Senate Resolution No. 2167

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Joseph Mazza upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the United
Tenants of Albany on July 11, 2019

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
commend Joseph Mazza upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the United Tenants of Albany, to be celebrated at its
46th Annual Meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Sheridan Hollow
Commons in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, United Tenants of Albany (UTA) is a community based
non-profit organization which works to improve housing conditions, both
in terms of physical conditions and tenant's rights for security and
equity; UTA responds to calls throughout the Capital District,
concentrating its activities in low and moderate income neighborhoods in
the City of Albany; and

WHEREAS, Over the past four decades, UTA has strived to improve code
enforcement, campaigned for rent regulations, promoted responsible
investment policies, and supported the development and preservation of
affordable housing; this vital organization has also partnered with
public housing tenants, mobile home park tenants, concerned home owners,
and responsible landlords on issues of housing justice; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Mazza is being honored for his steadfast and
unremitting commitment to those families in need of pro bono legal
assistance; and

WHEREAS, Admitted to the New York State Bar in 2017, Joseph Mazza is
an attorney for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability
Assistance (OTDA); and

WHEREAS, Through his volunteer work with UTA, Joseph Mazza provided
pro bono representation for a family who unjustly lost all of their
belongings after being evicted by an Albany landlord; he spent numerous
hours with the tenant, helping her to understand her case and making her
feel valued; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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
commend Joseph Mazza upon the occasion of his designation for special

recognition by the United Tenants of Albany on July 11, 2019; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph Mazza.