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Mike NozzolioTompkins County Republicans turned out in Lansing to honor outgoing New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio.  Fellow Senators Tom O'Mara and Jim Seward, U. S. Congressman Tom Reed, Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler, State Assembly candidate Herb Masser, and contenders for Nozzolio's Senate seat including Pam Helming and Floyd Rayburn were among the many Republicans to join Lansing Supervisor Ed LaVigne, who was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

"Mike is known as a great political strategist," Seward said.  "That’s why he’s been a member of our State Senate Campaign Committee.  He’s been a great mentor for many, many candidates running for the State Senate, and has made the difference in many races to elect more Republican senators."

Mike Nozzolio Tribute(Left to right) NYS State Senator Tom O'Mara, Lansing Town Supervisor Ed LaVigne, NYS State Senator Mike Nozzolio, Tompkins County Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Elizabeth Cree, U. S. Congressman Tom Reed, NYS State Senator Jim Seward, and Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler

Nozzolio
has represented the 54th district in the New York State Senate since 1992.  Prior to that he served for 10 years in the State Assembly.  A native of Seneca Falls, Educated in local schools, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations and a Master's degree in Public Administration and Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Syracuse University College of Law.  He is currently Chairman of the New York State Senate Codes Committee, and the
Senate Majority Whip.  Early this year he announced he would be retiring from the Senate due to health issues.

"He is considered expert on crime and correction-related issues," Seward said.  "He’s been a great help on the SAFE Act.  Last year when the Senate was the only house in the Legislature that made changes in the SAFE Act, Mike was fighting in the forefront of that effort.  Mike is known as a great political strategist.  That’s why he’s been a member of our State Senate Campaign Committee.  He’s been a great mentor for many, many candidates running for the State Senate, and has made the difference in many races to elect more Republican senators."

"I’ve had the pleasure of serving with Mike in the Senate for the past six years," O'Mara said.  "He’s been a true friend.  He’s been a true leader in our conference.  And he’s going to be sorely missed.  He has been a great mentor to me over the years."

Nozzolio, Yunger, Sigler(Left to right) Senator Mike Nozzolio, Sarah Yunger, and Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler

Lansing is the only Tompkins County town in Nozzolio's district.  O'Mara and Seward represent the other communities in the county.

Nozzolio was presented with a plaque by Sigler, who said that Nozzolio is a model for anyone who wants to succeed in politics.  He lauded Nozzolio for his attention to Lansing issues.

"When we were talking about the power plant Mike was there," he said.  "Right now we’re talking about a new shaft going into the mine — Mike is there.  He would be on top of that.  I want to thank Mike for everything he has done so far, and I know he’s going to do much more.It’s so hard to replace a person like that.  It’s a loss for our area.  I’ve got to tell you. Mike, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our town."

"This is a special moment for me," Nozzolio said.  "A very special place for me, among very special people for me."

He praised LaVigne and Sigler for representing citizens in Tompkins County, and his fellow senators representing Tompkins County, calling them "tireless advocates for our community".  He said Tompkins County and the upstate region depends on Seward and O’Mara being reelected on November 8th.

Nozzolio thanked local Republicans for supporting him over the year, singling out Former County Legislator Tom Todd and and Elsie Todd for their service to the community.  He reminded the gathering of former Tompkins County Republicans Chairman, and former Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature Gary A. Lee.  He singled out Jeff True, and his father Jerry who chaired the County Republican Committee, as well as Elizabeth and Robert Cree, and Lin Davidson.

"This is a wonderful community," he said.  "I love Tompkins County.  Being a graduate of Cornell also gives me a special feeling about the representation in the district where Ezra Cornell, who was a New York State Senator, helped create Cornell University.  Cornell is a great economic driver.  The university has over a three billion dollar economic impact for our region."

LaVigne also thanked Nozzolio for his attention to Lansing, noting that the Town makes up only 3% of the 54th district.

"A politician would say they’re just 3%," LaVigne said.  "We’re only 3% but Mike Nozzolio gives us 100%.  We see how our state senators are so patient with the people that they talk to, that they sincerely listen to them.  People always say, 'Who is going to be the next Reagan?' My question is, 'Who is going to be the next Mike Nozzolio?' Because he represents everyone."

Mike NozzolioSenator Mike Nozzolio

Nozzolio will continue to be involved with Cornell University when he retires at the end of this year.

"I also want to work on behalf of the Cornell football team, because Lord knows they need help!" he joked, then added, "I want to thank Tompkins County Republicans, but, more importantly, great Americans.  Because that’s why you’re involved — not necessarily because of party labels, but because you are an American and you understand that the first, most important office in the United States is that of a private citizen.  And as private citizens, your engagement in your democracy is so critical.  I thank you.  I am honored to have represented you."

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