Regular Session - April 26, 1999

                                                              2299





                            NEW YORK STATE SENATE





                                    THE

                            STENOGRAPHIC RECORD









                             ALBANY, NEW YORK

                              April 26, 1999

                                 3:07 p.m.





                            REGULAR SESSION





                 LT. GOVERNOR MARY O. DONOHUE, President

                 STEVEN M. BOGGESS, Secretary















                                                          2300



                            P R O C E E D I N G S

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Senate will

                 come to order.  I ask everyone present to

                 please rise and repeat with me the Pledge of

                 Allegiance.

                            (Whereupon, the assemblage recited

                 the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    In the absence of

                 clergy, may we bow our heads in a moment of

                 silence, please.

                            (Whereupon, a moment of silence was

                 observed.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Reading of the

                 Journal.

                            THE SECRETARY:    In Senate,

                 Sunday, April 25th.  The Senate met pursuant

                 to adjournment.  The Journal of Saturday,

                 April 24th was read and approved.  On motion,

                 Senate adjourned.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Without objection

                 the Journal stands approved as read.

                            Presentation of petitions.

                            Messages from the Assembly.

                            Messages from the Governor.

                            Reports of standing committees.





                                                          2301



                            Reports of select committees.

                            Communications and reports from

                 state officers.

                            Motions and resolutions.

                            Senator McGee.

                            SENATOR McGEE:  Thank you, Madam

                 President.  Madam President, I offer the

                 following amendments.  Amendments are offered

                 to the following Third Reading Calendar bills:

                            Sponsored by Senator Johnson, page

                 12, Calendar Number 45, Senate Print 978;

                            Sponsored by Senator Meier, page

                 19, Calendar 248, Senate Print 3165-A;

                            Sponsored by Senator Spano, page

                 25, 371 Calendar Number, Senate Print 1469;

                            Sponsored by Senator Bonacic, page

                 number 26, Calendar Number 387, Senate Print

                 3304;

                            Sponsored by Senator Goodman, page

                 37, Calendar Number 549, Senate Print 2753;

                            Sponsored by Senator Bonacic, page

                 number 37, Calendar Number 560, Senate Print

                 3715;

                            Sponsored by Senator Johnson, page

                 number 12, Calendar Number 44, Senate Print





                                                          2302



                 Number 977.

                            Madam President, I now move that

                 these bills retain their place on the order of

                 third reading.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The amendments

                 are received, Senator McGee, and the bills

                 will retain their place on the Third Reading

                 Calendar.

                            SENATOR McGEE:  Thank you, Madam

                 President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    You are welcome.

                 Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 on behalf of Senator Stafford, the will be an

                 immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in

                 the Majority Conference Room.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    There will be an

                 immediate meeting of the Finance Committee in

                 the Majority Conference Room.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 I believe there is a privileged resolution at

                 the desk sponsored by Senator DeFrancisco.

                 May we please have the title read and move for

                 its immediate adoption.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary





                                                          2303



                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    By Senator

                 DeFrancisco, Legislative Resolution

                 recognizing the White Ribbon Campaign

                 sponsored by Vera House of Syracuse, New York,

                 to take place the week of April 24th to May

                 2nd, 1999.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator

                 DeFrancisco.

                            SENATOR DeFRANCISCO:  Thank you,

                 Madam President.  This is the fifth year that

                 the Vera House has conducted the White Ribbon

                 Campaign throughout the central New York area.

                 And it is basically a campaign to bring

                 people's awareness to this very, very serious

                 issue of domestic violence.

                            Some of the statistics are actually

                 staggering.  That there is an act of physical

                 violence on a woman in a household every three

                 minutes.  That at least 25 percent of women

                 who are beaten are pregnant during the course

                 of the beating, and that three million

                 children on an annual basis observe acts of

                 physical violence.  We wonder why we see these

                 outrageous activities on behalf of young





                                                          2304



                 people throughout the country when we see this

                 type of activity occurring at home.

                            Vera House has conducted this

                 campaign for five years and each year we bring

                 this to the Senate so that we can spread this

                 type of message throughout the State of New

                 York.  I usually bring with me a hundred white

                 ribbons.  This year we tripled the order in

                 view of the great support we have gotten from

                 my colleagues here in the State Senate.

