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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 226-04
August 19, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointment of 13 members to a Charter Revision Commission (CRC). Special Advisor to the Mayor for Governance and Strategic Planning Ester R. Fuchs will chair the Commission.  The panel is charged with reviewing the entire Charter, holding hearings in all five boroughs to solicit public input, and issuing a report outlining findings and recommendations to amend or revise the Charter.

“We are fortunate to have such a talented and distinguished group of New Yorkers dedicating themselves to this Charter Revision Commission,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Led by Chairwoman Fuchs, the first woman to chair a Charter Revision Commission, I have asked the Commission to explore the issues of fiscal stability, judicial reform and administrative efficiency and accountability. I know these individuals will give these important issues the attention they deserve.”

“I’m proud to join this extraordinary group of New Yorkers for this important undertaking,” said Chairwoman Fuchs.  “We will tackle important issues regarding the future of our City and its governance.  We must bring the City’s Charter into the 21st Century and make the adjustments to the Charter that reflect our constantly evolving economic, social and political environment.”

The members of the Charter Revision Commission are:

Dr. Ester R. Fuchs (Chair), Special Advisor to the Mayor for Governance and Strategic Planning, is on leave from her position as Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Center for Urban Research and Policy at Columbia University and Barnard College.  She is a resident of Manhattan.

Robert Abrams is a partner of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP.  He was formerly the New York State Attorney General.  He also served as the Borough President of the Bronx and was a member of the New York State Assembly.  He is a resident of Manhattan.

Amalia Victoria Betanzos is President of Wildcat Service Corporation a non-profit employment program.  Formerly, she was a Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services and an Executive Secretary to Mayor John Lindsay, and a member of two previous Charter Revision Commissions.  She is a resident of Staten Island. 

Stephanie Palmer is the Executive Director of the New York City Mission Society and is the former Executive Director of Human Services Council of New York City. She is a resident of Manhattan.

Stephen J. Fiala is the County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors for Richmond County.  He is a former member of the New York City Council. He is resident of Staten Island. 

Curtis L. Archer is Executive Director of the Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation and is the former Director of Small Business Development for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. He is a resident of Queens.

Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli is Senior Vice President and Chief Executive for Agency Services of the United Way of New York City.  She has served as Commissioner of New York City’s Human Resources Administration, Department of Housing and Preservation and Development, Department of Personnel and Department of Employment.  She is a resident of Manhattan.

Anthony Crowell is Special Counsel to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and a former Executive Director and General Counsel to several previous Charter Revision Commissions.  He is an adjunct Professor at Brooklyn and New York Law Schools. He is a resident of Brooklyn.

David Chen is the Executive Director of the Chinese-American Planning Council and is the founding Chairman of the Board of Director of the Chung Pak Local Development Corporation. He is a resident of Manhattan.

Dr. Mary McCormick is President of the Fund for the City of New York.  She is a former Special Assistant to New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations and Personnel and a professor at Columbia University. She is a resident of Brooklyn.

Dr. Dall Forsythe is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.  He is the former Budget Director for New York State and the New York City Board of Education.  He is a resident of Manhattan.

Jennifer J. Raab is the President of Hunter College.  She is the former Chair of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.  She is a resident of the Bronx.

Stanley E. Grayson is the President And Chief Operating Officer of M.R. Beal & Company.  He was a former Managing Director and Director of Prudential Securities Public Finance Department. Prior to his investment-banking career, Mr. Grayson held several senior positions within New York City government, including Deputy Mayor for Finance and Economic Development, Finance Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the New York City Industrial Development Agency.  He is a resident of Manhattan.







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