A
PROUD MOMENT — PEF member Tom Fanning (left) poses with Aaron Mair and William
Floyd after Mair received a Jefferson Award in Albany. Fanning nominated Mair
for the award and is the director of the Division of Policy and Program Guidance
at the state Department of Health. Floyd is the executive director of the
Retired New York State Public Employees Association.Volunteerism earns Aaron
Mair prestigious Jefferson award.
Aaron Mair believes in giving back to the community
and sharing his blessings.
By DEBORAH A. MILES
For his dedication to environmental causes and enhancing underprivileged
communities, this PEF member was one of 25 who received a Jefferson Award — a
national recognition program saluting community and public service.
“The award is a system of honoring individuals who work on a grass-roots level,”
Mair said. “The program is part of a nationwide effort to recognize citizens who
contribute through volunteerism and community service. It was wonderful to be in
that group.”
Mair is well known as an environmental activist for his work with the Sierra
Club and as a major player in the Hudson River clean-up effort.
He works for the state Health Department’s Office of Medicaid Management in
Albany as a program research specialist 2.
“I’m a public servant and I perform a particular function for government, but I
also have gained an advantage point to see its shortcomings,” Mair said.
“Where government falls short, I put on my volunteer hat and try to fill those
gaps. For those of us with the knowledge, it’s incumbent to do something about
it. The most important civic act is to get involved, say something.”
Restoring pride
Mair’s voice was heard in his role with the NAACP to restore voter rights for
more than 200,000 voters in Albany county.
“These individuals were being shortchanged by the process because legislators
re-drew district lines. I was part of a volunteer effort to organize, mobilize
and educate folks about voter rights. We engaged in a court action, settled in
Second Circuit, that found voter lines hurt minorities and low-income residents.
It was a huge and significant effort.”
Mair also serves as a surrogate parent for a number of cadets at West Point
Military Academy. Because many parents are unable to visit their children, Mair
steps up to the plate.
“Having someone else there raises their heart and pride,” Mair said. “These are
the future leaders of tomorrow and it’s important for them to see commitment to
service and respect for the volunteer spirit.”
PEF puts citizens first
Although Mair was honored for his dedication and numerous volunteer efforts, he
applauded fellow PEF members.
“PEF is a union that puts citizens first. We are a union, a membership and a
stewardship that are literally at the service of every citizen in this great
state.
Volunteer acts reflect the spirit and commitment of public workers, on the job
and beyond the job. A civil servant doesn’t work nine-to-five, it’s 24/7. I’m
proud to be a part of that line and core of civil servants who truly make a
difference.”
The Communicator May 2007
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