                            On behalf of all of the Senators we

                 commend Vera House for their outstanding work

                 in our community and the outstanding message

                 that is a message that is being carried

                 throughout the State of New York.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The question is

                 on the resolution.  All in favor signify by

                 saying aye.

                            (Response of "Aye.")

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed, nay.

                            (No response.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The resolution is

                 adopted.

                            Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    At this time can





                                                          2305



                 we take up the non-controversial calendar?

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 69, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print

                 1129-A, an act to amend the Environmental

                 Conservation Law, in relation to providing.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect on the first day of

                 January.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 50.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 70, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print

                 1130-A, an act to amend the Environmental

                 Conservation Law, in relation to specifying.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect on the first day of





                                                          2306



                 January.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 50.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 123, by Senator Farley, Senate Print 1541, an

                 act to amend the Public Health Law, in

                 relation to expanding.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 50.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 277, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 2899, an

                 act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to

                 extending the expiration of provisions.

                            SENATOR PATERSON:    Lay the bill

                 aside.





                                                          2307



                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is laid

                 aside.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 332, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 3661, an

                 act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law,

                 in relation to powers of the New York State

                 Housing Finance Agency.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 50.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 352, by Senator Rath, Senate Print 126, an act

                 to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to

                 expanding the network of health care

                 providers.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.





                                                          2308



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 353, by Senator Trunzo, Senate Print 1708, an

                 act to amend the Public Health Law, in

                 relation to public notification of health

                 hazards.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect on the 180th day.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 389, by Senator Wright, Senate Print 3612-A,

                 an act to direct the State Board of Real

                 Property Services to prepare a study.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.





                                                          2309



                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar number

                 451, by Senator Larkin, Senate Print 3035, an

                 act to amend the General Municipal Law, in

                 relation to the operation of games of chance.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 5.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar number

                 461, by Senator Stachowski, Senate Print 1375,

                 an act to amend the General Municipal Law, in

                 relation to general requirements of service

                 award programs.





                                                          2310



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 487, by Senator Padavan, Senate Print 3771, an

                 act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law,

                 in relation to loans of owners of existing

                 multiple dwellings.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 520, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 3025, an





                                                          2311



                 act to amend the State Finance Law, in

                 relation to permitting.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 3.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 548, by Senator Johnson, Senate Print 2401, an

                 act to amend the Penal Law.

                            SENATOR DUANE:    Lay the bill

                 aside.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is laid

                 aside.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 550, by Senator Rath, Senate Print 2795, an

                 act to repeal Paragraph F of Subdivision 1 of

                 Section 70.30.

                            SENATOR DUANE:    Lay it aside.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is laid

                 aside.





                                                          2312



                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 553, by Senator Skelos, Senate Print 3071, an

                 act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules,

                 in relation to requiring all applications.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes, 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 561, by Senator Bonacic, Senate Print 3719, an

                 act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    That bill is

                 laid aside for the day.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is laid

                 aside for the day.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 608, by Senator Hoffmann, Senate Print 4156,

                 an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets

                 Law, in relation to the agricultural producer

                 security fund.





                                                          2313



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 3.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 51.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Skelos,

                 that completes -- Senator Bonacic, excuse me,

                 Senator.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Thank you,

                 Madam President.

                            May we now have the controversial

                 reading of the calendar, please.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Padavan.

                            SENATOR PADAVAN:    May I be

                 recorded in the negative on Calendar 451.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senate Bill 608,

                 that bill was passed.

                            Senator Padavan.

                            SENATOR PADAVAN:    Thank you,

                 Madam President.

                            May I be recorded in the negative

                 on Calendar 451.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    You are so





                                                          2314



                 recorded, Senator Padavan, as voting in the

                 negative on Calendar 451.

                            Senator Bonacic.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Madam

                 President, I would ask that we now go to

                 Calendar 550, Senate Bill 2795, please.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar 550, by

                 Senator Rath, Senate Print 2795, an act to

                 repeal Paragraph F of Subdivision 1.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2, this

                 act shall take effect on the first day of

                 November.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Paterson,

                 why do you rise?

                            SENATOR PATERSON:    Last year

                 Senators Leichter, Mendez, Seabrook,

                 Montgomery, Sampson and Waldon, it just came

                 to me, Madam President, that they voted in the

                 negative and I just wanted to put that on the

                 record for -- if any of them happened to want

                 to know.





