foe of the Brooklyn Democratic machine, Margarita López Torres is running in the June primary for reelection as one of two Kings County Surrogate’s Court judges — and she’s doing so with the backing of party boss Frank Seddio, who has close ties to that court.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After winning her first Surrogate term as an insurgent in 2005, López Torres contested the New York State law giving political parties control over judgeships (via its judicial conventions) in a battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Although it was unanimously struck down in 2008, the case prompted Justice John Paul Stevens to declare that the “Constitution does not prohibit state legislatures from enacting stupid laws.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />Now, with her first 14-year term expiring at the end of this year, López Torres is running for a second. But given that she will turn 68 later this year, if re-elected, López Torres will only be able to serve two more years because the mandatory retirement for New York’s non-Supreme Court judges is 70.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">López Torres tells <i style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">The Indypendent</span></i> that “unless there is a change in the law,” she will indeed be forced to retire at the end of 2021 (and prompt another Surrogate election). She notes that the New York State legislators serve two-year terms, so her potentially abbreviated second term “is hardly cause for reservation.”</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">López Torres has the full support of Seddio, along with his progressive allies, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Councilman Brad Lander, Assembly members Bobby Carroll and JoAnne Simon, and clubs such as Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Independent Neighborhood Democrats.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">The Brooklyn party machine “no longer harbors [an] animus towards me,” says López Torres, explaining that, unlike his predecessors Clarence Norman and Vito Lopez, Seddio “has never asked me to select [one of his people] for my staff.” She adds that Seddio “served as the other Surrogate judge with me for one and a half years, and thus is familiar with the qualities I bring to the bench.”</span><br /><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">Seddio’s tenure on the Surrogate bench, however, was cut short when he resigned in 2007 amid an investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct into his misuse of campaign funds. Seddio retains close ties to the attorneys appointed by Brooklyn’s Surrogate judges to oversee the office of Public Administrator.</span><br /><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The party machine continues to control the judicial convention, which after the June primary will select a replacement on the Kings County Supreme Court for Harriet Thompson, who last year was elected as Brooklyn’s other Surrogate judge. Asked whether she would accept a nomination to Supreme Court (where the retirement age is 76), López Torres flatly declares, “No” — and says she’s made that clear to the party leadership.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">One club that is not endorsing in the Surrogate race, New Kings Democrats, nonetheless plans to track the campaign closely and distribute explainers to its members. “People should go into the election knowing what they’re voting for,” maintains the club’s president Brandon West. “Any backroom deals made within the party are not something we’ll support.”</span><br /><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Geoffrey Davis, a Democratic district leader from Crown Heights, has not yet decided whether to back former party boss Clarence Norman’s preferred candidate, Meredith Jones, who has worked at the Surrogate Court. But according to Davis, López Torres has “failed to spot salient issues such as deed fraud and the erroneous sale of properties” that have plagued Brooklyn’s black community in recent years.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, current Civil Court Judge Elena Baron is also making a bid, and her consultant is Gary Tilzer, who ran López Torres’ campaign when she beat the party machine in 2005. Tilzer is surprised by the cozy relationship between López Torres and Seddio.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">“The machine makes its living off the Brooklyn courts, but now Seddio and company are endorsing a candidate who went to the Supreme Court trying to cut off their control of picking judges? It makes no sense,” says Tilzer.</span><br /><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If nothing else, Frank Seddio certainly knows how to keep his bread buttered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-judges-20180912-story.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Surrogate Justice: The Machine Beats the Voters in Brooklyn </span></a></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Daily News, 9/13/2018)</span></span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Surrogate judges oversee the estates of the dead and can offer rich rewards to connected lawyers. So when one of the 14-year judgeships is vacant, competition is fierce. So fierce that the Brooklyn Democratic machine lost the last two surrogate primaries to insurgents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />Not this year. Boss Frank Seddio — a disgraced ex-Surrogate himself — is seizing the valuable post without a challenge to his candidate, Harriet Thompson. A Civil Court judge, Thompson has already violated court rules by failing to complete the mandatory judicial campaign ethics training. Fellow incumbent Civil Court judges Loren Baily, Ingrid Joseph and Devin Cohen, all running for reelection, also failed to comply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">No matter. At next week's judicial nominating convention, Seddio's machine plans to tap them for state Supreme Court and then fill their Civil Court places on the November ballot with loyal substitutes, with no voter input. So both democracy and justice will lose again in Brooklyn.</span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://indypendent.org/2018/06/battle-of-the-grifters/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Battle of the Grifters</a>: </span></b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://indypendent.org/2018/06/battle-of-the-grifters/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b>Disgraced Brooklyn Party Boss Regains Influence</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Indypendent 6/28/2018)</i></span></a></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px; text-align: center;">Former Bklyn Dem Leader</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">He’s retired, out of politics,” says Brooklyn district leader Geoffrey Davis regarding former Democratic party boss Clarence Norman. But then again, Davis adds, “Does anyone ever really retire?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Since his return from prison in 2011, Norman has indeed steadily reasserted his influence. Starting with Ken Thompson’s successful 2013 effort to topple his nemesis, District Attorney Joe Hynes, Norman has played a key role in local elections. This past May, Norman effectively chose the Brooklyn party’s candidate for surrogate court judge on this fall’s ballot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Judge selection may not sound like a consequential move, but backing candidates is one of the party organization’s main functions. And picking judges has been a primary concern of the current Democratic boss, Frank Seddio. Norman went to prison for a slew of campaign violations, including extortion in civil court judge campaigns. His return to backstage influence raises important questions about the future of Brooklyn’s Democratic Party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />That’s especially the case because many insiders predict that Norman, via his ties to the ascendant Hakeem Jeffries wing of the party, will exert plenty of influence when it comes to choosing Seddio’s successor.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2007/06/06/clarence-says-jail-farewell/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Clarence Says Jail & Farewell (New York Post, 6/6/2007) </a></span></b><br /><br /><h1 class="headline" id="headline" itemprop="headline" style="margin: 0px; position: relative; visibility: visible;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/nyregion/in-queens-political-center-is-in-surrogates-court.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Court, Not Votes, Sustains a Political Machine in Queens</a> (NYT)</span></h1>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Power and money are found not so much in the voting booth as in the machine-controlled judicial conventions that pick judges, and in the courthouse on Sutphin Boulevard.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> That is where you find Surrogate’s Court, otherwise known as widows and orphans court. This court appoints guardians who make handsome fees processing the estates of those Queens residents who die without wills. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To enter this court is to stumble upon Ponce de Leon’s own spring, an eternal source of easy money for the politically wired. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Surrogate’s Court is the play,” notes a well-connected Queens Democrat who remains that way by talking anonymously. “You can’t talk about what makes the machine tick without talking about surrogates.” </span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To peruse the list of guardians appointed by Surrogate’s Court is, in places, to take a stroll through the crypts of Democratic politics.</span></span></h1>
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<a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/stink-corruption-smell-brooklyn-article-1.220176" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Is that the stink of corruption I smell in Brooklyn?</a> (Daily News)</h1>
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For a worst-case scenario of what can go wrong, look at the tawdry career of ex-Surrogate Michael Feinberg. Elected to the post in 1996, Feinberg got bounced off the bench in disgrace after the Daily News discovered Feinberg had funneled nearly $9 million in estate fees to lawyer pal Louis Rosenthal - far more than he was legally entitled to.</div>
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More recently, another surrogate, Frank Seddio, resigned this year after coming under investigation by the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Seddio, in apparent violation of rules governing candidates for the bench, gave more than $31,000 in campaign funds to political cronies and to his home base, the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club.<br /></div>
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<span style="background: red; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Latest Problems in the Brooklyn Surrogate Court</span></div>
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<b style="color: #19191b; font-family: "greta text", georgia, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2012/01/17/city-bookkeeper-in-600g-scam/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">City Bookkeeper in 600g Scam</a> </span></b>(<i>New York Post,</i>1/17/2012) A bookkeeper stole more than $600,000 in taxpayer money by creating a phony check from the Brooklyn municipal office that handles the estates of people who die without wills or next of kin, court papers allege. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://lawyer%20who%20held%20up%20badly%20needed%20settlement%20money%20finally%20turns%20in%20report%20on%20guardian%20of%20severely%20disabled%20brooklyn%20girl/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b>Lawyer Who Held Up Badly Needed Settlement Money Finally Turns in Report on Guardian of Severely Disabled Brooklyn Girl </b>(<i>Daily News</i>, 6/8/2015)</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2012/07/29/how-insiders-snatch-millions-from-estates-in-the-scandal-scarred-surrogate-courts/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">How Insiders Snatch Millions From Estates in theScandal-Scarred Surrogate Courts (New York Post 7/29/2012)</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333;"><span style="background: red; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> <br />Quotes about the Surrogate Court from </span></b><br /><b style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333;"><span style="background: red; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Two Real Progressives</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Mayor Fiorello La Guardia</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Called Surrogate's Court: </span></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">"The Most Expensive </span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Undertaking</span></span></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> Establishment in the World"</span> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Surrogate Court is A Political Toll Booth Exacting Tribute From Widows and Orphans" </span></span>- Robert Kennedy</b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">"In the 1960s’ Senator Robert Kennedy came closest to stopping the looting of New York’s dead. Kennedy went to Albany to gain public support to reform the court. He was attacked by the legislatures and by Manhattan Surrogate Judge Samuel Di Falco. “The testimony of </span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Senator Kennedy and Justice Silverman had been based “solely on hearsay, not on facts. . . The committee heard from Kennedy in silence and asked no questions, but after the Senator left, members of the committee, and some Surrogates called as witnesses, denounced him for repeating “hearsay” statements impugning the system.” </span></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> –NY Times Nov. 30, 1966</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: "greta text", georgia, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: #19191b; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This latest episode and the disclosure of Feinberg's abuses should serve as an impetus finally to eliminate the court that Senator Robert Kennedy called "a political toll booth exacting tribute from widows and orphans." Once informally known as "the widows and orphans court," the Surrogate's Court handles estates from people who die without a proper will. In doing this, it funnels millions of dollars a year to lawyers who serve as guardians.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: 13.5pt;">Bronx </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Judge Holzman, the Bronx surrogate since 1988, is in the midst of a disciplinary hearing in which he is charged with allowing his staff to run amok and to take fees that were excessive and unearned from estates that it was handling. Judge Holzman could lose his job as a result of the hearing. * <b><span style="color: #19191b;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/law-article-1.1226857#ixzz2GAcjzm9d" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">Bronx Surrogate Judge Lee Holzman keeps his job despite breaking the rules</span></a></span></b>(NYDN Ed) <b><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">* <a href="http://riverdalepress.com/stories/Politics-plays-key-role-in-appointments,51949" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Politics plays key role in Bronx court appointments</span></a>(Riverdale Press)</span></b><b> </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: 13.5pt;">Staten Island</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://exposecorruptcourts.blogspot.com/2010/09/cover-up-continues-in-surrogates-court.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Expose <i>Corrupt</i> Courts: Cover-Up Continues in <i>Surrogate's Court</i> </span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Brooklyn</span></b><b> <a href="http://articles.nydailynews.com/2002-05-13/news/18197843_1_court-system-state-judicial-officials-fees" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f; font-weight: normal;">Lawyer makes millions with no details on fees - New York Daily News</span></a></b> * <b><a href="http://www.noethics.net/News/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1263:is-ex-judge-michael-feinberg-of-new-york-a-crook-a-degenerate-crook&catid=68:new-york-judicial-misfits&Itemid=82" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f; font-weight: normal;">Is ex-Surrogate Judge <i>Michael Feinberg</i> of New York a degenerate crook?</span></a></b><br /><br /></div>
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<b><span style="background: red; color: white; font-size: 18pt;">The Brooklyn Surrogate Machine Judges </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: red; color: white; font-size: 18pt;">Forced to Retire and Removed</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: 13.5pt;">In 1995 State Commission on Judicial Conduct Let Another Corrupt Brooklyn Surrogate Court Judge Retire</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"In the absence of mitigating circumstances," they said, "removal would be appropriate for such conduct."But the commission said there were mitigating circumsrtances, like the 68-year-old Surrogate's age and his experience on the bench, the finding that his misconduct "was not motivated by selfish interests" and the belief that he "has been forthcoming, cooperative and contrite" before the commission.<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/08/nyregion/panel-censures-brooklyn-judge-for-lying.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Panel Censures Brooklyn <i>Judge</i> for Lying - New York Times</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.noethics.net/News/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1263:is-ex-judge-michael-feinberg-of-new-york-a-crook-a-degenerate-crook&catid=68:new-york-judicial-misfits&Itemid=82" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/print/1472" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Surrogate's Court And Why It Should Go </span></a>(True News)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE PARTY LEADERS CONTROLLED THE SURROGATE COURT IN THE PAST</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Last week, Brooklyn Surrogate's Court Judge Michael Feinberg was <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/323886p-276854c.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0096ef;">removed from the bench</span></a> because he committed misconduct by improperly awarding nearly $9 million in fees to attorney Louis R. Rosenthal, his long-time friend. The fees in question were taken from the estates of Brooklyn's dead, their widows and orphans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">In a unanimous decision, the state's highest court upheld Feinberg's ouster by the Commission on Judicial Conduct and ruled that his actions <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/ny/cases/app/125pc05.pdf" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0096ef;">"debased his office and eroded public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary."</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Feinberg <a href="http://www.judicialaccountability.org/articles/judgesfeesforbuddy.htm" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0096ef;">never denied he gave the money</span></a> to his friend -- in fact he freely admits he did -- but said the payments were justified and in keeping with long-time practice in Brooklyn Surrogate's Court.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Surrogate Feinberg was among a small group of judges, lawyers and politicians who make their living from a court that for over 100 years has been at the center of judicial, legal and political corruption in New York City. Yet it has survived many attempts to eliminate it.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/03/archives/new-jersey-pages-how-a-judge-is-made-in-brooklyn-case-of-borough.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">How Bernie Bloom Became Surrogate </a>(NYT, 1977)</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/nyregion/state-commission-seeking-ouster-of-surrogate-judge-in-brooklyn.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">State Commission Seeking Ouster of Surrogate Judge in Brooklyn(NYT)</a></h3>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://jimmybreslin.blogspot.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jimmy Breslin on the Brooklyn Surrogate Court Judge Picked by the Machine</b></span> </a><br />It was not Eduardo Daniel Gutierrez to die in a lake of concrete. The Brooklyn Surrogate's lawyer had to take his cut before his family recieved any of his wrongfull death settlement.</div>
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<b><span style="background: red; color: white; font-size: 18pt;">The Brooklyn Surrogate Court More Problems After Feinberg</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #19191b; font-size: 18pt;">More Corruption in the Brooklyn Surrogate Court Public Administration Office </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaDjd8YycV0GlRKDGrfi5k-2Zhwijto_9lYORFVY4aQezjNLRW-tCAPht6nghpGFXiBN2_YRk9NbH0sl0pUKfT2MpnG8FsKM34DM3skDcwK3ep7GZTe0HM9x7-Dg-rLgwbrRdSOsXsMng/s1600/shutterstock_94407685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1033" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaDjd8YycV0GlRKDGrfi5k-2Zhwijto_9lYORFVY4aQezjNLRW-tCAPht6nghpGFXiBN2_YRk9NbH0sl0pUKfT2MpnG8FsKM34DM3skDcwK3ep7GZTe0HM9x7-Dg-rLgwbrRdSOsXsMng/s320/shutterstock_94407685.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ff7f7f;"><a href="http://nypost.com/2014/09/18/estates-official-resigns-after-office-mishandles-2-2m-in-assets/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Estates official resigns after office mishandles $2.2M inassets</span></a> </span></b>(<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">NYP, </span></i><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: x-small;">September 18, 2014</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></i><br />The official who oversees estates of people who die without wills in Brooklyn — and whose office was cited for sloppy work by the city comptroller last year — has resigned, The Post has learned. Kings County Public Administrator Bruce Stein stepped down earlier this month, in part because of questions about his ability to perform the job, a source said. Stein’s office was slammed by former Comptroller John Liu in 2013 for mishandling more than $2.2 million in assets, including misplacing a fur coat and allowing $50,000 in cash to sit unclaimed in a safe deposit box for five years. The money was claimed only after auditors pointed it out. The auditors found shoddy work in more than half of the 50 cases that were examined. Stein was appointed to the role in January 2009, and was earning more than $123,000. He did not respond to a request for comment.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>2012</b> A crooked Brooklyn bookkeeper convicted of stealing $2.6 million from the estates of people who died without wills expressed remorse Thursday for his crime before a judge sentenced him to six to 18 years in prison.<b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/corrupt-brooklyn-courthouse-bookkeeper-stole-2-6-million-dead-article-1.1072851" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;"> Corrupt Brooklyn courthouse bookkeeper stole $2.6 million ...</span></a> New York Daily News, May 4, 2012</span></b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/07/sorry-estate-robber-off-to-jail/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">‘Sorry’ estate robber off to jail</a> </b>(NYP, September 18, 2014) A crooked Brooklyn bookkeeper convicted of stealing $2.6 million from the estates of people who died without wills expressed remorse Thursday for his crime before a judge sentenced him to 6 to 18 years in prison. A crooked Brooklyn bookkeeper convicted of stealing $2.6 million from the estates of people who died without wills expressed remorse Thursday for his crime before a judge sentenced him to six to 18 years in prison. Crooked bookkeeper Richard Paul.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/City-Bookkeeper-Stole-Funds-Dead-People-Estate-Indictment-150184205.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Ex-City Bookkeeper Indicted for Stealing from Dead People: <b>...</b></span></a><i>(</i>WNBC) </span><span style="color: #969696; font-size: x-small;">May 4, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/05/nyregion/brooklyn-bookkeeper-charged-with-stealing-millions-from-estates.html?ref=nyregion" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f; font-size: 12pt;">City Bookkeeper Charged With Stealing $2.6 Million From Estates(NYT, 2012)</span></a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> An employee in the office of the Brooklyn public administrator and three others pleaded not guilty to what prosecutors said was a scheme that targeted estates without wills.</span><br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">City Employee Arrested for Stealing from the Deceased</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Special to the Sun | June 20, 2008</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A former employee of a Brooklyn governmental office has been arrested and charged with illegally pocketing $13,268, some of it from a deceased person's safe-deposit box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arthur Orikher, who was employed at the Kings County Public Administrator's Office, could face up to seven years in prison, according to a statement issued by the city's Department of Investigation. The Public Administrator's Office administers the estates of individuals who die without wills or without families who can administer their estates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just three months after being hired to perform accounting duties at the office, Mr. Orikher began depositing counterfeit checks worth $9,969 into his personal account, the commissioner of the DOI, Rose Gill Hearn, said. Then, on April 30, Mr. Orikher stole $3,300 that had been collected from a deceased client's safe-deposit box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"The charged conduct obviously violates the fundamental obligations and standards of personal integrity required of any public servant, to say nothing of one paid by the City to conserve the money and valuables of the deceased," Ms. Hearn said in the statement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.nysun.com/new-york/city-employee-arrested-for-stealing-from/80410/</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/two-convicted-brooklyn-public-administrator-embezzlement-case-2013-11-14-200000" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Two convicted in Brooklyn public administrator embezzlement case (Brooklyn Eagle</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #19191b; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2013/07/audit-shows-brooklyn-public-administrators-doing-poor-job.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Audit Shows Brooklyn Public Administrators Doing Poor Job</span></a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The audit showed that assets in over half of the fifty estates that were examined had been mishandled. And that’s only 50 of 3,300 estates the administrator’s office has been responsible for since June 2011. Among the missteps, Liu claims the administrator’s office left $50,000 sitting in a safe deposit box for five years, failed to credit an estate after selling a home for $140,000, and misplaced a $1,000 fur coat. Public Administrator Bruce Stein responded to Liu’s audit with an itemized refutation of its findings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">"The audit showed that assets in over half of the fifty estates that were examined had been mishandled. And that’s only 50 of 3,300 estates the administrator’s office has been responsible for since June 2011"</span></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">KCPA Bruce Stein adamantly defended his office. Liu found that assertion unsatisfactory, noting that the KCPA and not the OCA is “responsible for substantively reviewing and approving estate expenses — including legal counsel fees. Accordingly, KCPA should have ensured that such expenses were authorized and appropriate. “ Liu countered that the Stein “may have prevented rather than detected the reported misappropriation of funds” had he instituted internal controls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The public administrator oversees the estates of people who die without wills, and if no relatives claim the funds, the assets are transferred to the city Department of Finance. Paul, who oversaw the process as a clerk for the public administrator, manipulated the checks to enrich himself and his pals between 2008 and November 2011.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A crooked Brooklyn bookkeeper convicted of stealing $2.6 million from the estates of people who died without wills expressed remorse Thursday for his crime before a judge sentenced him to six to 18 years in prison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/corrupt-brooklyn-courthouse-bookkeeper-stole-2-6-million-dead-article-1.1072851" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Corrupt Brooklyn courthouse bookkeeper stole $2.6 million <b>...</b></span></a> New York Daily News, May 4, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/City-Bookkeeper-Stole-Funds-Dead-People-Estate-Indictment-150184205.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Ex-City Bookkeeper Indicted for Stealing from Dead People: <b>...</b></span></a><i>(</i>WNBC)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">How Court Ordered Guardians Rip Off Judge Philips' Slave Theater and Other Real Estate Holding, And Got Away With it</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/nyregion/the-slave-theater-in-brooklyn-at-center-of-bitter-battle-over-ownership.html?ref=nyregion" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Tug of War Over a Civil Rights Legacy</span></a>(NYT) The Slave Theater </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, once a hub of civil rights </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">activity, is mired in a bitter battle over ownership rights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Clarence Hardy, the self-proclaimed chief of the Slave Theater </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, said Judge John L. Phillips Jr., </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the former owner of the neighborhood landmark, wanted him to </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">occupy the theater. * <b><a href="http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/39/30_39slavetheater.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Slave Theater could be sold to pay judge’s ‘debts’</span></a> (Brooklyn Paper) </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<b> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2010/06/28/judge-john-l-phillips-jus_ws_627613.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><i><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">JUDGE</span></i><span style="color: #ff7f7f;"> JOHN L. <i>PHILLIPS</i> - JUSTICE HAS NOT BEEN SERVED</span></a> * <a href="http://www.judicialaccountability.org/articles/guardianshiptotakeproperty.htm" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Guardians of Retired Judge Accused of Lax </span></a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.judicialaccountability.org/articles/guardianshiptotakeproperty.htm" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f; font-size: 12pt;">Accounting and Improprieties</span></a>(NYT)</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/nyregion/15surrogate.html" style="color: #3778cd; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Democrats Clash in Brooklyn as Surrogate Judge Race Heats Up</a> (NYT, 2017)</span></h1>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-82856522777955826032019-05-14T07:22:00.003-04:002019-05-14T07:22:36.980-04:00What is the Civil Court and how are the Judges Elected<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Civil Court of the City of New York</b></span> is a civil court of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #ff7f7f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Judiciary of New York">New York State Unified Court System</a> in New York City that decides lawsuits involving claims for damages up to $25,000 and includes a small claims part (small claims court) for cases involving amounts up to $5,000 as well as a housing part (housing court) for landlord-tenant matters, and also handles other civil matters referred by the New York Supreme Court.<sup style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </sup> It handles about 25% of all the New York state and local courts' total filings. The court has divisions by county (borough), but it is a single citywide court. An regular election occurred for civil and surrogate courts candidates. Candidates for the supreme courts are chosen indirectly by delegates and appear only on the general election ballot. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Civil Court Judges are Elected Countywide and by Districts in each borough in direct elections</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><b><span class="st">The <i>Civil Court</i> has monetary jurisdiction up to $25,000.00, including replevin when the value of the chattel does not exceed that amount. ... Cases brought by self-represented litigants are automatically placed on the <i>court's</i> Personal Appearance Part calendar for conference when an answer is filed.</span> </b></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><b>Judges</b> of the <b>Civil Court</b> are elected and serve terms of 10 years. There are 120 <b>Civil Court Judges</b>, of which approximately 50 sit in the <b>Civil Court</b>. The rest of the <b>judges</b> elected to the<b>Civil Court</b> sit in various other <b>courts</b>, including Criminal <b>Court</b> and Family <b>Court</b>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn">If You Are Suing: Small Claims or a Limited Civil? If you are an individual and want to file a lawsuit for <b>$10,000</b> or less, you have the option of filing a small claims case or a limited civil case. If you are a business, you can file in small claims court for $5,000 or less.</span> </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><b>Civil Court</b> Cases. When <b>you sue</b> someone for damages, such as in an assault or defamation suit, <b>you</b> are engaging in a <b>civil court</b> action. The legal justice system is divided into two main <b>courts</b>: criminal and <b>civil</b>.