NEW YORK CITY — New Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie promised a new era of ethics reform and "accountability" after being elected to replace his disgraced predecessor Sheldon Silver.
But when it comes to doing his civic duty by serving on a jury, Heastie, now one of the most powerful politicians in the state, has been less than accountable, according to court records.
In 1993 the Bronx County Clerk tried to have Heastie held in contempt for ignoring his jury duty summonses for more than two years.
Heastie, 47, was called to jury duty five times between May 28, 1991 and Dec. 15, 1992. The final summons was postponed to March 4, 1993 at Heastie's request. He began working in the New York City Comptroller’s office in 1993.
According to a petition filed by then Bronx County Clerk Leo Levy seeking to have Heastie held in contempt as a "delinquent juror," the postponement was granted under the "condition this was the final postponement" and that Heastie "must serve."
Heastie still failed to show up for service, according to the petition.
Heastie then ignored a March 17 and June 10, 1993 request from the Bronx County Clerk to explain his absences, the petition stated.
No "claim or evidence of disqualification or excuse has been presented by or on behalf" of Heastie, read the petition that sought to have him fined and held until he paid the fine.
Failure to report for jury duty can result in civil and criminal penalties in New York state.
It is unclear how the case was resolved. A Bronx justice disposed of it on Aug. 20, 1993, issuing an oral decision.
Bronx County Clerk Counsel Frederick Rossetti represented the office in the Heastie case. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Heastie's Deputy Press Secretary Kerri Biche declined to discuss specific details of his jury service.
"Over the years, Speaker Heastie has postponed select appearances due to other obligations. He has appeared for jury duty on several occasions," Biche said.
In 2005, five years after he was elected assemblyman in the 83rd District, which covers Williamsbridge, Edenwald, Wakefield, Eastchester and Baychester, Heastie again received notices to serve jury duty.
Records from the Bronx County Clerk's office show that Heastie received seven different postponements from 2005 until 2008, when he finally served two days of jury service starting on Sept. 29, 2008, according to Bronx Division of Jurors First Deputy County Clerk Kay Amer.
In 2008, Heastie helped lead a coup for control of the Bronx Democratic Party and was named chairman.
The average person is usually forced to serve after just two postponements, according to the Bronx County Clerk's office.
"The norm is that we try to accommodate people but after the second postponement they have to come in and serve," Amer said.
Amer said exceptions are sometimes given beyond the usual number of postponements for job or childcare issues or for people who have to attend funerals.
"There are incidents due to people's hardships when we are willing to give leeway," said Amer, who cited one case where a potential juror said he was in jeopardy of losing his job if he had to take time off work to serve.
The New York State Unified Court System allows for one postponement by phone to a date between two and six months away. Future postponements must be made by calling the local commissioner or jurors' office.
"Many people, elected officials, might be in session in Albany representing the people," Amer said when asked why Heastie had been given more than three times the number of normal postponements.
"It isn't the norm but there are situations when it is deemed necessary."
In 2006, Heastie changed addresses, which may have also led to a delay in his jury service while the new address was processed, Amer said. Heastie also told the clerk's office that he had a funeral to attend in 2008, accounting for at least one other postponement, she said.
After his service in 2008, Heastie served one day of jury duty on July 24, 2013. He's not eligible for jury duty service again until 2017.
"Everyone has to serve," said Amer. "He's in good standing. He came in and did his civic duty."
Heastie's election as speaker, following the resignation of Silver after he was indicted on federal corruption charges, has been met with some skepticism given past issues.
The Moreland Commission had been examining Heastie for $25,000 in unitemized campaign credit card expenses, although he has not been accused of wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes.
Many feel an open process of choosing the next speaker where candidates discussed their plans to reform Albany was short-circuited when Heastie wrapped up enough support from his colleagues to force four other candidates out of the race before any such debate could be had.
Dick Dadey, executive director of good government group Citizens Union, said he found it "curious" that Heastie had received so many jury duty postponements but was happy that Heastie had now served twice in a row.
"It's important for all citizens, including elected officials, to honor their civic duty and respond to the summonses," Dadey said.
