Senate Resolution No. 1475

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Peter Andrew Baynes upon the
occasion of his retirement after 18 years of
distinguished service as Executive Director of the
New York State Conference of Mayors

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; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Peter Andrew Baynes upon the occasion of his retirement
after 18 years of distinguished service as Executive Director of the New
York State Conference of Mayors; and

WHEREAS, Within every community, there are inevitably some
individuals who, by virtue of their energy, vision, and dedication,
command the greatest respect among their friends and colleagues, and
within the community at large; Peter A. Baynes is one such individual;
and

WHEREAS, Peter A. Baynes began his illustrious career with the New
York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) as a Legislative Analyst in
1985; he climbed the ranks to become Director of Intergovernmental
Finance in 1989, and Deputy Director in 1994, before becoming Executive
Director in 2005, the esteemed position from which he will retire; and

WHEREAS, As Executive Director, Peter A. Baynes served as CEO of
NYCOM, the statewide association representing all of New York State's
city and village governments; in this capacity, he developed and
executed a vision for the association and its service, leadership, and
representation of nearly 600 cities and villages; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Peter A. Baynes managed a three-million-dollar
budget, as well as a staff of 11 and a 20-member Executive Committee of
elected officials; and

WHEREAS, With a vast knowledge of the needs of New York State's
local governments, Peter A. Baynes has tirelessly served as the face of
NYCOM for nearly two decades; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to the State of New York, Peter A. Baynes has
also served as President of the New York State Local Government Services
Foundation since 2012, and was appointed by the Comptroller in 2005 to
serve as a member of the New York State Advisory Council for the
Retirement System; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his work with NYCOM, Peter A. Baynes was a Program
Instructor with the Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic
education organization which partners with schools nationwide to serve

students and educators through experiential programs in the Nation's
capital; and

WHEREAS, Widely respected and greatly admired for his unremitting
dedication and prolific contributions, Peter A. Baynes has been the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his distinguished
community service, including the John G. Stutz Award for State League
Service from the National League of Cities, Distinguished Service Award
from the New York State Association of City and Village Clerks, and the
Directors Award from the New York State Society of Municipal Finance
Officers; additionally, he was named to the "Upstate Power 100" by City
and State Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Peter A. Baynes received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
History from Siena College in 1981, before completing his Graduate
Studies in Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany in
1985; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Peter A. Baynes over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Peter Andrew Baynes upon the occasion of his retirement,
and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Peter Andrew Baynes.