</span> </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn">How Much is the Filing Fee? To start the lawsuit, a filing fee of <b>$50</b>. to <b>$110</b>. is common. The exact amount depends on the amount for which you sue. If you are successful, the party you sue will be required to reimburse you for the costs you pay to file the suit.</span> </span> </span>joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-22492671427150344522019-05-14T07:17:00.001-04:002019-05-14T07:19:27.035-04:00Brooklyn's Surrogate Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://brooklynsurrogatecourt.blogspot.com/2019/04/judicial-screening-panels-are-arm-of.html" style="color: #444444; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-decoration-line: none;">Judicial Screening Panels are An Arm of the Political Machines II</a></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "courier new";">What is the self proclaimed </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll red; color: white; font-family: "courier new";">"Independent Judicial Screening Committee?"</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You do not have to guess. As per the affirmation of the attorney of the so-called "independent judicial screening committee" before the Federal Court, Eastern District of New York, "the committee is part of a political group--not a governmental one--and has the constitutional right to vet candidates as it sees fit." The phrase "as it sees fit" is a give away, since the attorneys that sit on the so-called independent judicial screening panel appear before the same judges they rate and they also seek and accept lucrative appointments from the same judges that they obligate to go before them for screening. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />One of the so-called independent judicial screeners is Steven R. Finkelstein, Esq, an everlasting member on the panel, appearing on the 2019 Judicial Screening Committee for the Democratic Party in and for Kings County as designated by the 41st, the 45th and the 59th Assembly Districts. Interestingly enough, the male district leader for the 41st AD is Luis Fidler, the right hand man to the Party Chair Seddio and the male district leader for the 59th AD is Seddio himself. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Finkelstein was appointed as the attorney to the Public Administrator in the Surrogate Court by former Surrogate Frank Seddio. Seddio was nominated as a 2nd Surrogate after Albany passed a law while Seddio was an Assemblyman in Albany, and served together with an elected Surrogate Margarita Lopez Torres for a little over a year. <a href="https://observer.com/2012/10/not-the-same-as-the-old-boss/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Seddio, however had to resign</a> <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/stink-corruption-smell-brooklyn-article-1.220176" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">shortly after taking the bench</a> while under investigation by the the Commission on Judicial Conduct into his political contributions from his Assembly campaign account. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Upon Seddio's departure, the Surrogate who was left over was Margarita Lopez Torres, who interestingly enough kept Finkelstein in business. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: red;">Daily News' Calls the So-Called "Independent" Screening Committee of the New York City Bar Association Seddio's Puppet </span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><b>It is a known fact that the so-called independent screening committees of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Brooklyn Bar Association and the New York City Bar utilize the same so-called "independent" screeners. members of the New York City Bar </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b>"The city bar association also rates would-be judges. But Seddio, a honcho in the Brooklyn bar, influences that panel. Why even have a supposedly straight-arrow screening commission when it's tainted by bosses? You know the answer." - <span style="color: #ff7f7f;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/courting-corruption-phony-judicial-elections-article-1.3471814" style="color: #ff7f7f; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Daily News, Sep 06, 2017 </a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "courier new";">The Seddio Carone Machine Not Only Makes Judges it Also Knock Off Judges to Send the Other Judges the Message</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/2016/44/pl-judge-sues-brooklyn-democratic-party-2016-10-28-bk.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Judge Sues Brooklyn Democratic Party for Defamation</span></a> </span><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">(Brooklyn Paper)</span></b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">But attorneys for the party and the screening committee are asking Brooklyn judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to toss Jacobson’s suit as groundless.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The committee is part of a political group — not a governmental one — and has the constitutional right to vet candidates as it sees fit, according to the panel’s attorney, George Carpinello.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“We are saying we are not a government, not a state actor. And second, as a political party, the Kings County Committee has the First Amendment right to have a screening process, and it would be unconstitutional for the courts to interfere with that process,” he said.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The libel accusations are bunk too, Carpinello said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn-judge-accuses-dems-blocking-re-election-suit-article-1.2768391" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Brooklyn Supreme Court judge suing borough’s Democratic Party for dashing her re-election hopes </a>(Daily News)</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q8Stm12tYp7Ol3DUgaK9SblACJwmPYiGQAjOJxn6dJMj8FdJmNQg2rTsdJtbWBDuGFZEAfpnJJ2SDyJimRrkl864wv-gDl6rdr4dbjye005cR_qwxzlor4J_jJivdwKdZ5IL2QsFd0Z_/s1600/Crone.jpg" style="color: #4d469c; float: left; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></i></b></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A Brooklyn Supreme Court judge has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the Brooklyn Democratic Party after she wasn't approved for re-election by a screening committee.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ravi Batra, a lawyer representing Justice Laura Jacobson, filed the bombshell suit Friday against the Kings County Democratic Committee alleging Jacobson's "refusal to judicially act bending and bowing to the Brooklyn political machine" led to her losing the party's backing.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Judges must be approved by a screening committee in order to be placed on the Democratic ballot come November.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs8pzeqXyFjJejzTfO86XHKWIZ2KjhMQrDnJ2CpnE255F9sAK9qh93lZj9eAiZgDTeGpDrxELk1B-TgzDM_LttooLVK08qusMnO7q07xGolxD4bRFVDIaOODioHF_7adx3vlI92T9SnI6/s1600/Crone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs8pzeqXyFjJejzTfO86XHKWIZ2KjhMQrDnJ2CpnE255F9sAK9qh93lZj9eAiZgDTeGpDrxELk1B-TgzDM_LttooLVK08qusMnO7q07xGolxD4bRFVDIaOODioHF_7adx3vlI92T9SnI6/s400/Crone.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The suit claims that members of the committee, and its chairman Martin Edelman, damaged Jacobson's reputation by leaking confidential information about the screening process to the fact-challenged New York Post.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The county Dems "violated their own rules concerning committee participation and confidentiality and deprived the plaintiff of equal protection and due process so as to vindictively harm the plaintiff personally and professionally," according to the suit.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The suit claims Jacobson, who has 25 years of experience on the bench and is seeking re-election for a 14-year term, is being punished for rulings against lawyers affiliated with the Brooklyn Dems.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It also alleges that the screening board has been stacked by Frank Seddio, the chairman of the Kings County Democratic County Committee, even though it is meant to be independent.<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: red;">Why Did the Machine Dump Judge Jacobson? </span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jacobson is being punished for not using her professional position to help party bigwigs, the lawyer said.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">She delayed the contentious sale of Long Island College Hospital in 2014 by issuing a <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/lich-emergency-center-hold-judge-rules-favor-union-article-1.1919517?utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=misclinks&utm_source=article_body&utm_content=intra" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">temporary restraining order on the State University of New York</a>, which ram the institution. Seddio’s friend and former law partner Frank Carrone represented the state in that case and was none too happy about Jacobson’s ruling, the suit claims.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“She did not show favoritism, she followed the law, she wasn’t a political puppet — that’s her crime,” Batra said.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hill Top worked for de Blasio 2013 campaign when he had himself arrested protesting the closing of LICH Hospital. Hill Top Bill Heyes now works as a lobbyist for Fortis developers who are building luxury high rises on the LICH site. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-deblasio-emails-secret-lobbying-20180928-story.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">New emails show how outside de Blasio adviser secretly lobbied City Hall for deep-pocketed client</a>s<b><i> -Daily News</i></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The emails show how Hilltop, a public relations lobbyist group, often hired members of de Blasio’s staff or campaign who would lobby their former colleagues on behalf of clients.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/tabloid-spread-prompts-libel-suit-by-nyc-judge/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tabloid Spread Prompts Libel Suit by NYC Judge</span></a></h1>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.26px;">Brooklyn Judicial Committee has withdrawn support from Judge Laura Jacobson, who has challenged allies of the Brooklyn Democratic County boss</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In Brooklyn, another New York State Supreme Court judge has lost the support of the counterpart judicial selection committee. The Hon. Justice Laura Jacobson faces the prospect of losing her judgeship, because the judicial selection committee of the Brooklyn Democratic County Committee withdrew it support from her reelection.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">From the bench, the Hon. Justice Jacobson has issued court rulings that attempted to save Long Island College Hospital from closure and sale. The Hon. Justice Jacobson has also issued rulings that have found that the fees charged by the Kings County Public Administrator, which serves as fiduciary for the deceased without wills, have been excessive, according to <a href="http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/this-weeks-news/id=1202766367192/Brooklyn-Judge-Suing-Over-Borough-Democratic-Partys-Refusal-to-Endorse" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">a report</a>published by The New York Law Journal. These judicial acts have respectively ruled against Frank Carone and Steven Finklestein, attorneys who are members or supporters of the Brooklyn Democratic County Committee. The Brooklyn Democratic County Committee is chaired by Frank Seddio.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As with the Hon. Justice Ling-Cohan, reports published by The New York Post have cast aspersions on the character of the Hon. Justice Jacobson, revealing alleged details of the judicial process that should have legally remained confidential.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In the time since the Brooklyn judicial selection committee made its determination to withdraw support from the Hon. Justice Jacobson, she retained in her personal capacity the civic attorney Ravi Batra and <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/322341428/082616-Full-Filed-Jacobson-Complaint-2" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">filed a Federal lawsuit</a> against the Brooklyn Democratic County Committee and others, claiming that the withdrawal of support represented retaliation for the judicial independence she has exhibited, according to <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn-judge-accuses-dems-blocking-re-election-suit-article-1.2768391" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">a report</a> published by The New York Daily News.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In a statement issued to Progress Queens, Mr. Batra wrote that the Hon. Justice Jacobson has remained autonomous, noting that the Brooklyn screening selection committee had already approved her judgeship in the past. Mr. Batra also described the Hon. Justice Jacobson as "a great and fearless judge, a woman, who dared to honor her Oath," adding that, "What is truly most troubling is the unconstitutional attempt to control the court and make a judge into a political puppet by destroying judicial independence -- and it is judicial independence that make our cherished separation of powers to function."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As with the Hon. Justice Ling-Cohan, the Hon. Justice Jacobson does not lack support from the community. In respect of political clubs, Mr. Batra noted that the Hon. Justice Jacobson was being supported by the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://nybloggersnewspaper.blogspot.com/2016/09/5-million-lawsuit-filed-by-judge.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Judge Jacobson Who Was Dumped By Boss Seddio Files A 5 Million Dollar Law Suit</a></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://truenewsthebund.blogspot.com/2012/02/brooklyn-hospitals.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">More on Closing Long Island College Hospital</a></span></b><br />
<ul id="yui_3_17_2_1_1537404630756_951" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn-judge-accuses-dems-blocking-re-election-suit-article-1.2768391" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Brooklyn Supreme Court judge suing borough’s Democratic Party for dashing her re-election hopes</a> [The New York Daily News]</span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/this-weeks-news/id=1202766367192/Brooklyn-Judge-Suing-Over-Borough-Democratic-Partys-Refusal-to-Endorse" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Brooklyn Judge Suing Over Borough Democratic Party's Refusal to Endorse</a> [The New York Law Journal]</span></b></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">These guys get dozens maybe over 100 appointments </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From mostly the 3 Judges who do Fiduciary </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Judges Partnow, Knipel and Deer</span><br />
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1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Adam Kalish </div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">List his office address as 9308 Flatlands Ave Seddio's Home/Office</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Appointed by </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Partnow Knipel, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Surrogate Judge Lopez-Torres</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Receiver, Council to Receiver, Guardian ad litem </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"> LASPINA, GREGORY M </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Works in the law firm of Borchart and Genovese Luspino</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Genovese father used to run Seddio’s Thomas Jefferson Club,Assemblyman</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Working on the park slope Nursing home with Seddio and Carone you wrote about </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Judges Partnow, Knipel, Dear</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Referee, Guardian ad Litem</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"> Michael Benjain </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Village Voice 2007 Hack Attack – Disbarment for Professional Neglect.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">He has spent 30 years in one decently paying patronage post or another. Much of that good fortune stems from his roots: Benjamin is a veteran officer, and petition-carrying foot soldier, of Brooklyn’s Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, the powerful Canarsie-based organization that has spawned a string of the borough’s leaders and judges. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Judges Partnow, Knipel, Dear – He has the most appointments --- Referee</span><br />
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4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Sol Niddle </span></div>
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Seddio loyal Jefferson club member, Chairman of the community board 18</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 10.7px;">Judges Partnow, Knipel, Dear - Referee</span></div>
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5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Joe Bova District Leader 49<sup>th</sup> Assembly District </div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Receiver Big money 5% Expenses and 5% of income to commercial Real Estate Properties </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vaughn, Partnow, Knipel </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">These people were on the Screen Panel That Did in Judge Jacobson and many other independent judges running against the machine</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Jacobson case file:///C:/Users/Gary/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/032117%20FULL%20FILED%20JACOBSON%20v%20KCDCC%20FAC%20(5).pdf</span><br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">T</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he Brooklyn Democratic Party Judicial Screening Panel, the Brooklyn Bar Association so-called Independent Screening Panel and the New York City Bar Association so-called Independent Judicial Screening Committees are anything but independent.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The panels have interlocking directorates, as Teddy Roosevelt called it, since its members come from loyal patronage of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">They donate to the Kings County Democratic Party, which runs their judges, they also donate to judicial candidates backed by the party, they </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">receive court appointments from judges they rate and judges who are loyal to the Democratic Party. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In fact, almost all of the members of the Brooklyn screening committee were appointed by Party Chairman Frank Seddio, District Leaders of the Democratic Party that disqualified Judge Jacobson most contribute to the counties judicial candidates and receive court appointment patronage from the machine judges they approve. In addition, many members of the screening committee socialize with Seddio and Law Chair Frank Carone, are active in bar associations with Seddio and Carone, or have work relationships with Seddio and Carone. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In groups like the Columbian Lawyers Association. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Judge Jacobson Screening Panel: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Steven R. Finkelstein </span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Co-Defendant along with Frank Seddio in Laura Jacobson case against the Judicial Screening</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Committee. Finkelstein is the lawyer for the Public Administer in the Surrogate Court, where Jacobson cut the fees he was paid.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He was appointed by Surrogate Judges Seddio and Lopez-Torres before Seddio was forced out of the Surrogate Court by the Daily News. Finkelstein </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">currently works for Surrogate Judge Lopez Torres. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Finkelstein gets Referee appointments from Partnow, Silver, Knipel. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">His wife donates to seddio </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">FINKELSTEIN, SHARON R $1000 to Friend of Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">90 BROAD STREET SUITE 1700</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">NEW YORK, NY 10004 Same address as Steven </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Lots of Corruption in the PA Office of the Surrogate Court at the time Finkelstein was its lawyer</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://nypost.com/2012/01/17/city-bookkeeper-in-600g-scam/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">City Bookkeeper in 600g Scam</a> </b>(<i>New York Post,</i> 1/17/2012) A bookkeeper stole more than $600,000 in taxpayer money by creating a phony check from the Brooklyn municipal office that handles the estates of people who die without wills or next of kin, court papers allege. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://lawyer%20who%20held%20up%20badly%20needed%20settlement%20money%20finally%20turns%20in%20report%20on%20guardian%20of%20severely%20disabled%20brooklyn%20girl/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>Lawyer Who Held Up Badly Needed Settlement Money Finally Turns in Report on Guardian of Severely Disabled Brooklyn Girl </b>(<i>Daily News</i>, 6/8/2015)</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2012/07/29/how-insiders-snatch-millions-from-estates-in-the-scandal-scarred-surrogate-courts/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">How Insiders Snatch Millions From Estates in theScandal-Scarred Surrogate Courts (New York Post 7/29/2012)</a></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nassau County Surrogate appointments</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Andrew Fisher </span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Brother of Judge Alice Fisher Rubin</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher and Fisher $41,000 to party $5800 friends of Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Comes from a long-time machine family, Father was Harold Fisher Boss Esposito right hand man</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$5000 59th assembly district</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher $15,000 to fiends of Seddio''</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">$2500 2017 Illegal campaign money hit </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Retired judge Alice Fisher Rubin gets appointments </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Martin W. Edelman</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Co-Defendant with Frank Seddio in Laura Jacobson case against the Judicial Screening</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Panel</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Edelman and Edelman $2000 to friends Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$50,000 to the county committee that is used to support County Judges</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <b><u>Steve Decker </u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Husband of Pam Fisher who was appointed by Vito Lopez. Being sued by Jacobson</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Decker & Decker Friends of Frank $1000</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$7500 to the county Committee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$500 to Partnow wife</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher's sister heads Ridgewood Senior Citizens Center. Fisher went to work there out of college and was director of its senior center by age 26. While working there, she went to law school, graduating from Brooklyn Law in 1990. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Motion to Dismiss Jacobson Case </span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In their pleadings to the Federal Court the defendants admitted and argued that their Judicial Screening Committee <span style="color: black;">is part of a political group — not a governmental one — and has the constitutional right to vet candidates as it sees fit. </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">“We are saying we are not a government, not a state actor. And second, as a political party, the Kings County Committee has the First Amendment right to have a screening process, and it would be unconstitutional for the courts to interfere with that process</span><br />
<a href="https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/2016/44/pl-judge-sues-brooklyn-democratic-party-2016-10-28-bk.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Judge sues Brooklyn Democratic Party for defamation</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> (Bklyn Paper)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Attorneys for the party and the screening committee are asking Brooklyn judge LaShann DeArcy Hallto toss Jacobson’s suit as groundless.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">____________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">These lawyers are members of interlocking directorates or the Kings County Screening Panel, Brooklyn Bar Association Judicial Screening Panel and the City Bar Judicial Screening Panel. (Not sure if they were actually selected to sit on Jacobson’s Panel)</span></b><br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Betty Lugo Candidate for Queens DA</u><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Gets referees apointments from Brooklyn Judges</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">referee Partnow, Knipel, Dear </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$250 Kings County Democratic Committee </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$300 LAWFIRM fRIENDS OF SEDDIO</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Carmin A. Pacheco pARTNER $260 </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Andrew Fisher </span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Brother of Judge Alice Fisher Rubin</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher and Fisher $41,000 $5800 friends of Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$5000 59th assembly district</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher $15,000 to fiends of Seddio''</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">$2500 2017 Illegal campaign money hit </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Alice Fisher Rubin gets appointments </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>John Lonuzzi</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Past President of Brooklyn Bar Association,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Seddio is also a Past President and Carone next president.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Columbia Lawyers Association</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LONUZZI, JOHN </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">421 DEGRAW ST.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">BROOKLYN, NY 11217</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$1500 Kings County Committee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Friends of Frank Seddio $2400</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Mark A. Longo</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Past President of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Seddio is also a Past President and Carone is</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">currently First Vice President, Columbian Lawyers Association. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Grievance Committee for the 2</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and 11</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Judicial Districts Block, Longo, LaMarca & Brzezinski, PC</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Silber, Partnow, Knipel appointments</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Scott Runecki</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Scott Rynecki is a member of the law firm Sanford Rubinstein & Rynecki. Which donated $1,000 to</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">“Friends of Frank Seddio” on 2/2/16 and over $6,000 to the Kings County Democratic</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Committee since 2014. Ryneck and his partner Sanford Rubinstein personally paid</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">“Friends of Fandk Seddio” $1500 each on 12/17/17 and 3/16/15, respectively $1000 Seddio $6000 to Kings County Dem Party </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sanford Rubinson $500 $500 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$1000 to David Pepper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$500 pals for Partnow</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$1000 fRIENDS OF sEDDIO</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Gregory T. Cerchione</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Past President of Brooklyn Bar Association; Seddio is also a Past President and Carone is Currently</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">First Vice President In 2018, Cerchione was honored as a Distinguished Guest by Frank Seddio in the annual Democratic Party Gala for helping “the party shine”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cerchione is a principal at the law firm Subin & Associates. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">has donated over $30,000 to the Kings County Democratic County Committee since 2013,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Columbian lawyers association, chair board of Directors, Trials lawyers judicial screening committee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Does not disclose sits on the NY Bar $1000 to lawPAC</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u><span style="color: red;">Jeff Miller</span></u> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Gets Assignments Appointed to Community Board 18 by Fidler</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Judicial Committee screen committee for the Brooklyn Bar</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Gets appointment Referee in forclosers Partnow, Knipel</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$100 Friends of Frank Seddio </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><u>Nicholas Eleferakis</u> sits on panel and his associates get appointments from county judges</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Michael Indelicato, Dominick Mingione from the firm </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Eleferakis - $1000 for Friends of Frank s</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Loren Baily Shiffman $1000</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dominic Napoletano</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Partnow, Silber</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">VP 2nd District NYS Bar Association Executive Association</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Past President of the Brooklyn Bar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Past President of Columbia Lawyers Association </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C07853" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #006699;">COMMITTEE TO ELECT DAVID PEPPER TO CIVIL COURT $250</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09375" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT LOREN BAILY</span></a>$500</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Carone is the first name of the Committee on Vacancies on all the county’s petitions, including</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Surrogate Lopez Torres, and the 3 judges that were back-flipped in 2018</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Carone’s law firm Abrams and Fensterman and members of the of the so called independent screening panels help fund attack piece on independent judges in 2017</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Daily News </span><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/borough-democrats-chief-involved-illegal-fund-raiser-article-1.3392116" style="background-color: white; color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;"> Borough Dems chief involved in 'illegal' fund-raiser for judicial candidates</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Attached is a picture </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Taxi </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Federal judge Hall ruled against Judge Jacobson lawsuit</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hall and Carone were on the Taxi Commission together for years both Bloomberg appointments and Carone served a second term with de Blasio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Talk to Jacobson’s lawyer Batra </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Lots of taxi money for Seddio and his judges</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Carone is Secy of the Kings County Democratic Party </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He helps pick the judges at the judicial conventions (All Supreme Court judges go through this), County Committee meeting Back-Fills judges when 3 democratic nominees were moved up. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Carone and Seddio represented SUNY to close LICH Hospital at the same time Carone Law firm (AF)worked for the developer of the luxury housing Fortis Also working for Fortis was de Blasio’s lobbyists Capalino who also work on the nursing home deed change and so did Carone’s AF </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fortis has a lot of nursing homes they are closing for luxury housing</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Judge Partnow TPT A judge who reversed himself </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Wife is Seddio’s co-district leader has a </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Financial committee called pals of Partnow </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Contributor</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amt</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Contr. Date</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Recipient</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Report</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sched</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Office</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dist</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">ABRAMS FENSTERMAN FENSTERMAN LLP<br />3 DAKOTA DRIVE, SUITE 300<br />LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">1,000.00</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">24-SEP-18</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #006699;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">2018 32 Pre General</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">A</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">District Leader</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">59</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">BAMUNDO, ZWAL, & SCHERMERHORN LLP<br />11 JOHN STREET<br />NEW YORK, NY 10038</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">500.00</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">12-JUN-18</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #006699;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">2018 July Periodic</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">A</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">District Leader</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">59</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">BORCHERT & LASPINA PC<br />1902 WHITSTONE EXPRESSWAY SUITE 302<br />WHITESTONE, NY 11357</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">1,000.00</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">20-JUN-18</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #006699;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">2018 July Periodic</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">B</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">District Leader</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">59</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">BOVA ADVISORS LLC<br />7410 14TH AVENUE<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11228</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">50.0</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">DALLI & MARINO, LLP<br />231 MINEOLA BOULEVARD<br />MINEOLA, NY 11501</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">125.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">13-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">A</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">DECKER & DECKER<br />3 KERMIT AVENUE<br />STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">22-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">GLEN HEAD, NY 11545</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">26-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">C</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">FRIENDS OF INGIRD JOSPEH<br />33 HATTIE JONES COURT<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11213</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">125.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">26-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">C</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">FRIENDS OF JUDGE DEVIN P COHEN<br />609 WARREN STREET<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11217</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">21-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">C</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">GINA FOR CIVIL COURT JUDGE<br />278 AVENUE S<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11223</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">KALISH PC<br />9306 FLALTLANDS AVENUE<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11236</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">125.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">22-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">B</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">LONUZZI & WOODLAND LLP<br />60 SACKETT STREET SUITE 2002<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11231</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">20-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">A</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">MILLER, LEIBY & ASSOCIATES PC<br />32 BROADWAY 13TH FLOOR<br />NY, NY 10004</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">250.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">14-JUN-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">2018 July Periodic</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">B</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">District Leader</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">59</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">RUBENSTEIN & RYNECKI ESQS.<br />16 COURT STREET, SUITE 1717<br />BROOKLYN, NY 11241</span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">500.00</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">10-JUL-18</span></div>
