Senate Resolution No. 1537

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMENDING former Senator Kenneth P. LaValle for
his illustrious service as a dedicated political
leader and strong advocate for the people of the
State of New York

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 this noble Empire State; Kenneth P.
LaValle is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend former Senator Kenneth P. LaValle for his illustrious service as
a dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle was elected in 1976 to represent
the Long Island residents of the 1st Senate District, where he served
with honor and distinction for more than four decades; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle sponsored the
two percent property tax cap, was the architect of the STAR program, and
was instrumental in improving and enhancing TAP to help middle class
families with college tuition; and

WHEREAS, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle's environmental legacy is
reflected in the enactment of the Pine Barrens Preservation Act of 1993,
which preserved over 100,000 acres of Pine Barrens and serves as Long
Island's sole source aquifer; and

WHEREAS, As the architect of the Farmland Preservation Act, Senator
Kenneth P. LaValle enabled the preservation of precious farmland across
the region; and

WHEREAS, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle played a role in the creation of
The Long Island High Technology Incubator at Stony Brook University and
championed the Stony Brook University Incubator at Calverton, which
enhanced Eastern Long Island's agricultural and environmental
industries; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle is responsible for
the Community Preservation Fund for the five Eastern Long Island Towns,
now a model across the state, as well as advancing legislation to create
the Long Island Power Authority; and

WHEREAS, A member of the National Council of State Legislatures'
Blue-Ribbon Commission on Higher Education, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle
was involved in shaping higher education policy in New York State where
his work with educational leaders at SUNY, CUNY and independent colleges
earned him the respect of the academic community; and

WHEREAS, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle's work in education is only
matched by his distinguished record in healthcare; he helped establish a
Burn Unit at Stony Brook University Medical Center and his efforts to
protect and advance the rights of patients earned him special
recognition from several local organizations; and

WHEREAS, In tribute to his tireless work in higher education,
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle was presented with the Medallion of the
University from SUNY Albany and the University Medal from Stony Brook
University, their highest honor; he was also repeatedly named Man of the
Year and Legislator of the Year by organizations throughout his
district; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth P. LaValle resides in Port Jefferson, New York,
with his wife, Penny, and they are the proud parents of two children and
the loving grandparents of four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Every citizen in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment former Senator Kenneth P. LaValle brought to his work as
a legislator, loyal friend, and trusted advisor; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to reflect upon
those outstanding individuals who have made everlasting contributions on
behalf of their fellow man and have truly left their mark on this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and applaud the many accomplishments of former Senator Kenneth
P. LaValle, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to former New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle.