Senate Resolution No. 1895

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING Gary Baxter upon the occasion of his
retirement after 15 years of distinguished public
service to Ontario County, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Gary Baxter upon the occasion of his retirement after 15 years of
distinguished public service as Ontario County Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Geneva High School, Gary Baxter went on to
earn his Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree from
the Community College of the Finger Lakes; and

WHEREAS, Gary Baxter's career in public service began in 1978 when
he was sworn in as a police officer for the City of Geneva; serving as a
D.A.R.E. officer and detective for the City of Geneva Police Department
from 1989 to 1998, he established one of the first D.A.R.E. programs in
New York State in the Geneva City School District; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment as County Treasurer, Gary Baxter
proudly served as Ontario County Deputy Sheriff from 2000 to 2005; and

WHEREAS, First appointed to the position from which he will retire
by Governor George Pataki, Gary Baxter went on to secure his first
election win as Ontario Country Treasurer in 2006, and later was
re-elected in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and again in 2023; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as County Treasurer, Gary Baxter served
as president of the New York State Treasurers and Finance Officers
Association; and

WHEREAS, For the past 15 years, Gary Baxter rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to the citizens of Ontario County;
and

WHEREAS, Gary Baxter, in acts of true compassion and care for
others, saved many families and residents under his jurisdiction from
losing their homes by making certain that he personally contacted every
landowner whose property was at stake of reaching the auction roll; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Ontario County Treasurer, Gary Baxter
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, A credit to his active involvement in his community, Gary
Baxter is a past member of the NYS D.A.R.E. Officer's Association, past
charter member and president of the Police Local Union 3471, and past
member and 9 County Regional Representative of the NYS Police Juvenile
Officer's Association; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his involvement in his community, Gary
Baxter has owned and operated two successful businesses, Baxter's
Catering and Mac's Driving School; he is also a lifelong member of the
Hydrant Hose Fire Department in Geneva, New York, where he held the
roles of president, financial secretary, Board of Directors chairman,
building committee chairman, and City of Geneva fire commissioner; he
also is a past president of the Ontario County Volunteer Firemen's
Association; and

WHEREAS, Gary Baxter has also previously served as a member of the
Geneva Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, home school liaison for
the Geneva City School District, member of the A&FM Ark Lodge 33,
liaison between the City of Geneva and Town of Geneva, and served as an
at large City of Geneva Counselor from 1999 to 2005; and

WHEREAS, An active and fierce advocate for our nation's veterans,
Gary Baxter is also a past charter treasurer, past commander, and member
of the Sons of the American Legion, through the Geneva Winnek Post No.
396; and

WHEREAS, With unrelenting commitment to his community, Gary Baxter
became active in the scouting community when his son, Gordy, became a
Tiger Scout in Pack 5; since then, he has served in the capacities of
den leader, assistant scoutmaster, and scoutmaster; he currently serves
on the Seneca Waterways Boy Scout Council Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his beloved wife of 42 years,
Donna; their cherished children, Gordon and Thomas; and two adored
grandchildren, Carson and Hugh, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Gary Baxter was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure serving Ontario County, Gary Baxter
earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gary Baxter upon the occasion of his retirement after 15 years of
distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gary Baxter.