</td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td><td style="border-bottom: 3pt inset; border-left: none; border-right: 3pt inset; border-top: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Steve Benundo On the Screening Panel </u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Columbia Lawyers Association</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mayor's Screening Committee city marshalls</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$500 Kings County Committee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$2000 Kings County Committee</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Wall Street Mortgages $1000 Carone to friends of Seddio</span></i></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Daily News' Calls the So-Called "Independent" Screening Committee of the New York City Bar Association Seddio's Puppet </span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It is a known fact that the so-called independent screening committees of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Brooklyn Bar Association and the New York City Bar utilize the same so-called "independent" screeners. members of the New York City Bar </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"The city bar association also rates would-be judges. But Seddio, a honcho in the Brooklyn bar, influences that panel. Why even have a supposedly straight-arrow screening commission when it's tainted by bosses? You know the answer." - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff7f7f; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/courting-corruption-phony-judicial-elections-article-1.3471814" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff7f7f;">Daily News, Sep 06, 2017 </span></a></span><br />
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<u>T</u>he Independent Judicial Screen Committee for the Kings County Democratic Party is Anything but independent as many of the members of the screening committee have close ties to the Kings County Democratic Party. In fact, 11 of the 25 members of the screening committee were appointed by Party Chairman Frank Seddio or District Leaders of the Democratic Party. In addition, many members of the screening committee socialize with Seddio and Law Chari Frank Carone, are active in bar associations with Seddio and Carone, or have work relationships with Seddio and Carone, Some examples include: </div>
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<b><u>Ethan Gerber </u></b><br />
<u><b>Kings County Screening Panel, Brooklyn Bar Association Screening Panel, </b></u><br />
<u><b>NYC Bar Association</b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Part President of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Seddio is also a Past President and Carone is</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">currently the First Vice President. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Partner at Abrams,Fensterman, Law firm (Transportation)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taxi Lobbyists </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Abrams and Fensterman which held allegedly illegal fundraiser for 5 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Democratic Party back countywide judicial candidates in 2017</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daily News <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/borough-democrats-chief-involved-illegal-fund-raiser-article-1.3392116" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> Borough Dems chief involved in 'illegal' fund-raiser for judicial candidates</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Other Contributors on the Screening Panel or Party </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">FISHER AND FISHER $2599</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-stretch: 100%; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">PO BOX 61060 NEW DORP STATION</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-stretch: 100%; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">SIMON, JO ANNE $1000</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-stretch: 100%; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">356 FULTON STREET</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-stretch: 100%; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: normal;">BROOKLYN, NY 11201</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">Illegal fund Raise</span>r </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Abrams Fensterman $10,000 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">is also the law firm of Frank Carone, law chair of the Kings County Democratic Party. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">Ethan GERBER & GERBER</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">26 COURT ST.</span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">BROOKLYN, NY 11242 $4000 friends of Frank Seddio</span></b></span></span></div>
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<b><u>John Lonuzzi</u></b></div>
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Past President of Brooklyn Bar Association,<br />
Seddio is also a Past President and Carone next.<br />
Columbia Lawyers Association<br />
Rebecca Rose Woodland Partner </div>
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LONUZZI, JOHN <br />
421 DEGRAW ST.<br />
BROOKLYN, NY 11217<br />
$1500 Kings County Committee<br />
Friends of Frank Seddio $2400 </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red;">Aimee L. Richter</span></u></b></div>
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President of Brooklyn Bar Association</div>
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$125 Friends of Seddi</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>Martin W. Edelman</u></b></span></div>
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Co-Defendant alson with Frank Seddio in Laura Jacobson case against the Judicial Screening </div>
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Panel Edelman and Edelman $2000 friends<br />
$50000 to the county committee that is used to support County Judges</div>
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<b><u>Mark A. Longo</u></b></div>
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Past President of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Seddio is also a Past President and Carone is </div>
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currently First Vice President, Columbian Lawyers Association.</div>
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Grievance Committee for the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 11<sup>th</sup> Judicial Districts Block, Longo, LaMarca & Brzezinski, PC<br />
Silber, partnow, knipel</div>
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<b><u>Scott Runecki</u></b></div>
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Scott Rynecki is a member of the law firm Rubinstein & Rynecki. Which donated $1,000 to </div>
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“Friends of Frank Seddio” on 2/2/16 and over $6,000 to the Kings County Democratic </div>
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Committee since 2014. Ryneck and his partner Sanford Rubinstein personally paid </div>
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“Friends of Fandk Seddio” $1500 each on 12/17/17 and 3/16/15, respectively $1000 Seddio $6000 to Kings County Dem Party </div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sanford Rubinson $500 $500 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$1000 to David Pepper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$500 pals for Partnow</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$1000 fRIENDS OF sEDDIO</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>Steven R. Finkelstein</u></b></span></div>
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Co-Defendant along with Frank Seddio in Laura Jacobson case against the Judicial Screening </div>
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Committee. Finkelstein is the lawyer for the Public Administer in the Surrogate Court, where Jacobson cut the fees he was paid Gets Referee apointments from Partnow, Silver, Knipel<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">FINKELSTEIN, SHARON R $1000 to Friend of Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">90 BROAD STREET SUITE 1700</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">NEW YORK, NY 10004 Same address as Steven </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">Lots of Corruption in the PA Office </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">Nassau County Surrogate appointments</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>Gregory T. Cerchione</u></b></span></div>
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Past President of Brooklyn Bar Association; Seddio is also a Past President and Carone is Currently </div>
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First Vice President In 2018, Cerehione was honored as a Distinguished Guest by Frank Seddio in the annual Democratic Party Gala for helping “the party shine”</div>
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Cerchione is a principal at the law firm Subin & Associates. Sibom & Associates </div>
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has donated over $30,000 to the Kings County Democratic County Committee since 2013, </div>
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Columbian lawyers association, chair board of Directors, Trials lawyers judicial screening committee<br />
Does not disclose sits on the NY Bar $1000 to lawPAC</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;"><u>Andrew Fisher </u></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Brother of Judge Alice Fisher Fisher and Fisher $41,000 $5800 friends of Seddio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$5000 59th assembly district</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fisher $15,000 to fiends of Seddio''</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;">$2500 2017 Illegal campaign money hit </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Alice Fisher Rubin gets appointments </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;">BROUNSTEIN, STEVEN </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
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<b><u>Steve Benundo</u></b></div>
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Columbia Lawyers Association<br />
Mayor's Screening Committee city marshalls<br />
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$500 Kings County Committee<br />
$2000 Kings County Committee</div>
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<b><u>Steve Decker</u></b></div>
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Husband of Pam Fisher who was appointed by Vito Lopez. Being sued by Jacobson<br />
Decker & Decker Friends of Frank $1000<br />
$7500 to the county Committee<br />
$500 to Partnow wife<br />
Fisher's sister heads Ridgewood Senior Citizens Center. Fisher went to work there out of college and was director of its senior center by age 26. While working there, she went to law school, graduating from Brooklyn Law in 1990. <br />
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<b><u>Betty Lugo </u></b><br />
<b>Gets referees apointments from Brooklyn Judges</b><br />
<b>referee partnow </b><br />
<b>$250 Kings County Democratic Committee </b><br />
<b>$300 LAWFIRM fRIENDS OF SEDDIO</b><br />
<b><b>Carmin A. Pacheco pARTNER $260 </b> </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"><u>Jeff Miller</u></span> </b> Gets Assignments Appointed to Community Board 18 by Fidler<br />
Judicial Judicial Committee screen committee for the Brooklyn Bar<br />
<b>Gets apointment Referee in forclosers Partnow, Knighpal</b><br />
<b>$100 Friends of Frank Seddio </b><br />
<b><br /><u>Nicholas Eleferakis</u> sits on panel and his associate gets </b><br />
<b>Michael Indelicato apointments </b><br />
<b>Eleferakis - $1000 for Friends of Frank </b><br />
Loren Baily Shiffman $1000<br />
Print out<br />
<br />
Steven Richmond - NYC Board of Elections<br />
Brooklyn Bar 2014, 2015<br />
<br />
Dominic Napoletano<br />
Partnow<br />
VP 2nd District NYS Bar Association Executive Association<br />
Past President of the Brooklyn Bar<br />
Past President of Columbia Lawyers Association<br />
<table border="4" cellpadding="5" nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 8px 0px;"><tbody style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C07853" style="color: #006699; text-decoration-line: none;">COMMITTEE TO ELECT DAVID PEPPER TO CIVIL COURT $250</a></span></td><td align="center" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09375" style="background-color: transparent; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: none;">COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT LOREN BAILY</a>$500<br />
Partnow<br />
<br />
Steve Harkavy<br />
<br />
kings County Democratic Party<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________<br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">LASPINA, GREGORY M $500 2017</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">Michael Benjaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">He has spent 30 years in one decently paying patronage post or another. Much of that good fortune stems from his roots: Benjamin is a veteran officer, and petition-carrying foot soldier, of Brooklyn’s Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, the powerful Canarsie-based organization that has spawned a string of the borough’s leaders and judges. While the clout held by most old-time political clubs has ebbed, th </span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">Sol Niddle </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;">Dominic </span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;">FAMULARI</span><br />
<table border="4" cellpadding="5" nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 8px 0px;"><tbody style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></td><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09559" style="color: #006699; text-decoration-line: none;">COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT JUDGE LISA S. OTTLEY</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="4" cellpadding="5" nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 8px 0px;"><tbody style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></td><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09351" style="color: #006699; text-decoration-line: none;">GINA FOR CIVIL COURT JUDGE</a></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="background-color: transparent; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a> </span></b><br />
<table border="4" cellpadding="5" nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 8px 0px;"><tbody style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></td><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09545" style="color: #006699; text-decoration-line: none;">FRIENDS OF JUDGE DEVIN P. COHEN</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joseph Vasile<br />
<a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09375" style="background-color: transparent; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT LOREN BAILY</a><br />
<a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C02323" style="background-color: transparent; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: none;">FRIENDS OF FRANK SEDDIO</a><br />
<a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09351" style="background-color: transparent; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: none;">GINA FOR CIVIL COURT JUDGE</a><br />
<table border="4" cellpadding="5" nowrap="" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 8px 0px;"><tbody style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></td><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.elections.ny.gov:8080/plsql_browser/getfiler2?filerid_in=C09775" style="color: #006699; text-decoration-line: none;">PALS FOR PARTNOW</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"> </span></b> Laspina Kings court County Committee<u><b> </b></u></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Wall Street Mortgages $1000 Carone to friends of Seddio</span></i></b><br />
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<tr align="left" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><td style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;">SCHNAPS, VICKI <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" />2 ENGINEERS ROAD<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;" />ROSLYN, NY 11576</span></td><td align="right" style="font-size: 9.6px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; line-height: normal;">1,000.00</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Did Arzt Plant These Stories Against Judge Jacobson in the NYP for His Boss Seddio Democratic Machine or His Law Clients?</span></span> </span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhgCHwlqOqbIfyqjN59_ft4pqoYZYbsEj6-3ZXkl58_KPORvFLWWxMJHadVir8sUxgiaV3YQQzO1j6nAqeFZWL61MtX45tvfPR5y5qBhhwhFxBMrM6e23JN8r7CvwuWvf_-s45PLwb4Op/s1600/getimage.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhgCHwlqOqbIfyqjN59_ft4pqoYZYbsEj6-3ZXkl58_KPORvFLWWxMJHadVir8sUxgiaV3YQQzO1j6nAqeFZWL61MtX45tvfPR5y5qBhhwhFxBMrM6e23JN8r7CvwuWvf_-s45PLwb4Op/s320/getimage.aspx.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://nypost.com/2016/07/13/city-judge-deemed-incompetent-in-unheard-of-move/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">City judge deemed incompetent in ‘unheard of’ move</a>(NYP) This is a precedent no judge wants to set. In a first-of-its-kind rebuke, a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge with 25 years experience on the bench has been found unqualified by a Democratic Party screening panel — a move that will likely doom her chances for re-election this fall. “She’s not the brightest bulb in the courthouse to begin with,” said one party source, explaining the Brooklyn Democratic Party Judicial Screening Committee’s decision last month to find Justice Laura Jacobson unqualified to run on the party line. “They looked at her track record, and they found an abnormal percentage of cases were overturned by higher courts,” said the party source. “And when also factoring in she has a poor reputation, she was found unqualified.” Said another party official, who like the others asked not to be named, “As far as we know, this is the first time in Brooklyn’s history the committee did not reappoint a sitting Supreme Court judge — it’s unheard of.” * </b><a href="http://nypost.com/2016/07/15/brooklyn-judge-blows-off-work-amid-being-deemed-unqualified/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">Brooklyn judge blows off work amid being deemed 'unqualified' NYP)</a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2014/8/27/nurses%E2%80%99-court-order-throws-wrench-nyu%E2%80%99s-lich-plans-brooklyn" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;">Nurses’ court order throws wrench into NYU’s LICH plans in Brooklyn</a> (Daily Eagle, 2014) SUNY attorney Frank Carone told Justice Jacobson that SUNY “tried to meet with NYU yesterday, but were unsuccessful.” He assured the judge that SUNY was “committed to the content and objectives of the RFP,” and supports the “full employment of the nurses.” “I’m sure the nurses in the courtroom are very happy to hear that,” Justice Jacobson said.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">166. Retaliatory, Vindictive and Malicious Deprivation of Judge Jacobson’s Right to “Equal Protection of Law” and “Due Process”!</span></span> </span></span></span></span></b><br />
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In retribution for Judge Jacobson’s proper exercise of judicial discretion and independence which was inconsistent with the desires of Mr. Carone who is defendant Seddio’s counsel and was Seddio’s law partner, defendants Edelman and Decker abused their positions on the Edelman Committee and defendant Seddio abused his position as County Chair of the Kings County Democratic County Committee and aided, abetted and conspired with members of the Executive Committee of defendant Kings County Democratic County Committee, members of the Edelman Committee, defendant</div>
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Ajaiyeoba, defendants John and Jane Does and others not named as defendants, including Mr.</div>
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Carone, in an effort to deprive Judge Jacobson of “equal protection of the law” and “due</div>
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process,” in an effort to maliciously and vindictively inflict maximum personal and</div>
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professional harm to Judge Jacobson.</div>
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167. Because of Judge Jacobson’s proper exercise of judicial discretion and</div>
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independence, and refusal to judicially endorse Mr. Carone’s opposition to maintaining the</div>
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status quo of keeping a hospital emergency department open while keeping a discrete number</div>
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of nurses employed, defendants Seddio, Edelman, Finkelstein, Decker, Ajaiyeoba, John and</div>
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Jane Does, members of the Executive Committee of defendant Kings County Democratic</div>
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County Committee, members of defendant Edelman Committee and others not named as</div>
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Case 1:16-cv-04809 Document 1 Filed 08/26/16 Page 45 of 299 PageID #: 45</div>
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46 defendants agreed to maliciously and vindictively destroy Judge Jacobson personally and</div>
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professionally. This conspiracy was carried out by performance of overt acts including:</div>
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i. violating the rules of the Kings County Democratic County Committee;</div>
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ii. violating the Rules and procedures of the Edelman Committee; and,</div>
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iii. breaching the confidentiality of the judicial screening process</div>
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concerning Judge Jacobson.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGNw_576faXtFZxl6rRhaJfWUTyGFFtTD94u4t1jrfcuOD6fnKVwfPwn03nIFDjrVzyM9_s-9uS3uMqBBfYzeCCBOKoAWDo9nCEJ_Xrc5rESBh4FezSNbes8iZtV44R8PqZM8lCbwBAg/s1600/arzt.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGNw_576faXtFZxl6rRhaJfWUTyGFFtTD94u4t1jrfcuOD6fnKVwfPwn03nIFDjrVzyM9_s-9uS3uMqBBfYzeCCBOKoAWDo9nCEJ_Xrc5rESBh4FezSNbes8iZtV44R8PqZM8lCbwBAg/s400/arzt.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
168. Because of Judge Jacobson’s proper exercise of judicial discretion and</div>
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independence, and refusal to judicially endorse Mr. Carone’s opposition to maintaining the</div>
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status quo of keeping a hospital emergency department open while keeping a discrete number</div>
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of nurses employed, defendants Seddio, Edelman, Kings County Democratic County</div>
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Committee, the Edelman Committee, Finkelstein, Decker, Ajaiyeoba ,John and Jane Does and</div>
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others not named as defendants, including defendant KCDCC’s media consultant George Artz,</div>
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did violate the rules of the Kings County Democratic County Committee and the Edelman</div>
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Committee.</div>
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169. Because of Judge Jacobson’s proper exercise of judicial discretion and</div>
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independence, and refusal to judicially endorse Mr. Carone’s opposition to maintaining the</div>
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then status quo of keeping a hospital emergency department open while keeping a discrete</div>
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number of nurses employed, defendants Seddio, Edelman, Kings County Democratic County</div>
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Committee, the Edelman Committee, Finkelstein, Decker, Ajaiyeoba ,John and Jane Does and</div>
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others not named as defendants, including defendant KCDCC’s media consultant George Artz,</div>
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Case 1:16-cv-04809 Document 1 Filed 08/26/16 Page 46 of 299 PageID #: 46</div>
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47 did publically disseminate confidential information obtained from and about Judge Jacobson which information was obtained solely as a result of the judicial screening process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGujyDY9tgBQgyZjgfquHyRxJESY_flKkXk8h9FXb4rFXWis0tSCcecqNNf8Oiv4g8eIRiBIbGGkIFqTNgjdHZlnr9OpK7uRgnJerI6xi6Uews767xbQZDhUOasJEhyXsIvAR8ferweE/s1600/cc.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGujyDY9tgBQgyZjgfquHyRxJESY_flKkXk8h9FXb4rFXWis0tSCcecqNNf8Oiv4g8eIRiBIbGGkIFqTNgjdHZlnr9OpK7uRgnJerI6xi6Uews767xbQZDhUOasJEhyXsIvAR8ferweE/s1600/cc.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://nybloggersnewspaper.blogspot.com/2014/10/poor-door-and-lobbyists-george-arzt.html" style="color: #444444; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Poor Door Lobbyists George Arzt</a></h3>
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<a href="https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/2016/44/pl-judge-sues-brooklyn-democratic-party-2016-10-28-bk.html" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Judge sues Brooklyn Democratic Party for defamation</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (Bklyn Paper)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But attorneys for the party and the screening committee are asking Brooklyn judge <b>LaShann DeArcy Hall</b> to toss Jacobson’s suit as groundless.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The committee is part of a political group — not a governmental one — and has the constitutional right to vet candidates as it sees fit, according to the panel’s attorney, <b>George Carpinello</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We are saying we are not a government, not a state actor. And second, as a political party, the Kings County Committee has the First Amendment right to have a screening process, and it would be unconstitutional for the courts to interfere with that process,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The libel accusations are bunk too, Carpinello said.</span></div>
</div>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-87359095646353185842019-05-13T15:30:00.001-04:002019-05-13T15:30:16.558-04:00IF YOU STILL DON'T BELIEVE ME LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO Nechemya Weberman because Susan Necheles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_ZW1M-GcYZ4VqlkZxROALPQh4-vVbze11E6FaXMCX03F9A92jQJx3XUaFmH8or4OlVTm89P77d9QbIlvY17Zp3wCwXCmitdDIO16RewtFSsH6_YFzJhtELSmXtN73rtu4sjc2V_uMRS/s1600/7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="589" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_ZW1M-GcYZ4VqlkZxROALPQh4-vVbze11E6FaXMCX03F9A92jQJx3XUaFmH8or4OlVTm89P77d9QbIlvY17Zp3wCwXCmitdDIO16RewtFSsH6_YFzJhtELSmXtN73rtu4sjc2V_uMRS/s640/7654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-25057707244580202052019-05-13T15:17:00.001-04:002019-05-13T15:17:20.516-04:00IF YOU WANT TO END LIKE Yirmeyahu (Jeremy) Reichberg PLEASE CALL Susan Necheles (212) 997-7400<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_ZW1M-GcYZ4VqlkZxROALPQh4-vVbze11E6FaXMCX03F9A92jQJx3XUaFmH8or4OlVTm89P77d9QbIlvY17Zp3wCwXCmitdDIO16RewtFSsH6_YFzJhtELSmXtN73rtu4sjc2V_uMRS/s1600/7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="589" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_ZW1M-GcYZ4VqlkZxROALPQh4-vVbze11E6FaXMCX03F9A92jQJx3XUaFmH8or4OlVTm89P77d9QbIlvY17Zp3wCwXCmitdDIO16RewtFSsH6_YFzJhtELSmXtN73rtu4sjc2V_uMRS/s640/7654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-76268081691151412582019-05-13T15:13:00.001-04:002019-05-13T15:13:29.395-04:00ITS TIME FOR THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY TO DUMP Susan Necheles FOR FUTURE CRIMINAL CASES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9Hnc5HzCh6_HKhGi2VGLZ-q-KxcjDy8X-QBsZaJmO6Nnz9Lg9CtI2x6IRnN0-aUqsqCs19T2acwVzDEK0B2tMYX5dBY3twVMHe0whvMr_pHF67dIb_QuyJrZW1rxxxXDcx9fVEk8V-u/s1600/7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="589" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9Hnc5HzCh6_HKhGi2VGLZ-q-KxcjDy8X-QBsZaJmO6Nnz9Lg9CtI2x6IRnN0-aUqsqCs19T2acwVzDEK0B2tMYX5dBY3twVMHe0whvMr_pHF67dIb_QuyJrZW1rxxxXDcx9fVEk8V-u/s640/7654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-61615208881340324432019-05-13T15:01:00.000-04:002019-05-13T15:01:10.130-04:00Former NYPD brass sue city claiming they were forced out of jobs to protect de Blasio, ex-police commissioner from bribery scandal<br />
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Four high-ranking NYPD cops are suing the city claiming they
were scapegoats forced into retirement to protect Mayor de Blasio and former
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton from a federal bribery investigation and
denied due process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Former Inspector Peter DeBlasio and ex-Deputy Chiefs Andrew
Capul, David Colon and Eric Rodriguez were booted from the department in 2016
after being linked to a bribes-for-favors scandal revolving around de Blasio
donors Jona Rechnitz and Jeremy Reichberg.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“At the end of the day you always need sacrificial lambs.
