Senator McCain made a campaign stop in East Fishkill with then-Rep.
Sue Kelly some 18 years ago. Mid-Hudson
News Publisher Hank Gross interviewed him at town hall.
MID-HUDSON – Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) died on Saturday at
age 81 following a bout with brain cancer.
Area officials are mourning his passing and reflecting on his life.
Senator Charles Schumer (D, NY) said McCain’s “dedication
to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all,
he was a truth teller – never afraid to speak truth to power in
an era where that has become all too rare. The Senate, the United States,
and the world are lesser places without John McCain.”
Schumer said he will introduce a resolution to rename the Russell Building
in McCain’s honor. In 1972, it was named for former Senator Richard
Russell, Jr.
Congressman John Faso (R, NY19) said McCain was “an American patriot,
dedicated to our constitution and the ideals it represents.” Faso
said “his courage as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton will be long remembered.
America has lost a dedicated and loyal son.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY18) said McCain will be remembered
as “one of the most committed public servants in American history.”
Maloney said McCain “personified all of the best characteristics
of what it is to be an American and a good representative of the people.
He was “a tough, thoughtful, principled patriot who spent his entire
life serving others.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo (D, NY) said McCain “gave his life in service
to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero.” The
governor said he was “a warrior and a statesman, in the old-fashioned
sense.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer (D, Mount Vernon) said McCain’s
“strength and courage has been an inspiration to our nation.”
The county executive said, “Every journey ends, but not every journey
is exceptional. His was an exceptional one.” Latimer ordered all
US flags on county property to be flown at half-staff.
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said McCain “lived his life
with bravery and integrity and certainly was a role model to me. He will
always be remembered for his decorated career in the U.S. Navy and for
being a true American patriot.”
