Politics on the Hudson

State leaders and advocates who worked with the late Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, Rockland County, have been praising him for his commitment to bipartisanship, his achievements on behalf of people with disabilities, his passion for his work and other qualities.

Here are some of the comments:

Gov. David Paterson:

Today, we mourn the loss of one of the State Senate’s finest members, Thomas Morahan. Having served as a member of the Rockland County Legislature and its chairman, a New York State Assemblymember, and as State Senator, Tom Morahan distinguished himself as a dedicated, passionate, and courageous public servant. His bi-partisan efforts and spearheading legislation such as Timothy’s Law and Jonathan’s Law made Senator Morahan a champion for all his constituents, and especially those most vulnerable amongst us. Senator Morahan never shrank from a fight, even in his last days, and all New Yorkers are better off because his service. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Senator Morahan’s wife, Helen, and the entire Morahan family.

Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County:

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Tom Morahan, a tireless and dedicated public servant, but more importantly a great and valued personal friend. His accomplishments as a Senator, ranging from his fight to stop the commuter tax, to his efforts to help the mentally disabled, are only exceeded by his accomplishments as a father, husband and friend. One of his lasting legacies was his insistence on bipartisanship and non-partisanship in state government, and he strived to achieve that and succeeded in doing so more times than not. Tom was a champion for the mentally disabled and their families, as well as to all of his constituents in Rockland County and the lower Hudson Valley. And he was working for them right to the end. Tom’s hard work, his strong personality and his charm will never be forgotten by the countless thousands of people who were fortunate enough to call him their friend. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Helen, his daughters, and the rest of his family at this difficult time.

Assembly Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn:

It is with deep regret and sadness we mark the passing of Senator Thomas P. Morahan. Tom was a friend and true statesman, and it was a privilege to serve in the same Chamber with him. Senator Morahan showed all of us we could put partisanship aside and work together to build a stronger New York. We will miss his cheerfulness, his courage, and his candor. Senator Morahan was an inspiring and beloved figure in this body; only with time will we fully understand the goodness and decency of a man who always put his family and public service first. On behalf of the Senate, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Helen, his children and grandchildren, and ask all New Yorkers to keep Senator Morahan and his family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan:

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Senator Tom Morahan.  Although he only served one term in the Assembly, Tom was someone I considered a dear friend and gentleman legislator. Senator Morahan was a staunch advocate for the community he so skillfully represented.  The needs of the 38th Senate District were always at the forefront. His passing is a tremendous loss not only to the people of the Hudson Valley but also to our state.  My thoughts and prayers and those of my Assembly colleagues go out to the Morahan family during this difficult time.

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, D-New City, Rockland County:

Today we lost a giant of Rockland County and New York State Government.  Tom Morahan was a true statesman.  He had an authentic and straightforward style that transcended partisan politics.  Tom was more than just a politician, he was an integral part of the fabric of Rockland County.  During his decades long relationship with my father, and over the past 3 years as colleagues in the State Legislature, I was fortunate to get to know Tom on a personal and professional level.  He was a friend and mentor who had a vast array of wisdom from his childhood, military, business and political experiences.  My heart and prayers go out to the entire Morahan family as Tom was first and foremost a devoted family man.

Thomas J. Basile, executive director, Republican Party of New York State:

The people of Rockland and Orange Counties have lost a friend and a powerful voice in Albany.  All of us who were fortunate to have the benefit of Senator Thomas P. Morahan’s friendship learned a great deal from his example. He was the consummate citizen and will be greatly missed. For more than thirty years, Tom Morahan served the people of his community and his state with great distinction.  He thrived on aggressively representing the interests of his constituents and his time in office characterized the best traditions of public service. As a legislator, Tom Morahan exemplified the ability to forge compromise and make progress for the people while staying true to his principles. Tom was one of our great New York Republicans because he worked every day, not only to build our party, but also reach beyond our party as a force for common sense government. We should all honor his legacy by striving to serve our communities as he did, with drive, passion and grounded on a firm set of values.  On behalf of Chairman Cox and the State Republican Party, our thoughts and prayers are with the Senator’s entire family at this difficult time.”

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