Bill Text: NY J00541 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Mourning the death of James E. Long, former Commissioner of the New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, renowned attorney, and devoted public servant

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 42-21)

Status: (Passed) 2023-03-15 - ADOPTED [J00541 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00541-Introduced.html

---

Senate Resolution No. 541

BY: Senator BRESLIN

        MOURNING  the  death  of  James  E.  Long,  former
        Commissioner of the New York State Legislative  Bill
        Drafting  Commission, renowned attorney, and devoted
        public servant

  WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to  better
the  quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of  its  residents;  James  E.  Long  was  one  such
individual; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  with  profound  sorrow  and  deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the  passing  of  James  E.  Long,  noting  the
significance  of  the  loss  of  a  man  whose altruistic spirit will be
greatly missed; and

  WHEREAS, James E. Long of Albany, New York, died on  Tuesday,  March
7, 2023, at the age of 71; and

  WHEREAS, James E. Long received his Bachelor's degree from the State
University  of  New  York  at Albany in 1974; he went on to earn his law
degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin  Pierce  School  of
Law in 1978, and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979; and

  WHEREAS,  James "Jim" Long began his illustrious career with the New
York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission after his appointment by
the leader of the Senate as a Commissioner on January 11, 2010,  serving
until   January  11,  2011;  he  was  reappointed  Commissioner  of  the
Legislative  Bill  Drafting   Commission   by   Senate   Leader   Andrea
Stewart-Cousins,  on  January  2,  2019,  where  he  remained  until his
official retirement on January 5, 2023; and

  WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the New York State Legislative
Bill Drafting Commission, James E. Long  served  as  the  Albany  County
Public  Defender  and  as a former Special Counsel to the New York State
Senate Democratic Conference; he also served as Law Clerk for  late  New
York  State  Supreme Court Justices The Honorable Paul Cheeseman and The
Honorable Daniel Prior, as  well  as  Albany  County  Surrogate  Raymond
Marinelli; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, James E. Long served as an attorney in private
practice  for  more  than  44  years,  specializing in Criminal Defense,
Election Law, Labor Law, and  Trial  Practice  and  for  many  years  he
represented the Construction and General Laborers Local 190 (LIUNA); and

  WHEREAS, Having tried over hundreds of cases to verdict in state and
federal  court, James E. Long developed an impeccable reputation for his
balanced temperament, noble dedication, and superior litigation  skills;
and

  WHEREAS,  Widely  respected  and greatly admired for his unremitting
commitment to the field of law, James E. Long was cited on a  number  of
occasions  for  his  prolific  contributions, including his selection to

Super Lawyers (2011 - 2013), a peer designation awarded only to a select
number of accomplished attorneys in each state; and

  WHEREAS, James E. Long was a tireless advocate for those in recovery
for alcohol and substance use issues and he was especially passionate in
assisting  those  in  the  legal  profession  navigating  sobriety while
balancing their careers; and

  WHEREAS, Jim's spirit and zest for life was apparent by his  embrace
of  culture  through  worldly  travels,  time  spent  reading historical
novels, mentoring countless loved ones, and fueled by  his  passion  for
convertibles; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  many  endeavors,  Jim's  daughter  Darcy,
son-in-law Mike, and granddaughter Madeline, consistently  remained  the
most fundamental, supportive, and cherished part of his life; and

  WHEREAS,   James  E.  Long  served  the  Legislative  Bill  Drafting
Commission and the New York State Senate with dependability,  honor  and
integrity  earning him the respect and affection of his staff and peers,
while effectively fulfilling the duties of his position and contributing
significantly to the legislative process of this great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS,  Every  person  in  New  York  State  has  most   certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and  commitment  that  James E. Long brought to his work as an attorney,
commissioner, and public servant; a loyal friend and trusted advisor who
had a profound effect on the many lives he touched, he  will  be  deeply
missed  and  truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
and

  WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, and imbued with a sense  of
empathy,  James E. Long's life was a portrait of service, a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will  remain  as  a  comforting
memory  to  all  who  were  privileged  to  have known and loved such an
amazing man; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn the death of James E. Long, and express its deepest condolences to
his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James E. Long.