Senate Resolution No. 423

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING Ted Bennett for special recognition
after 40 years of dedicated service to the residents
of Chemung County

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated
service to the residents of Chemung County; and

WHEREAS, A long-time resident of Elmira, New York, Ted Bennett was
first elected to the Chemung County Legislature in November of 1974;
from 1995 until his official retirement in 2014, he served as the
Legislature's Minority Leader; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Ted Bennett accomplished numerous
goals, especially those which improved the area's transportation system;
he was instrumental in building the Clemens Center Parkway in downtown
Elmira, and as Chairman of the I-86 Coalition, he helped convert State
Route 17 to Interstate 86 through Steuben and Chemung counties; in
addition, he expedited the completion of I-86, which stretches from
Erie, Pennsylvania to I-87 in the Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, Ted Bennett was also involved with the Elmira/Chemung
Transportation Council, the Route 15 Coalition, the Appalachian Thruway
Association, and the New York State Association of Counties'
Transportation Committee; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Chemung County Legislator, Ted Bennett
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, earning him the admiration,
esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Ted Bennett over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated
service to the residents of the city of Elmira, New York, and Chemung
County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ted Bennett.