Senate Resolution No. 3458

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Leslie E. Porter upon the occasion of
his retirement after 26 years of distinguished
service as an Oneida County Legislator

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 Leslie E. Porter upon the occasion of his retirement after 26
years of distinguished service as an Oneida County Legislator; in
December of 2017, he will officially step down at the end of his term;
and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Ogdensburg, New York, Leslie "Les" E.
Porter attended Ogdensburg Free Academy; after graduating, he began his
long career with New York Telephone Company in Plattsburgh, New York; in
1959, he was transferred to Rome, New York, where he served as a
telephone repairman ;and

WHEREAS, While working for the New York Telephone Company in Utica,
New York, Les was assigned to Lake Placid as Head of Security for the
Telephone Company during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games; eight years
later in 1988, he retired after more than three decades of distinguished
service; and

WHEREAS, Les E. Porter was then elected Supervisor of the Town of
Remsen, a position he held for seven years; in 1991, he began his
distinguished career as an Oneida County Legislator, representing the
Towns of Ava, Boonville, Forestport, Remsen and Steuben; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as County Legislator, Les E. Porter
has had many accomplishments; he held the prestigious title of Chairman
of the Ways and Means Committee, served on the Oneida County Fire
Advisory Board and participated in numerous task forces and legislative
committees; and

WHEREAS, Les E. Porter has also worked as an auctioneer all over
upstate New York; he graciously donates his expertise and service to
Oneida County for various foreclosure land sales; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community and public service, Les E. Porter
volunteered at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair, the Remsen Barn
Festival, and the Boonville Snow Festival; he was also a volunteer
firefighter and a member of the Remsen Central School Board for over 11

years, where he held the title of President for two years; Les being a
Mason himself, comes from a long line of Mason's in his family; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as an Oneida County Legislator, Les E.
Porter served with loyalty, honor and distinction, earning him the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Penny, and their
seven children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all of
whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Les E. Porter 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 Leslie E. Porter upon the occasion of his retirement after 26
years of distinguished service as an Oneida County Legislator, and to
wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Leslie E. Porter.