LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joe Williams upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the ABNY Foundation on March 31,
2011

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant accomplishments of those outstanding educational leaders,
whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing
character and academic excellence in the young people of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joe Williams
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the ABNY
(Association for a Better New York) Foundation to be celebrated at its
Spirit of ABNY Awards Cocktail Reception on Thursday, at Dos Caminos in
New York, March 31, 2011; and
WHEREAS, New York City resident, Joe Williams has built a reputation
as one of the most effective strategists and coalition-builders in the
education reform community; he is a nationally recognized analyst and
public speaker on education policy and politics, reaching thousands of
listeners in audiences from coast to coast each year; and
WHEREAS, Joe Williams is also one of the most prolific writers and
commentators in the education reform world, often tapping into his expe-
rience as a newspaper reporter and author to make the case for reform;
and
WHEREAS, Joe Williams has worked as an award-winning education jour-
nalist for the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS and MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL; he
has written extensively on education politics nationally and has served
as a non-resident senior fellow for the Washington-based think-tank
Education Sector; and
WHEREAS, Joe Williams is the author of the book CHEATING OUR KIDS: HOW
POLITICS AND GREED RUIN EDUCATION and has contributed book chapters,
articles and reports on numerous important education-reform related
topics; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Joe Williams has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, and their
wonderful children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joe Williams upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the ABNY Foundation on March 31, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joe Williams.