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HARRISON, N.Y. - County Legislator Martin Rogowsky (D) became choked up Friday when he said goodbye to Harrison seniors, preparing for his retirement from office.
"It's been my pleasure and honor to represent you," Rogowsky said at the Harrison Senior Center for a morning celebration of his service to Harrison, Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester as district six county legislator.
After announcing he would not seek re-election in last month's vote, Republican David Gelfarb won the district six election and will take office in 2012.
Rogowsky, a Harrison resident, was welcomed and applauded as he made his rounds throughout the senior center.
"We're going to miss him very much," Rocco Troiano said. "You can see how genuine he is because he was getting choked up just to say goodbye. But he's always welcome here."
Rogowsky and his wife Tobi presented two decorative cakes as the retiring representative spoke to Harrison residents of his decades of public service. But even while reflecting on his years of experience, Rogowsky still was on the run as he was headed to White Plains soon after the goodbye ceremony to vote on critical initiatives in county government.
"Marty Rogowsky always kept constituents' interests in mind," the official Harrison Democrats Twitter account said. "He was the voice of reason on many issues. Thanks, Marty."
Citing "mixed emotions," Rogowsky said he was humbled to have had the opportunity to serve his town.
"It's been my honor to be trusted with your votes," Rogowsky said. "I came here with my wife to say thank you."
Rogowsky served as a county legislator from 1990 to 1993 and was brought back to the position in November 2003 after returning to the board of legislators in May 2002.
He has served on the boards of several local organizations including the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, the American Cancer Society, the Port Chester Carver Center, the Port Chester/Rye Brook Chamber of Commerce, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Community Center of Harrison. He also coached soccer, basketball and softball for the Harrison Recreation Department.
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