But we don’t know why. Why us?” Capul told the Daily News. “That job we love so
much – they took it away from us. We want someone to step up and tell us why.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The police department would not tell us what we allegedly
did wrong,” Capul said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The four cops with nearly 120 years of combined experience
were mentioned in testimony and court documents but never charged. Their
lawsuit will be filed in Manhattan Federal Court on Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In April, they and former Deputy Chief John Sprague settled
a grievance with the city Office of Labor Relations after an arbitrator found
they had been “blackmailed” out of their jobs. A source told The News the
settlement from the city was in excess of $1 million.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a nearly two-month trial, Rechnitz testified that he and
Reichberg received special treatment from City Hall after donating over
$100,000 to de Blasio’s favorite causes. They showered cops with fancy meals,
gifts and vacations in exchange for official favors that made them look like
big shots, Rechnitz said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The investigation resulted in two years’ probation for
former Deputy Chief Michael Harrington, who copped to misusing police resources
as favors for Reichberg and Rechnitz. Ex-Deputy Inspector James (Jimmy) Grant
was acquitted at trial of taking bribes. Rechnitz testified for the government
and is awaiting sentencing. Reichberg will be sentenced on Monday for bribing
police officers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Because the allegations led to the highest-ranking NYPD
officials, and perhaps directly to the Mayor, who the NYPD was trying to
protect, the NYPD believed it needed to take immediate action, at least for
public relations purposes," the new lawsuit charges.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Because the corruption allegations reached the Mayor’s
office, the Mayor, the City, and NYPD top leaders, such as the Commissioner and
Chief (Philip) Banks, they had an interest in insulating themselves from the
allegations ... Accordingly, the NYPD implicated ‘expendable’ deputy chiefs and
inspectors – career police officials with impeccable records – while protecting
politically tied officers from implication in the Corruption.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined at trial,
including reinstating the men to their jobs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“These four officers’ lives have been changed forever by the
City’s unlawful actions, and by the NYPD’s apparent need to find fall guys to
cover up the vast ongoing corruption at the Department’s highest levels,” the
cops’ attorneys, Yale Pollack and Matthew Weinick, said in a statement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Capul, Colon and Rodriguez were among the unindicted
co-conspirators in the explosive case. Some of them received “friendship”
trophies from Rechnitz and Reichberg during an Oct. 20, 2013, ceremony in a suite
at MetLife Stadium for a Jets-Patriots game, which was raised at trial.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Colon said he doesn’t even like football and went to the
game as part of his duties in community affairs. “How are we to know who is
unsavory? That was our job – go meet people and make them feel good about the
Police Department. Then this happens and no one is sticking up for us,” he
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“If we had any idea what these gentlemen were involved with
we never would have associated with them," Capul added.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The lawsuit says the four ousted officers were victims of an
arbitrary process orchestrated by Bratton to protect himself and de Blasio.
Those with the right political connections survived the scandal while those who
didn’t have those sorts of connections left the police department with
blemished badges, the complaint charges.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They charge they were all deemed “fall guys” and forced into
retirement in the summer of 2016 by Deputy Commissioner for Legal Matters Larry
Byrne, who was acting on Bratton’s orders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I was heartbroken, saddened, angry,” DeBlasio said, adding
that his forced retirement devastated his wife, who was a committed participant
at NYPD events.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Captains Endowment Association President Roy Richter told
The News he was surprised to hear the men were suing but declined further
comment. Bratton and Byrne, who are named as defendants in the lawsuit, did not
return phone calls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-26873414089704276812019-05-13T14:40:00.001-04:002019-05-13T14:40:16.143-04:00I BEGGED Jeremy Reichberg DON'T USE THIS BITCH Susan Necheles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj1JHq1fkc4nd-Z5MB-DL-68j4k_p85YYFHMCWKYzPu1YsyAGn5ygY4GAxzOOUcwDgjk_4Zo7agD0VjkWJhdqI9AHRySc-WeW1tNf1kYupvUyaXqnL5bzhWL5sLb0OXuKl_DVSpcFos8c/s1600/7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="589" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj1JHq1fkc4nd-Z5MB-DL-68j4k_p85YYFHMCWKYzPu1YsyAGn5ygY4GAxzOOUcwDgjk_4Zo7agD0VjkWJhdqI9AHRySc-WeW1tNf1kYupvUyaXqnL5bzhWL5sLb0OXuKl_DVSpcFos8c/s640/7654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A former City Hall fundraiser who was convicted of taking
part in a massive bribery scheme in which NYPD officers were bestowed with
lavish gifts that included a private junket to Las Vegas was sentenced Monday
to 48 months in prison.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jeremy Reichberg, who was convicted in January of four
counts, including conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and bribery,
tearfully asked District Judge Gregory Woods for leniency moments earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I acted as an adolescent, wanting special attention,
feeling that I was entitled to get special attention for my friends who were
police officers,” Reichberg said in Manhattan federal court, struggling to read
through prepared remarks and pausing often to wipe away tears and blow his
nose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">His attorney, Susan Necheles,</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>argued that her client committed crimes of “hubris …
ego and gluttony,” saying he paid bribes to cops so he could pal around with
them and look like a “big shot.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She argued that the bribes didn’t get him any big favors or
put the public in danger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What he got were things that made him look like a big shot,”
she said. “He hung out them doing fancy things.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But prosecutors said Reichberg’s bribes weren’t just to
spruce up his image – arguing that he and his former pal Jona Rechnitz got
police favors in exchange for their lavish gifts, including help with arrests
and difficult-to-obtain gun licenses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This was not a crime that created an appearance of
favoritism,” said Assistant US Attorney Martin Bell. “This was impropriety of
the most basic sort. This was favoritism, bought and paid for.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reichberg also was sentenced for two years of supervised
release.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I believe the offenses were about more than dollars and
cents. It’s about corruption of an important public institution,” the judge
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reichberg’s prosecution was secured in part with the
nine-day testimony of Rechnitz, the “money man” in the bribery scheme who cut a
deal with the feds and pleaded guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy in 2016 before
returning to his native Los Angeles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also testifying in Reichberg’s case was Gabriella Curtis,
also known as “Gabi Grecko,” the prostitute who provided NYPD cops with
mile-high entertainment on a pricey private flight to Las Vegas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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James Grant, a former NYPD commander who was tried alongside
Reichberg, was acquitted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jurors from the trial have told The Post that they had a
hard time believing Grecko’s story that she shared a hotel room with Grant in
Sin City.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In March, Reichberg’s lawyers alleged that Rechnitz inaccurately
testified that Reichberg used police connections to “fix” tickets so recipients
could avoid getting points on their licenses or fines, and that he leaned on
the head of the state court officers union to get friends who paid him a fee
out of jury duty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reichberg had maintained he only hired lawyers to help
violators with their tickets, and he never helped to get a ticket fixed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He also said Rechnitz asked him about getting one friend out
of jury duty, but that the friend ended up serving on a jury anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In June 2016, The Post exclusively revealed Grecko’s account
of wearing a flight-attendant uniform during a private-plane flight to Vegas
during 2013’s Super Bowl XLVII, on which she said she engaged in sex with Grant
and others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to the all-expenses-paid getaway, Grant was
accused of taking other graft from Reichberg and Rechnitz in the form of a
Nintendo game system and an American Girl doll for his daughter, diamond
earrings for his wife and hotel accommodations in Italy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In exchange, prosecutors alleged that Grant provided
Reichberg, Rechnitz and their pals with official favors, including NYPD vehicle
escorts, help handling private disputes and help getting gun permits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The defense contended that all the exchanges were merely
favors one pal would do for another, and that none amounted to an illegal quid
pro quo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-43256592556900835752019-05-13T10:23:00.004-04:002019-05-13T10:23:31.349-04:00Blocked: Civic gurus pan LICH developer’s proposal to build wall around condo tower<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWW8hF2bAJvObGGFe2LTmV0RlbeThlHK24B02onZ4AkfXZFgSLz_Av8cPgMsvTMm6BC7xYYT6oLie0KmwzUFAESQp71rGmIDe3wFohxtJE9Gl2G71oahHTBsXo8cAtvA2Mj9V2URx_Mba/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWW8hF2bAJvObGGFe2LTmV0RlbeThlHK24B02onZ4AkfXZFgSLz_Av8cPgMsvTMm6BC7xYYT6oLie0KmwzUFAESQp71rGmIDe3wFohxtJE9Gl2G71oahHTBsXo8cAtvA2Mj9V2URx_Mba/s400/009.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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This developer isn’t building amity with its Amity Street
neighbors!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cobble Hillers tore into the builder constructing a
seven-structure complex on the old Long Island College Hospital campus for
proposing to erect a brick wall along Amity Street that will partially block
one of its forthcoming high-rises to passersby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The least you could do is try to make this barricade
inviting to the community,” said Alex Harris, who lives on Hicks Street between
Kane and Degraw streets. “This feels extremely exclusive to walk by everyday.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brooklyn-based real-estate firm Fortis Property Group
proposed building the nine-foot-high barrier along roughly 50 feet of Amity
Street sidewalk between Henry and Clinton streets, to enclose the private
courtyard with a swimming-pool and garden it plans to build for residents of
its 15-story condo tower on Henry Street between Pacific and Amity Streets,
dubbed 5 River Park.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That tower is one of the seven buildings Fortis is currently
constructing as part of its controversial River Park complex — which it is
erecting under existing zoning law after abandoning an attempt to rezone the
site to make way for an even larger development in 2016. And the proposed wall
surrounding the high-rise, which must be approved by the community board and
the Landmarks Preservation Commission because the bit of Amity Street it would
run along sits within the protected Cobble Hill Historic District, would
seamlessly blend in with its surroundings, the architect of 5 River Park told
members of the civic panel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We believe it’s a contextual wall that reflects the
character of the neighborhood,” Douglas Romines said during an Oct. 25 meeting
of Community Board 6’s Land Use and Landmarks Committee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But many of the locals, along with some Cobble Hill pols,
strongly disagreed, and the local Assemblywoman accused the developer of trying
to sneak its barricade past the board by first seeking approval from the
landmarks commission, so that it would be harder for the panel to reject the
proposal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The developer went first to LPC with the hope it would
simply be able to get approval without going through the community board,” said
Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (D–Cobble Hill). “It is unacceptable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Simon and Councilman Brad Lander (D–Cobble Hill) issued
statements urging the committee to pan Fortis’s request — which it did nearly
unanimously, along with demanding the builder restore a wrought-iron fence on
the property that its workers allegedly ripped out without permission, and
requesting the city look over the developer’s plans for its on-site pool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And any future wall that Fortis may propose should be opaque
enough to let passersby peek in from the sidewalk, instead of entirely blocking
neighbors’ view, according to Lander.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If something’s going to be added to the community, I think
something that shows the garden might be great — at least provide visual
enhancement,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following the meeting, Fortis bigwigs pulled their current
wall proposal, and now plan to revise it using the board’s feedback, according
to a rep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“We withdrew the application and are working with the
community to reissue a design with community input,” said Dale Laplace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And two days before the locals clashed with the developer
over the barricade it wants to put outside 5 River Park, Fortis honchos hosted
a swanky liquor-soaked party on Amity Street featuring two bars, hors
d’oeuvres, and a live band to launch sales of the condos inside the luxury
tower — the first to rise within the builder’s larger complex rising on land by
Atlantic Avenue and Hicks, Columbia, and Pacific streets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-63331202024323068642019-05-13T10:17:00.001-04:002019-05-13T10:17:34.829-04:00Exam Works Holdings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZJQ1fFmAgdpfM1PE7LfJlHn9qfybF2qyTLPXQkiwWJvL9mAuTqCIeqzHazYP9m_DBcoG92WQfErl6ckmFydCOnpkU5aiBb26ExlXfoJxS2ep7Wtz2VTSWTNm5IqX5TSMQ8Oi-vuSu9z-/s1600/7766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="675" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZJQ1fFmAgdpfM1PE7LfJlHn9qfybF2qyTLPXQkiwWJvL9mAuTqCIeqzHazYP9m_DBcoG92WQfErl6ckmFydCOnpkU5aiBb26ExlXfoJxS2ep7Wtz2VTSWTNm5IqX5TSMQ8Oi-vuSu9z-/s400/7766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>P <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="T68491_S-1C_HTM_T68491A014_V13" style="color: #263982;"></a>RINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of October 18, 2010, subject to certain assumptions set forth in the footnotes and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares of our common stock offered in this offering under this prospectus for:</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="TOP" width="5%"></td><td valign="TOP" width="5%"></td><td valign="TOP" width="90%"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">•</span></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">each stockholder, or group of affiliated stockholders, who we know beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock;</span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">•</span></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">each of our current directors;</span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">•</span></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">each of our named executive officers;</span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">•</span></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">all of our current directors and current executive officers as a group; and</span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP"></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">•</span></td><td valign="TOP"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the selling stockholders.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting and/or investment power. Shares of common stock subject to options and warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe the beneficial owners of the common stock listed below, based on information furnished by them, have sole voting and investment power with respect to the number of shares listed opposite their names.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The number of shares and percentages of beneficial ownership prior to this offering set forth below are based on 22,694,337 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 18, 2010, which gives effect to the conversion of all outstanding shares of preferred stock into 4,975,180 shares of common stock simultaneously with the closing of this offering.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The number of shares and percentages of beneficial ownership after this offering set forth below are based on the number of shares of our common stock to be issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,545,000 shares of our common stock from us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">94</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the individuals and entities named in the table below under “5% Stockholders” and “Named Executive Officers and Directors” is ExamWorks Group, Inc., 3280 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 2625, Atlanta, GA 30305.</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "TIMES NEW ROMAN"; font-size: 10pt; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER" colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); text-indent: 4px;"><b>Shares Beneficially Owned<br />Prior to the Offering</b></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER" rowspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Number of </b><br /><b>Shares </b><br /><b>Offered(2)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Shares Beneficially<br />Owned After the Offering</b></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Name of Beneficial Owner</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); text-indent: 1px;"><b>Number(1)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Percent (%)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Number(3)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Percent (%)</b></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT"><b>5% Stockholders</b></td><td align="LEFT"></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"></td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">ExamWorks Holdings, LLLP(4)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">6,728,018</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">29.6</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">672,802</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">6,055,216</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">19.9</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Steven G. Robbins(5)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,281,953</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5.6</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">229,700</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,052,253</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">3.5</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Thomas P. Anderson and</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Lynn C. Anderson(6)</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,250,459</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5.5</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">187,567</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,062,892</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">3.5</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Jane Y. Decter(7)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,175,502</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5.2</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">211,590</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">963,912</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">3.2</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT"><b>Named Executive Officers</b></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"><b> and Directors</b></td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Richard E. Perlman(8)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">7,354,826</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">32.1</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">6,682,007</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22.0</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">James K. Price(9)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,859,700</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">8.1</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,736,410</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5.7</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Wesley Campbell(10)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">278,610</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.2</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">46,059</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">229,748</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">J. Miguel Fernandez de Castro(11)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">338,876</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.5</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">330,466</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.1</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Kevin Kozlowski(12)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">246,386</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.1</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">239,378</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Crystal Patmore(13)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">225,093</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">216,683</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Clare Arguedas</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">11,310</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">11,310</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Joshua LeMaire(14)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">117,252</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">117,252</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Peter B. Bach(15)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">17,979</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">17,977</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Peter M. Graham(16)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">45,411</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">45,411</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">J. Thomas Presby(17)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">168,311</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">161,303</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">William A. Shutzer(18)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,270,079</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5.6</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1,146,731</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">3.8</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">David B. Zenoff(19)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26,327</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26,327</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT"><b>All directors and executive officers</b></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"><b> as a group (13 persons)(20)</b></td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">9,157,397</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">38.2</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">46,059</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">8,438,519</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26.7</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT"><b>Other Selling Stockholders</b></td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Michael J. Attkiss</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">45,241</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">8,106</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">37,135</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Michael Balducci</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">44,727</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,473</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">40,254</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Lisa Bergstol</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">30,157</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,524</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">25,633</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">BMS Capital Partners, Inc.</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Pension Plan(21)</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26,373</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,213</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">14,160</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Capela Overseas Ltd.(22)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">61,693</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">11,054</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">50,639</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">The Chase 1992 Family Trust,</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> as amended and restated(23)</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">549,018</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">2.4</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">30,234</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">518,784</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.7</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Daniel T. Ciporin and Jill Bayer</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Ciporin, as Joint Tenants</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22,620</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,053</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">18,567</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Robert Collins(24)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">107,937</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">21,643</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">86,294</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Crescent International Ltd.(25)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">75,419</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">13,514</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">61,905</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Brian Denton(26)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">69,404</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">13,818</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">55,586</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">The Douglas M. Leveille Revocable</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Trust, dated March 7, 2006(27)</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">132,686</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,852</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">119,834</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Paul C. Faust</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">37,324</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">3,598</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">33,726</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Fortis Business Holdings, LLC(28)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">128,141</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">52,538</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">75,603</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Genesis Capital Advisors LLC(29)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">45,241</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">8,106</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">37,135</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Garry Goldberg</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22,610</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,051</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">18,559</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Chris Greco(30)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">72,504</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">20,394</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">52,110</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">George Greco(31)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">144,937</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">53,495</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">91,442</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Timothy P. Hanley and Monica</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Hanley, as Joint Tenants</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">75,574</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">7,557</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">68,017</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Patrick Haskell(32)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">30,486</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5,462</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">25,024</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Hochman Family</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> Partnership, LP(33)</td><td align="LEFT" style="text-indent: 1px;"> </td><td align="RIGHT">23,134</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,145</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">18,989</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="eolPage99" style="background-color: white; color: #263982; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><page style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><efx_beneficial_owners><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="FIS_BENEFICIAL_OWNERS_2" style="color: #263982;"></a></efx_beneficial_owners><br /></page>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">95</span></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "TIMES NEW ROMAN"; font-size: 10pt; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER" colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); text-indent: 4px;"><b>Shares Beneficially Owned<br />Prior to the Offering</b></td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER" rowspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Number of </b><br /><b>Shares </b><br /><b>Offered(2)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Shares Beneficially<br />Owned After the Offering</b></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Name of Beneficial Owner</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); text-indent: 1px;"><b>Number(1)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Percent (%)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Number(3)</b></td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="CENTER" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Percent (%)</b></td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">William Hullinger(34)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">299,818</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.3</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">74,955</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">224,863</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">JLCSGC-1, LLC(35)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">83,635</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">83,635</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">0</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">J W Partners, LP(36)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">15,423</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">2,763</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,660</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">K/O Argosy LLC(37)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22,610</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">11,305</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">11,305</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">David Kalajian</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">15,423</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">2,763</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,660</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Lake Avenue Associates, LLC(38)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">75,574</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">18,894</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">56,680</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">The LMK Family Partnership LP(39)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">37,684</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">15,450</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22,234</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">LR Holdings Associates(40)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">38,044</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">5,012</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">33,032</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Brian M. McCoy(41)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">251,862</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.1</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">47,431</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">204,431</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Joyce Nichol(42)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">162,232</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26,069</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">136,163</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Rohan Oza</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">151,148</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">27,083</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">124,065</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Robert C. Porter, M.D.