On the recordNovember 30, 2017
I join my colleagues in honoring the memory, legacy, and public office of Maurice Hinchey. Mo and I were elected in the same election in 1974 and met during freshman orientation that December on a cold Albany day. From then on, we were friends. I came from the South Bronx, so I knew about the issues of the environment, but I didn't know the intricacies of how they should be approached legislatively. He taught me all about it, as he did our whole freshman class. From day one, he was that person who spoke about saving this Earth, saving this country, and saving this land that has been loaned to us. In addition, Maurice was, as has been said here, one of the nicest guys you could ever imagine. He was a unique elected official. He was a liberal in a conservative district who was loved by his constituents. Early in my assembly career, the first year, I visited his district and saw how he cared for the people and how they cared for him. He took me all around. It was wonderful how he loved his community. He taught us that there were places outside of New York. I will always remember Maurice used to say to me: I have got to go to New York City once a month. I said: Why? He said: Just to charge my batteries, get the big city lights, and then I come back. He was a special human being. He could play softball and swing a bat like no one else. I will miss you, my brother. I will miss you. You are special. The people will miss you forever. ____________________
