BAEC Bulletin | March/April 2022 | 5
Letter from the President
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved reading the sports page. When Buffalo had two daily papers — The Courier Express and the Buffalo Evening News — I would read the sports page twice a day. I especially enjoyed reading the principal columnists, Phil Ranallo for the Courier and Steve Weller for the News. Later, Larry Felser wrote the lead sports column for the reconfigured Buffalo News. Felser was a notorious homer, but I guess I am, too. To this day, I still read the sports page first, before the rest of the paper. Holding the written sports page in my hands has provided a kind of stability — a cherished routine — in this world of accelerating change. Once a month or so, perhaps on a slow news day, Felser would address several different subjects and share numerous different opinions in a single column. On those occasions, Felser would commence, “it’s one of those opinionated days,” giving his readers fair warning of what to expect. I hope you have appreciated my approach to these presidential columns. I have endeavored to explain my thoughts and hopes rather than to recite the details of upcoming programs, CLEs, and events. I have tried to share my thinking on important topics we all face. I endeavor to have promoted reflection and discussion.
HUGH M. RUSS, III President Bar Association of Erie County
With a nod to Larry Felser, it’s one of those opinionated days.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby begins:
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in the world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’” As I have previously written, I am often asked how I am “enjoying” my bar presidency. I usually answer with some version of “I am very engaged.” But I have benefitted from advantages all my life. The presidency is just the latest advantage. As I attend more and more conferences (virtually) as part of this position, I recognize that we have a tremendous bar association. We are “ahead of the curve” on many critical legal issues. We have interesting, enthusiastic, and involved members. We have a warm and skilled bar staff. And, we have an amazing Executive Director. If I depart in June only with the friendship of Anne Noble, I will have succeeded. I am very fortunate to hold this position, and I thank you all for the advantage you have bestowed on me. It has been a privilege.
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