(43)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">565,474</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">2.5</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">282,760</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">282,714</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Arlene Rapoport(44)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">15,423</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">2,763</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,660</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Theodore A. Rice(45)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">273,110</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.2</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">48,936</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">224,174</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Michael Schultz</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">22,615</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">4,052</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">18,563</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Fran and Paul Slansky(46)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">157,959</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">80,265</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">77,694</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Greg Slansky(47)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">72,504</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">12,991</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">59,513</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Philip Wagenheim(48)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">205,525</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">36,826</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">168,699</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Paul P. Warley Jr. and Cindy O.</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="LEFT"> </td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT"> Warley, as Joint Tenants(49)</td><td align="CENTER"> </td><td align="RIGHT">26,866</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">694</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">24,772</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Ivy Zelanka</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">265,470</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">1.2</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">47,567</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">217,903</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Kerry Zelanka</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">162,227</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">29,068</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">133,159</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">Donald Zoltan</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">38,044</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">6,817</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">31,227</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
<tr valign="BOTTOM"><td align="LEFT">All other selling stockholders(50)</td><td align="LEFT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">160,411</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">43,239</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">117,172</td><td align="RIGHT"> </td><td align="RIGHT">*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">* </td><td>less than 1%.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(1) </td><td>This column lists all shares of common stock beneficially owned, whether or not registered hereunder, including all shares of common stock that can be acquired through warrant or option exercises within 60 days of October 18, 2010. Beneficial ownership of certain officers, directors, and selling stockholders is shown as if shares of common stock have been distributed by Holdings to its partners. Other than Mr. Perlman, those certain officers, directors, and selling stockholders disclaim beneficial ownership of common stock currently owned by Holdings.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(2) </td><td>Assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(3) </td><td>Assumes all shares of common stock registered hereunder are sold by the selling stockholders and, with respect to certain officers, directors, and selling stockholders, that all shares owned by Holdings were distributed to such limited partners prior to the offering and sold by such limited partners in the offering.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(4) </td><td>The sole general partner of Holdings is Compass Partners. Mr. Perlman is the President of Compass Partners and is also a limited partner of Holdings. Holdings’ address is ExamWorks Holdings, LLLP, c/o Richard E. Perlman, 655 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10065.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(5) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Dr. Robbins include (i) 102,822 shares of common stock owned by the Robbins Family 2010 Irrevocable Long Term Trust u/a/d October 14, 2010, of which Richard Robbins is the trustee, and (ii) 514,110 shares of common stock owned by the Steven G. Robbins 2010 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust u/a/d October 14, 2010, of which Richard Robbins is the trustee. Dr. Robbins’ address is 1500 Pleasant Valley Way, Suite 301, West Orange, NJ 07052.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(6) </td><td>Mr. and Mrs. Anderson’s address is 215 Viking Place, Alamo, CA 94507.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(7) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Decter include 117,546 shares of common stock owned by the Jane Y. Decter 2010 GRAT of which Ms. Decter is a co-trustee. Ms. Decter’s address is 46 Sullivan Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(8) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Perlman include (i) 257,055 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that will vest upon the earlier of the consummation of this offering and eighteen months following the grant date of March 26, 2010, and (ii) 6,728,018 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings, which is controlled by Mr. Perlman. If Holdings distributed such shares of common stock to its limited partners prior to and following the offering, Mr. Perlman would own, respectively, (i) 1,095,793 and 986,213 shares of common stock directly, (ii) 124,824 and 112,342 shares of common stock through a Roth IRA, and (iii) 12,852 and 11,567 shares of common stock indirectly through Compass Partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"></td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(9) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Price include (i) 257,055 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that will vest upon the earlier of the consummation of this offering and eighteen months following the grant date of March 26, 2010 and (ii) 1,232,892 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 1,109,602 shares following the offering, which Mr. Price would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(10) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Campbell include (i) 250,577 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options of which 167,049 are currently vested and 83,528 will vest upon the consummation of this offering, and (ii) 28,033 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 25,230 shares following the offering, which Mr. Campbell would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">96</span></div>
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<table border="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: "TIMES NEW ROMAN"; font-size: 10pt;"><tbody>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(11) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Fernandez de Castro include (i) 200,461 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 66,818 are currently vested and 133,643 will vest upon the consummation of this offering, and (ii) 84,100 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 75,690 shares following the offering, which Mr. Fernandez de Castro would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(12) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kozlowski include (i) 131,077 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 77,101 are currently vested and 53,976 will vest upon the consummation of this offering, and (ii) 70,083 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 63,075 shares following the offering, which Mr. Kozlowski would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(13) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Patmore include (i) 89,969 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 29,988 are currently vested and 59,981 will vest upon the consummation of this offering, and (ii) 84,100 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 75,690 shares following the offering, which Ms. Patmore would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(14) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. LeMaire include 64,263 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 38,553 are currently vested and 25,710 will vest upon the consummation of this offering.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(15) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Dr. Bach include 10,266 shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, or the Plan, that are not yet vested, but are eligible to be voted. The restricted shares will vest upon the earlier of (i) July 16, 2011 and (ii) the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Plan.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(16) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Graham include 6,853 shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plan that are not yet vested, but are eligible to be voted.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(17) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Presby include (i) 7,711 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 2,570 are currently vested and 5,141 will vest upon the consummation of this offering, (ii) 70,083 of shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 63,075 shares following the offering, which Mr. Presby would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners, and (iii) 11,546 shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plan that are not yet vested, but are eligible to be voted. The restricted shares will vest upon the earlier of (i) July 16, 2011 and (ii) the occurrence of an event of change of control, as defined in the Plan.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(18) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Shutzer include (i) 1,233,470 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 1,110,122 shares following the offering, half of which Mr. Shutzer would own directly and half of which Mr. Shutzer would own through the Shutzer Family Grantor Retained Annuity Trust if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners and (ii) 10,904 shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plan that are not yet vested, but are eligible to be voted. The restricted shares will vest upon the earlier of (i) July 16, 2011 and (ii) the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Plan. Mr. Schutzer disclaims beneficial ownership of 25,705 shares owned by the Shutzer Family Limited Partnership, of which Mr. Schutzer’s wife is a general partner.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(19) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Zenoff include 10,904 shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plan that are not yet vested, but are eligible to be voted. The restricted shares will vest upon the earlier of (i) July 16, 2011 and (ii) the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Plan.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(20) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned prior to the offering include 1,258,168 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options and 6,728,018 shares currently owned by Holdings, which is indirectly controlled by our Executive Chairman, Mr. Perlman.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(21) </td><td>Barry Salzman is the trustee of BMS Capital Partners, Inc. Pension Plan. Mr. Salzman also claims beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by BMS Capital Partners, Inc. Pension Plan. Mr. Salzman also claims beneficial ownership of 95,752 shares beneficially owned by BMS Capital Partners, Inc., of which Mr. Salzman is president, none of which shares are offered for sale in this offering.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(22) </td><td>Michael A. Barth has sole voting power of Capela Overseas Ltd.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(23) </td><td>John L. Chase and Susan Chase are the trustees of The Chase 1992 Family Trust.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(24) </td><td>Mr. Collins is employed as a General Manager of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(25) </td><td>Maxi Brezzi and Bachir Taleb-Ibrahimi have voting power of Crescent International Ltd.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(26) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Denton are all shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 46,269 are currently vested and 23,134 will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Mr. Denton is employed as the Chief Technology Officer of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(27) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by The Douglas M. Leveille Revocable Trust, dated March 7, 2006, of which Douglas M. Leveille is the trustee, include 6,425 shares of common stock held by Mr. Leveille issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 2,138 are currently vested and 4,287 will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Mr. Leveille is employed as an Implementation Manager of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(28) </td><td>Louis, Joel, and Sarah Kestenbaum have voting power of Fortis Business Holdings, LLC. Louis Kestenbaum, Margaret Kestenbaum, Joel Kestenbaum, and Sarah Rosenfeld also claim beneficial ownership of Fortis Business Holdings, LLC’s shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(29) </td><td>Ethan Benovitz, Daniel Saks, and Jaime Hartman have voting power of Genesis Capital Advisors LLC.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(30) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Greco include 14,235 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 9,490 are currently vested and 4,745 will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Mr. Greco is employed as a General Manager of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(31) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Greco include 28,398 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 18,929 are currently vested and 9,469 will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Mr. Greco is employed as a Vice President, Eastern Region, of the Company. Karen Greco also claims beneficial ownership of Mr. Greco’s shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(32) </td><td>Colleen Haskell also claims beneficial ownership of Mr. Haskell’s shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(33) </td><td>Richard H. Hochman has sole voting power of Hochman Family Partnership, LP.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(34) </td><td>Mr. Hullinger is employed as a General Manager of the Company. Carol Hullinger also claims beneficial ownership of Mr. Hullinger’s shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(35) </td><td>John L. Chase and Susan G. Chase have sole voting power of JLCSGC-1, LLC and also claim beneficial ownership of JLCSGC- 1, LLC's shares.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(36) </td><td>Jason Wild has voting power of J W Partners, LP.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(37) </td><td>Sheldon Salcman has sole voting power of K/O Argosy LLC.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(38) </td><td>Joseph W. Blount has sole voting power of Lake Avenue Associates, LLC.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(39) </td><td>Louis Kestenbaum and Sarah Rosenfeld have voting power of The LMK Family Partnership LP. Louis Kestenbaum and Margaret Kestenbaum also claim beneficial ownership of The LMK Family Partnership LP’s shares.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">97</span></div>
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<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(40) </td><td>Leslie Rieder and Samuel J. Rieder have voting power of LR Holdings Associates.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(41) </td><td>Brian M. McCoy is employed as a Vice President, Sales Eastern Region, of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(42) </td><td>Ms. Nichol is employed as a General Manager of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(43) </td><td>Dr. Porter is employed as a Chief Medical Officer of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(44) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Ms. Rapoport are warrants to purchase 15,423 shares of common stock. Ms. Rapoport purchased the warrants from Michael Rapoport, who acquired them in connection with the private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(45)</td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Rice include (i) 14,045 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Rice and Caryl Anne Rice and (ii) 51,410 shares of common stock for which Mr. Rice acts as the custodian for the benefit of his minor grandchildren. Mr. Rice is employed as the President of The Ricwel Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(46) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Ms. and Mr. Slansky include 2,570 shares of common stock held by Ms. Slansky issuable upon exercise of stock options, all of which will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Ms. Slansky is employed as a Vice President, and Mr. Slansky is also employed by the Company.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(47) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Slansky include 14,235 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, of which 9,490 are currently vested and 4,745 will vest upon the consummation of this offering. Mr. Slansky is employed as a Sales Manager of the Company. Cindy Slansky, the wife of Mr. Slansky, also claims beneficial ownership of Mr. Slansky’s stock.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(48) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Wagenheim include warrants to purchase 99,989 shares of common stock, which were issued in connection with the private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(49) </td><td>Shares beneficially owned by Mr. and Ms. Warley include 14,017 shares of common stock currently owned by Holdings prior to the offering and 12,614 shares following the offering, which Mr. Warley would own if distributed by Holdings to its limited partners.</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP"> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" valign="TOP">(50) </td><td>Consists of the combined beneficial ownership of 22 selling stockholders. Collectively, the shares subject to this footnote include warrants to purchase 8,194 shares of common stock, which were issued in connection with the private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Two of the stockholders subject to this footnote are former employees of the Company. John Turner was employed as an office manager until April 2010, and Darlene Lambert was also employed until April 2010. One of the stockholders subject to this footnote is the father of J. Miguel Fernandez de Castro, who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and another is the daughter of J. Thomas Presby, who is a Director of the Company.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">98</span></div>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-65193117021962775492019-05-13T10:08:00.001-04:002019-05-13T10:08:10.396-04:00De Blasio’s history of campaign finance scandals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCRTcQEd7nmgo4M5PEhXRz58yZXNGf0Omk1HJ_GFzzBkNn5KOKObX7_m-qnvFhc6GWiuPGYasPRfUCSKiNpa_Pc49I2wajYfe-kA6jyAIo7Km3ecAlxMRG21rpm26sIYJtIpulqH5WHoC/s1600/6677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCRTcQEd7nmgo4M5PEhXRz58yZXNGf0Omk1HJ_GFzzBkNn5KOKObX7_m-qnvFhc6GWiuPGYasPRfUCSKiNpa_Pc49I2wajYfe-kA6jyAIo7Km3ecAlxMRG21rpm26sIYJtIpulqH5WHoC/s400/6677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is no stranger to
fundraising scandals, even if the allegations never fully stick. Just last
week, The City reported on a previously undisclosed investigation by the city
Department of Investigation into potential conflict of interest violations in
relation to de Blasio’s fundraising. Earlier this month, the mayor received
scrutiny for receiving donations from the lawyer at the heart of a controversial
real estate deal between the city and shady landlords.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Around the same time, de Blasio also made headlines for a
questionable fundraiser hosted by Suffolk Construction in Boston, a company
that is currently looking to expand its business in New York City and recently
hired de Blasio’s former public housing commissioner Shola Olatoye. De Blasio
did not publicize the fundraiser and did not disclose the host when asked by
reporters – but everything was still above board, he later argued, even if the
lack of transparency made it seem like de Blasio was “violating the spirit” of
his own promise not to accept campaign cash from donors with business before
the city, as WNYC’s Brian Lehrer said while interviewing the mayor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are the other times de Blasio’s fundraising tactics
have gotten him into hot water:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Federal campaign finance investigation<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2013, de Blasio set up a nonprofit called the Campaign
for One New York to support his agenda. The now-defunct organization came under
federal investigation for possible campaign finance violations in 2016. Federal
prosecutors from the Southern District of New York subpoenaed thousands of
emails and documents from the mayor, his aides, donors to both his 2013 mayoral
campaign and the Campaign for One New York to see if donors received favorable
treatment from the de Blasio administration. The investigation led to the
indictment of two de Blasio donors who became cooperating witnesses –
restaurateur Harendra Singh, who admitted to attempting to bribe the mayor
through straw donations made to his actual campaign account, and real estate
developer Jona Rechnitz, who pled guilty to conspiracy charges and later
testified about his close relationship to de Blasio and other benefits as a
result of his donations and fundraising. At the investigation’s conclusion in
2017, federal prosecutors did not press charges against de Blasio, but did say
that he acted on behalf of donors who sought favors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rivington House lobbying<o:p></o:p></div>
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De Blasio and his administration received extensive scrutiny
from both New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and the city Department of
Investigation for how the city handled the sale of Rivington House, a former
nonprofit health care facility, which is now being developed for residential
purposes. A for-profit nursing home company, Allure Group, bought the property
in 2015 and paid the city $16 million to lift a deed restriction that required
the property to remain a nonprofit health care facility, with the expectation
that the company would instead build a for-profit nursing home. Instead, Allure
sold the property to Slate in 2016, which plans to convert the building to
residential use and build condos. The city admitted that it had been “misled”
by Allure. Prominent lobbyist and frequent de Blasio donor James Capalino
represented both the original owner and Slate. Capalino steered $40,000 to de
Blasio 2017 reelection campaign and cut a check for $10,000 to Campaign for One
New York after pressuring the city to change the deed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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State campaign finance investigation<o:p></o:p></div>
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The state also investigated the Campaign for One New York,
although it took a more narrow purview and focused specifically on de Blasio’s
fundraising efforts on behalf of state Senate Democrats in 2014, which was only
one part of the federal inquiry. State prosecutors, in conjunction with federal
prosecutors, sought to determine if de Blasio attempted to circumvent campaign
contribution limits by giving donations solicited by de Blasio to smaller
county committees, which have no contribution limits. Rechnitz testified that
both Ross Offinger, a former campaign fundraiser for de Blasio, and the mayor
personally asked him to donate over $100,000 to bolster those efforts. Like in
the federal investigation, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. did not
press charges against the mayor in 2017, but did say that while there was not
enough evidence to indict de Blasio, his actions “appeared contrary to the
intent and spirit of the laws that impose candidate contribution limits.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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JCOPE lobbying investigation<o:p></o:p></div>
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The state Joint Commission on Public Ethics also looked into
de Blasio’s Campaign for One New York for nearly three years, trying to
determine if donations made to the nonprofit were in fact illegal gifts to the
mayor himself. It has not yet drawn any conclusion as to whether the
organization violated state lobbying laws, although The City reported the probe
is still ongoing. JCOPE did reach a settlement with top lobbyist and de Blasio
ally James Capalino in 2018, who agreed to pay $40,000 without admitting any
wrongdoing. Capalino had personally donated $10,000 to the Campaign for One New
York, and solicited another $90,000 from several of his clients, then scheduled
a breakfast meeting with de Blasio and the clients who made donations. That
meeting was not listed on de Blasio’s disclosure of lobbying meetings. JCOPE
also reach a $10,000 settlement with New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe
Streets, a group that donated to the Campaign for One New York and lobbied de
Blasio to ban horse carriages in the city, for failing to file as a lobbyist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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City conflict of interest investigation<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a previously undisclosed report from the city Department
of Investigation obtained by The City, investigators found that de Blasio
violated conflict of interest rules by seeking donations for Campaign for One
New York from individuals or organizations seeking favors from his
administration after repeated warnings that he stop. Those included developers
Toll Brothers and Park Towers. Toll Brothers saw positive movement with a
development shortly before de Blasio asked for donations, and Park Towers received
millions in tax credits and tax breaks related to a Brooklyn development after
writing a $50,000 check to Campaign for One New York. This came at the
conclusion of a two-and-a-half year probe that ended in October. The report
also questioned de Blasio’s process for vetting donors, which the DOI found to
be lacking. It also offered the most insight into de Blasio’s fundraising
practices and his personal involvement in contacting donors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Controversial real estate deal<o:p></o:p></div>
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New York City recently purchased 17 buildings from the
Podolsky brothers, a pair of landlords infamous for their many building code
and rent law violations, for $173 million. Many scrutinized the deal because
the final price was so much higher than the $50 million city for which
officials had originally appraised the property. An ensuing private appraisal,
kept secret by the city, put the value at $143 million, leaving questions about
both the increased value and how the city reached its final number. The lawyer
representing the Podolskys, Frank Carone, is a long-time ally of de Blasio who
emails show had influence in City Hall and donated the legal limit of $5,000 to
de Blasio’s Fairness PAC, which the mayor is using the explore a presidential
run, during the real estate negotiations. He also solicited donations from
others on behalf of de Blasio shortly before the deal closed as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-73652015722730473792019-05-13T10:04:00.002-04:002019-05-13T10:04:30.560-04:00Federal judge did not disclose connection to player in lawsuit, records show<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsO4EyvT64TLMBb7bTIDmlDmeWEkieXNXCeHeaXF2BCxJEsYoCDUqyeqo3fva9aOplwDrPfP4prc-tdr36zsmrgmUyycX2lRn170dqwy79j0a-vPwFmF5ThzE3XcF3F4hZs20WotdYJ6z/s1600/6677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsO4EyvT64TLMBb7bTIDmlDmeWEkieXNXCeHeaXF2BCxJEsYoCDUqyeqo3fva9aOplwDrPfP4prc-tdr36zsmrgmUyycX2lRn170dqwy79j0a-vPwFmF5ThzE3XcF3F4hZs20WotdYJ6z/s400/6677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Brooklyn federal judge did not disclose she was colleagues
with a lawyer in a politically-charged civil lawsuit over which she presided —
raising potential ethics concerns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall handled a suit filed by former
Brooklyn Civil Court Judge Laura Jacobson against the Brooklyn Democratic
Party, its leader Frank Seddio and its judicial screening committee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacobson alleges she was railroaded out of her judicial seat
and defamed by the party and its screening committee — in part because she
ruled against the Kings County Democratic Committee’s chief lawyer Frank Carone
in a 2014 case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hall and Carone served together on the city Taxi and
Limousine Commission beginning in 2011, their online bios show. Judge Hall did
not disclose that connection during the Jacobson legal proceedings, which began
in 2016. Carone was not a defendant in Jacobson’s lawsuit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“They would normally at least raise the issue,” Ronald
Minkoff, a legal ethics professor at Columbia Law School, said of judges in
such situations. “Is it something in a perfect world you would disclose? Yes.
