Honor Joseph Mazza for Service

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.