Queens Gazette

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Audrey Pheffer



 

 

Audrey Pheffer was a Democratic member of the New York state Assembly, representing District 23, from 1987 until resigning in May, 2011 to become the Queens county clerk, clerk of the Supreme Court and commissioner of jurors.

Pheffer’s professional background includes posts at the city Board of Education Rockaway Occupational Training Center; New York City Commission on Human Rights; administrative assistant to state Senator Jeremy S. Weinstein and Queens liaison for former City Council President Andrew Stein. Her prior political experience includes serving as 23rd Assembly District leader, Part A, since 1983, and state committeewoman for the 23rd Assembly District.

As county clerk of Queens, Pheffer is responsible for maintaining all files of the Queens County Supreme Court. As commissioner of jurors, she supervises the summoning and placement of jurors selected to participate in trials.

Pheffer earned her BA, cum laude, from CUNY, Queens College. Pheffer and her partner, Glenn Riddell, have five children: Mitchell Pheffer, Stacey Amato, Julie Canavatchel, Glenn T. Riddell III, Gerard Riddell and seven grandchildren.

Queens County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors Audrey Pheffer.

Queens County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors Audrey Pheffer.

Born in Brooklyn, Pheffer moved to Far Rockaway in 1956, and attended Far Rockaway H.S.

Barsamian: In the U.S. Justice system, the concept of a jury of your peers is integral to a fair trial. What would you say to prospective jurors about their obligation of jury duty?

Pheffer: As a former legislator I see the jurors as my constituents, and assist them in understanding that jury duty is a privilege and a gift of this democracy. The freedom to be judged by a jury of our peers gives every citizen the opportunity to have a voice in what is happening in Queens. The ability to render decisions when legal matters or certain civil liberties are at stake is of monumental importance. My message to every prospective juror that is eligible and able to serve, is to come and impact your community by serving jury duty with pride. It is possible that one day you too, may need others to participate in the jury system on your behalf.

NB: What is the most important responsibility, other than the jury duty function of county clerk?

AP: Other than commissioner of jurors, the responsibility of the Queens county clerk is to keep all records of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court records are scanned and the public is able to view all records, other than court-ordered sealed documents, in our General Office at 88- 11 Sutphin Boulevard. This allows the public to have easy and quick access to their records.

NB: In your previous position as a state legislator, what were some of the most important events that you were involved with?

AP: During my tenure in the New York state Assembly, I had the privilege of serving as the chair of the Assembly’s Consumer Affairs Committee. In this position, I was able to educate the public on vital consumer issues and legislate laws that protected New Yorkers against identity theft.

NB: Your bio indicates that you attended Far Rockaway H.S. How have the Rockaways changed since your high school days?

AP: When I moved to Rockaway over 55 years ago, the community was vastly different. At that time, it was viewed by many as a summer retreat and most residents did not live there year-round. The revitalization of Rockaway has transformed the community to distinct neighborhoods of permanent, year-round residents.

NB: Speaking of the Rockaways, what are your impressions post-Sandy of the rebuilding process of the Rockaways?

AP: Rockaway suffered tremendous devastation and destruction from Hurricane Sandy. The rebuilding of the Rockaways has been slow but the community’s dedication has been strong. There has been initial work done on the boardwalks, allowing for some beaches to open last year with more to come this season. However, many homeowners and businesses are still unable to complete rebuilding, and some residents are still unable to move back into their homes. My own condominium, which had the first floor, community room and lobby completely destroyed, only recently finished rebuilding after almost a year and a half.

NB: Your bio also indicates that you are a Queens College graduate. How did attending Queens College help you in your career?

AP: I attended Queens College as an ACE (Adult Collegiate Education) student, which allowed me, as a single parent, to work and raise my family while completing my college education. Queens College has a dedicated mission of supporting programs, like ACE, that benefits the diverse and varied population of Queens County. My parents instilled in me, as I tried to instill in my children, that an education is beneficial in all aspects of your life. Learning is a lifelong process and education is an invaluable tool.

NB: While you were seeking public office as a legislator did you enjoy the campaigning aspect of the electoral process?

AP: I enjoyed all aspects of being a legislator and found constituent work and campaigning to be most rewarding. I have always been a people person. No one should enter politics if they do not enjoy working with people. Meeting with constituents, community groups and civic associations afforded me the opportunity to listen and learn about the issues and concerns in my district. Campaigning, especially walking door to door and ringing door bells, was most gratifying. It offered me the opportunity to meet one on one and talk directly with my constituents.

NB: What are some of the most important bills that you either sponsored or were involved with during your time as a legislator?

AP: During my tenure in the New York state Assembly I was able to pass hundreds of bills, all improving the quality of life for my community and the residents of New York state. I have a proven track record of legislative success that includes passing laws that protected senior citizens, provided funding for quality education, strengthened our environmental regulations and helped reduce crime in our neighborhoods.

NB: If you could reform one element of the jury process as the county clerk, what would you change?

AP: The one aspect of jury service that I would most like to reform is the public’s perception that jury duty is a burden. We have adopted many initiatives in an effort to improve the juror’s experience. Queens County has a telephone standby system, thereby reducing the number of jurors needed each day, and potentially the length of service. All but one of our jury rooms has wi-fi and computers so that individuals may stay in touch and conduct business when not in the courtroom. All prospective jurors are entitled to one postponement affording the opportunity to serve at a time that is less disruptive and more convenient.

Jury service is a right and a privilege and I implore all residents of Queens County to participate and serve with pride.


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