Assembly Resolution No. 70

BY: M. of A. Norris

HONORING Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Community
Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce on March 9, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Community Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to
be celebrated at its 50th Annual Awards on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at
Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Edward A. Rath III is receiving this prestigious award for
his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved community of
Clarence; and

WHEREAS, Edward A. Rath III earned his bachelor's degree from
Syracuse University, and in 2005, he completed the Executive Master of
Business Administration program at Canisius College, Magna Cum Laude;
and

WHEREAS, For 13 years, Edward A. Rath III served as an Erie County
Legislator; in this capacity, authored the County's Silver Alert Local
Law, which became a model program statewide, and was a champion for
first responders and public safety and led efforts against
cyberbullying; he also fought to make Erie County more affordable for
families and authored legislation to create a Property Tax Stabilization
Fund to protect homeowners; and

WHEREAS, After being elected to the New York State Senate in 2020,
Edward A. Rath III continued his community-first advocacy and quickly
gained a reputation as a powerful voice for transparency and regional
balance in government; as Ranking Member of the Local Governments
Committee, he led efforts to bring more pandemic resources to the region
and passed several bills to support the local fire companies; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his many years of public service, Edward A.
Rath III is a volunteer for many local service organizations including
the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Rotary International and the
Alzheimer's Foundation; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife Amy, and their three
daughters, 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 well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Community Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edward A. Rath III.