Background
He was born on July 22, 1931, in Lakeville, Livingston County, New New York
He was born on July 22, 1931, in Lakeville, Livingston County, New New York
He attended Livonia Central School. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati"s College of Business Administration.
He entered politics as a Republican, and was Sheriff of Livingston County. He was Minority Leader from 1979 to 1982. In 1982, Emery was a contender for the Republican nomination for Governor of New York, but eventually was nominated for Lieutenant Governor of New York on the Republican and Conservative tickets, with Lewis Lehrman for Governor.
They were defeated by the Democratic and Liberal nominees Mario Cuomo and Alfred DelBello.
In October 1983, Emery was nominated by President Ronald Reagan as Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. He was confirmed by the United States. Senate in February 1984 for a term of seven years.
He remained on the post until 1991 when he was succeeded by Stanford Parris.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1965 to 1982, sitting in the 175th, 176th, 177th, 178th, 179th, 180th, 181st, 182nd, 183rd and 184th New York State Legislatures.