Assembly Resolution No. 609

BY: M. of A. McDonald

COMMENDING Barbara Bartoletti upon the occasion of
her retirement after 40 years of distinguished
service as Legislative Director of the League of
Women Voters of New York State

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and 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
commend Barbara Bartoletti upon the occasion of her retirement after 40
years of distinguished service as Legislative Director of the League of
Women Voters of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Bartoletti has been a member of the League of Women
Voters since 1978, and the Legislative Director for the League of Women
Voters of New York State since 1988; and

WHEREAS, In this esteemed capacity, Barbara Bartoletti oversees all
legislation of interest to the League in the state legislature; she
lectures statewide on advocacy/issues and topics such as informed and
active participation in government; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she offers political commentary for local
television outlets in the Capital District and advocates on government
issues, as well as other League issues, to statewide editorial boards;
and

WHEREAS, Barbara Bartoletti has worked extensively in central Asia,
where she has presented at conferences and led workshop training in
advocacy, media relations, and coalition building in Russia and Armenia;
she also gives numerous workshops for not-for-profit advocacy
organizations to help them impact state government; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Barbara Bartoletti was
instrumental in the passing of the Clean Indoor Air Act which banned
smoking in all restaurants and bars; she has fought against vouchers for
private and parochial schools and worked to ensure the Blaine Amendment
continues to be upheld; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Bartoletti has supported many women's issues
including better access to child care and protections for victims of
domestic violence; she has also been a staunch advocate for public
education, working tirelessly to ensure all students have access to
quality education; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara Bartoletti has
worked on countless ethics, campaign finance and transparency reforms,
including Freedom of Information Law reforms and stronger disclosure
rules for lobbyists; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in July of 2013, Barbara Bartoletti was
appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo as a special adviser to the Moreland
Commission to Investigate Public Corruption; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Regents Advisory Commission for
Accreditation of Proprietary Colleges, Barbara Bartoletti also serves on
the Federal Election Assistance Commission Advisory Board in Washington,
DC; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as Legislative Director, Barbara Bartoletti
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, earning her the admiration,
esteem and affection of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Bartoletti is the proud mother of three children,
Libby, Greg and Eric, and the loving grandmother of eight grandsons; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Barbara Bartoletti over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Barbara Bartoletti upon the occasion of her retirement after 40
years of distinguished service as Legislative Director of the League of
Women Voters of New York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Barbara Bartoletti.