Is it something that matters? I don’t know."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Minkoff said situations where relatives or close friends
show up in lawsuits would be clear grounds for disclosure or recusal. A situation
like Hall’s is more of a gray area, but Minkoff said judges often leave such
situations for lawyers to decide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacobson’s attorney Ravi Batra said it’s “too early to say”
whether he would pursue an ethics complaint through the federal court system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“While I’m more comfortable with it, my client is not,”
Batra said of Hall presiding over the case. “I just wish there had been fuller
disclosure so this would not even be an issue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hall dismissed Jacobson’s lawsuit last September. Batra
filed a notice of appeal the following month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The complaint alleges that the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s
judicial screening committee found Jacobson “not qualified” in order to push
her from the bench over court decisions she made, including the one involving
Carone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Batra noted that this is not the first time ethics issues
have arisen around Carone, a Brooklyn lawyer and a donor and friend to Mayor de
Blasio.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carone represented two shady landlords, Jay and Stuart
Podolsky, in a controversial real estate deal that culminated with them selling
17 properties to the city for $173 million. De Blasio has defended the deal as
a key step in converting buildings used as “cluster site” homeless shelters to
permanent affordable housing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Reading about that stuff in the papers that’s currently
going on — it doesn’t give me indigestion, but it’s unpleasant,” Batra said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hall did not return a message left with her clerks. Carone’s
spokesman Bob Liff suggested a disclosure wouldn’t have been necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Frank Carone had
nothing to do with Judge Jacobson’s case, nor did he have any role in the
decision of the independent judicial screening panel that found her not
qualified when she sought the support of Democratic leaders for her
re-election," Liff said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Political consultant Gary Tilzer said the Jacobson case is
an illustration of what’s wrong with the Brooklyn Democratic organization and
said the judicial screening panel is far from independent. Tilzer works for
Elena Baron, who’s running for Brooklyn Surrogate Court judge against
party-backed incumbent Judge Margarita López Torres.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He called the judicial screening panel “an arm of Brooklyn
Democratic Party.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I advise my candidates to skip them,” he added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-72622401938255525342019-05-05T11:13:00.000-04:002019-05-05T11:16:00.073-04:00Anglo Financial SA & Anor v. Goldberg pt. 2<br />
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<br />
Properties<o:p></o:p></div>
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67. Before the Judge on the without notice application and
again before me, the Claimants sought to place considerable reliance on the
position regarding the former matrimonial home at 103 Bridge Lane and the house
where Mr Goldberg now lives with his wife at 16 Decoy Avenue, both in London
NW11. The Decoy Avenue property was bought in April 2008 and the Bridge Lane
property was sold in June 2012. At least part of the long interval between the
two transactions was due to the fact that extensive building works were carried
out at the Decoy Avenue site so the Goldberg family remained resident at Bridge
Lane until the new house at Decoy Avenue was ready.<o:p></o:p></div>
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16 Decoy Avenue<o:p></o:p></div>
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68. In the affirmation placed before the Court at the
without notice application, the Claimants exhibited the Land Registry entry
showing that the property was registered in Mrs Goldberg's name in August 2010.
On the basis that it had been purchased in 2008, Mr Kestenbaum stated that he
had been "advised that it can be inferred" that Mr Goldberg
"simply transferred it into her name" in August 2010. However, Mr
Goldberg explains in his evidence that 16 Decoy Avenue was purchased from the
outset in his wife's sole name, and he exhibits the contract of purchase. He
explains that the failure to register her title in 2008 was just an oversight that
came to light in 2010 when they sought to execute a charge over both the Decoy
Avenue and Bridge Lane properties as security for a loan which they took out to
cover the building works. That failure was remedied by transfer forms sent to
the Land Registry at the time, who corrected the Register. Thus, there never
was a transfer by Mr Goldberg of the property to his wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
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69. Instead of accepting this explanation, Mr Littman
advanced a new submission that Mr Goldberg was not telling the truth in his
affirmation of assets, since there he disclosed no interest in 16 Decoy Avenue.
Mr Littman argued that Mr Goldberg would have a beneficial interest, since on
his evidence the money for the purchase came from the proceeds of disposal of
another property, in Grosvenor Gardens, which Mr and Mrs Goldberg had initially
agreed to buy as their new home but then released to the owners of the adjacent
property who were prepared to pay a premium of 500,000. That money, together
with some 45,000 of family savings, was used to pay the purchase price of 16
Decoy Avenue in 2008.<o:p></o:p></div>
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70. However, Mr Goldberg states that the move from 103
Bridge Lane had always been his wife's project and that she was the driving
force in finding the new properties and negotiating the transactions, so he was
content for 16 Decoy Avenue to be owned solely by her. Whether that is the full
explanation, or whether there were in addition fiscal considerations, as
suggested by the letter from Mr Goldberg's former solicitors of 18 August 2014,
the simple fact is that the contract for Mrs Goldberg to purchase 16 Decoy
Avenue was entered into on 10 April 2008. That is long before the problems
arose with the Brevard and New Sales loans and before any prospect of an
investment on the part of Mr Kestenbaum's company in Rwanda had even been put
forward. It is, in my judgment, wholly misconceived to suggest that the
purchase in his wife's sole name in April 2008 of what was to become the new
family home indicates a risk of Mr Goldberg dissipating his assets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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71. As for Mr Goldberg's affirmation of assets, as Mr
Freedman pointed out, the law on resulting trusts is not straightforward and
the presumption of advancement would normally have applied at that time to a
purchase by a husband of property in the name of his wife, rebutting any
intention to create a trust. The purchase of 16 Decoy Avenue was completed
prior to sect. 199 of the Equality Act 2010 coming into force. I reject the
suggestion that the affirmation of assets was dishonest on this basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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72. The fact that in the "without prejudice"
negotiations in 2010, Mr Goldberg may have referred to the property as
"his house", even if that were admissible and not covered by
privilege, does not, in my judgment, affect this conclusion. In negotiations of
that kind, people often talk of assets on which they can raise funds without
necessarily being precise, and his wife may have been willing to allow their
home to be used to assist in achieving an overall settlement of the claims
against her husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
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73. The circumstances of the development loan secured on the
properties were not relied on in the original application for a freezing order
as the Claimants were then not aware of it. It is disclosed in Mr Goldberg's
evidence and he exhibits a copy of the loan agreement dated 20 December 2010.
It is a loan facility from a Gibraltar company, Enid Properties Ltd
("Enid"), enabling Mr and Mrs Goldberg together to draw down up to
1.25 million by tranches. The loan is secured by mortgages on both the Bridge
Lane and Decoy Avenue properties. The executed version of the agreement was
produced by English solicitors, and Mr Littman did not suggest that it was
other than genuine, but nonetheless sought to argue that there is "a cloud
of suspicion" over this agreement. That was essentially on the basis that
the lender was an obscure Gibraltar company, the loan was secured using the
services of a solicitor at the well-known Gibraltar firm of Hassans who was
engaged in tax planning rather than property transactions, and the interest
rate was stated to be 20%. However, Mr Freedman pointed out that the loan was
for a total period of 20 months, out of which it was interest-free for the
first 14 months. That disposes of the interest rate point. As for the use of a
Gibraltar company, it may be that there was an element of tax planning in this
borrowing but there is nothing untoward about that. Clause 19 of the loan
agreement significantly states:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Stephen Jonathan Goldberg has joined in this Loan
Agreement at the request of the Lender. Such participation is not to be deemed
an express or implied representation or warranty on the part of the Borrower
that Stephen Jonathan Goldberg has an equitable or legal interest in the Decoy
Avenue Property."<o:p></o:p></div>
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I should add that I see nothing suspicious about the fact
that this clause was added in manuscript before the agreement was executed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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103 Bridge Lane<o:p></o:p></div>
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74. On 11 June 2012, Mr Goldberg sold his house to Uri and
Rebecca Goldberg for 950,000. In the affirmation placed before the Court at the
without notice application, Mr Kestenbaum stated that it was sold to Mr
Goldberg's son and daughter-in-law and added:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"I have no idea whether they paid full market value for
it but I have my doubts."<o:p></o:p></div>
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75. Mr Goldberg points out that the purchasers were not his
son and daughter-in-law but his nephew, who is in his thirties, and his wife.
Mr Goldberg says that the sale was at market value since he got valuations from
two estate agents (whom he identifies), who both advised that the property
could be marketed at just over 1 million to enable a sale price "slightly
below 1 million" to be achieved. He explains that he therefore discounted
from 1 million to arrive at a price of 950,000 to account for fees and VAT
saved by not selling through an estate agent, and the benefit of avoiding the
inconvenience of having to market the property.<o:p></o:p></div>
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76. The Claimants now apologise for the mistake made as
between Mr Goldberg's son and his nephew. However, Mr Littman proceeded to
submit that it really made no difference as this was not a sale on the open
market but within the family, and therefore was likely to be at an undervalue.
I have to say that I found that an astonishing submission. As Mr Kestenbaum is
well aware, Mr Goldberg has several children. There is no suggestion that Mr
Goldberg is an individual of enormous wealth. The benefit which a man may wish
to pass on to one of his own children, who in due course may be expected to
inherit from him, is, in my view, obviously different from the arrangement he
may come to with another member of the family regarding one of his most
valuable assets. I would have thought that, as a general proposition, that is
self-evident.<o:p></o:p></div>
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77. Mr Kestenbaum's witness statement of 16 September 2014
asserts:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"We have been advised that the property would be worth
significantly greater than the amount it was sold for."<o:p></o:p></div>
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But he further states:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"We are still awaiting an expert's report in relation
to the value of the property at the relevant time."<o:p></o:p></div>
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78. I note that Mr Kestenbaum does not disclose the source
of the advice he says he has received on the property's value. The Claimants
have had months to prepare their case and obtaining a professional valuation of
a property in London as at June 2012 is hardly a difficult exercise. Although
Mr Littman sought to complain that Mr Goldberg had not exhibited the valuations
to which he referred, the burden is of course on the Claimants to support their
assertions that the sale of 103 Bridge Lane indicates a risk of dissipation of
assets. There is not a shred of evidence before the Court to support the
Claimants' suggestion that it was sold at an under-value.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other suggestions<o:p></o:p></div>
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79. The Claimants sought to rely on the fact that Mr
Goldberg engaged in prolonged negotiations in 2010 and then, as Mr Kestenbaum
puts it, "inexplicably walked away" without denying liability, as
indicating that he is someone who is devious and not to be trusted. However, it
is a commonplace that parties to very many of the commercial cases that come to
trial have attempted to negotiate a settlement, and there are all kinds of
reasons why such negotiations may be unsuccessful. That the claims were not settled
cannot be taken of itself as an indication that one side cannot be trusted. On
the contrary, in the present case, as I have already observed, the very length
of those negotiations, and the fact that Mr Goldberg did not seek to conceal or
dissipate assets at that time, is in my judgment a significant factor in the
balance when assessing whether there is a real risk that he would do so now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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80. Mr Littman also suggested in his skeleton argument
placed before the Judge at the without notice application that "it is all
too easy for someone like [Mr Goldberg] to leave the jurisdiction and go to
Israel, from which he could not be made to return." This remarkable
submission was repeated in argument before me, on the basis that Mr Goldberg
made his affirmation of assets of 21 August 2014 in Israel and first instructed
to represent him in the present action a firm of English solicitors that also
have an office in Tel Aviv. But Mr Goldberg has not moved to Israel in the four
years since Mr Kestenbaum started to seek recovery from him; he is involved
with his family's UK property business; and he states in his affirmation that
four of his children live in England, the youngest of whom is a teenage girl at
school and living at home. He states firmly that he has no plans to leave the
United Kingdom. There is no basis whatever to find otherwise. That is quite
aside from the fact that there is reciprocal enforcement of civil judgments as
between Israel and the jurisdictions in the United Kingdom pursuant to the 1958
Convention between Israel and the United Kingdom on the Reciprocal Recognition
and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil Matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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81. Altogether, I find that the Claimants' case on risk of
dissipation, when carefully scrutinised in the light of Mr Goldberg's evidence
in reply, rests on bold surmise supported by an attempt to raise suspicion and
draw inferences against Mr Goldberg on the flimsiest foundations. The Claimants
have repeatedly attacked Mr Goldberg's honesty and both the evidence of Mr
Kestenbaum and the arguments of Mr Littman are replete with suggestions of
duplicity, deceit and even, in Mr Littman's oral submissions before me,
perjury. Those are serious allegations to make against any individual, let
alone against a professional solicitor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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82. On this interim application, I am of course not
concerned with determining what happened regarding the monies in the bank
accounts referred to in the Brevard and New Sales loan agreements, or precisely
when Mr Goldberg discovered that the advance by Fortis in relation to the
purported concession in Rwanda had been procured by fraud. Mr Goldberg is not
an individual with significant liquid assets. I conclude that on the evidence
before the Court, there is no basis to find that there is, objectively viewed,
a real risk of dissipation of assets by Mr Goldberg in the absence of a
freezing order.<o:p></o:p></div>
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83. That is of course sufficient to dispose of the
Claimants' application. However, as it was fully argued and may have some
further relevance, I address the points raised by Mr Freedman concerning
non-disclosure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Material non-disclosure<o:p></o:p></div>
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84. The importance of an applicant for a freezing order on a
without notice application making full and frank disclosure has been repeatedly
emphasised by the courts. In an oft-cited passage in Siporex Trade v Comdel
[1986] 2 Lloyd's Rep 428 at 437, Bingham J stated:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Such an applicant must show the utmost good faith and
disclose his case fully and fairly. He must, for the protection and information
of the defendant, summarize his case and the evidence in support of it by an
affidavit or affidavits sworn before or immediately after the application. He
must identify the crucial points for and against the application, and not rely
on general statements and the mere exhibiting of numerous documents. He must
investigate the nature of the cause of action asserted and the facts relied on
before applying and identify any likely defences. He must disclose all facts
which reasonably could or would be taken into account by the Judge in deciding
whether to grant the application. It is no excuse for an applicant to say that
he was not aware of the importance of matters he has omitted to state."<o:p></o:p></div>
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85. In Brink's Mat Ltd v Elcombe [1988] 1 WLR 1350, Ralph
Gibson LJ, in a judgment with which Slade and Balcombe LJJ agreed, set out at
1356-1357 the following principles that should apply in deciding whether there
had been relevant non-disclosure:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"(1) The duty of the applicant is to make 'a full and
fair disclosure of all the material facts:' see Rex v. Kensington Income Tax
Commissioners, Ex parte Princess Edmond de Polignac [1917] 1 K.B. 486,514, per
Scrutton L.J.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(2) The material facts are those which it is material for
the judge to know in dealing with the application as made: materiality is to be
decided by the court and not by the assessment of the applicant or his legal
advisers: see Rex v. Kensington Income Tax Commissioners, per Lord Cozens-Hardy
M.R., at p. 504, citing Dalglish v. Jarvie (1850) 2 Mac. & G. 231, 238, and
Browne-Wilkinson J. in Thermax Ltd. V. Schott Industrial Glass Ltd. [1981]
F.S.R. 289, 295.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(3) The applicant must make proper inquiries before making
the application: see Bank Mellat v. Nikpour [1985] F.S.R. 87. The duty of
disclosure therefore applies not only to material facts known to the applicant
but also to any additional facts which he would have known if he had made such
inquiries.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(4) The extent of the inquiries which will be held to be
proper, and therefore necessary, must depend on all the circumstances of the
case including (a) the nature of the case which the applicant is making when he
makes the application; and (b) the order for which application is made and the
probable effect of the order on the defendant: see, for example, the
examination by Scott J. of the possible effect of an Anton Piller order in
Columbia Picture Industries Inc. v. Robinson [1987] Ch. 38; and (c) the degree
of legitimate urgency and the time available for the making of inquiries: see
per Slade L.J. in Bank Mellat v. Nikpour [1985] F.S.R. 87, 92-93."<o:p></o:p></div>
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86. Here, Mr Freedman relies strongly on the failure
properly to disclose the repayment by Mr Goldberg of the Cotto loan. That fact
was buried away in Mr Kestenbaum's lengthy affirmation made in the 2009 action
against Mr Linde that was also placed before the Judge here on the without
notice application, and it was not drawn to the Judge's attention at all. Mr
Littman sought to persuade me that it was simply not material. He submitted
that a claimant seeking a freezing injunction is not obliged to show that the defendant
is not trustworthy in all aspects of his dealings. As a general statement, that
is no doubt correct. But this was an instance of a defendant dealing with the
same claimant, regarding a transaction that was very similar to the
transactions sued upon, at almost the same time as the alleged liability that
is the subject of the present action, and paying a substantial sum of money. As
I have stated above, I regard it as highly material to the question of a risk
of dissipation and I would have thought it self-evident that Mr Goldberg would
seek to rely on it in resisting a freezing order. I have no doubt that it
should have been brought to the attention of the Judge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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87. Secondly, the Court was given a false picture regarding
the sale of 103 Bridge Lane to Mr Goldberg's son when it is now acknowledged
that it was sold to his nephew. I have made clear my reasons for regarding that
distinction as material. I accept that this was not a deliberate error. But Mr
Kestenbaum has sought to emphasise how good friends he was with Mr Goldberg and
his attendance at family occasions. That such a mistake was made is, in my
view, an example of the somewhat cavalier way in which the Claimants put
together their evidence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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88. Next, the Claimants wholly failed to point out to the
Judge that Mr Goldberg was likely to rely on the years of delay and the fact
that if Mr Kestenbaum believed that Mr Goldberg was dishonest and the sort of
defendant who is likely to dissipate his assets to avoid his liability, it
might be said that the Claimants would have sought a freezing order some years
before when Mr Kestenbaum began to press their claims. I recognise that the
skeleton argument placed before the Judge does refer to the delay but it fails
to indicate the argument which it could be expected Mr Goldberg would wish to
put forward as a result.<o:p></o:p></div>
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89. Further, the Claimants did not point out to the Judge
the possible defence to the Anglo claim that there remained no recoverable
loss, for reasons I have set out, and put forward a calculation of interest
that over-stated the claim. Again, I do not suggest that the mis-calculation of
interest was deliberate. But as I have observed, it is an elementary error made
by a company well experienced in financial transactions and doubtless familiar
with the way interest is to be calculated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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90. The Claimants also failed to point out a possible
defence to Fortis' claim, namely that Mr Goldberg would say that he was no
longer under any legal obligation to assist the company in making a recovery
from Mr Hirsch or Hirsch & Cie in respect of a fraud in which Mr Goldberg
himself had played no part. Indeed, the way the matter was put to the Judge in
counsel's skeleton argument regarding this claim is, in my view, disturbing.
That written argument states, at paragraph 17:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"[Mr Goldberg] was in possession of knowledge to the
effect that the loan to Hirsch & Cie was fraudulent and owed Fortis a
fiduciary duty to disclose it. He did not disclose it until too late."<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then it proceeds, at paragraph 18:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Quite clearly, had Fortis known that the money was to
be used to pay a liability to Mr Blank the loan would not have been made."<o:p></o:p></div>
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The clear impression created by those assertions is that Mr
Goldberg was aware of the original fraud at the time it was being practised
upon Fortis. However, that is not the case at all, and, indeed, Mr Kestenbaum's
evidence does not make that suggestion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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91. Having regard to all of the above factors, I have no
doubt that there was material non-disclosure in this case, for much of which
there is no good explanation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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92. Material non-disclosure will not necessarily lead to the
discharge of a freezing order, and in this case the order will in any event
elapse on determination of the present hearing. However, when it does justify
discharge, it may, but will not necessarily, be the basis on which the Court
refuses to grant a further injunction. In Millhouse UK Ltd v Sibir Energy PLC
[2008] EWHC 2614 (Ch), Christopher Clarke J made the following observations,
which I respectfully adopt:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"104. The Court will look back at what has happened and
examine whether, and if so, to what extent, it was not fully informed, and why,
in order to decide what sanction to impose in consequence. The obligation of
full disclosure, an obligation owed to the Court itself, exists in order to
secure the integrity of the Court's process and to protect the interests of
those potentially affected by whatever order the Court is invited to make. The
Court's ability to set its order aside, and to refuse to renew it, is the
sanction by which that obligation is enforced and others are deterred from
breaking it. Such is the importance of the duty that, in the event of any
substantial breach, the Court strongly inclines towards setting its order aside
and not renewing it, so as to deprive the defaulting party of any advantage
that the order may have given him. This is particularly so in the case of
freezing and seizure orders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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105. As to the future, the Court may well be faced with a
situation in which, in the light of all the material to hand after the
non-disclosure has become apparent, there remains a case, possibly a strong
case, for continuing or re-granting the relief sought. Whilst a strong case can
never justify non-disclosure, the Court will not be blind to the fact that a
refusal to continue or renew an order may work a real injustice, which it may
wish to avoid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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106. As with all discretionary considerations, much depends
on the facts. The more serious or culpable the non-disclosure, the more likely
the Court is to set its order aside and not renew it, however prejudicial the
consequences. The stronger the case for the order sought and the less serious
or culpable the non-disclosure, the more likely it is that the Court may be
persuaded to continue or re-grant the order originally obtained. In complicated
cases it may be just to allow some margin of error. It is often easier to spot
what should have been disclosed in retrospect, and after argument from those
alleging non-disclosure, than it was at the time when the question of
disclosure first arose."<o:p></o:p></div>
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93. Here, I regard the non-disclosure as both serious and
significant, in a case where the grounds for granting a freezing order were
never strong. The issue of non-disclosure, as Mr Freedman submitted, is here
bound up with the risk of dissipation, since the assessment of that risk is
very different once the material facts are correctly before the Court. Thus,
the material non-disclosure is a reinforcing ground for refusing the Claimants'
application for a further injunction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just and convenient to grant leave<o:p></o:p></div>
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94. In the light of the above, it is unnecessary to prolong
this judgment by further consideration of this as a distinct condition. I will
simply observe that I regard as fundamentally misconceived the Claimants'
submission that this is a question of balancing the prejudice to Mr Goldberg of
granting a freezing order as against the potential prejudice to the Claimants
of refusing one if a subsequent judgment in their favour should be unsatisfied.
