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Councilman Dan Ricci Bids an Emotional Farewell
by Edward Paul Greiff
At the end of the December 19, 2007 Town Board meeting, Henry Lopez stood up in the audience and said, "I want to make a quick statement. I want to thank Carol Hughes and Dan Ricci for their years of dedication, their guidance and leadership. They took it upon themselves to restore what this town needed and on behalf of myself and my family, I just want to thank them."
Councilman Bob Tendy was quick to add, "In that same vein," and held up a photograph of Dan Ricci, "wearing his Viking outfit that makes the rest of us look like rank amateurs."
Tendy continued his comments by first praising Carol Hughes and saying, "when I first got on the Board I met Carol Hughes and she was nothing but helpful and friendly, helpful and friendly, because that's what she is. She's the best the Town has to offer"
Councilman Tendy continued with his praise of retiring colleagues, "With regard to Dan Ricci, I met Dan Ricci twelve years ago, I knew him socially and then I knew him politically and I've known him as a friend for the past six years since I've been on the Town Board. And for those of you who don't sit up here you don't know it does entail quite a bit of work. There were times the work grew very difficult for all of us and very time consuming. And everybody on this Board and everybody on prior Boards have told me that Dan Ricci has made it enjoyable, hysterical at times, informative, and he will be very much missed by all of us, but particularly by me." Speaking directly to Dan, Tendy said, "I really enjoyed my discussions with you and I enjoy your ability to put things exactly where they should be. But to do it in a very humorous way is trick that I wish I learned. I haven't yet, but I will be working on it. And your service to the Town is not over, that's for sure. Your service to this Board as a board member is coming to a close and you are not going be able to be replaced and that's just a fact. I appreciate all the help you have given me over the years."
Retiring Putnam Valley Councilman Dan Ricci got out of his chair on the dais, stood at the podium and delivered a very emotional, from-the-heart farewell speech that reflected his years in office and his love for Putnam Valley and the people in it.
"Thanks Bob, that's some very nice things you've had to say there and I love being here. I'd like to thank God for the opportunity I got that has made such a difference in my life and the life of others. It's a huge honor and privilege. I was thinking today that this is the last time I'll be up here in an official capacity but that's ridiculous. I live in this town and you know I will be back here complaining about something sooner or later. I live in Putnam Valley. I think that's how I got up here in the first place. I'd like to say a few words, I'd like to thank my wife, my best friend, my hot meal on a cold night, my warm bath when my body aches from the pains of life, the person who supported me best, who told me not to get involved with politics in the first place but supported me anyway and the person who taught me the difference between bravery and courage. Bravery, fools can be brave, courage is something you have to step up to. My wife with the disease that she suffers with has taught me that. We've been friends since she was 14 and I was 16, that's a very long relationship, and I don't know what I would do without her. I'd like to thank my own mother and father, my grandparents and great grandfather. At one time all of them lived up here. Pretty soon there will be another generation of rugrats running around in this community."
Ricci praised politics and democracy, and said they bring out the best in people and services and acknowledged their presence in the room: devoted town employees and volunteers. "I am always looking forward to the next chapter I want to write, I enjoy it," said Ricci. "I was proud to serve up here, I was proud to serve with everybody up here from Bob Cesar to Carmelo Santos, Harry Jadoonauth, Peter Kennedy, Bob Tendy, Steve Johnson, Fred Finger, Wendy Whetsel, Sam Davis, and Priscilla Keresey."
"It's hard sometimes, the burden when you care about community and I care about this one. It's an ominous burden and sometimes it was tough in the beginning. I had to sit here and listen to all points of view. Never be afraid to go out into the community and get their opinions and bring the facts and opinions back to your Board, let them sort it out. We learn and provide a service, that's what democracy is all about and it's very vital that it be fresh. I've enjoyed my years and its time for me to go and move on. I gave my heart and soul as did other employees like the guys that are here, the highway guys. On a hot day I would give them a glass of cold water. The Fire Department, every time I hear that siren ring on a cold snowy, sleety night, and I know that in a few minutes I am going to crawl into my bed [but] those people aren't going to. They are going to get on a truck and go to some accident or fire and they are going to face it. The Ambulance Corps the same thing. Thank God we have people like that in town that step up, serve, and serve on boards. We are paid to fight for them, not with them. Remember - democracy is always at the heart; the democratic process. Sometimes the passion for what you believe in has to come out. We walk a fine line and sometimes it is difficult to separate out the facts, but our decisions should be based on reason and facts. I will look back on this as one of the most wonderful times of my life."
The audience rose to their feet and provided Ricci with a much-deserved standing ovation.
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