                                                          2315



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect on the first day of

                 November.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Bonacic.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Madam

                 President, I ask that we temporarily stand at

                 ease.  We are waiting for Senator Johnson and

                 Senator Seward to return from the Finance

                 meeting.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Upon completion

                 of this bill.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Thank you,

                 Madam President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will announce the results.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Those recorded in

                 the negative on Calendar Number 550 are

                 Senators Duane, Mendez, Sampson and

                 Schneiderman.  Ayes 47, nays 4.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed and the Senate will stand at ease.





                                                          2316



                            (Whereupon the Senate stood at ease

                 from 3:21 to 3:29 p.m.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Bonacic.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Madam

                 President, we would like to return to the

                 controversial calendar if we can.  And at this

                 time I would like to call Calender Number 277,

                 Senate Bill 2899, Senator Seward.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 277, by Senator Seward, Senate Print 2899, an

                 act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to

                 extending the expiration of provisions.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Breslin.

                            SENATOR BRESLIN:    Madam

                 President, would the sponsor yield to one

                 question, through you?

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Seward,

                 would you yield, please?

                            SENATOR SEWARD:    Yes.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Yes, he does

                 yield through me, Senator Breslin.

                            SENATOR BRESLIN:    I am only

                 interested in whether or not there was a home





                                                          2317



                 rule message that had been attached to this

                 legislation?

                            SENATOR SEWARD:    Madam President,

                 in fact there is. There is a resolution

                 adopted by the Herkimer County Legislature on

                 the 22nd of March.

                            SENATOR BRESLIN:    I have no

                 further questions, Madam President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 2.  This

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 54, nays 2.

                 Senators Dollinger and Gentile recorded in the

                 negative.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.

                            SENATOR SEABROOK:    I would like

                 with unanimous consent to be recorded in the

                 negative on Calendar Number 550.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Seabrook,

                 you are so recorded voting in the negative on

                 Calendar 550.





                                                          2318



                            SENATOR WALDON:    I request

                 unanimous consent to be considered in the

                 negative for Calendar 550.  Most unfortunately

                 I was out of the chamber eating Twizlers.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator, you are

                 so recorded as voting in the negative.

                            The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 548, by Senator Johnson, Senator Print 2401,

                 an act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to

                 including sales on controlled substances.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Paterson.

                            SENATOR PATERSON:    Madam

                 President, Senator Johnson has explained this

                 bill quite admirably in the past.  I would

                 just like the record to note that Senator

                 Smith and Senator Montgomery voted in the

                 negative along with myself last year, but I am

                 now persuaded by Senator Johnson's explanation

                 and will vote in the affirmative.  Senators

                 Sampson, Seabrook and Waldon also voted in the

                 negative.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 3.  This





                                                          2319



                 act shall take effect on the first day of

                 November.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Those recorded in

                 the negative on Calendar Number 548 are

                 Senators Duane, Sampson and Smith.  Also

                 Senator Schneiderman.

                            Ayes 52, nays 4.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.  Senator Bonacic, that completes the

                 reading of the controversial calendar.

                            SENATOR BONACIC:    Madam

                 President, may we please return to reports of

                 standing committees.  I believe there is a

                 report of the Finance Committee at the desk.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Reports of

                 standing committees.  The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Senator Stafford

                 from the Committee on Finance reports the

                 following nominations:

                            As a member of the State Commission

                 of Corrections, Frederick C.  Lamy, of

                 Warrensburg.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Stafford.





                                                          2320



                            SENATOR STAFFORD:    Thank you, Mr.

                 President.

                            It is certainly a pleasure for me

                 to rise and compliment the Governor and all

                 involved with the appointment of Fred Lamy to

                 the Commission and Corrections.

                            I could go on and on but, again

                 Madam President, this is an example of the

                 system, a good system we have I might add, our

                 system of government working so well.

                            Fred has been in law enforcement

                 for over 20 years and I would make three

                 points and make them very clearly and

                 emphasize every one of the points.

                            In his position of responsibility

                 he has shown professionalism, doing his job in

                 a professional, courteous, effective manner.

                 Also together with that he has shown the

                 temperament, again, to be firm and

                 compassionate but carry out his responsibility

                 as it should be carried out.