This is not a question of a balance of convenience, as applies under the
American Cyanamid test for an interim injunction. In many cases, where a
sufficient allowance is provided for living expenses and legal fees, an
individual defendant may not suffer hardship as a result of a freezing order.
That does not, in itself, make it just and convenient for such an order to be
made.<o:p></o:p></div>
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95. The Claimants' application to renew the freezing order
is accordingly dismissed. Since the existing order lapses under its terms, it
is unnecessary to make any order on Mr Goldberg's cross-application.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Postscript<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
96. From the note of the hearing of the without notice
application, it is clear that Asplin J had reservations as to whether this
application qualified as vacation business. On the basis of the much fuller
material now before the Court, it is clear that her reservations were
justified. Unlike many freezing orders, there was nothing particularly urgent
about this application and no reason why it could not have been heard in
October.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-62383980396995766302019-05-04T22:04:00.001-04:002019-05-04T22:04:24.403-04:00Anglo Financial SA & Anor v. Goldberg<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ9rYMuJsM4oIQDwa14xJrlCMrsW44-dWv9SGmpZRGlX0aoR4e88rweYqsHkNuJDi5-CGuKYDtNk4RolX7491j9RpB5iGsLtm-Fkb_h3IX_JJsDfvYInYcCFT2cBSZ15z2V-oqWo_CQK6/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ9rYMuJsM4oIQDwa14xJrlCMrsW44-dWv9SGmpZRGlX0aoR4e88rweYqsHkNuJDi5-CGuKYDtNk4RolX7491j9RpB5iGsLtm-Fkb_h3IX_JJsDfvYInYcCFT2cBSZ15z2V-oqWo_CQK6/s400/009.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Introduction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. On 11 August 2014, Asplin J made a freezing order against
the Defendant, Mr Stephen Goldberg, in the amount of 1.6 million. As is often
but not invariably the case, that application was heard without notice. From
the note of the hearing, it is clear that the Judge regarded this as a
borderline case on risk of dissipation of assets, in the light of the
considerable delay, and was only just persuaded to make the order. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The Claimants apply to continue the freezing injunction.
That application is opposed and there is also a cross-application by Mr
Goldberg to discharge the injunction, although it expires in any event at the
conclusion of this hearing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The return date of the original injunction was 21 August
2014, when the matter came back before Peter Smith J. Both sides were then
represented and it was agreed that a full day's hearing was required, with
further time for evidence. The Judge therefore continued the injunction to an
adjourned hearing to be held between 18-23 September, and directed that Mr
Goldberg file and serve his evidence by 4pm on 3 September and the Claimants
file and serve any evidence in reply by 4pm on 11 September. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Mr Goldberg asked for an extension from the Claimants of
24 hours and served his evidence at about 5pm on 4 September. The Claimants had
adopted in correspondence the position that in return for that extension they
required an extension of 72 hours. However, they sought to serve an additional
witness statement only on 16 September, followed by the exhibit on 17
September, the day before the hearing. Mr Littman, who appeared for the
Claimants on this application as he had at the original without notice hearing,
frankly accepted that no good excuse could be put forward for the late service,
for which he could only apologise. But if that late evidence were admitted, it
would mean that Mr Goldberg would not have an opportunity to file any evidence
in response to the quite serious allegations being made. I regard it as wholly
unsatisfactory that a claimant who has obtained a freezing order from the Court
on a without notice application, which of its nature places a defendant under
considerable pressure, should then conduct itself in that way. The timetable
set out in Peter Smith J's order was clearly designed to enable both sides to
take full account of each other's evidence. With the agreement of Mr Freedman
QC, appearing for Mr Goldberg, I admitted that evidence de bene esse, on the
basis that Mr Freedman could respond on instructions to the new factual
material being put forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Background<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. The First Claimant ("Anglo") is a Panamanian
company and the Second Claimant ("Fortis") is a Delaware corporation.
The controlling mind of both companies appears to be Mr Louis Kestenbaum, who
lives in New York City. It is Mr Kestenbaum who represented the Claimants in
the transactions which give rise to the present claim and who gives evidence on
their behalf. Both Claimants appear to be engaged in making financial
transactions, i.e. advancing loans, often for short periods at high rates of
interests. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Mr Goldberg is a solicitor and now works as the in-house
solicitor for his family's company that is engaged in property investments in
the United Kingdom, Northern & Midland Holdings Ltd ("N&M").
However, at the material time and until about 2010, he was in independent
practice. From 1998-October 2007 his firm was called Goldberg Linde. Mr Carl Linde
was the other partner until September 2003 and subsequently acted as a
consultant to the firm. Over that time, Mr Linde became less engaged in legal
work as he concentrated more on assisting his clients with management of their
assets. For that purpose, Mr Linde used a company called Fidex Asset Management
SA ("Fidex"), incorporated in Luxembourg, and other companies bearing
the "Fidex" name. Mr Goldberg also had some involvement with Fidex
and signed loan agreements on its behalf. His connection is also indicated by
the fact that in October 2007, Mr Goldberg ceased to trade as Goldberg Linde
and practised thereafter as Fidex Law. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. The other key individual to feature in the story is Mr
Robert Hirsch, who is resident in Switzerland. He operated what is described by
Mr Kestenbaum as a trustee/fiduciare business through a company called Maverick
Conseil SA ("Maverick") and also controlled a Swiss firm, Hirsch
& Cie. Mr Hirsch became a business associate of Mr Linde, in that they were
involved together on a number of transactions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. From Mr Kestenbaum's evidence, it appears that from the
year 2000 onwards Mr Linde introduced him to a number of financing
opportunities and that Mr Kestenbaum's companies made a series of loans to
clients of Mr Linde or Fidex, which were all repaid without a problem. Mr
Kestenbaum came to trust Mr Linde and a close friendship developed between
them. Mr Linde also introduced Mr Kestenbaum to a number of other investment
opportunities, including a dot.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>business venture. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. For legal work in England, Mr Kestenbaum's companies used
Goldberg Linde/Fidex Law as their principal legal advisors. Mr Kestenbaum came
to know Mr Goldberg very well and states that they became friends: he was
introduced to Mr Goldberg's father and went to Mr Goldberg's daughter's
engagement party. In the Particulars of Claim, their relationship is described
as a "close friendship". Mr Kestenbaum says, and I accept, that he
came to trust Mr Goldberg as he did Mr Linde. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Claim<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. The claims against Mr Goldberg by Anglo and Fortis are
distinct and need to be described separately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anglo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. The claim by Anglo concerns two loan transactions made,
respectively, in January 2007 and February 2008. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. The January 2007 loan was initially made to Maverick,
supposedly a client of Fidex, and subsequently by novation the borrower became
Brevard Ltd, a British Virgin Islands ("BVI") company, described in
the loan document as a client of Fidex with its office in Geneva. The loan (the
"Brevard loan") was for 1 million and was periodically extended. The
final extension was by written agreement dated 4 August 2008. The loan matured
on 4 February 2009 when it was repayable with fixed interest of 260,000. The
"Borrower" is defined in the loan agreement and related promissory
note as comprising not only Brevard Ltd but also its sole corporate director,
LZ Nominees Ltd ("LZ Nominees"), and Fidex. The Brevard loan is
signed by Mr Goldberg along with Mr Linde on behalf of LZ Nominees. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. The February 2008 loan is pleaded by the Claimants as
being made to a company called New Sales Ltd. However, from the loan
documentation before the Court it seems that New Sales Ltd was borrowing
jointly with Mr Hirsch personally. The agreement is entered into between Anglo
as lender and Fidex and Hirsch & Cie as agents. New Sales Ltd is stated to
have the same corporate address in Lausanne as Hirsch & Cie. This loan (the
"New Sales loan") was for 1.375 million. The New Sales loan was also
extended, eventually by an agreement dated 4 August 2008 with a related
promissory note. The maturity date under those documents was the same as for
the Brevard loan, i.e. 4 February 2009. The loan was repayable with fixed
interest of 357,500. The "Borrower" is defined in the loan documents
as comprising not only New Sales Ltd and Mr Hirsch but also Fidex and Hirsch
& Cie. It is signed by Mr Goldberg along with Mr Linde, this time on behalf
of Fidex, and by Mr Hirsch on behalf of himself personally and for Hirsch &
Cie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. The promissory notes relating to both the Brevard loan
and the New Sales loan contain an identical term that in the event of default,
interest will accrue "at the highest rate permitted by law."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. Anglo asserts in the Particulars of Claim (at para 16)
that neither the Brevard loan nor the New Sales loan, nor the stipulated
interest, was paid on maturity on 4 February 2009 or at any time since. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16. Both loan agreements contain a number of warranties made
by the "Borrower":<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a) clause 4C of the Brevard loan provides that the amount on
deposit at the Borrower's specified bank account at ING Wolvendael in Brussels
exceeds 2 million and "will at all times until the Note is paid and
discharged in full exceed the Loan Value", which in turn is defined as
being 2 million.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b) clause 4C of the New Sales loan is in similar terms save
that the account there specified is with Clariden Leu Bank in Zurich and the
minimum amount and Loan Value is stated to be 2.75 million.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17. Central to the claim against Mr Goldberg is clause 4B.
Although the Particulars of Claim is framed on the basis that the terms of this
clause are identical as regards Mr Goldberg in both agreements, that is not
correct, as Mr Littman accepted when that was pointed out in the course of
argument. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18. In the New Sales loan, clause 4B provides:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The Borrower hereby represents, warrants, attests,
declares and covenants and agrees as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. The Signatories hereto, Carl Linde, Esq., Stephen
Goldberg, Esq, and Robert Hirsch are the sole signatories on the Account and
will remain so until all amounts due and arising under the Note have been
unconditionally and irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The Signatories
hereto unconditionally warrant jointly and severally that they will not take
any action with respect to the Account in contravention of the terms of this
Agreement, and assume full responsibility under the terms of this Agreement for
any such action. The Borrower and the undersigned Signatories hereto further
undertake that until such time as the Note has been unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full, they will not authorise the
withdrawal, transfer of or assignment of any of the monies in the Account other
than to make payment to the Lender under the terms of the Note."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19. In the Brevard loan, clause 4B provides:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The Borrower hereby represents, warrants, attests,
declares and covenants and agrees as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. The Signatories hereto, Carl Linde, Esq. and Stephen
Goldberg, Esq, plus Arthur Ashton are the sole signatories on the Accounts
[sic] and will remain so until all amounts due and arising under the Note have
been unconditionally and irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The
Signatories hereto unconditionally warrant jointly and severally that neither
they nor Arthur Ashton will take any action with respect to the Accounts in
contravention of the terms of this Agreement, and assume full responsibility under
the terms of this Agreement for any such action. The Borrower further
undertakes that until such time as the Note has been unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full, it will not authorise the withdrawal,
transfer of or assignment of any of the monies in the Accounts other than to
make payment to the Lender under the terms of the Note in this Loan and
Security Agreement."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
20. Anglo's case against Mr Goldberg is essentially simple.
It alleges that on the maturity date, 4 February 2009, both the specified bank
accounts were empty. Accordingly, on the assumption that the respective amounts
specified were indeed in those accounts at the time the loan agreements were
entered into, as the Borrower warranted, there must have been withdrawals from
the accounts. Those withdrawals must have been authorised by at least one of
the signatories to the respective account. Even if it was not Mr Goldberg who
authorised the withdrawals, by clause 4B he assumed liability for such a breach
of warranty by one of the other specified signatories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortis<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21. The claim by Fortis is of a wholly different nature. In
late August or early September 2008, Mr Kestenbaum was approached by Mr Hirsch
with a proposal that one of his companies could invest in a mining concession
in Rwanda which he was told Hirsch & Cie was seeking to acquire. That was
not the kind of investment of which Mr Kestenbaum had prior experience.
However, he agreed with Hirsch & Cie to advance $5.25 million for 90 days,
after which it would either be converted at the lender's option to an equity
investment in the mining concession or treated as a straight loan attracting
26.7% interest. Mr Linde was also involved in the meetings and discussions
concerning this proposal, which he was evidently seeking to advance on behalf
of Mr Hirsch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22. As a result, Mr Kestenbaum agreed on behalf of Fortis to
proceed with the transaction. On 8 September 2008, the money was paid on behalf
of Fortis to Hirsch & Cie's account at Clariden Leu Bank in Switzerland and
a promissory note for that sum was executed by Hirsch & Cie in favour of
Fortis. The promissory note was governed by New York law with a New York
jurisdiction clause.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23. It is not alleged that Mr Goldberg had any involvement
in the negotiations or transaction at that point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24. The Particulars of Claim contend that on the next day, 9
September 2008, Mr Kestenbaum proposed in an email to Mr Goldberg that he (i.e.
Mr Goldberg) should "work in an unspecified capacity with Fortis in
connection with the loan and mining concessions conditional on there being no
conflict of interest for [Mr Goldberg] in so doing." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25. The Claimants have not exhibited that email or the
initial reply which it seems Mr Goldberg made, but have exhibited what is
expressly stated to be a further email from Mr Goldberg of 10 September in
which he says that he has spoken to Mr Hirsch and is satisfied that he can
operate in an independent manner on Mr Kestenbaum's behalf. He then proposes
how he would need to go out to Rwanda, meet the appropriate professionals and
carry out due diligence there, and he sets out his proposed fees. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26. Mr Kestenbaum gave Mr Goldberg instructions to proceed
by a further email on the same day which is very clear and specific in its
terms. From that email, it is evident that the due diligence which Mr Goldberg
was being instructed to carry out concerned the mining concession; and it was
not due diligence regarding Hirsch & Cie and its creditworthiness regarding
the loan itself, which had of course already been advanced. However, if the
equity investment were to proceed, Mr Kestenbaum was also looking to Mr
Goldberg to assist in establishing an appropriate partnership structure that
would safeguard Fortis' interest. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27. Although the pleading is somewhat ambiguous in that
regard, Mr Littman confirmed that this was his client's position. Although Mr
Littman referred to a subsequent draft agreement which Mr Goldberg had
prepared, that related not to the initial loan but to potential further loans
which were never in fact made. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28. Mr Goldberg duly travelled to Rwanda, along with a
geologist, and reported back to Mr Kestenbaum. There is a detailed email from
Mr Goldberg dated 13 November 2008. That does not advise Mr Kestenbaum against
making the investment, as Mr Goldberg suggests in his evidence, but rather sets
out some concerns which he and the geologist had, and expresses the view that
if Mr Hirsch addresses those concerns adequately, then this could be a very
worthwhile project. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29. In any event, no criticism is made by Mr Kestenbaum
regarding this advice and there is no suggestion that Mr Goldberg was not then
acting in good faith. Whether it is because the concerns which Mr Goldberg set
out in his email were not adequately addressed or for some other reason, Mr
Kestenbaum decided not to proceed to take an equity interest in the mining
concession. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30. There were apparently discussions between Mr Kestenbaum
and Mr Hirsch regarding an extension of the loan, in which Mr Goldberg was not
involved, and on 26 February 2009 Fortis formally demanded repayment of the
loan. It was not repaid and on 11 March 2009, the Supreme Court of New York
granted Fortis judgment against Mr Hirsch and Hirsch & Cie, along with
another defendant, in the sum of a little over $6.8 million. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
31. By that time, it had emerged that the entire transaction
was a fraud perpetrated by Mr Hirsch on Mr Kestenbaum and Fortis. The intention
of Mr Hirsch was to use the money provided by Fortis not for an investment in
Rwanda but to satisfy his liabilities to an independent third party in
Australia. But although Mr Kestenbaum considers that Mr Linde was involved in
that fraud, it is not alleged that Mr Goldberg had any involvement. The case
against Mr Goldberg is based entirely on what it is alleged Mr Goldberg should
have done after he found out about the fraud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
32. It appears, and is Fortis' case, that on the date of the
New York judgment the $5.25 million which Fortis had advanced was still in the
account of Hirsch & Cie at Clariden Leu Bank. It was transferred from that
account to the account of the third party in Australia on Friday, 13 September
2009. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
33. Apparently, that same day Mr Goldberg spoke to Mr
Kestenbaum and they discussed the position of this money in the Clariden Leu
account. It seems that Mr Goldberg told Mr Kestenbaum that the money was
blocked, by what I infer is a saisie or the Swiss equivalent of a freezing
order, by a Swiss Court in either Zurich or Lausanne. That emerges from the
transcript of a further telephone call between Mr Kestenbaum and Mr Goldberg on
Sunday, 15 March, which Mr Kestenbaum has exhibited. In summary, Mr Goldberg
then told Mr Kestenbaum that although he believed that a block had been put on
the money in the account, Mr Hirsch had told him on Thursday that he was hoping
to get that block lifted, and if that happened Mr Hirsch could send the money straight
away to Australia. Accordingly, he told Mr Kestenbaum that he should take
urgent action himself to get the money blocked, by contacting his lawyers in
Switzerland first thing on Monday morning. I think it is appropriate to quote
from the transcript: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"LK: Let me ask you a question: you could find, eh, is
there any way you can find out the real details of the block? Or you can't?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SG: I can't<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LK: You cannot<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SG: I can't. But your lawyer should be able to; your lawyer
gets on the phone tomorrow morning, at 8:15, and speaks to them, and put a
block on it. Notify them that this is, as you said, this is fraudulent money,
it was taken under false pretenses, and let him put a block on it, but he
should do that first thing; I'm telling you, Louis,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LK: OK.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SG: It is very important;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LK: But Friday you were comfortable that nothing is going to
happen for a month or two or three, you said; now, now you are changing your
mind<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SG: I am changing my mind, yes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LK: OK, I try to understand the background<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SG: Because, because, I, because, I am worried, that I know
that it has changed from one area to another, and I don't know of what has
happened in the intervening period, because I, I know when I spoke to Robert
Hirsch, he told me there was a period when there wasn't a block on it, and he
tried to send the money, but then it was blocked I don't know"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
34. Mr Kestenbaum contacted his Swiss lawyers as soon as
possible thereafter and they sent an urgent letter to Clariden Leu Bank on the
Monday morning seeking to block the funds. But by that stage it was too late:
the money had gone the previous Friday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
35. Although I have to say that it is not at all clear from
the way the matter is pleaded, it is Fortis' case, as explained by Mr Littman,
that as soon as Mr Goldberg spoke to Mr Hirsch on the Thursday and learnt that
(as he here relates) Mr Hirsch was seeking to get the block lifted, Mr Goldberg
should have got on the telephone to Mr Kestenbaum and told him to get a new
block placed on the money. If Mr Goldberg had done that, then Mr Kestenbaum
could have got his Swiss lawyer to block the money successfully on the Friday
morning, as opposed to seeking to do so unsuccessfully the following Monday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
36. In his affirmation, Mr Kestenbaum goes further and
states, at paragraph 90: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mr Goldberg subsequently told me that he was aware of
the fact that, when he advised me to freeze the funds in Switzerland, they had
already left the jurisdiction."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No details are given as to when and in what circumstances Mr
Goldberg is alleged to have made that admission, which is denied by Mr Goldberg
in his evidence in reply. Although Mr Kestenbaum, as I mentioned at the outset,
served a further witness statement in response, he does not there address this
point at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
37. These facts are alleged to constitute a breach of
fiduciary duty on the part of Mr Goldberg as solicitor to Fortis, or breach of
contract and negligence at common law. Mr Littman explained that the broader
allegations made against Mr Goldberg in the pleading are not abandoned but depend
upon further investigation of what exactly Mr Goldberg knew and at what stage.
For the purposes of the freezing order, he confined his case to this particular
allegation regarding the monies frozen in the Clariden Leu account. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freezing order<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
38. The requirements for the grant of a freezing order are
well known. There are three cumulative conditions:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a) The claimant must show a good arguable case: that is
something less than the balance of probabilities but more than a serious
question to be tried (i.e. the American Cyanamid test): see, in the context of
jurisdiction, Canada Trust v Stolzenberg (No. 2) [1998] 1 WLR 547 per Waller LJ
at 555.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b) There must be a real risk of dissipation of assets such
that a judgment in the claimant's favour would be unsatisfied: The
Niedersachsen [1983] 1 WLR 1412 at 1422.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c) It must be just and convenient to grant relief: sect.
