Assembly Resolution No. 70 BY: M. of A. Norris HONORING Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 9, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 50th Annual Awards on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and WHEREAS, Edward A. Rath III is receiving this prestigious award for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved community of Clarence; and WHEREAS, Edward A. Rath III earned his bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, and in 2005, he completed the Executive Master of Business Administration program at Canisius College, Magna Cum Laude; and WHEREAS, For 13 years, Edward A. Rath III served as an Erie County Legislator; in this capacity, authored the County's Silver Alert Local Law, which became a model program statewide, and was a champion for first responders and public safety and led efforts against cyberbullying; he also fought to make Erie County more affordable for families and authored legislation to create a Property Tax Stabilization Fund to protect homeowners; and WHEREAS, After being elected to the New York State Senate in 2020, Edward A. Rath III continued his community-first advocacy and quickly gained a reputation as a powerful voice for transparency and regional balance in government; as Ranking Member of the Local Governments Committee, he led efforts to bring more pandemic resources to the region and passed several bills to support the local fire companies; and WHEREAS, In addition to his many years of public service, Edward A. Rath III is a volunteer for many local service organizations including the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Rotary International and the Alzheimer's Foundation; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife Amy, and their three daughters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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 Edward A. Rath III upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community Appreciation Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Edward A. Rath III.