This legislation celebrates the late New York State Assemblyman William "Bill" Magee's contributions to New York State, the agricultural community, and rural America.

Born in Oneida New York, and a graduate of Cornell University, Bill Magee grew up serving his neighbors in Erieville from his family's dairy farm and country store. Bill Magee continued that service into adulthood as Supervisor of his beloved Town of Nelson where he resided his entire life, on Route 20, while also working at the New York State Fair and as a country auctioneer.

Bill Magee was sworn into the New York State Assembly in 1990 and he represented Madison, parts of Otsego and Oneida Counties with fierce dedication for three decades. His devotion and personal service to his constituents never failed. It was always important to Bill to travel Route 20 to Albany, foregoing the thruway, and stopping at diners and small businesses and observing the rolling pastures, dairy farms, and people along the way. Bill Magee managed to bridge the communication gap between "upstate" and "downstate" legislators, bringing Wall Street and Main Street together like no one else could. He was a man of few words but was easily understood by all.

Assemblyman Bill Magee's appointment as Chair of the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee allowed him to make an indelible impact on all aspects of the industry. The results of his advocacy are apparent across the state in the return of the hop bines, the success of the craft brewing and wine industries, the growth of equine programs, improved safety on the farms, agriculture in the classroom and so much more!

It is suitable that this section of Route 13, near where Assemblyman Bill Magee resided with his wife Jeanette of 52 years, near where he held many years of auctions at Magee's Auction House, and near where he traveled many journeys to Albany and back doing the people's work, should be named in his honor as we remember the many great and small deeds he did to accomplish so much for so many.