It’s hard to leave public office
As I finish my 41-year political career with the ultimate honor of representing Clinton, Franklin, Essex (114th District) and St. Lawrence counties serving the 115th District, I express my deep gratitude to the thousands of you who have welcomed me, supported me and allowed me to work with so many of you in a variety of different ways.
I am delighted we raised over $5,200 for North Country Honor Flight through donations at my two “thank-you receptions.” Thanks to everyone who donated so World War II and Korean War Veterans can fly to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials. If you are searching for a meaningful gift for someone for any occasion, please consider donating to North Country Honor Flight, P.O. Box 2644, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
My initial hope when I began planning these receptions was to have an open invitation through the media. However, it soon became apparent that wasn’t feasible. I thank all of the approximately 400 people who attended the Plattsburgh and Malone receptions and to so many others who sent good wishes through cards or social media. I am just as grateful to all of you who have stopped me in various stores, at any number of events and places to extend congratulations and to make nice comments.
Many of you have heard me say I’ve never worked as much as I have these last 10 years in the Assembly, often 60 or more hours, seven days a week in a position often referred to as part-time. I’ve been so fulfilled in this position, so honored and humbled to serve in the ornate Assembly Chambers as one of 150 members from across the state, and to meet and be accepted by people throughout this 3,200-square-mile district.
Hundreds of you have shared the most serious of problems and issues with me, giving me the opportunity to almost always help in some way. I appreciate the confidence you placed in me, and I hope I met your expectations. Assisting families to obtain health insurance for a child with cancer, expediting retirement disability for a correction officer or police officer injured on the job, and helping a family with a developmentally disabled child or adult are examples of the successes that carried me through a lot of tough days.
I’ve also shared in the special and good moments in people’s lives, from acknowledging new babies to 100th birthdays and 50th, 60th or longer wedding anniversaries. What joy I’ve received in sending notes with newspaper clippings, and in the Assembly Citations and Proclamations I’ve written to congratulate hundreds of people, businesses and entities on special lifetime achievements or events.
Without a doubt, my decision to retire is the most difficult decision I’ve made. I’ve had the unconditional support and love of my family all these years, and they earned the right to tell me it’s time to stay home and enjoy our time together.
I’ve been humbled and a bit embarrassed by the accolades I’ve received and continue to receive. I’ve simply shown up for work every day and tried to do a good job for all of you who put your trust in me. Since announcing my retirement, I’ve soaked up all of the good memories that have been extended to me, and I will carry them in my heart forever. As I finish 41 years of public service and move on to the next chapter in my life, I am perhaps most proud that I have maintained the integrity and ethical standards you expected of me. And while some may not have always agreed with my decisions, I am also proud that I followed my heart and my conscience and did it My Way!
Thank you for your personal support and friendship. Best wishes for a safe and healthy 2017.
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Janet L. Duprey lives in Peru and was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2007 until the end of 2016.