### New York Judge Replaced After Parking Spot Meltdown
In a dramatic turn of events, New York Supreme Court Judge Mark Grisanti will soon be replaced following a shirtless confrontation with his neighbors over a parking spot. The incident, which occurred in June 2020, saw Grisanti shoving a police officer and making threats, claiming connections with the mayor and police force.
#### The Incident
On June 23, 2020, Buffalo Police Department officers responded to a call at Judge Grisanti's home. The call stemmed from a heated argument with his neighbors, Joseph and Gina Mele, regarding a parking space that Grisanti believed encroached on his driveway. The situation escalated when Grisanti's wife, Maria, was handcuffed and taken to the ground by the officers. A shirtless Grisanti then intervened, shoving one of the officers and threatening them with repercussions due to his alleged connections.
#### Grisanti's Actions and Consequences
Grisanti's behavior included:
- **Physical Confrontation**: Shoving a police officer.
- **Verbal Threats**: Claiming connections with Mayor Byron Brown and threatening officers.
- **Interference**: Demanding the release of his wife and making threats if not complied with.
Despite his actions, the Erie County District Attorney's Office decided not to file charges against Grisanti. Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo explained that the judge did not physically tackle or punch anyone, deeming the "shoulder shove" insufficient for criminal charges. Nonetheless, Grisanti was handcuffed and detained in a squad car.
#### Judicial and Political Repercussions
The fallout from the incident has been significant:
- **Judicial Commission**: The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct voted to censure Grisanti for his poor judgment. Although the vote was six-four in favor of censure, the recommendation for his removal from office was narrowly rejected.
- **Governor's Decision**: Governor Kathy Hochul did not include Grisanti on the list of 25 judicial nominees sent to the state Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration, effectively ending his tenure.
- **Holdover Status**: Grisanti has been serving as a holdover judge since his term expired in July 2023, pending the appointment of his replacement.
The commission also criticized Grisanti for presiding over cases involving an attorney with whom he had a business relationship, further tarnishing his judicial reputation.
#### Defense and Support
Despite the controversies, Grisanti's attorney, Terrence Connors, defended him, emphasizing his exemplary work as a judge. Connors highlighted that lawyers and judges familiar with Grisanti's work supported his continuation on the bench.
#### Conclusion
The incident involving Judge Mark Grisanti underscores the importance of judicial conduct and the repercussions of personal actions on professional responsibilities. As Grisanti awaits his replacement, the legal community and the public remain divided over his legacy and the decision to censure rather than remove him from office.