                            And finally, and it is so

                 important, Madam President, when you have the

                 responsibility Fred has had leading the

                 department, has always set the example, an





                                                          2321



                 example that we all should follow as public

                 servants.  And I use the word servants

                 advisedly because that is what Fred Lamy has

                 been, a good solid, I will use the word

                 excellent, public servant, and I certainly

                 move his confirmation.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The question is

                 on the confirmation of Frederick C. Lamy as a

                 member of the State Commission of Correction.

                            All, those in favor signify by

                 saying aye.

                            (Response of "Aye.")

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed nay.

                            (No response.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Frederick C. Lamy

                 is hereby confirmed as a member of the State

                 Commission on Corrections.

                            And I understand that Mr. Lamy is

                 here today.  I extend to you as President of

                 the Senate all the courtesies of the Senate,

                 congratulations and best wishes.

                            The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    As a member of

                 the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor,

                 Michael C. Axelrod of Roslyn.





                                                          2322



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Stafford.

                            SENATOR STAFFORD:    It is a

                 pleasure on this very fine nomination to yield

                 to Senator Balboni.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Balboni.

                            SENATOR BALBONI:    Thank you,

                 Madam President.

                            It is with joy and honor that I get

                 a chance to rise on behalf of not only a fine

                 public servant but someone who has been my

                 friend but also political mentor for many a

                 year.

                            Michael Axelrod brings a great deal

                 to the job of Waterfront Commissioner.  And as

                 a matter of fact, this particular day comes at

                 a very apropos time.  I just spent two weeks

                 ago a lunch with Mr. Axelrod as he introduced

                 me to the other commissioners of the

                 Waterfront Commission and we spoke at great

                 length about the Port of New York and New

                 Jersey and all the issues surrounding that

                 port and what the future is going to hold for

                 it and how we in New York need to recognize

                 its tremendous contribution to the

                 metropolitan area and get our fair share.





                                                          2323



                            Michael brings a sense of

                 professionalism to whatever he does.  He is a

                 fine attorney.  He is someone who has learned

                 a great deal about a kind of novel operation

                 in our government very quickly.  He has done

                 it very well.  He has made friends wherever he

                 has gone, and he is somebody who brings

                 integrity and also a vision of where he wants

                 a job to go whenever he takes on a project.

                            Madam President, there are many

                 people who come through this chamber and I

                 would dare say that Michael Axelrod is one of

                 those people that we would be proudest to

                 confirm and see his services continue.

                            On that behalf I would like to move

                 the nomination.

                            Thank you, Madam President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The question is

                 on the confirmation.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    If I could very

                 quickly, I would like to start off by

                 congratulating the Governor on this fine

                 nomination, thanking Senator Bruno and Senator





                                                          2324



                 Stafford for moving expeditiously on the

                 confirmation.

                            Mike has spoken as to Mr. Axelrod's

                 qualifications.  I just want to add that he is

                 a dear friend to all of us from Nassau County,

                 and I know Jim Lack knows him well, and

                 Caesar, the Long Island 9.  And Mike you are a

                 credit to the position that you are filling.

                 You have done a wonderful, wonderful job.  And

                 most all you have been a good friend to me and

                 Gail and your wife Jane, so we congratulate

                 you on your confirmation.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator

                 Marcellino.

                            SENATOR MARCELLINO:    Yes, Madam

                 President, thank you, very much.

                            I also rise to second the

                 nomination of a good friend, Mike Axelrod.  I

                 can think of no person if I wanted a difficult

                 job done, if I wanted a job that required

                 intense negotiations and someone who would be

                 willing to sit down and work long and hard

                 hours to get things right, I would think of no

                 other person better than Mike Axelrod to do

                 that job.  He is a super person.  He is a





                                                          2325



                 great lawyer. And more importantly, he is a

                 good friend.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator

                 Fuschillo.

                            SENATOR FUSCHILLO:    Madam

                 President, it is indeed an honor for me to

                 rise and speak on the nomination of somebody

                 that I have known most of my life, Mike

                 Axelrod.

                            He is a prominent attorney not only

                 in Nassau County but throughout this great

                 state of ours.  He has served the Commission

                 with distinction.  Not only is he an asset to

                 the Commission but an asset to all residents

                 of this great state of ours and I proudly move

                 the nomination.

                            SENATOR LACK:    Madam President.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Yes, Senator

                 Lack.

                            SENATOR LACK:    Thank you, Madam

                 President.

