LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mark Mahoney upon the occasion of
his designation as a 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
cultural enrichment of the State of New York, and progress of society in
the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Mark Mahoney upon the occasion of his designation as a 2009 Pulit-
zer Prize winner; and
WHEREAS, Mark Mahoney, started at THE POST-STAR in 1988 as a general
assignment reporter; he began writing occasional editorials in 1994 and
became the paper's primary editorial writer in 2000; he also became the
editorial page editor in 2003 and regularly writes more than 200 edito-
rials a year on local issues; and
WHEREAS, Mark Mahoney, THE POST-STAR'S editorial page editor, has won
the editorial writing category of the 2009 Pulitzer Prizes, journalism's
top honor; the national contest annually recognizes the best reporting
and writing published in a calendar year, and the honorees generally
come from the biggest and most well-known newspapers in the country; and
WHEREAS, THE POST-STAR has never before been recognized as a Pulitzer
Prize winner or finalist and, with a 34,000 daily circulation, it was
the smallest paper among this year's winners; Mark Mahoney was first
picked as one of three finalists, the other two were editorial writers
from THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE and THE WASHINGTON POST; in the final round of
judging, Mr. Mahoney was picked as the winner; and
WHEREAS, Mark Mahoney's editorials focused on issues to which he has
returned many times over the years, including governmental openness and
accountability, freedom of information, and First Amendment rights; his
specialty, recognized by the judges, is to take on complicated, conten-
tious issues with clarity and wit; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned recognition and applause;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mark Mahoney upon the occasion of his designation as a 2009
Pulitzer Prize winner; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark Mahoney.