Senate Resolution No. 619

BY: Senator GAUGHRAN

COMMENDING former Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia in
recognition of the sign dedication in her honor at
Huntington Town Hall on May 5, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those outstanding citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend former Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia in recognition of the sign
dedication in her honor on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at Huntington Town
Hall, Huntington, New York; and

WHEREAS, Jo-Ann Raia, a resident of Huntington since 1958, has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, A Sign Dedication of the Jo-Ann Raia Records Center and
Archives will be held to honor this extraordinary woman's distinguished
38-year career as the longest serving Town Clerk in the history of the
Town of Huntington, which was founded in 1653; and

WHEREAS, First elected in 1981, Jo-Ann Raia began her illustrious
career as Town Clerk in 1981, and steadfastly served her community in
this esteemed position until the end of 2019; and

WHEREAS, One of her most notable achievements as Town Clerk was
developing a first-class Records Management Program in 1986 which
includes a Records Center and Archives; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, since 1995, Jo-Ann Raia conducted her
Valentine's Day Marriage Ceremony "Marathon," hosting a reception for
local couples and guests; and

WHEREAS, This skilled woman has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including All Around Woman of the Year by the
Times in Huntington, American Cancer Society Silver Sword Award, and the
Town Clerk of the Year Award by the New York State Town Clerks'
Association, recognizing her achievements in promoting the role of town
clerks through her professionalism and thorough knowledge of the
position; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Jo-Ann Raia rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Town of Huntington;
and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as Town Clerk, Jo-Ann Raia served with
loyalty, honor and distinction, truly earning the admiration, esteem and
affection of her colleagues and the community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two children, Diane and
Andrew, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Jo-Ann Raia 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend former Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia in recognition of the sign
dedication in her honor at Huntington Town Hall; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jo-Ann Raia.