Bill Magee was our New York State Assemblyman for many years and his influence was powerful in the halls of the New York State Capitol in Albany.  Magee not only served in the Assembly but he was also the chairman of the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee. 

Magee, who passed away last year, was a constant presence in our area at community events, civic presentations, fundraisers and more than one parade.  He was a big, gruff, but ultimately friendly guy who never passed up a chance to visit with his constituents.  Nobody knew more about the farming issues facing his native Central New York district than Bill.

And now it is time to honor this good man.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation designating a portion of the state highway system "Assemblyman William 'Bill' Magee Memorial Highway." A portion of State Route 13 in Madison County will be named for the longtime Assemblyman, who passed away on December 24, 2020.

"Assemblyman Bill Magee served his community and his state for decades, and we will always remember his staunch advocacy for farmers and rural New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "This portion of Route 13 near Assemblyman Magee's lifelong home will honor his contributions to his constituents and work as Chair of the Assembly's Agriculture Committee for many years to come."

Magee was sworn into the New York State Assembly in 1990, representing Madison County and parts of Otsego and Oneida Counties.  He lived in the Town of Nelson for his entire life, at one point serving as Town Supervisor. Assemblyman Magee also worked at the New York State Fair and as a county auctioneer. He grew up serving his neighbors in Erieville from his family's dairy farm and country store before graduating from Cornell University.

All of us at Townsquare Media applaud the governor's decision to honor Bill Magee in this fashion.   The staff at the radio station remembers the many times he participated in our "June is Dairy Month" tributes over the years.  He was a great public servant.

."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":33554688,"11":4,"28":1}">

LOOK: 50 photos of American life in 2020

 

More From WDOS-WDLA-WCHN CNY News