Senate Resolution No. 73

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING William C. Bastuk upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Peter Henner
Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York
Civil Liberties Union

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain individuals that it wishes to recognize for having given their
time and energies to serve the best interests of their communities and
to publicly acknowledge their service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William C.
Bastuk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Peter
Henner Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil
Liberties Union to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Ceremony on
Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at St. Sophia Church in Albany, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties
Union strives to educate the public about current civil liberties
issues, respond to requests for legal assistance, and advocate for and
against local legislation with civil liberties components; and

WHEREAS, The Peter Henner Award was established to recognize an
exceptional individual whose dedicated work demonstrates their
commitment to civil liberties; William C. Bastuk is truly deserving of
this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, William C. Bastuk earned his degree in urban affairs from
George Washington University, and his master's degree from the
University of Rochester; he worked for the New York State Legislature,
and for many years, he has been employed by Larsen Engineers of
Rochester; and

WHEREAS, William C. Bastuk served his community as a Monroe County
legislator, member of the Town of Irondequoit Council, President of the
local Kiwanis Club and Director of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce;
and

WHEREAS, In 2009, William C. Bastuk founded It Could Happen to You
Inc. as a result of having been wrongfully prosecuted and subsequently
exonerated after a rogue prosecution; as the organization's Chair and
Executive Director, he has built a coalition that, over the course of
several years, has successfully advocated for a fairer and more open
justice system; and

WHEREAS, It Could Happen to You also operates the Freedom Tour
Speakers Bureau which features presenters who themselves have been
wrongfully prosecuted or convicted and later exonerated; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William C. Bastuk upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Peter Henner Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the
New York Civil Liberties Union; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William C. Bastuk.