LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the late Assemblyman James D.
Conte, in recognition of his distinguished life and notable career in
public service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of distinguished purpose whose lives have been
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in the great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to memorialize the purposeful
life and career of James D. Conte who spent 24 years in public service
representing local residents in the 10th Assembly District that he was
humbled and honored to have served until his death on October 16, 2012,
at the age of 53; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 1, 1959, Jim was a life-long resident of
Huntington Station; he attended St. Hugh of Lincoln Elementary School,
Huntington High School and was a graduate of the State University of New
York at Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and
Political Science; and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Conte began his governmental career as an intern
to Senator James Lack and subsequently worked for Senator Martin Knor
and Assemblywoman Toni Rettaliata; he was also employed as an Intergov-
ernmental Analyst for the office of the Suffolk County Executive Inter-
governmental Relations Unit, where he served as a liaison between the
State Legislature and the executive departments on the County's behalf;
and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman James D. Conte was first elected to the Assembly
during a special election in March 1988; for over two decades, he led
the fight to enhance the quality of life for residents on Long Island
and throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, Working on state-wide and local issues of concern to Long
Islanders, Assemblyman James D. Conte was a strong voice in Albany on
behalf of his constituents; since first coming to the Assembly, he
served as a member of the Assembly Education Committee; and
WHEREAS, Because of his commitment to the education of all our chil-
dren, Assemblyman Conte rose to become the Ranking Minority Member of
the Assembly Education Committee; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, he was promoted to Assistant Minority Leader Pro
Tempore for his leadership skills and vast knowledge of statewide legis-
lative issues; and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Conte served as the Assembly Republican Confer-
ence's Floor Leader after being appointed Minority Leader Pro Tempore in
2010, leading the floor debate for the Assembly Minority, a role he
loved and was respected for by Members of both sides of the aisle; and
WHEREAS, Known for his dedication to his constituents, Jim's annual
Caring for Children Holiday Drive collected food, clothing and baby
items for distribution to needy infants and toddlers; he sponsored free
monthly blood pressure screening, child safety seat inspections, EPIC
seminars, senior identification cards, and provided information and
applications for government services that have saved Long Island resi-
dents thousands of dollars; and
WHEREAS, Having grown up on the north shore, Assemblyman Conte's dedi-
cation to Long Island's rich coastal heritage was the reason he was
appointed as one of New York's members to the Bi-State Long Island Sound
Marine Resources Commission to work with Connecticut Legislators on
protecting and preserving our shared waterway; he also represented Long
Island as a member of the New York/New Jersey C.O.A.S.T. (Coastal Ocean
and Shore Trust) Committee; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1997, Jim was appointed by Governor Pataki to
the New York State Transplant Council which advises the Commissioner of
Health on matters relating to organ procurement organizations (OPOs),
banks and storage facilities and other issues relating to the procure-
ment, storage, allocation, distribution and transplantation of organs
and tissue; he was reappointed in 2001; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2005, Assemblyman Conte was appointed to serve
on the Board of Directors of NYODN (New York Organ Donor Network); he
also served on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Donation; and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman James D. Conte was one of the Legislature's lead-
ing advocates in promoting organ and tissue donation and authored
several laws to increase organ donation in the state, the most recent
being Leandra's Law; and
WHEREAS, Jim helped create a Gift of Life Trust Fund, a statewide
organ donor registry and the Organ Donor License plate; he made a
personal commitment to champion the cause for greater awareness of the
need for organ and tissue donation; and
WHEREAS, As an outspoken advocate for children, victim's rights and
state educational issues, Assemblyman Conte has appeared on numerous
television and radio programs including: The John Walsh Show, Meet the
Leaders, News12 Education Town Meeting, Focus 55 and Faceoff; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Assemblyman James D. Conte was the
recipient of numerous awards from many local organizations; he was a
member of the Huntington Elks, the Huntington Historical Society, the
Huntington Koumbaro Club and the Transplant Recipient International
Organization (TRIO); and
WHEREAS, For his work on behalf of emergency volunteers, Jim was
presented with an honorary membership to the Huntington Community First
Aid Squad; he was also a member of the Huntington Station Rotary Club;
and
WHEREAS, Jim is survived by his loving wife, the former Debra Ingalls,
a pharmacist, and three wonderful children, Sarah Ashley, Jeffrey James
and Samantha Irene, who were the center of his life and provided him
with physical, mental and emotional strength everyday; and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman James D. Conte was a man of values and commitment
whose warm smile and true compassion were generously given for the bene-
fit of his community as well as the quality of life in it; his legacy
extends far beyond his accomplishments as a public servant; his sincere
concern for others, his integrity, his sense of humor, unconditional
friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself will long stand as
.SO DOC A R465 RESO TEXT 2013
a beacon for those who would aspire to serve their community; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the late Assemblyman James D. Conte, in recognition of his
distinguished life and notable career in public service, and to offer
its heartfelt condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James D. Conte.