New York State Senator Hugh Farley, a Republican who has represented the 49th district for 20 terms, will not seek another term in November. Farley, 83, announced Tuesday morning that he will step aside to spend more time with his family and wife of 57 years. In the current session, Farley is Vice President Pro Tempore of the Senate, one of the highest-ranking Republicans in the chamber. There are already several candidates running for the seat; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco has also expressed interest in the past. Farley says he expects Tedisco to run. Here is Farley's entire statement:
I wish to announce that I will not be seeking re-election to the 49th Senate District this fall.
The love of my life, Sharon, my wife of 57 years, is now dealing with several health issues and it is my desire and responsibility to spend more time with her and my family.
I have loved my Senate career and feel I have served with honor and integrity. I accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed. I am especially proud to be known as the “Father of Hospice,” having passed the first hospice law in the nation.
As Chairman of the first Standing Committee on Aging, I developed laws such as the first Respite legislation, the Community Services for the Elderly program, and the EPIC pharmaceutical assistance program.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to sponsor a wide variety of laws, including the 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act, measures to protect water resources and strengthen the regulation of hazardous substances, ATM safety measures, mortgage escrow account protections, strengthened regulation of mortgage lenders and financial institutions, and laws which target money laundering and other financial crimes.
I’m also proud to be known as the Senate’s leading advocate for libraries, working to secure funding and sponsoring almost every piece of library legislation for the past 40 years.
I’ve passed numerous local laws and initiatives, such as creating the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, protecting the Schenectady Great Flats Aquifer, and enabling the construction of a new Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES facility.
I’ve also worked with local officials and residents to attract businesses and develop industrial parks, and to preserve cultural and historic treasures, including Proctor’s Theatre, the Glove Theatre, the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage and the Gloversville Public Library.
I’ve been privileged to work with state officials from throughout the country to protect and advance state interests and encourage interstate cooperation. I was especially honored to have been elected by my peers to serve a term as National Chairman of the Council of State Governments.
Service to individual citizens has always been of paramount importance to me. Over the years I have been able to assist thousands of individuals, families and businesses who have reached out to my office in a time of need. I have enjoyed making a real difference for real people.
I am grateful to my constituents who for 20 elections and 2 primaries have expressed their support and confidence in me and given me massive pluralities. I am grateful to the people on my staff who serve my constituents so well, and make me look good, day after day.
I am most grateful to my family for their sacrifices and support for me all these years.
I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve the people of New York.
Thank you.
