Senate Resolution No. 60

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Ronald J. Canestrari upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2016 Champion
for New York's Children and Families Award by the
Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. on
October 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ronald J. Canestrari upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Champion for New York's Children and Families Award by the
Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. to be celebrated at its
6th Annual "Make Every Moment Count" Fall Luncheon on Monday, October
17, 2016, at the Century House, Latham, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1983, the Maternity and Early Childhood
Foundation, Inc. (MECF) is a not-for-profit organization which provides
funds to community based agencies located in high need areas across New
York State to serve low income expectant and new parents; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, MECF has awarded grants to over 140
worthy agencies across the state, as well as supported thousands of
young families during a most important time, the birth of a child; and

WHEREAS, MECF is proud to recognize Ronald J. Canestrari, former New
York State Assembly Leader, for his long-standing commitment to
improving the lives of children and families throughout this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 22, 1943, in Cohoes, New York, Ronald J. "Ron"
Canestrari attended the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, New York;
after graduation, he earned his bachelor's degree from Fordham College;
and

WHEREAS, Ron J. Canestrari furthered his education by obtaining his
Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law in 1968; he also
received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Manhattan College; and

WHEREAS, From 1969-1971, Ron J. Canestrari proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army where he worked as an
attorney; after his discharge, he served as an attorney with the Federal
Government in Washington, D.C. and then practiced law with a firm in
Albany; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Ron J. Canestrari is a member
of the New York State Bar Association and a former member of the
District of Columbia Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Ron J. Canestrari began his esteemed political
career when he was elected Mayor of his hometown, Cohoes; during his
13-year tenure, he also held the title of President of the New York
State Conference of Mayors; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, Ron J. Canestrari was elected to the New York
State Assembly, representing parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga
counties; in January of 2007, this well-respected gentleman was named
Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Ron J. Canestrari was responsible for the
day-to-day management of the legislative session on the floor of the
Assembly; he set the daily agenda and oversaw the debate and voting
procedures on all legislative matters; and

WHEREAS, Prior to holding the position of Majority Leader, Ron J.
Canestrari served as Chairman of the Assembly's Higher Education
Committee, where he was a driving force behind the Capital matching
program which provides essential funding to New York's independent
colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, Ron J. Canestrari also chaired the Assembly Working Group
on television coverage where he led an effort to make Assembly session
footage available throughout the state on cable television and over the
internet; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Ron J. Canestrari served as the Chair of the
Assembly Intern Committee, one of the most prestigious legislative
internships in the country; and

WHEREAS, After 24 years of service to the State of New York, this
exceptional public servant retired from the Assembly at the end of his
term on December 31, 2012; 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 Ronald J. Canestrari upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2016 Champion for New York's Children and Families
Award by the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. on October
17, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ronald J. Canestrari.