2/6/08 - Walsh named to Cornell board

Local attorney and former Cortland mayor Ronald Walsh Jr. has been appointed to the Cornell University board of trustees.

Walsh, of Pleasant Street, graduated from Cornell in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

At the recommendation of Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D-Ithaca), Democratic state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver appointed Walsh to serve as his designee on the 64-member board.

The governor, the speaker of the Assembly and the president of the Senate have voting rights on the board of trustees but usually appoint someone to serve in their place, according to a press release issued by Lifton.

Walsh said he comes from a “Cornell family,” given the fact that his brother and one of his sisters went to the university, as well as three of his brothers-in-law. His sister is also assistant dean of students at Cornell.

“There are a significant number of Cortland County residents who either work for Cornell or with companies that are located in the region because of Cornell. It’s certainly in our parochial interests for Cornell to fare well.” Walsh said.

Walsh served as a Cortland County legislator, 2nd Ward alderman and deputy mayor before being elected mayor in 1992, serving four two-year terms. Since 2006, he has been an assistant county attorney and has also served as town attorney for Harford.

CONGRATULATIONS RON, you are very deserving!