                            I rise because I wouldn't want the

                 chamber to think that it was just four

                 colleagues from Nassau County that wanted to

                 expound on behalf of one Michael Axelrod.





                                                          2326



                            A lot has been said already, but

                 just let me put it this way.  Mike Axelrod is

                 a perfect example of how you can apply merit

                 and politics and put them together and come up

                 with probably the most excellent choice for

                 the Waterfront Commission and a lot of other

                 jobs in this state.

                            Obviously he is very politically

                 well known.  Four colleagues from Nassau

                 County have stood up.  And yes, he is a friend

                 of mine, which means his boundaries expand

                 beyond Nassau County.

                            But he is a fine attorney and is a

                 fine labor attorney and he has a very good

                 sense of issues, of working between employee

                 and employer and he has done a very good job

                 of it, and that alone he has made a reputation

                 throughout this state.

                            I am very proud to stand up and

                 second the nomination and congratulate the

                 Governor and quite frankly would look for

                 further examples in this state of people just

                 like Michael Axelrod who can become involved

                 in the community, become involved in a party,

                 and yet at the same time on his own merit can





                                                          2327



                 stand next to any one in the field of law in

                 which he practices.

                            It is a real pleasure to be able to

                 vote for him today.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Marchi.

                            SENATOR MARCHI:    Madam President,

                 the voice of the people is the voice of God.

                 There have been so many who attest to his

                 merits.  I would like to say that not

                 withstanding the fact he is not from Staten

                 Island he has been approved by the standing

                 committee which is the committee of first

                 reference on his reappointment, and I

                 certainly want to reflect the sentiment that

                 was expressed in our own committee, including

                 my ranking Minority member Senator Smith on

                 this important renomination.  All the best.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Any other Senator

                 who would like to be heard on this nomination?

                            Senator Paterson.

                            SENATOR PATERSON:    Thank you,

                 Madam President.

                            Other than hearing from Senator

                 Smith, I have not met Mr. Axelrod before

                 today, but we confirm a lot of nominees here





                                                          2328



                 and I can't remember the last time there was

                 this almost spontaneous willingness of a

                 number of colleagues to get up and endorse

                 this nomination by the Governor.

                            It will be very interesting to work

                 with him.  I was especially moved by what

                 Senator Balboni said about his ideas about New

                 York's ports and what some of the

                 opportunities can be.  Our Port Authority,

                 which was created in 1920, in my opinion has

                 never fully addressed what the ports of New

                 York can actually bring to the city and to the

                 state in terms of economic resources.

                            Back some 150 to 200 years ago

                 before the establishment of the Erie Canal and

                 the Erie Lackawana Railroad, New York was

                 really just a state just like any other and it

                 was really the economic development through

                 the ports all around the state that brought

                 the type of commerce to our state which took

                 us from having five percent of the country's

                 population in 1820 to having over 40 percent

                 of the county's population by 1830, and we are

                 doing 45 percent of the economic development

                 nationally because people move where the jobs





                                                          2329



                 are.  And in this period of high technology

                 still New York's geographic position being the

                 real epicenter of the North American market

                 and the best situated ports in New York City

                 to reaching Europe would put us back into that

                 area, even though other states have built up

                 their ports they still don't have the three

                 hour shipping time advantage that New York

                 has.  And so there are so many ways that the

                 whole operation can be utilized so I wish not

                 only Mr. Axelrod my best, but would be happy

                 to work with him in trying to use some

                 innovative procedures as our ancestors did to

                 increase New York's share of our national

                 economic commerce.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Would any other

                 Senator wish to be heard on this nomination?

                 Hearing no one, the question is on the

                 confirmation of Michael C. Axelrod as a member

                 of the Waterfront Commission of New York

                 Harbor.

                            All in favor signify by saying aye.

                            (Response of "Aye.")

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed nay.

                            (No response.)





                                                          2330



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Michael C.

                 Axelrod is hereby confirmed as a member of the

                 Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.

                            I would like to acknowledge Michael

                 Axelrod's presence and extend to you as

                 President of the Senate congratulations and

                 best wishes.

                            The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    As members of the

                 State Council on the Arts; Charles C.  Bergman

                 of New York City, Donald A. Capoccia of New

                 York City, Betty Levin of New York City,

                 Richard J. Schwartz of New York, and Laurie

                 Tisch Sussman of New York City.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Stafford.

