N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 5.80
WHEREAS, the year 1998 marks the centennial of the emergence of Theodore Roosevelt as a New Yorker of national renown and his election as Governor of New York. His prominence in the public realm began in his twenties as a member of the State Assembly, and carried over into his thirties, when he served as the United States Civil Service Commissioner, the New York City Police Commissioner and as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. While any single one of these personal achievements and contributions to the citizens of the State of New York and the United States of America alone would have been noteworthy enough to preserve his permanent place in history as a great American, it was not until he assumed the Governorship of the State of New York in January 1899, that Theodore Roosevelt, only 41 years of age, occupied a position that was worthy of his talents, zeal, probity, vision and character.
WHEREAS, the significant accomplishments of Theodore Roosevelt's 24-month Governorship have been overshadowed somewhat by the everlasting fame of his later achievements and ebullient personality as President, national politician, statesman, writer, and explorer. Nevertheless, these two years would prove to be a defining period, an impressive "dress rehearsal" of sorts, for one of the greatest American presidents of all time.
WHEREAS, the most salient attributes of Roosevelt's Governorship were his tireless efforts to promote efficiency and honesty in government, fairness and civility in society at large, and responsibility for the well-being of future generations, other aspects of his legacy are still tangible to those of us living in New York today. The conservation of New York's bountiful natural resources, the reform of government excess and an insistence upon the widest possible citizen participation in determining a community's direction are timeless reflections of Roosevelt's brand of progressive Republicanism. These lasting legacies of Theodore Roosevelt attracted enthusiastic approval at the dawn of the new century and have held an irresistible appeal for generations of forward looking leaders in this State ever since. These traits which Roosevelt so bullishly personified are as deserving of being honored today as they were a hundred years ago.
WHEREAS, at the dawn of another century, as we recall Theodore Roosevelt's vibrant life and robust populist legacy longingly, with both admiration and affection, it is uniquely fitting that we mark the anniversaries and achievements of his career during the pivotal years of 1898 through 1900 in a manner that brings his story into sharper focus for all New Yorkers today, and especially the young.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE E. PATAKI, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish the Temporary Commission to Commemorate the Centennial of the Governorship of Theodore Roosevelt.
The purpose of the Temporary Commission will be to initiate, coordinate and facilitate commemorative events, exhibits, publications, broadcasts, and related programs and projects, working in association with appropriate Federal, State and local government agencies, nonprofit and educational organizations and private citizens.
The Temporary Commission is hereby authorized to call upon any agency, department, office, division or public authority of this State to supply it with data and other information, personnel and assistance it deems necessary to discharge its duties under this Order. Each agency, department, office, division or public authority of this State is hereby required, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate with the Temporary Commission and to furnish it with such information, personnel and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Order.
Members of this Temporary Commission, who shall be appointed by the Governor, shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties. The Temporary Commission shall be chaired by a member designated by the Governor and shall exist for the duration of the commemoration period, ending December 31, 2000.
Signed: George E. Pataki
Dated: May 8, 1998
Footnotes
* [Revoked by Executive Order No. 5 (Eliot Spitzer), infra.] [Revoked by Executive Order No. 9 (David A. Paterson), infra.] [Revoked by Executive Order No. 2 (Andrew M. Cuomo), infra.]
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 5.80