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Norman Meyer at 202-225-6231

JUDICIAL REFORM A MUST IN BROOKLYN’S SURROGATE JUDGE RACE

Congressman Major Owens calls on the candidates for the office of Surrogate Judge in the upcoming Democratic Primary Election on September 13, to pledge to use the opportunity to introduce a more effective and efficient office. In a statement issued today (July 18), Owens said that, “While there is no more corruption in Brooklyn than in any other area of New York State, Brooklyn, as the largest Democratic County in the state, must take the leadership in calling for a set of principles, procedures and processes which would establish and maintain maximum inclusiveness and transparency.”

The June 29 ousting of the Surrogate of Kings County, Michael H. Feinberg will provide, “A landmark opportunity to launch a full scale judicial reform movement the likes of which has not been seen before and at the same time establish Brooklyn as a role model for the rest of the state,” Owens said.

At the heart of Owens’ reform proposal and the most far reaching change is the assignment of cases with the assistance of a lottery, which includes all interested, qualified attorneys. Other changes include: establishing more open communication channels with the public, eliminating party or partisan preferences in assigning cases, establishing a system of good governance and transparency in the operations of all units under the jurisdiction of the Surrogate, such as public auctions, institute a more effective management process in conducting business, and to comply with the code of judicial conduct that speaks to the highest ethical principles.
 

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