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View Press Conference FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2002
PR-005-02
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MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG
ANNOUNCES FIVE APPOINTMENTS


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointments of Mark Page as Director of the Office of Management and Budget; John Feinblatt as Criminal Justice Coordinator; Patricia L. Gatling as Chairman of the Human Rights Commission; and Roberto Velez as Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. In addition, Michael J. Handy was reappointed as Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs.

"Under the current circumstances, City government must do more with less," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Mark Page has the experience and vision to help us do exactly that. I am confident that Mark will help this Administration manage the City's finances wisely and efficiently and I look forward to working with him."

The Office of Management and Budget assists the Mayor in developing and implementing the City's budget, and advises the Mayor on policy affecting the City's fiscal stability and the effectiveness of its services. Prior to his appointment, Mark Page most recently served as Deputy Director and General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget. A true public servant, he has worked in City government for 24 years, amassing the knowledge and skills of a municipal finance expert. Page earned a BA from Harvard College and a JD from the New York University School of Law.

"This Administration is committed to having an effective criminal justice system," Mayor Bloomberg said. "John Feinblatt understands the necessary and complex relationship between law enforcement, the district attorneys and the courts, and I have no doubt that he will use his knowledge capably to serve the City's public interest."

The Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator advises the Mayor on criminal justice policy and legislation and is responsible for coordinating the activities of the City's criminal justice agencies. Prior to his appointment, John Feinblatt most recently founded and directed the Center for Court Innovation. He has also served as Director of the Midtown Court, Deputy Executive Director of Victims Services (now Safe Horizon), and a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society. Feinblatt earned a BA at Wesleyan University and a JD from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University.

"America is a leader of the worldwide effort to curtail and eliminate human rights abuses," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Patricia Gatling's distinguished experience as a prosecutor coupled with her compassion and energy make her a perfect fit to lead New York City's Human Rights Commission."

The Human Rights Commission enforces human rights law, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, as well as bias-related harassment. Prior to her appointment, Patricia Gatling most recently served as First Assistant District Attorney for Kings County. In addition, Gatling has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General at the Office to Investigate the New York City Criminal Justice System and as a Special Narcotics Assistant at the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Gatling earned a BA at John Hopkins University and a JD from the University of Maryland School of Law.

"The administration of justice is a vital component of any healthy democratic government," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Roberto Velez's record as a legal practitioner and public servant in New York City as well as his keen sense of fairness will allow him to lead OATH effectively and justly."

The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings conducts adjudicatory hearings for all City agencies. Prior to his appointment, Roberto Velez most recently served as Commissioner of the Department of Probation, where he previously was General Counsel and Chief of Staff. He has also served as Assistant Executive Director of the Door - A Center of Alternatives, Inc., Assistant Commissioner for Legal Matters and Chief of Staff at the Department of Consumer Affairs, Chief of Staff at the Department of Juvenile Justice, and partner at Anderson, Kill, Olick, and Oshinsky, P.C. Velez received a BA from Columbia College and a JD from the New York University School of Law.

"As our nation's men and women are risking their lives to uphold democracy, we appreciate the service of our veterans more than ever," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Michael Handy has consistently advocated for veterans throughout the five boroughs and I look forward to working with him to make sure that we recognize their sacrifices.

The Office of Veterans Affairs advises the Mayor on issues and projects impacting on the veterans' community, and offers information and referrals for veterans and members of the military who may require the assistance. Michael Handy was first appointed as Director in 1993. Handy joined the United States Air Force in 1968, served in Vietnam, and has been active in Veterans Affairs for thirty years. Handy is a graduate of York College CUNY and earned an MA in Administration of Justice from American University.

 

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Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
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