In “The Believers”, Chris Connor (Taylor Anthony Miller) begins a long day at the campaign office. (Image Credit: The Storm Theatre Company)

(This post originally appeared on October 28, 2014.)

“How far will you go to achieve what you want?” “How long will you hold up when the outside world pushes back?” These questions, frequently decided by the strength of a person’s beliefs, form the basis of The Believers, the debut play of playwright and New York Law School alum Robert Carroll.

Ross Sandler

Civic Fame is the colossal, 25-foot tall gilded female figure in a flowing robe who stands barefoot on a sphere at the top of the Municipal Building overlooking City Hall. Civic Fame, created in 1913 by sculptor Adolph Weinman, carries a five-sectioned crown representing the five boroughs, and a shield and laurel branch representing victory and triumph.

On May 1, 2015, the statue also became the name of a new award by New York Law School. The annual Civic Fame award will honor individuals who have made significant and long term contributions to the civic life of New York City. The four initial honored awardees include a private business leader who accepted major civic assignments, a foundation executive who devoted herself to developing innovative civic programs, a Law Department lawyer who represents the best in the legal profession, and a younger NYLS graduate who has given special service to the Center for New York City Law.  Each awardee received a unique certificate bearing the striking image of Civic Fame.

Ross Sandler

On this 20^th anniversary of the Center for New York City Law many thanks are due

Harry Wellington, former Dean of New York Law School, along with the faculty of New York Law School, embraced the idea that the government of New York City was a worthy academic subject. Dean Anthony Crowell continues that enthusiastic support.

Center for NYC Law at New York Law School: 1995-2015.

On Friday, May 1, 2015, the Center for New York City Law will commemorate its 20th Anniversary at its 125th CityLaw Breakfast.  This will be a wonderful event; details are below and you still have time to RSVP by clicking here.

Jeffrey A. Kroessler, City Club of New York

The Castle on the Concourse is doomed. Had any other owner of a designated landmark abandoned his property to the elements like this, the Landmarks Preservation Commission would have sued him for “demolition by neglect.” But here the commission is helpless. The owner is the City of New York, and while the city fully expects owners of designated properties – private homeowners, businesses, landlords, or institutions – to adhere to standards set by the LPC, the city exempts itself from any such regulation. In such cases, the Landmarks Commission is only advisory, its pronouncements mere opinion.

Victor Gotbaum, 1921-2015. Image courtesy of Mark Benoit

Much has been said about Victor Gotbaum’s many contributions to our country, and to our city in particular.  His place among the legends of organized labor is secure; his position as a master negotiator while helping save NYC from bankruptcy has been acknowledged; and his fierce defense of the working class and those trying join it has been well-documented.

I will not revisit his many accomplishments here – others have already done that and thankfully so, because while history is permanent, it is also quiet, and the story of why Victor Gotbaum was who he was is a loud, somewhat profane and none-too-gentle narrative.  We should all learn from it.