Maurice Hinchey remembered for many passions including
the environment and the Hudson River
HUDSON VALLEY – Few public servants were as well-known and as highly regarded as Maurice Hinchey, who served his country in the Navy and his Hudson Valley constituents in the state Assembly and U.S. Congress.
He is being remembered by many:
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney: “It is hard to spend time in the Hudson Valley and Catskill region without encountering the legacy of Maurice Hinchey. His lifetime of service in the U.S. Navy, the Assembly, and in the Congress set the standard for leadership in our region, our state, and our country. After I was elected to Congress, I often heard the same advice: if you want to be successful, just do exactly what Maurice Hinchey would do. Easier said than done. Maurice was a living legend — principled, tough, passionate, and effective. I have modeled my own service on his, and I am proud to have called him a mentor and a friend. Now more than ever, our nation misses and longs for leaders like Maurice. Randy and I join the countless people whose lives he improved in sending our condolences to his family and in praying for his eternal rest.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer: I’ve known Maurice since we’ve served together in the assembly in the 1970’s. ‘Mighty Moe’ as I used to call him was a man of great conviction, principle, endless energy and rare legislative ability. He cut a unique figure throughout the Hudson Valley and the Southern Tier, and was passionately committed to the environment and to preserving that region’s priceless open and wild spaces. He will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to his family,”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill: “One of our nation’s early environmental leaders, Maurice authored, inspired and improved the laws that protect our land, air, water and health. He fought mobsters and chemical manufacturers when they poisoned or tried to poison the earth. He created the Hudson River Greenway and Historic Heritage areas, brought unprecedented attention to our beautiful Catskills and he helped start environmental Superfunds here in New York and all over the nation. In our House, the New York State Assembly, Maurice was more than a chair of the Environmental Committee, he was The Chair. Cahill also noted Hinchey’s championing of the modern women’s rights movement, universal health care, social, economic and criminal justice reform.
Zephyer Teachout, who ran unsuccessfully for Hinchey’s former seat: “Maurice Hinchey was one of the greatest Congressmen ever, fierce and human and clear about what America was and could be. The Hudson River is crying tonight for his passing. My heart broke to hear he was actually gone. We honor you, Congressman.”
Gareth Rhodes, a Democrat candidate in the 19th congressional district: “My deepest condolences go out to the Hinchey family as they mourn the loss of Maurice. With Congressman Hinchey’s passing, our community has lost a selfless and inspiring leader who for decades has been our champion.”
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, a Republican: “We’ve lost an icon and crusader for our environment, our Hudson River, our region. Maurice Hinchey served nearly four decades in public office, and left a living, breathing legacy that remains a foundation of our quality-of-life, not only in the Hudson Valley but throughout New York State. I was honored to share in service with him. He helped shape and preserve the Hudson Valley as a resource, a region, a people. And, today, we are the stewards of his great works and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, also a Republican: “I had the privilege of working with Congressman Hinchey when I worked in the City of Newburgh. He was a true gentleman and was respected by his peers. Congressman Hinchey was an advocate for the environment and was passionate about serving his constituents. We worked on many projects together and I always enjoyed talking with Congressman Hinchey about his service in the U.S. Navy, which he was very proud of. My thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Hinchey’s family.”
