Albany Law School's Government Law Center (GLC) today announced the appointment of Paul Moore of Niskayuna as the first Clarence D. Rappleyea Government Scholar in Residence. In his new role, Moore will focus his scholarship on the issue of state mandates on local governments, as well as the associated impact of these mandates on real property taxes. His scholarship will establish the foundation for the GLC's ongoing and critical involvement in the issue of state mandates.
Prior to this appointment, Moore served as the Director of the Shared Municipal Services Incentive grant program's technical assistance project at the GLC. He has served in various senior-level staff positions in both the Executive and Legislative branches of New York state government. Previous positions include Director of the Bureau of Design and Planning for the New York State Office of Mental Health, Team Leader for the New York State Division of the Budget, and Vice President and Public Information Officer for the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.
Moore is a past President of the Empire State Capital Area Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and received the Chapter's Governor Alfred E. Smith Award for "his singular achievement and contribution to public service in New York State by his major research studies in the field of local government." Moore is also a Fellow of the State Academy for Public Administration and served as Vice Chairman of the Board. He has served as an advisor and consultant to various states and federal government agencies, and authored dozens of publications and articles on issues in public finance and intergovernmental relations.
"Paul has already been a tremendous resource to the Government Law Center," said Patricia Salkin, who is the Director of the GLC and Albany Law School's Associate Dean and Raymond and Ella Smith Distinguished Professor of Law. "This appointment will allow him to make even more of an impact by applying his unique skill set and breadth of experience to some of our program areas and long-term Center goals."
The Clarence D. Rappleyea Government Scholar in Residence was made possible by private donations to an endowment set up six years ago to provide funding for a retired or transitioning government official who might be interested in spending time at the Government Law Center conducting research, working with law students, and serving as a general resource for the Center's faculty and staff.
The program was established to recognize Clarence D. "Rapp" Rappleyea, the former State Assembly Minority Leader. Rapp served in the State Assembly for 22 years representing parts of Delaware and Chenango Counties. From 1983 to 1995, he was the leader of the Republican Party in the Assembly. From 1995 to 2001, he served as the Chairman of the New York State Power Authority. In an era when politics became increasingly hostile, Rapp was always recognized for his thoughtfulness and congeniality.
Although Rapp is not an alumnus of Albany Law School, during his distinguished service in State government, he was credited with providing employment opportunities for many Albany Law School students and alumni. Alumni approached the Government Law Center about raising endowment funds to honor their mentor and friend, and the Center focused its fundraising efforts for its 25th Anniversary celebration on this endeavor.