Bill Text: NY K00543 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Honoring Harvey Weisenberg upon the occasion of special recognition for his tenacious advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and public service
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 68-30)
Status: (Passed) 2019-06-11 - adopted [K00543 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-K00543-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 543 BY: M. of A. Miller ML HONORING Harvey Weisenberg upon the occasion of special recognition for his tenacious advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and public service on June 12, 2019 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to observe milestones of prominent public servants of indomitable faith and dedication whose life and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor former New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg for his tenacious advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, for 25 years as a State Assemblyman, and for more than 60 years of public service on June 12, 2019; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Long Beach, Harvey Weisenberg graduated from Long Beach High School in 1952, before attending Niagara University on a basketball scholarship; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University in 1958, and earned his Master of Science degree from Hofstra University; he also holds a professional diploma in administration from C.W. Post University; and WHEREAS, Elected in 1976, Harvey Weisenberg served on the Long Beach City Council for 13 years and served as President of that body in 1977 and 1980; and WHEREAS, He has also been a lifeguard, coach, a City of Long Beach police officer, restaurant owner, special education teacher and elementary school assistant principal; today, he remains an educator at heart; and WHEREAS, Elected to the Assembly on February 14, 1989, Harvey Weisenberg chaired the Assembly's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse until January of 2001, when he was appointed as Deputy Majority Whip of the Assembly, and in 2003, was appointed as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious legislative career, Harvey Weisenberg was a staunch advocate for people with disabilities; he was successful in removing barriers, improving access, and enhancing the quality of life for all with physical and mental challenges; he also secured significant funds which benefitted numerous agencies and organizations within his district that worked with and provided services to adults and children with physical and mental disabilities; and WHEREAS, Because of his extraordinary vision and determination, Harvey Weisenberg was able to obtain funding to build housing for medically fragile children on Long Island; he was also instrumental in making the innovative Surfers Healing program a huge success, an event in Long Beach where children with autism, accompanied by trained surfers, experience the thrill and freedom of riding the waves; and WHEREAS, Throughout his renowned career as a prominent public servant, Harvey Weisenberg has been the proud recipient of countless awards and accolades because of his ceaseless dedication to improving the lives of others; and WHEREAS, Most recently, Harvey Weisenberg published a book about his life experiences titled, For the Love of a Child: My Life, My City & My Mission, inspired by the great love of his life, Ellen, his late wife, and their son, Ricky; and WHEREAS, In addition to Ellen and Ricky, with him throughout have been his other four children, Vicki, Russell (Marilyn), Julie (Donald), and Gregg (Sogdianna), as well as his six grandchildren, Michael, Danny, Jackie, Brock, Max, and Zac, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Harvey Weisenberg, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Harvey Weisenberg, the man, the father, the friend, whose spirit of service to others has demonstrated an unparalleled devotion which built bridges of hope for those who seek human dignity and a productive role in society; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Harvey Weisenberg.