State, local officials react to Sen. Bruno's decision to retire

News of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's decision to retire from public life is still sending shock waves throughout the capitol, where he wielded enormous power as the state's top senator.

Bruno first made the announcement to a Republican conference in a closed-door meeting Monday, and most of Bruno's colleagues who spoke to the media Monday and Tuesday seemed equally stunned by his decision, particularly because the senator had been going through the motions of petitioning to stay on the ballot for this year's 43rd district election.

As the Republican conference moved quickly to decide on Bruno's replacements, both in his Senate position and as the Majority Leader, reaction came just as swiftly from his colleagues in the capitol.

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER

"Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's decision not to seek re-election marks the end of an era for the Legislature and for the Capital District.

Senator Bruno is and will always be remembered as a fierce and devoted advocate for upstate New York; most especially for his beloved Rensselaer County and for the entire Saratoga/Capital Region.

It has been my privilege to know the Senator and to work with him on numerous  issues of importance to the State of New York and to its diverse citizenry.  Over the course of our countless discussions, negotiations and debates, Senator Bruno has been the model of dignity and fortitude, wisdom and dedication.

Although we experienced our share of disagreements, I always recognized and appreciated the Senator's unwavering commitment to public service.

Politics aside, it has also been my privilege to know Senator Bruno as a friend.  I have always admired and appreciated his warmth, his generosity and his love of family.  I will miss our daily conversations almost as much as I will miss the golf lessons I have given him each summer.

I know that I speak for all of the members of the Assembly when I say that Senator Bruno's no nonsense manner and spontaneous wit will certainly be missed in the Capitol.

I join all of my colleagues in wishing Senator Joe Bruno the very best in all of his future endeavors."

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER JAMES TEDISCO

"Today's announcement from Senate Republican Majority Leader Joe Bruno that he will not seek re-election this fall will be met with many heavy hearts among his Members and amongst our own Assembly Republican Conference.  Throughout his successful and historic tenure of public service, Joe Bruno has been a true leader for a better New York State and a tireless advocate for our entire Capital District.  Joe Bruno's leadership helped transform New York State and he will forever be remembered as a true statesman who always put the best interests of good government and the people he served first, foremost and always.  I have had the pleasure of working in close partnership with my good friend and colleague Joe Bruno for many years and, like so many, I have seen firsthand the positive difference his dedicated advocacy has meant to our community.  Joe Bruno has a fighter's heart, an intellect's mind and a New Yorker's belief in the hopeful promise of tomorrow.  There can be no doubt that our state - and our Capital District community - is the better for Joe Bruno's leadership as he fought the good fight for a safer, stronger New York."

STATE COMPTROLLER THOMAS DINAPOLI

"Senator Bruno is more than a legend. His personal warmth and political toughness make him one of the most successful -- and interesting -- political figures in New York state history. They say no one is irreplaceable, but I'm not sure we'll ever see another Joe Bruno.  
 
I wish him the very best retirement -- he's earned it. And I look forward to continuing to work with the State Senate to bring more open, transparent government to New York."  

CONGRESSMAN MIKE MCNULTY (21st DISTRICT)

"I have worked with Senator Bruno throughout his 32 years in office.

Joe has made enormous contributions to the people of the State of New York--especially those who live in the Capital Region.

I am grateful for both our professional relationship and our personal friendship, and I extend my best wishes to Joe and all the members of the Bruno family."

RPI PRESIDENT SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON

"Senator Bruno has been a trusted friend to me, to Rensselaer, and to the region. He has a keen understanding of the value of harnessing the power of scientific and technological discovery and innovation to fuel the economy of the region, and the state.  He is a one-of-a-kind public servant, and we will miss his leadership. We cannot thank him enough."