Senate Resolution No. 152
BY: Senator GRIFFO
HONORING John C. Urtz upon the occasion of his 50
years of distinguished service to the Town of Lee,
New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
John C. Urtz upon the occasion of his 50 years of distinguished service
to the Town of Lee, New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, John C. Urtz rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to the Town of Lee, earning the
admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, John C. Urtz learned appreciation for his community and the
importance of public service from his father who was also an
accomplished Town Supervisor of Lee; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, John C. Urtz ran for the position of Town
Supervisor for the first time; he won the election by just eight votes
then, but solidified his reputation shortly thereafter as a hardworking,
dependable, accomplished elected official, ultimately earning his
reelection time and time again, amassing an impressive 50 years of
dedicated service in this esteemed position; and
WHEREAS, In his role as Town Supervisor, John C. Urtz advocated for
and gained access to a portion of Oneida County sales tax revenues to
help fund necessary expenses; these revenues, coupled with careful
resource planning, supported 44 consecutive years of no town taxes; and
WHEREAS, Further, John C. Urtz was pivotal in the construction of a
new town hall on a reclaimed dumping site without taking on any debt
from the project; he also enhanced Lee Town Park through numerous
facilities improvements and youth programming; and
WHEREAS, John C. Urtz also supported securing new equipment for the
Town Highway and Volunteer Fire Departments; additionally, he
established a New York State Police substation within the town, further
demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the safety of the town's
citizenry while enhancing the overall quality of life for everyone under
his jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Lee, under John C. Urtz's able leadership, will
implement improvements to the water system to ensure continued safe
drinking water for 1,300 local households; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Town Supervisor, John C. Urtz has
continued to serve with loyalty, honor, and distinction, and has
consistently been governed by a keen sense of duty and has always shown
a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his beloved wife, Eileen, and
their family, Kelly Heffernan and her children, Samuel and Hayley
Heffernan; and Anastasia Urtz, J.D., her husband Louis Orbach, J.D., and
their son, Benjamin Orbach, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his fruitful life and rejoice in his numerous achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John C. Urtz upon the occasion of his 50 years of distinguished
service to the Town of Lee, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John C. Urtz.
