Jim (road rage) Lack for Judge - The right temperment?

[SLUDGE]

Pataki nominates 'road rage' senator for judgeship


December 11, 2002, 5:14 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ Gov. George Pataki nominated state Sen. James Lack Wednesday to become a Court of Claims judge, 18 months after the Long Island Republican apologized for a road rage incident in his home district.

Lack was expected to be nominated to a Supreme Court judgeship last year, when a Long Island woman accused him of following her to her home, running down her driveway and ducking under her closing garage door to continue yelling at her.

The former National Guard soldier hand-delivered an apology June 21, 2001, to Lore von Hoffen, who filed a police report for the June 1 incident but did not press charges.

Lack spokesman Philip Ingerman said the senator became "outraged" when van Hoffen crossed a double yellow line in a school zone.

A senator since 1979, Lack did not seek re-election last month. He would replace retiring Court of Claims Judge Leonard Silverman, whose term expires March 22. Lack would hear civil cases against the state on Long Island.

The Senate Judicial Screening Committee chose Lack based on five qualities, including his temperament, according to Pataki's office. The Senate must confirm the nomination, which is considered a formality.

"Jim Lack is uniquely qualified to serve on our Court of Claims," Pataki said. "I am pleased that this highly gifted and dedicated legislator will continue to serve the people of New York."

Lack was president of the National Conference of State Legislatures in 1995-96.

[lack of class]

People are thrilled he is being sent off to exile in the worthless Court of Claims
where he can join the likes of Danny Martin the former Town of Huntington Attorney and former
Huntington GOP leader.

[Teacher]

It is sad that this guy is the best we can do for judge. Its sad because a list with classless ex politicos now judges would be a long list. Its all about money and deals. Is there anyone out there that is honest and not owned. No wonder people think what they do about the political process and those in it.....

[Re: Teacher]

You missed and made my point at the same time. THanks
Lack should have just gone away. By the way, I do know him.

[Teacher and Lack]

did he make it to his swearing in without an incident?

[Freedomlover]

First you were defending the admitted bribe taker, challenging all to come forward with an offer of proof, even after the bribe was acknowledged and admitted. Now, even after Lack publicly apologized for his conduct you defend him...Look, Lack was wrong, he admitted he was wrong. I agree that this does not mean that one act should void an entire career of serving the people of NYS but at least admit the guy had an off-day. And, to the general public, it looks bad. The guy acts like a nutjob and they make him a judge. What happens when he acts like a wacko in the courtroom?? And, just for the record, Court of Claims judges are regularly assigned to Supreme or County Court to hear cases other than those in which NYS is the defendant. They also hear criminal and civil cases.

[ANTIGOPGUY]

Hey, "Disgruntled", you gotta chill, my brother.

[Voice of Reason]

Folks you should not be frustrated by Disgruntled rambling. This person is one of those sheep that the GOP loves. they say jump and he says how high. They say a good Repub jumps 3 feet so he jumps 4 in hopes of pleasing them even more. Or you can just call him a Drone. I'm a GOPer but with a mind of my own...His poor family.