Senate Resolution No. 1688

BY: Senator STEC

HONORING Thomas R. Scozzafava upon the occasion of
his retirement after 48 years of dedicated public
service to the Town of Moriah, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas R. Scozzafava upon the occasion of his retirement after 48 years
of dedicated public service to the Town of Moriah, New York, on Sunday,
December 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Thomas R. Scozzafava was first employed by the Town of
Moriah in 1975, and later became elected as Town Supervisor in 1986,
serving until 1998; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 29 in 1986, when he was first elected to the
position, Thomas R. Scozzafava was the youngest person ever to serve on
the Essex County Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, With a commitment to the people of his community, and much
passion for this line of work, Thomas R. Scozzafava found himself
returning six years later for a second round as Town Supervisor, holding
this esteemed position from which he retired from 2004 to 2023; and

WHEREAS, Thomas R. Scozzafava retired at the age of 67, and was,
impressively, the longest serving Town Supervisor on the board; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Town Supervisor of Moriah, Thomas
R. Scozzafava had to make tough decisions with the goal to better his
community; notably, under his able leadership, the county tax rate was
standardized across all the 18 towns it affects, and, furthermore,
Thomas R. Scozzafava was able to protect his community from incurring
high costs related to the potential construction of a trash-burning
plant; and

WHEREAS, Thomas R. Scozzafava also worked with County Treasurer
Michael Diskin to establish an optional payment plan for property taxes
as well as for delinquent taxes as a courtesy for residents; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement from public office, Thomas R. Scozzafava,
an electrician by trade, will now focus his energies and skill to his
business; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Marylou, who feels
privileged to be part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our

attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas R. Scozzafava upon the occasion of his retirement after 48
years of dedicated public service to the Town of Moriah, New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas R. Scozzafava.