Senate Resolution No. 322

BY: Senator BRESLIN

EXTENDING admiration and grateful appreciation to
James E. Long for his many years of distinguished
service to the New York State Legislative Bill
Drafting Commission upon the occasion of his
retirement as Commissioner

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is privileged this day to recognize
and pay tribute to an individual of distinguished purpose and true
commitment who dedicated his professional career to public service and
the pursuit of excellence while sustaining the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
extend admiration and grateful appreciation to James E. Long for his
many years of distinguished service as Commissioner of the New York
State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, to be celebrated with a
retirement party in his honor on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the
Italian American Community Center, in Albany, New York; and

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

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is the former Special Counsel to the New
York State Senate Democratic Conference, and formerly represented the
Construction and General Laborers Local 190 (LIUNA); and

WHEREAS, In addition to his tireless work with the New York State
Bill Drafting Commission, James E. Long has served as the Albany County
Public Defender and as Law Clerk for late New York State Supreme Court
Justices The Honorable Paul Cheeseman and Daniel Prior, as well as
Albany County Surrogate Raymond Marinelli; he has also served as a
private practice attorney for more than 44 years, specializing in
Criminal Defense, Trial Practice, Election Law, and Labor Law; and

WHEREAS, Having tried over 100 cases to verdict in state and federal
court, James E. Long has developed an impeccable reputation for his
judicial temperament, selfless dedication, and superior litigation
skills; and

WHEREAS, Widely respected and greatly admired for his unremitting
dedication to the field of law, James E. Long has been 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 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, Throughout his many endeavors, his daughter Darcy,
son-in-law Mike, and granddaughter Madeline, have consistently remained
the most fundamental, supportive, and cherished part of his life; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long has served the Commission with dependability,
honor and integrity, effectively fulfilling the duties of his position
and contributing significantly to the legal process of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long has always been insightful, fair and
accessible; he has been steadfast and considerate in his dealings with
others; his infinite knowledge of every aspect of the Commission is one
to be admired, earning him the respect and affection of his staff and
coworkers; and

WHEREAS, Throughout a life and career of purposeful endeavor, James
E. Long has remained true to his commitment, serving family, faith and
community, as well as the law; his contributions and accomplishments
have brought great benefit and positive influence to bear upon the
course of jurisprudence and the quality of life for others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to join the members
of the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission in applauding James E. Long,
whose years of outstanding contributions to the Legislative Bill
Drafting Commission have been invaluable, and extending to him best
wishes for a future as rich and rewarding as his notable career; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
extend admiration and grateful appreciation to James E. Long upon the
occasion of his well-deserved retirement as Commissioner of the New York
State Bill Drafting Commission; and be it further

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