Senate Resolution No. 41

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Ron Johns upon the occasion of his
retirement after 35 years of distinguished service
to the Observer-Dispatch

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of journalism in their area; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Ron Johns upon the occasion of his retirement after 35
years of distinguished service to the Observer-Dispatch; and

WHEREAS, Ron Johns began his illustrious journalistic career on
August 1, 1985, with the Observer-Dispatch, the largest newspaper
serving the Utica-Rome metropolitan area in Central New York,
circulating in Oneida County, Herkimer County, and parts of Madison
County; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to the Observer-Dispatch's proud 200-year
tradition, Ron Johns has continually rose to the challenge of informing
the public about important news that affects their daily lives, helping
to ensure his readers receive the vital information they need while
entertaining the local community with heartwarming stories about
everyday people making a difference locally and other events which
characterize life in the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering passion for his community,
Ron Johns will officially retire from the esteemed position of Managing
Editor and Executive Editor of the Observer-Dispatch; and

WHEREAS, After an extraordinary career which traversed more than
three decades, Ron Johns truly earned the admiration, esteem and
affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Ron Johns has, throughout his career and purposeful life,
served his community with integrity and devotion, continuously striving
to meet the needs of his readers through entertainment and
enlightenment; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious journalists who have diligently and consistently, year
after year, recorded the history of their communities and brought local
news and news of the larger world to their readers; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ron Johns upon the occasion of his retirement after 35
years of distinguished service to the field of journalism, and to wish
him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ron Johns.