LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Christopher J. Mega, highly
respected politician, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
public servants of the State of New York whose lifework and civic
endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and
this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Christopher J. Mega, a former New York State Senator, Assem-
blyman and State Judge who was well-known for his prolific career, work
ethic and omnipresence at community events, died on Sunday, October 30,
2011, at his home in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Fort Hamilton High School, Christopher J. Mega
continued his education and studied at St. Francis College before
attending Brooklyn Law School; and
WHEREAS, His first job was as an attorney at a Fifth Avenue law firm,
where he was a partner; in 1973, he ran for an open seat in the 50th New
York State Assembly District during a special election, a seat he held
until 1978; he then ran and won his first New York State Senate seat,
represented Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Sunset Park from 1979 to 1982,
and 1985 to 1993 when he became a judge; and
WHEREAS, He served as Chairman of the State Senate's Crime and
Correction Committee during efforts to ban the sale of serial killer
trading cards being sold in stores; and
WHEREAS, He also became Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee,
where, in the early 1990s, he worked to expand state prisons to accommo-
date the huge influx of inmates convicted on crack-related charges;
furthermore, he was an advocate for tougher sentences for convicted sex
offenders; and
WHEREAS, Senator Christopher J. Mega helped bring pre-kindergarten
programs to his district and sponsored the bill that required restau-
rants to display posters showing Heimlich maneuver instructions in their
eateries; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Christopher J. Mega attained his ultimate career
goal; he was appointed to the New York Court of Claims, and in 1995 he
was elevated to Chief Judge of the State Court of Claims, a panel that
hears lawsuits filed against the State of New York; he served in this
capacity until stepping down in 1998; he was then appointed to the New
York Supreme Court serving until his retirement in 2006; and
WHEREAS, With a strong belief in the community, Christopher J. Mega
donated his time and energies to numerous civic and charitable organiza-
tions such as the Dyker Heights Civic Association and the Bay Ridge
Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, Christopher J. Mega is survived by his loving wife, Madelyn;
twin sons, Christopher and Jeffrey; and two daughters, Valerie and
Jacqueline; as well as his grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, The legacy of Christopher J. Mega will long serve as a model
of integrity and devotion to public service, and it is now the intent of
this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records this somber and
grateful tribute to his memory, hopeful that future generations may
understand and appreciate the benevolence of the man, the merit of his
causes, and the caliber of his service to all the citizens of the State
of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Christopher J. Mega, highly respected politician,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Christopher J. Mega.