Honor Ted Bennett’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 423 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMENDING Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated service to the residents of Chemung County 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 Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated service to the residents of Chemung County; and WHEREAS, A long-time resident of Elmira, New York, Ted Bennett was first elected to the Chemung County Legislature in November of 1974; from 1995 until his official retirement in 2014, he served as the Legislature's Minority Leader; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Ted Bennett accomplished numerous goals, especially those which improved the area's transportation system; he was instrumental in building the Clemens Center Parkway in downtown Elmira, and as Chairman of the I-86 Coalition, he helped convert State Route 17 to Interstate 86 through Steuben and Chemung counties; in addition, he expedited the completion of I-86, which stretches from Erie, Pennsylvania to I-87 in the Hudson Valley; and WHEREAS, Ted Bennett was also involved with the Elmira/Chemung Transportation Council, the Route 15 Coalition, the Appalachian Thruway Association, and the New York State Association of Counties' Transportation Committee; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Chemung County Legislator, Ted Bennett served with loyalty, honor and distinction, earning him 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 Ted Bennett 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 Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated service to the residents of the city of Elmira, New York, and Chemung County; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ted Bennett.