LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS on earning
three New York Press Association 2008 Better Newspaper Contest awards

WHEREAS, The communities of which every city, town, village and hamlet
are comprised are the lifeblood of our great State of New York; though
the City of New York is one of the largest cities in the world, it too
is made up of communities which are vital to the life of the City; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that businesses
which inform and contribute to the vibrancy of those communities merit
the highest commendation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to recog-
nize and commend the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS upon the occasion of earning three
awards in the New York Press Association's 2008 Better Newspaper
Contest; and
WHEREAS, The contest judges, from the New England Press Association
and the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association, judged entries from 182
papers across New York State; the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS, published by Commu-
nity Media L.L.C. which itself earned 4th Place in the Group or Chain
Newspapers category, is in contest Division 4, the largest circulation
category; and
WHEREAS, Columnist David Stanke proudly earned First Place in the Best
Column category; he lives across the street from the World Trade Center
and wrote columns about Pope Benedict's visit to the W.T.C. and about
how excesses in Middle America were bringing down his neighborhood, Wall
Street, to earn the award, described by one judge as "Great writing but
better than that, thoughtful; fresh/unique perspectives. Literate and
smart. Topical and pointed."; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Siegel, a DOWNTOWN EXPRESS photographer, earned a
Second Place award in the Feature Photo(s) category for his picture of a
boat, clergyman, men in suits, and divers jumping into the chilly Lower
Manhattan Harbor in January to retrieve the Epiphany Cross, an Eastern
Orthodox tradition; and
WHEREAS, "This photo captures attention and the reader is drawn to the
caption to learn more." one judge wrote; the picture was published on
page 1 of the January 11-17, 2008 issue of the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS; and
WHEREAS, The paper also won a Second Place award in the Best Multi-Ad-
vertiser Pages category for its Seaport Favorites pages highlighting
small businesses at the Seaport; the campaign was conceived and designed
in-house by the Express' advertising and production departments; and
WHEREAS, Chosen for its uniqueness, "It was advertising that didn't
look like advertising. It is what many advertisers want, 'news.' But the
well-chosen typography, the classy layout, use of pictures and comple-
mentary colors make a nice page." according to one judge; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
commend the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS and its talented and dedicated staff for
producing such a high caliber community newspaper in the heart of New
York City, a city known internationally for its exceptional newspapers;
and
WHEREAS, DOWNTOWN EXPRESS is to be commended as well for the great
variety of articles it presents, from those of local interest to those
of State and national concern, articles which are always well written
and interesting, balanced and fair, always presenting both sides of an
issue, and for doing such a fine job of localizing issues for readers,
showing why an issue in a large city like New York City is important and
relevant to them; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and congratulate the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS on its recently announced
New York Press Association Awards, noting with pride the significance of
its professionalism, commitment to community, and many contributions to
the spirit of excellence which so distinguishes the City and State of
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the DOWNTOWN EXPRESS.