Senate Resolution No. 1292

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Anita Thayer upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Jim Perry
Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District
Citizen Action on September 14, 2021

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Anita Thayer
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Jim Perry
Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action to be
celebrated at its 29th Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 14,
2021, at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award honors the
legacy of Jim Perry, a gay rights leader and founding member of the
Capital District Chapter of Citizen Action of New York; his leadership
role both in the Capital District and statewide was exemplary, and his
dedication to politics and coalition building paved the way for the
passage of Albany's Human Rights Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, It is with the memories of Jim Perry's actions and words
that this vital organization recognizes those who have demonstrated a
commitment to community activism and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Anita Thayer is being honored with this auspicious award
for her role as one of the area's most dedicated, inspiring activists
and leaders who has spent countless hours working to make her community
a stronger, more just place to live; and

WHEREAS, Anita Thayer is a long-time member of Citizen Action of New
York and served as chair and co-chair of the Capital District Citizen
Action Board for nearly 19 years until 2020; and

WHEREAS, She has been part of various educational advocacy campaigns
and issue campaigns as part of her association with Citizen Action; and

WHEREAS, Anita Thayer grew up in upstate New York, and graduated
from high school in Central Square; she also received a bachelor of arts
degree from Albany State University and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law
School; and

WHEREAS, From 1981 to 2009, Anita Thayer was a partner in the Albany
law firm of Walter, Thayer, and Mishler, P.C.; she then worked as an
Alternate Public Defender for Albany County, representing parents in
Family Court until her retirement in 2014; and


WHEREAS, From 1981 to 1991, Anita Thayer was a member of the
Steering Committee of the Capital District Coalition Against Apartheid
and Racism; and

WHEREAS, Previously, Anita Thayer was a member and leader of the
Albany Friends of the Farmworkers, an organization that supported Cesar
Chavez's United Farm Workers union and its national boycott of
scab-picked grapes and lettuce as well as advocating for legislation to
increase the organizing protections for New York State's farm workers;
and

WHEREAS, During college, Anita Thayer was an Editor-in-chief of the
Albany Student Press; she also worked for the Guilderland Turnpike
Record and was on the staff of the Albany Washington Park Spirit; and

WHEREAS, Anita Thayer is a prior President of the Capital District
Women's Bar Association, and a member of the National Lawyers Guild; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Bill Ritchie,
and their two adult children, Brian Ritchie and Nora Ritchie, as well as
their three grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
her life and rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Anita Thayer has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Anita Thayer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen
Action; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Anita Thayer.