                            SENATOR STAFFORD:    Move

                 confirmation, please.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The question is

                 on the confirmation of Charles C. Bergman,

                 Donald A. Capoccia, Betty Levin, Richard J.

                 Schwartz, Laurie Tisch Sussman as members of

                 the State Council on the Arts.

                            All in favor signify by saying aye.

                            (Response of "Aye.")

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed, nay.





                                                          2331



                            (No response.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Charles C.

                 Bergman, Donald A. Capoccia, Betty Levin,

                 Richard J.  Schwartz and Laurie Tisch Sussman

                 are hereby confirmed as members of the State

                 Council on the Arts.

                            The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Also Senator

                 Stafford reports the following Senate bills:

                            Senate Prints 5530, by the

                 Committee on Rules, an act to amend Chapter 15

                 of the Laws of 1999 making appropriations for

                 the support of government;

                            5531, by the Committee on Rules, an

                 act making appropriations for the support of

                 government;

                            5532, by the Committee on Rules, an

                 act to amend Chapter 83 of the Laws of 1995,

                 amending the State Finance Law.

                            All bills directly for third

                 reading.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Without

                 objection, all bills reported direct to third

                 reading.

                            Senator Skelos.





                                                          2332



                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 if we could would take up Calendar Number 687,

                 Senator 5530.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 687, by the Committee on Rules, Senate Print

                 5530, and act to amend Chapter 15 of the Laws

                 of 1999, making appropriations for the support

                 of government.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 is there a message of appropriation at the

                 desk?

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Yes, Senator

                 Skelos, there is.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Move to accept.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    All those in

                 favor of accepting the message of

                 appropriation, signify by saying aye.

                            (Response of "aye".)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed, nay.

                            (No response.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The message is

                 accepted.





                                                          2333



                            Read the last section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 6, this

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 57, nays 1.

                 Senator Dollinger recorded in the negative.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.  Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Could we please

                 take up Calendar Number 688, Senate 5531.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 688, by the Committee on Rules, Senate Print

                 5531, an act making appropriations for the

                 support of government.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 is there a message of appropriation at the

                 desk?

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Yes, Senator

                 Skelos, there is.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Move to accept.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    All those in





                                                          2334



                 favor of accepting the message of

                 appropriation, signify by saying aye.

                            (Response of "aye".)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Opposed, nay.

                            (No response.)

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The message is

                 accepted.

                            Read the last section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 31, this

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 57, nays 1.

                 Senator Dollinger recorded in the negative.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.  Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 may be please take up Calendar Number 689,

                 Senate 5532.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The Secretary

                 will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Calendar Number

                 689, by the Committee on Rules, Senate Print

                 5532, an act to amend Chapter 83 of the Laws

                 of 1995.





                                                          2335



                            THE PRESIDENT:    Read the last

                 section.

                            THE SECRETARY:    Section 5, this

                 act shall take effect immediately.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Call the roll.

                            (The Secretary called the roll.)

                            THE SECRETARY:    Ayes 57, nays 1,

                 Senator Dollinger recorded in the negative.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The bill is

                 passed.  Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Is there any

                 housekeeping at the desk?

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Yes, Senator, we

                 have two substitutions at the desk.

                            The Secretary will read.

                            THE SECRETARY:    On page 22,

                 Senator Meier moves to discharge from the

                 Committee on Aging, Assembly Bill Number 445,

                 and substitute it for the identical Third

                 Reading 314.

                            On page 4, Senator Goodman moves to

                 discharge from the Committee on Higher Ed,

                 Assembly Bill 5704-A and substitute it for the

                 identical first report 674.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    The substitutions





                                                          2336



                 are ordered.

                            Senator Montgomery.

                            SENATOR MONTGOMERY:    Yes, Madam

                 President, I would like unanimous consent to

                 be recorded in the negative on Calendars 548

                 and 550.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    Senator

                 Montgomery, you are so recorded as voting in

                 the negative on Calendars 548 and 550.

                            Senator Skelos.

                            SENATOR SKELOS:    Madam President,

                 there being no further business I move we

                 adjourn until Tuesday, April 27th at 3:00 p.m.

                 sharp.

                            THE PRESIDENT:    On motion, the

                 Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, April

                 27th at 3:00 p.m.

                            (Whereupon, at 3:50 p.m., the

                 Senate adjourned.)