LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Ford Mayer for a lifetime of
noble and selfless public service to New York State

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael Ford Mayer for a lifetime of noble and selfless public service
to New York State; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mayer earned his Bachelor of Science degree from
Harvard College in 1939, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Yale Law
School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Upon passing the bar, Michael Mayer was licensed to serve in
New York City's Appellate Division 1st Department in 1942, and later
served in US Federal Court; in addition, he was an Army Air Corpsman
from 1943-1946; Michael Mayer was promoted to Captain and was awarded an
air medal for combat service; and
WHEREAS, As a candidate for the New York State Surrogate's Court in
1954, for the New York State Senate from Yonkers in 1960 and for West-
chester County District Attorney, Michael Mayer displayed a long-stand-
ing commitment to the elective process; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mayer's legal career was composed of the following:
Associate, Greenbaum, Wolff and Ernst, 1946-1948; Partner, Spring and
Mayer, 1948-1967; Partner, Mayer and Bucher, 1968-1984; Court Examiner
in the Conservatorship Part, Supreme Court, Westchester County from
1979-2003; and individual practice from 1984 until retirement in 2007;
his law practice was general, including commercial contracts, brief
writing, wills and estates, motions trials, and appeals; and
WHEREAS, As a volunteer arbitrator, Michael Mayer handled small claims
in the Civil Court of New York and Bronx counties; and
WHEREAS, From 1958-1968, Michael Mayer was the Executive Director of
International Film Importers and Distributors, a trade association of
motion picture distributors (IFIDA); and
WHEREAS, Michael Mayer authored numerous books, including: RIGHTS OF
PRIVACY; DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT IN THE 50 STATES; WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT LIBEL AND SLANDER; THE FILM INDUSTRIES - LEGAL/BUSINESS PROBLEMS;
and THE LIBEL REVOLUTION; and
WHEREAS, From 1971-1984, Michael Mayer taught at the New School for
Social Research, New York; he has been a guest lecturer at other
colleges and universities, including Dartmouth College and the Universi-
ty of Southern California; in addition, he is affiliated with the West-
chester County Bar Association and the Bar Association of the City of
New York; and
WHEREAS, A former president of the Beech Hill Neighborhood Association
in Yonkers, Michael Mayer served as Secretary of the Film Society of
Lincoln Center, Inc. from 1978-1985; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife of 66 years, the former
Janet Claster, their four children, as well as their six grandchildren,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mayer's distinguished record merits the recognition
and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; he is a true asset to
society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Ford Mayer for a lifetime of noble and selfless public
service to New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Ford Mayer.