“We are excited to learn that President Obama has picked Sonia Sotomayor to serve as his new Supreme Court Justice pick. A local South Bronx native and a Circuit Court Judge, Sotomayor is a highly qualified and inspiring example of public service. In such as prestigious position, we are confident that she will effectively represent our city, state, and country.”

Statement by Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito:

“In Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama is fulfilling his commitment to nominate someone who not only has the intellectual capacity but a practical sense of how the world works. Judge Sotomayor’s vast judicial experience and compelling personal life story make her a most worthy candidate. Today is a proud day in this country’s history since the President is not only nominating the most qualified candidate but the first Puerto Rican and first Latina to the U.S. Supreme Court. As a Puerto Rican and as a Latina, I am very proud today and inspired.”

Statement by Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo:

“As the Co-Chair of the Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, a New Yorker, a Bronxite and mostly as a woman of Puerto Rican decent, I want to congratulate and celebrate President Obama on his nomination of Justice Sotomayor to the country’s highest court. Justice Sotomayor embodies want is possible when you work hard and never compromise on personal responsibility. She has overcome many barriers and has achieved laudable goals. This announcement gives us all hope and confidence that no matter what your background or socio-economic status may be, dreams can be made reality.”