LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Honorable John S. Balzano upon the
occasion of his retirement after 16 years of distinguished service as
Utica City Court Judge

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
individuals whose lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence
and who bring great pride to the citizens of our great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The Honorable John S. Balzano upon the occasion of his retirement after
16 years of distinguished service as Utica City Court Judge; and
WHEREAS, At the New York State mandatory age of 70, Justice John S.
Balzano, will officially retire on December 31, 2015, after 16 years on
the bench; and
WHEREAS, Justice John S. Balzano earned his bachelor's degree from
Utica College of Syracuse University in 1967; he then obtained his Juris
Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1971; and
WHEREAS, One year later, Justice John S. Balzano was admitted to the
New York State Bar; he then practiced general law in the private sector
from 1972-1998; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, Justice John S. Balzano was elected to the esteemed
position of Utica City Court Judge, and subsequently, was re-elected for
an additional term in 2008; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his role of Utica City Court Judge, John S.
Balzano is a full-time sitting Oneida County Court Judge, a supervising
Judge for City Courts in the Fifth Judicial District and presides over
all felony DWI cases in Oneida County; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Justice John S. Balzano was also
responsible for hearing cases for the local Drug Treatment Court; in
this capacity, he was known as part Judge, guidance counselor, and the
leader of a support group, dispensing justice with an emphasis on reha-
bilitation; and
WHEREAS, After almost two decades of dedicated service to the City of
Utica, Justice John S. Balzano leaves his position with mixed feelings,
however, he looks forward to spending more time with his beloved grand-
children and the rest of his family; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Justice John S. Balzano over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when public
servants of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and commend The Honorable John S. Balzano 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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable John S. Balzano.