At the conclusion of the 2008 legislation session I announced I would not seek re-election this fall because, after 32 years of public service, I wanted to move on with my life, give my constituents an opportunity for new representation, and my colleagues in the Senate an opportunity for new leadership. Today I am announcing that I will leave the Senate, effective Friday, July 18th. I believe this is the right time to move forward for several reasons.

Over the past few weeks I have made several major economic development announcements of projects that I have been working on for some time -- today’s historic announcement with IBM at the nanotechnology center at UAlbany; Momentive bringing its worldwide headquarters to Rensselaer County; the expansion of biomedical research at UAlbany’s East Campus in East Greenbush; a new neonatal care unit at Albany Medical Center and the new rail terminal in Mechanicville.

As a businessman, job creation was my top priority and I’m proud that these new projects are in place to build on our economic successes in the Capital Region and boost the economy of all of Upstate New York. I’ve always enjoyed telling everyone to “stay tuned,” but it’s the people in the business community, our leaders in higher education and my partners in government that have played such important roles in making these projects and announcements possible.

I have been very fortunate to be able to work with so many talented and dedicated people during my career. I want to thank Governor David Paterson for his leadership and his friendship. I also want to thank Assembly Speaker Silver and Minority Leaders Malcolm Smith and Jim Tedisco for their friendship. We were able to partner together, set aside our differences and tackle so many tough issues. I also want to thank all of my staff that have worked so hard and so many hours to support me and make me look good.

And, most importantly, I want to thank the members of the Senate Majority Conference and all the members of the Senate for their friendship and support for so many years. The transition of Senate leadership to the new Majority Leader, Senator Dean Skelos, has been a tremendous success. Senator Skelos is off to very strong start, traveling all over the state meeting with community leaders, and he will do an outstanding job leading the Senate Majority now, and in the future.

Now I will bring my time in public service to a conclusion. I have no regrets because this has been a great trip and it is time for me to ride off into the sunset.