44 The Queens Courier • APRIL 10, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Queens Museum President Tom Finkelpearl named cultural affairs commissioner BY LIAM LA GUERRE [email protected]/@liamlaguerre Mayor Bill de Blasio formally announced Queens Museum head Tom Finkelpearl as the next commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) on April 7. Finkelpearl, who has been the president of the Queens Museum for 12 years, recently oversaw its $68 million transformation and revitalization. He also simplified its name from the Queens Museum of Art. “New York City is one of the most eclectic and culturally rich cities in the world, and that’s something that should be shared by all New Yorkers and tourists alike,” Finkelpearl said. “Our work is part of what distinguishes New York City as a cultural epicenter, and I look forward to working to fortify the already diverse offerings of the city’s arts and cultural life.” Finkelpearl has more than 30 years of experience in museum management and arts education. Before heading the Queens Museum, Finkelpearl was deputy director of the contemporary art center PS1 and assisted with its merger with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2000, as it became MoMA PS1. Finkelpearl graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and received his Master of Fine Arts from Hunter College. Finkelpearl will be tasked with expanding access to culture and the arts in the city in his new position. “With Tom at the helm of DCLA, I’m confident that New York City will not only continue to thrive as a global cultural hub, but also make the arts more accessible to New Yorkers in every neighborhood,” de Blasio said. THE COURIER/Photo by Melissa Chan YOUR PROMOTIONS SUPERMARKET SINCE 1995 CORPORATE & TEAM OUTFITTING H Staff Shirts H Giveaways H Family Reunions H School/Camps H Organizations/Events CUSTOM APPAREL H T-SHIRTS POPULAR BRAND WHITE TEE SCREEN PRINTED (1 COLOR) MIN. 144* ONLY $295 $495 QueensCourier.com (Screen Printed or Embroidered) 2013 THE QUEENS H CAPS/HATS H UNIFORMS H JACKETS H BACK PACKS H BAGS H TROPHIES EACH *SAME DEAL: SWEATSHIRTS EACH CALL FOR FREE CATALOG of the 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 YOU NAME IT, WE GOT IT!!! (We can customize your art, logo, messages on anything!) Pens (All Types) Bags (Plastic/Paper) Calendars Water Bottles Awareness Bracelets Food Gifts Corporate Gifts Badges & Buttons Electronics Calculators Computer Accessories Eco Friendly Products Full Color Magnetic Business Cards 10 ¢ each Minimum 1,000 Your Business Card Their Refrigerator 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 www.PROMOTIONALEMPIRE.com Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law HIT IN THE REAR Advertorial Q: Driving my fire engine en route to a fire, I observed a car stopped ahead of me. I repeatedly applied the fire engine’s brakes, and managed to slow down to a speed of five to seven miles per hour. Nevertheless, I skidded into the car. The driver had heard my horn and siren and seen my lights. She maintains that she was unable to pull over to the right because of traffic conditions. Instead, she decided to make a left turn. The driver was in the process of moving into the left-hand turning lane, when her car was struck in the rear by my engine. A: You do not say that either the City or you personally suffered damages to the point that one would sue over them. The most likely lawsuit is one brought by the driver or her passenger against the City. I do not think that they have a case against you. For starters, pursuant to the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the driver was required to yield the right of way and, among other precautions, stay clear of the intersection. Under the circumstances, true, her failure to do so may not have been comparative negligence. At the same time, her attempting a left turn may indeed have been comparative negligence. Only a jury can decide. Be that as it may, as for whether you and the City were negligent, you have the benefit of two statutory provisions. Under General Municipal Law § 205-b, you may not be held liable for an act done in the performance of your duties “except for wilful negligence or malfeasance”. Under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1104, you may not be held liable because there is no evidence that you acted with “reckless disregard for the safety of others”. So do not see how the driver can succeed. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2014 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 718-738-9800, 914-337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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