37(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good arguable caseAnglo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
39. As regards Anglo, I accept for the purposes of this
application that, on the basis of the express personal warranties by Mr
Goldberg in both the Brevard and New Sales loan agreements, there is a good
arguable case of breach. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
40. However, I am not at all clear that there remains any
loss suffered by Anglo that has not been satisfied. In May 2009, Anglo and
Fortis brought a claim in this Court against Mr Linde along with Mr Hirsch,
Hirsch & Cie and some others. They obtained a freezing order against Mr
Linde and on 4 December 2009 that action as against him was settled by a Tomlin
order. The terms of that order are not exhibited but it is disclosed that the
Claimants have recovered some $7.285 million from Mr Linde. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
41. Further, the Claimants have recovered from Mr Hirsch and
Hirsch & Cie some $2.566 million. As explained above, Mr Hirsch and Hirsch
& Cie are both comprised within the "Borrower" and therefore
liable under the New Sales loan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
42. Accordingly, there has been a total recovery of about
$9.85 million which, applying Mr Littman's conversion rate of 1.7:1, amounts to
around 5.79 million. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
43. The recovery from Mr Linde alone is more than the
principal and interest due on the two loans as at 4 February 2009. Although
Anglo has claimed "non-UK legal fees" of 1,881,618, paid on 24 June
2012, those are wholly unparticularised and it is unclear how such high fees
might be justified when Anglo had the benefit of a settlement with Mr Linde
under an order of this Court. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
44. Anglo is also entitled to interest after 4 February
2009, but Mr Littman had to accept that the interest calculation set out in the
pleaded Particulars of Loss cannot be correct since it is computed on the full
liability as at 4 February 2009 for the period up to 7 August 2014 and
therefore fails to take account of the fact that part, if not all, of the
principal debt was satisfied during that period by the recovery made against Mr
Linde. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
45. It is highly unfortunate, to say the least, that
interest has been pleaded in an exaggerated amount, in Particulars of Claim
substantiated by a statement of truth on behalf of Anglo, which is well
accustomed to international financial dealing and would readily appreciate the
basis on which interest has to be calculated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
46. Accordingly, although I accept that Anglo has an
arguable case, I am not satisfied that it has a good arguable case to recover
monies from Mr Goldberg, applying the slightly higher test set out in Canada
Trust. It is wholly unclear when recovery was made from Mr Linde, and Mr
Littman had to tell the Court that he did not know. The calculation of loss
begs far too many questions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortis<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
47. As regards Fortis, the first question is whether Mr
Goldberg owed any continuing duty to the company as at mid-March 2009. Mr
Goldberg had completed his due diligence on the mining concession in late 2008,
and Mr Kestenbaum had decided not to take an equity investment. Mr Littman
argued that Mr Goldberg's role amounted to more than just due diligence on the
mining concession, and that Mr Goldberg acted as agent for Fortis and
"owed the duty of agent as regards the prospective transaction." I
have major doubts that the "prospective transaction" was anything
other than the investment in the Rwanda mining concession, and certain other
concessions which Mr Hirsch claimed to be considering and which were also not pursued.
I can see that Mr Goldberg may have owed a duty to reveal to Mr
Kestenbaum/Fortis when he discovered that the mining transaction was part of a
fraud whereby Mr Hirsch had procured the advance of $5.25 million. But it is
clear that Mr Kestenbaum was aware of that fraud by 11 March, whether as a
result of information supplied by Mr Goldberg or from elsewhere. To succeed
under this head, Fortis would have to satisfy the Court that Mr Goldberg owed a
duty to warn Fortis as soon as he learnt that the money frozen in Hirsch &
Cie's Swiss bank account became unblocked, or even might become unblocked. That
would be a considerable extension of any duty or retainer, when it seems that
Mr Goldberg did no further work for Fortis or Mr Kestenbaum after the end of
2008. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
48. However, in the light of my findings on the risk of
dissipation and non-disclosure, it is unnecessary to reach a concluded view as
to whether Fortis has shown a good arguable case on this ground. I shall simply
say that I have serious doubt that it meets the threshold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
49. Further, under this head also, the claim as advanced in
support of a freezing order appears to me manifestly overstated. The loss
claimed against Mr Goldberg by Fortis is pleaded at some 6.83 million plus the
recovery of costs of $127,000. That may be Fortis' total loss as a result of
the Rwanda fraud since the loan carried a significant rate of interest. But the
particular breach now advanced as against Mr Goldberg resulted, on Fortis'
case, in the loss of $5.25 million that was transferred out of the Clariden Leu
account on Friday, 13 March 2009.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
50. However, since the freezing order made by Asplin J was
limited to 1.6 million, and there is no attempt on the part of the Claimants to
increase that sum, it is unnecessary to say more in that regard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Risk of dissipation<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
51. The relevant principles have been conveniently
summarised by Eder J in Elektromotive Group Ltd v Pan [2012] EWHC 2742 (QB) at
[33(i)]: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"i. the Court must conclude on the whole evidence
before it that the refusal of a freezing order would involve a real risk that
the judgment would remain unsatisfied: The Niedersachsen [1983] 1 WLR 1412 (at
1422H). In Z Ltd v A-Z [1982] QB 558 (at 585A-G), Kerr LJ held that one
particular form of abuse of this basic jurisdictional principle was as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The increasingly common one, as I believe, of a Mareva
injunction being applied for and granted in circumstances in which there may be
no real danger of the defendant dissipating his assets to make himself
'judgment-proof'; where it may be invoked, almost as a matter of course, by a
plaintiff in order to obtain security in advance for any judgment which he may
obtain; and where its real effect is to exert pressure on the defendant to
settle the action."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ii. Bare assertions that a defendant is likely to put assets
beyond the claimant's grasp and is unlikely to honour any judgment or award are
not enough of themselves. Exiguousness of the claimant's evidence on this
aspect must weigh strongly when the Court comes to consider the matter inter
partes on an application to discharge: The Niedersachsen (above) (at
1419H-1420B).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
iii. There must be solid evidence of the risk of
dissipation: Thane v Tomlinson [2003] EWCA Civ 1272 (at para 21).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
iv. The mere reliance on the alleged dishonesty of the
defendant is not of itself sufficient to found a risk of dissipation. It is
appropriate in each case for the Court to scrutinise with care whether what is
alleged to have been the dishonesty of the person against whom the order is
sought in itself really justifies the inference that that person has assets
which he is likely to dissipate (Thane (above) at para 28)."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
52. In his argument against continuation of the injunction,
Mr Freedman relied strongly on the delay before the Claimants launched these
proceedings. He submitted that in the present case, the issue of delay is
relevant to both the risk of dissipation and non-disclosure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
53. The significance of delay will vary greatly from one
case to another. In particular, it is important to consider what happened over
the period of delay and how the claimant seeks to explain it. As Eder J stated
in Enercon GmbH v Enercon (India) Ltd [2012] EWHC 689 (Comm) at [78]: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Delay in bringing the application is at least one
factor to be weighed in the balance in considering whether or not to continue
the freezing injunction. it is not simply the fact of delay that is so
important but what it tells the court about the risk of dissipation. Absent
some proper explanation, the fact that the claimants here waited for almost 2
and a half years before seeking a freezing injunction raises, at the very
least, a large question mark as to whether there is indeed a real risk of
dissipation particularly against the background of the many and varied Indian
proceedings in which the parties have been engaged since 2007."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
54. In the circumstances of the present case, I consider the
delay to be very relevant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
55. It is common ground that after obtaining the Tomlin
order against Mr Linde in late 2009, Mr Kestenbaum engaged in 2010 in prolonged
negotiations with Mr Goldberg in an attempt to achieve settlement of his
companies' claims against him. Those negotiations ultimately broke down,
although they proceeded for almost a year. Thus, Mr Goldberg was well aware
that Mr Kestenbaum was pursuing him for the recovery of the substantial losses
made by his companies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
56. Further, the matter resumed in about 2012 when an
intermediary approached Mr Goldberg on behalf of Mr Kestenbaum. Mr Kestenbaum
and Mr Goldberg are both orthodox Jews, and Mr Goldberg then suggested that the
case could be brought before the rabbinical Court of the London Beth Din as
opposed to the ordinary courts. Mr Kestenbaum did not follow that course, but
Mr Goldberg could have been under no illusion that Mr Kestenbaum was still
seeking to recover the monies his companies had lost. However, it was only in
August 2014 that the Claimants launched these proceedings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
57. Accordingly, if Mr Goldberg was someone who had the
intention or desire to spirit away or conceal his assets to avoid a judgment,
he had ample opportunity to do so. And if Mr Kestenbaum really believed that
there was a serious risk that Mr Goldberg would act in that way, I would expect
him to have commenced these proceedings and sought a freezing order not months
but years before now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
58. What explanation does Mr Kestenbaum give for this delay?
Hardly anything is said in his affirmation, save that he waited first to try
and collect monies from other entities that had responsibility for the losses.
But at least as regards the period from 2010, that seems to me inconsistent
with the fact that Mr Kestenbaum then engaged in prolonged negotiations to try
to get payment from Mr Goldberg. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
59. In Mr Littman's skeleton argument, it is said that the
Claimants had doubt that Mr Goldberg was worth pursuing but that more recently
"it became apparent that he is worth powder and shot." Not only is
that explanation not part of the Claimant's evidence, although it is now
adopted in Mr Kestenbaum's recent witness statement, but given the nature of Mr
Goldberg's assets and what I have been told about what was said in those
negotiations, there is no basis on which it can be suggested that the Claimants
have made some recent and significant discovery about Mr Goldberg's wealth.
This is not a case of an individual who has come into new and substantial funds
in the past few years. Moreover, if Mr Kestenbaum had believed that Mr Goldberg
was unable to pay significant money, it is difficult to understand why he
nonetheless devoted prolonged efforts to seek a substantial payment from Mr
Goldberg in the many months of negotiations in 2010. In that regard, it is
telling to learn from Mr Kestenbaum's recent witness statement what he said to
Mr Goldberg on 27 April 2010, according to the transcript of the conversation
from which he quotes: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"LK: The bottom line is, if I get paid from Robert, I
am not going to take, if I get paid from you, I am not going to take. But I
don't know what's going to happen. I am not a prophet, I am going to work very
hard to get it. I need a proposal, The bottom line is to me you have shares,
you're worth money, you are going to make money, you made money, and. [sic] If
you don't, I am not going to get, I am not going to go, I don't want to go in
court. I want to avoid everything to go in court. I don't have to, I don't want
to do it. But one thing I need from you, I need, get this money and to see
what, you know what I am saying, give me a proposal, a plan, if, I have no
problem, If I get from them I write to you, you don't owe me the money, but if
I don't get from them I want the money from you."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
60. Mr Littman's skeleton argument also referred to the
period between the end of June 2014 and the issue of the claim form, when he
says the Claimants did not wish to start court proceedings because of the
strictures that he says very orthodox Jews are under in the period of
commemoration of the destruction of the Temple. I make no finding in that
regard and make clear that I do not draw any adverse conclusion from the
decision not to start proceedings over that short period. It is the much longer
period of years between 2010 and June 2014 which I regard as relevant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
61. I turn to consider what Mr Goldberg's assets are and
what has happened to them over this prolonged period.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shares in Goldpalm Ltd<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
62. The Claimants rely first on Mr Goldberg's shares in
Goldpalm Ltd, which is the holding company of N&M, the family property
investment company. Mr Goldberg's evidence is that he holds 4,780 shares in his
own name, which represents 6.25% of the total shareholding. The last filed
accounts of the company show its total value at 28.8 million. This is therefore
a substantial asset, even if the value of such a minority shareholding in a
private company cannot be computed pro rata and is subject to significant
discount.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
63. However, Mr Goldberg's evidence is that those shares
have been given as security to the subsidiary company, N&M, in April 2009,
in return for a loan from the family of c. 1.2 million which he raised
specifically for the purpose of paying Fortis. This arose because of another of
the loan agreements arranged largely between Mr Linde and Mr Kestenbaum. On 17
October 2008, Fortis made a loan to Cotto Assets Ltd, a BVI company (the
"Cotto loan"). The loan agreement was not dissimilar to those for the
Brevard and New Sales loans, and Mr Goldberg signed the agreement along with Mr
Linde on behalf of Fidex and LZ Nominees, the corporate director of Cotto
Assets Ltd. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
64. It is not in dispute that Mr Goldberg made a payment of
over $1.278 million to Mr Kestenbaum in discharge of the Cotto loan on 27 April
2009. In my judgment, that is significant in two respects:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a) The fact that Mr Goldberg was prepared to raise money to
make such a very substantial payment to Mr Kestenbaum, or his company, in
respect of losses incurred in a very similar transaction to the Brevard and New
Sales transactions claimed on here, is in my judgment a strong indication that
Mr Goldberg is not someone who seeks to conceal or dissipate assets to avoid
having to make such a payment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b) There is nothing untoward about Mr Goldberg pledging his
shareholding as security for the loan from his family's company. The shares
remain in his legal ownership, and as shares in a private English company, they
are not assets which can readily be dissipated. In argument, Mr Littman
submitted that the Court should draw an adverse inference from the fact that
there was no documentation of this loan, and suggested that it was all rather
suspicious. However, Mr Goldberg paid over a substantial sum of money which he
would have had to raise, and I see no basis to find that his account of these
dealings within the family regarding the pledging of his shares in the family
company as security for a loan to enable him to make the payment somehow
supports a finding that Mr Goldberg is not to be trusted and may seek to spirit
away his assets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
65. As regards Mr Goldberg's payment, there is a disputed
issue between the parties as to whether it was made, as Mr Goldberg asserts,
only in consideration of a promise by Mr Kestenbaum not to pursue him further
for any other claims and not in satisfaction of any personal liability in
respect of the Cotto loan itself. Mr Kestenbaum disputes that, and asserts that
Mr Goldberg paid because he was liable under the Cotto loan agreement which he had
signed (and which contained a personal warranty by the signatories similar to
the warranties under the Brevard and New Sales loan agreements). I obviously
cannot resolve that dispute on this interim application. But assuming in the
Claimants' favour that Mr Goldberg paid because he felt liable under the terms
of the Cotto loan, that reinforces the point that he is not an individual who
seeks to avoid satisfying a liability to a company run by Mr Kestenbaum and who
would therefore seek to dissipate his assets to that end. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pension Plan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
66. Next, Mr Goldberg has disclosed in his statement of
assets, made pursuant to the freezing order, his pension plan, currently worth
341,400. However, under legislation currently in force he can withdraw only 25%
of that value as a lump sum. Significantly, he has not done so at any time in
the past four years despite his knowledge of the claims that Mr Kestenbaum was
pressing against him. Mr Littman referred to the fact that the position will
change next April when Mr Goldberg will be able to withdraw all his pension.
But that cannot begin to constitute evidence of a real risk that Mr Goldberg
will do so, still less that he will do so in order to dissipate his assets. Mr
Goldberg states that he needs this fund for his pension and there is no reason
to disbelieve him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-30254953801475684762019-05-04T21:50:00.003-04:002019-05-04T21:50:23.915-04:00These are the industry players cited in the massive NYT housing investigation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzusVdBVy9exPeYuXpOiULSYpi6s25WKrk0UrJvSTblBhZ018BrCn9A5PrOMxbhF30eJ9kObjfWCNyiErV0LjFfrH8yun5G5sFIy_9p19WSrblSV2EyMnqdv1kkrZIXjxtls8gaurVJmN/s1600/6677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzusVdBVy9exPeYuXpOiULSYpi6s25WKrk0UrJvSTblBhZ018BrCn9A5PrOMxbhF30eJ9kObjfWCNyiErV0LjFfrH8yun5G5sFIy_9p19WSrblSV2EyMnqdv1kkrZIXjxtls8gaurVJmN/s400/6677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The New York Times released a sprawling, three-part
investigation about the rental market in New York City over the weekend, with
in-depth reporting on the fragile condition of the city’s rent laws, how
landlords exploit them and how government agencies fail to protect tenants. And
in doing so, the Times shined a light on a handful of landlords who are
allegedly part of that problem, some already notorious and others with little
name recognition. While the investigation references convicted landlords like Steve
Croman and Daniel Melamed, here are some other industry figures who have
received less scrutiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meyer Orbach (Orbach Group)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2010, Orbach’s real estate company bought the better part
of a block of West 109th Street for $76 million and quickly moved to evict
dozens of tenants from rent-regulated apartments there. But the lawsuits filed
by Orbach often took the form of dubious claims, according to the Times. In one
instance, it sought to evict a tenant for “subletting” rooms to relatives who
had already been living with him for 19 years. After two years of court battles
the man took a $50,000 buyout and decided to leave. “I was sick of fighting
with them and sick of the harassment,” he said. That apartment, which had cost
$1,141 a month, is a lost affordable unit that now rents for $4,200. In another
case, Orbach alleged that a rent-regulated tenant it sought to evict kept her
apartment “inaccessible and uninhabitable” and full of newspapers and trash.
Photo evidence suggested otherwise, but the Times did find that Orbach had left
the apartment in a state of disrepair, with moldy walls and sagging ceilings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orbach sued 182 tenants between 2008 and 2010 (a third of
apartments it owned), many of them holdover cases in which the landlord tries
to prove that tenant has no legitimate claim to a lease. Housing legal experts
told the Times that filing a holdover requires little evidence but can tie up a
tenant in court for years. A spokesperson for Orbach told the Times that the
company is “deeply committed to affordable housing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
E&M Associates<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
E&M Associates, the investment company founded by Irving
Langer, bought the Dunbar apartments in Harlem in 2013 from landlord Pinnacle
Group, which was settling one of the largest tenant class actions suits ever
brought. The Times reported that E&M has adopted an aggressive strategy to
push tenants out of “the nation’s first large housing cooperate for
African-Americans.” The Times found a website for E&M that boasted its
strategy of approaching rental homes “from an investor’s point of view, seeking
to understand the underlying intrinsic value of the property, as well as the
steps that must be taken to unlock that value.” E&M took down the website
following inquiries from the Times and claimed that it had not been involved
with the Dunbar apartments since 2017. The Times found that dozens of longtime
tenants left the Dunbar after being sued by E&M. Some tenants were behind
on rent, while others were refusing to pay rent until E&M made repairs to
their apartments. Some tenants appear to have been sued even if they were not
behind on rent. Tenants told the Times that the only way they thought they
could get E&M to repair their apartments was to stop paying rent, get sued
and the have an opportunity to explain the problem to a judge. “They sent an
unlicensed person to fix my ceiling. And just as quick as he fixed it, the
ceiling fell again,” one tenant said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Green & Cohen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This landlord law firm is not the largest in town, but it
has done work for the likes of Orbach and E&M. The Times found that some of
its lawsuits against tenants were sloppy and inaccurate, with incorrect tenants
and rent information as well as incorrect supporting documents. In fact, a 2015
federal lawsuit against Green & Cohen alleged the firm used “the same
template for all the hundreds of cases that they filed against tenants within
the State of New York within the past year.” It is rare for landlord-hired law
firms to faces consequences for such filings: between 2011 and 2016 fewer than
50 landlords or landlord attorneys were sanctioned by the court. The firm did
not comment for the Times story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Atelier New York<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Times investigation found that this architecture firm
has become a go-to for landlords filing permits for heavy renovation work, but
reporting it as light renovation work, potentially putting tenants at safety
risks. Clients include Ben Shaoul’s Magnum Real Estate and Sabet Group. Atelier
principal Ken Hudes denied any wrongdoing. Architects at the firm have
temporarily surrendered privileges in response to disciplinary actions, but
such punishments are ineffective, as architect privileges can simply be passed
from one firm member to another and work won’t be interrupted. Often times
landlords are not even filing permits for such construction work, the Times
found, only rushing to file permits once tenants complain to the DOB. The Times
found that the DOB is slow to recover fines to issues to landlords who it finds
are using deceptive construction practices for the purposes of tenant
harassment. Of $1.8 million in outstanding fines issued since September 2017,
about $280,000 have been paid and the median fine totals just $2,400.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-48227665302358133492019-04-15T04:57:00.001-04:002019-04-15T04:57:53.852-04:00 Joe Levin and T.O.T. Consulting Services Wishes Everyone A Beautiful And Kosher Pesach <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>T.O.T. Consulting Services We would like to wish our thousands of readers and supporters, a Chag Kasher V’Sameach a joyous Yom Tov, to you,and your entire family.</b></div>
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<b>Gutten Erev Shabbos!</b></div>
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<b>Joe Levin</b></div>
joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081165114908903115.post-70046063209950924102019-04-15T04:57:00.000-04:002019-04-15T04:57:05.420-04:00T.O.T. Private Consulting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What Makes Us Unique?<o:p></o:p></div>
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T.O.T. Private Consulting provides individualized services
for the Orthodox Jewish communities worldwide. We are a team of experts who are
committed to providing you with the highest quality service in complete
confidentiality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cutting-Edge Analytical Skills<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cutting-edge analytical and research skills are at the heart
of every solid intelligence project that T.O.T.Private Consulting team uses
creative and inventive thinking to connect the dots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Harvesting In The Cyber World<o:p></o:p></div>
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T.O.T. Private Consulting has developed innovative tools and
methodologies to handle massive amounts of data. We unearth useful information
for our clients and map all potential sources of interest by trawling the deep
web and harvesting information from typically inaccessible areas of the
Internet such as the Dark Net.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Languages & Cultures<o:p></o:p></div>
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T.O.T. Private Consulting provides top services to the
Orthodox Jewish community worldwide. With its multi-lingual background,
including more than 25 native speakers of different languages, and a unique
understanding of many local cultures, the team is uniquely skilled to operate
in Europe, the Middle East, the Former Soviet Union, Latin America and many
other regions, while handling various cultural challenges.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Extensive Database Access<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have unique experience accessing and analyzing
information on various platforms, including more than 240 limited-access
financial, commercial, regulatory, legal and technical databases, gaining
lawful access to new resources in accordance with our clients’ needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pro-Active Approach<o:p></o:p></div>
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We overcome limited-access sources by taking a can-do,
dynamic approach. We have developed several unique methods, especially in the
social engineering field, that allow us to move freely in and extract valuable
information from limited access sources, both in virtual and physical
environments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349898871186687426noreply@blogger.com0