Dale Volker
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Dale Volker (born 1940) is a New York State Senator representing the 59th Senate District, which comprises Wyoming County, as well as portions of Erie, Livingston and Ontario County. This district is a Republican stronghold, and, thus, Volker has held it with little difficulty.
The Chairman of the Senate Codes Committee, Senator Volker was first elected in a special election held in 1975 to fill a vacancy created by State Supreme Court Justice Thomas McGowan. Prior to this, Volker had served as a member of the New York State Assembly for two years.
In addition to his role as Chairman of Codes, Volker also serves as Chairman of the Western New York Delegation, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism, and Chairman of the Senate Public Protection Subcommittee.
Prior to 1987 he was Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, and is a nationally recognized expert on the matter.
His other committee assignments include the Senate Standing Committees on Banks, Cities, Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections, Finance, Judiciary, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and Rules.
Prior to his election the New York State Legislature, Volker worked several years as a member of the Depew Police Department.
He holds a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School, and is a graduate of Canisius College.
[edit] Criticism
An April 26, 2007 article in the Times Union, noted that Volker is a vocal opponent of Rockefeller drug law reform in the state. Gabriel Sayegh, author of the piece and project director of New York City's Drug Policy Alliance office, explains that Volker's district is heavily benefited by the state's prison industrial complex.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Gabriel Sayegh. "Spitzer must lead drug law reform", Times Union, April 26, 2007.
[edit] External links
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| Preceded by Frank Walkley |
New York State Assembly, 148th District 1973–1974 |
Succeeded by Vincent Graber |
| Preceded by Thomas McGowan |
New York State Senate, 58th District 1975–1982 |
Succeeded by Anthony Masiello |
| Preceded by Walter Floss |
New York State Senate, 59th District 1983 – present |
Incumbent |
