Senate Resolution No. 1294

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Paul Webster upon the occasion of his
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 Paul Webster
upon the occasion of his 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, Paul Webster is being honored with this auspicious award
for his role as one of the area's most dedicated, inspiring activists
and leaders who has spent countless hours working to make his community
a stronger, more just place to live; and

WHEREAS, Paul Webster is a lifelong resident of New York State and a
veteran community organizer, most recently serving for many years as
Community Outreach Director for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT);
and

WHEREAS, He is a Board member of the Schenectady Metroplex
Development Authority and the Public Policy and Education Fund of New
York, as well as a long-time member of Citizen Action of New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul Webster was the Assistant Press Secretary to the New
York State Assembly Majority for several years, and from 1994-1998, he
served as Legislative Director to the Chairman of the Assembly's
Corporation, Authorities & Commissions Committee; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his NYS Assembly service, Paul Webster was a Staff
Writer for the Times Union (Albany) Newspaper; and


WHEREAS, In 2017, then President Barack Obama appointed Paul Webster
to a three-year term as a Board Member of the Erie Canal National
Heritage Trust; he is also a former Board member of the Beacon Institute
for Rivers and Estuaries and a Board member of the Schenectady County
Industrial Development Agency (IDA); and

WHEREAS, A life member of the NAACP, Paul Webster is a Past
President of the Schenectady County Branch NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Paul Webster earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Television & Radio from Brooklyn College, CUNY; and is completing his
Master of Arts degree in Education Theory and Practice in the School of
Education at the University at Albany (SUNY); and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Paul Webster has displayed
throughout his 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 Paul Webster upon the occasion of his 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 Paul Webster.