Honor Michael Sabatino’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 2666 BY: Senator MAYER COMMENDING Michael Sabatino upon the occasion of his retirement as Yonkers City Councilman after eight years of distinguished public service WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Michael Sabatino upon the occasion of his retirement as Yonkers City Councilman after eight years of distinguished public service; and WHEREAS, Michael Sabatino was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, where he attended St. Raymond High School; upon graduating, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from St. John's University, and his Master of Science degree in Medical Biology; and WHEREAS, For many years, Michael Sabatino worked as a laboratory technologist at a local hospital, and today, teaches part-time at Big Apple Training in White Plains, New York; and WHEREAS, In November of 2011, Michael Sabatino was elected to the Yonkers City Council, and two years later, he was named Minority Leader, the position from which he officially retired in December of 2019; throughout his tenure, he has tirelessly worked on behalf of the Untermyer Performing Arts Council, Untermyer Park, the Carpet Mill Arts District, the South Yonkers Public Greenway Project, Yonkers Public School children, issues affecting the LGBTQ community, and all residents of Yonkers; and WHEREAS, In addition to his career, Michael Sabatino served as co-Executive Director of Marriage Equality NY, and was a member of then County Executive Andy Spano's LGBT Advisory Board; he has also participated in numerous neighborhood associations, and various school, PTA, and senior citizen events; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his husband Robert Voorheis, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; together, they were on the frontlines of the fight for marriage equality; and WHEREAS, A man of true integrity, Michael Sabatino leads by example; he has served the citizens of Yonkers with distinction, enthusiasm, dedication and honor, and has overseen countless initiatives that have made his community a better and stronger place to live; and WHEREAS, For the past eight years, Michael Sabatino rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the city of Yonkers, earning 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 Michael Sabatino 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 Michael Sabatino upon the occasion of his retirement as Yonkers City Councilman after eight years of distinguished public service, and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael Sabatino.