Saying their goodbyes
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- December
- 11
Westchester County legislators said a formal goodbye to board Vice Chairwoman Andrea Stewart-Cousins today, as she departs to take a seat in the state Senate.
The Yonkers Democrat was given the board’s Award for Distinguished Service, its highest form of recognition, for her decade of service.
“She has been the voice of Yonkers, needless to say she has worked very very hard, no one has provided a stronger voice or more advocacy on behalf of the entire city of Yonkers than Andrea,� said Majority Leader Martin Rogowsky, D-Harrison.He noted in particular her work on issues related to children, families and health care, and her work to help pass legislation to create the county Human Rights Commission. “Now all of the people in the state of New York will be able to hear her voice,� he said.
Minority Leader George Oros said Stewart-Cousins had always treated all members with fairness and openness.
Stewart-Cousins defeated longtime GOP state Senator Nick Spano of Yonkers in the November election. The race was a rematch of one two years earlier, when he barely squeaked out a win.
Addressing her colleagues, she said, “This is a moment that given two years ago I almost doubted would happen but yet I knew that I had so much support, and finally as this day comes, as I was saying to someone, it’s certainly bittersweet.â€?
“Certainly in these chambers I have learned an incredible amount, and I attribute that knowledge to those who are sitting here with me, because you, in so many ways, have given me everything I need to succeed on the state level,� she said.
Legislators also bid adieu to longtime county Budget Director Katie Carrano and Deputy Budget Director Leslie Bennett, who both plan to retire at the end of the year.
“Katie, you really are outstanding in your role,” Board Chairman William Ryan told her.
This entry was posted
on Monday, December 11th, 2006 at 8:15 pm by Liz Anderson.
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