Biography

Ron Canestrari is serving his 11th term in the New York State Assembly representing the 106th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. It includes Cohoes, his hometown where he previously served as Mayor for thirteen years, sections of the cities of Albany and Troy, and the communities of East Greenbush, Green Island, North Greenbush, Rensselaer, Waterford and Watervliet.

He was appointed to the position of Majority Leader on January 3, 2007 by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. As Majority Leader, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of the legislative session on the floor of the Assembly. In this capacity, Assemblyman Canestrari sets the daily agenda, and oversees the debate and voting procedures on all legislation.

Prior to his ascension to Majority Leader, he served as Chairman of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee, where he was the leading advocate for students throughout New York State. During his tenure he worked to improve quality higher education and increase access so that all could realize the dream of a college degree. He presided over the committee at a time when the governor proposed reducing access to financial aid as well as reducing the state’s support of the public university system. He was instrumental in the Assembly’s efforts to minimize the damage and reverse the trends proposed by the executive. Assemblyman Canestrari was a driving force behind the capital matching program that provides essential funding to New York’s independent colleges and universities for critical infrastructural needs, as well as an unprecedented 5 year capital plan for maintenance and construction needs at SUNY and CUNY.

Canestrari has been an advocate for reform and increasing public scrutiny and input on legislative proceedings. He chairs the Assembly Working Group on Television Coverage where he led the Assembly Majority’s efforts to make Assembly Session footage available throughout the State on cable television and over the internet. This historic undertaking has significantly increased the transparency of the legislature.

In addition, he serves as chair of the Assembly Intern Committee, one of the most prestigious legislative internships in the country. Each year students from across the state gain hands on experience in the legislative process and foster their interest in civics so that one day they will be the leaders of New York State.

During his tenure as Mayor of the City of Cohoes, Ron was an active member of the New York State Conference of Mayors and served as the organization’s president. His experience as a former mayor gives him first-hand knowledge of the struggles and challenges facing upstate cities. Throughout his career in the State Legislature, Ron has been a champion of several critical economic development initiatives for the Capital Region including the creation of the Albany International Airport Authority, the Watervliet Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership and the creation of the one-of-a-kind Tech Valley High School. As Majority Leader, Assemblyman Canestrari is relied on to be a voice for the continued revitalization of the Capital Region and all of upstate New York.

Assemblyman Canestrari attended the Cohoes public school system, and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. He is a graduate of Fordham College, Fordham University School of Law, and is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Manhattan College. An attorney by profession, Ron is a member of the New York State Bar Association and was an attorney with the Federal Government in Washington D.C. He is a U.S. Army Vietnam-Era Veteran.

Standing Committee Assignments 2007: Rules