Honor Ronald J. Canestrari

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