Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release # 1
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN GOLDSTEIN APPOINTS LORNA B. GOODMAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Commission holds first public hearing to solicit input on Charter improvements

New York City Charter Revision Commission Chairman Matthew Goldstein today announced the appointment of Lorna B. Goodman as Executive Director of the Commission. The announcement coincides with the Commission's first public hearing, held in the Proshansky Auditorium of the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan today at 6 p.m. The hearing is the first in an initial round of five public hearings that will be conducted throughout the five boroughs to seek New Yorkers' input on enhancing the City Charter.

Goodman served most recently as Nassau County Attorney, a position she held since 2002. The first woman appointed County Attorney, Goodman was the chief civil legal officer in the county and supervised a team of more than 100 lawyers. During her eight years, she spearheaded improvements in the operation and infrastructure of Nassau County following a fiscal crisis that resulted in increased State oversight of the County's budget. In addition she negotiated legislation that established a sewer and storm water finance authority, restructured the County's parking violations bureau, and reduced judgments and settlements against the County by an average of over 50 percent. From 1976 until 2001, Goodman served on the executive staff of the New York City Law Department as Chief of the Affirmative Litigation Division. She holds degrees from Vassar College and Hofstra Law School, and lives in Manhattan.

"Lorna is highly regarded and exceedingly accomplished in the field of municipal law and management," said Chairman Goldstein. "Her knowledge and understanding of the City Charter, developed during twenty-five years of outstanding service at the City Law Department, will serve New Yorkers well. Her eight years as Nassau County Attorney have added to her extensive experience and insightful perspective. We are very pleased to welcome her as the Commission's Executive Director."

"As someone who has devoted much of her career to City government, and who has watched the Charter evolve over several decades, it is a great honor to serve as Executive Director of the Commission," said Director Goodman. "Working with this diverse and distinguished Commission, led by Chancellor Goldstein, is an exciting opportunity to consider improvements to the Charter that will benefit all New Yorkers. I look forward to reaching out to all communities and asking civically engaged New Yorkers to join us in this process."

The Charter Revision Commission, appointed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on March 3rd, 2010, has been tasked with reviewing the entire City Charter and proposing to City voters any possible amendments that would enhance it. The Commission is holding initial citywide public hearings throughout April, and will conduct subsequent hearings, meetings, and expert panels in the ensuing months.

Matthew Gorton (212) 788-8820