Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, named Assembly assistant minority leader pro tempore

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

State Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, loads a Christmas tree on to a FedEx truck at Ellms Farm on Nov. 26.

CAPITOL — State Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, has been appointed assistant minority leader pro tempore by new Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay, R-Pulaski.

Walsh will replace Assemblyman Ed Ra in the role, which is instrumental in preparation of legislative debates and managing floor activity for the Republican minority. Ra, R-Franklin Square, was appointed ranking minority member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

“It is a great honor to have received the appointment as the assistant minority leader pro tempore going into the 2020 legislative session,” said Walsh, who has served in the Assembly since 2017. “Since day one in Albany, I have done all that I can to immerse myself in the inner workings of the legislative process and work side-by-side with my colleagues to promote the values of our conference. I have learned how important it is to highlight problematic parts of legislation and conduct thoughtful debate so that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have the ability to see it from an alternative perspective.’

Barclay was elected the Assembly’s new minority leader last week, following the resignation of Assemblyman Brian Kolb, R-Victor, from his leadership post after his arrest on a drunk driving charge on New Year’s Eve.

“Since her first day in office, Mary Beth has been among the most highly respected members of the Assembly because of her dedication, intelligence and commitment to her constituents,” Barclay said in making the appointment. “As we take up critical legislation in our chamber this year, our conference will be fortunate to have Mary Beth helping to drive the debate and guide our legislative agenda.