Senator Michael Nozzolio To Retire, Will Not Seek Reelection

Senator Michael Nozzolio has announced he will not seek reelection, as he plans to retire before the end of the year. In an official statement, which was posted on the New York State Senate website, Nozzolio explained he will be undergoing open heart surgery “within the next few months.”

In 2009, Michael’s brother died of heart failure. Over the last eight years, the senator has been specifically vigilant about his heart health — working closely with his primary care physician and a cardiologist.

In recent months, Nozzolio was diagnosed with several “faulty heart valves.” Although the valves can be replaced, the senator will require open heart surgery. In his statement, the senator said the surgery will be performed “within the next few months.”

Michael said recovery could take more than five months. Due to the “serious nature of this surgery” and the expected period of recuperation, Senator Michael Nozzolio confirmed he will not seek reelection. He also confirmed he will be retiring from the New York State Senate.

As discussed in his New York state Senate biography, Nozzolio is native of Seneca Falls, New York.

Following high school, Michael attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Agricultural Economics. He later attended the Syracuse University College of Law, where he earned Juris Doctor degree.

The senator also served as a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Officer in the United States Naval Reserve and remains a commander in New York’s distinguished Naval Militia.

Photo provided by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio’s office: Nozzolio meets with four Auburn firefighters. pic.twitter.com/6wB4xhnRR6

— Robert Harding (@RobertHarding) May 13, 2015

Michael Nozzolio’s political career began in 1983, when he was elected to represent the 128th district in the New York State Assembly. After serving in the Assembly for nine years, he was elected to represent the 53rd district in the New York State Senate.

Nozzolio remained on the New York State Senate for a total of 23 years. In addition to representing the 53rd and 54th districts, he was appointed to the positions of Chairman of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime, and Corrections, Chairman of the Committee on Codes, and Chairman of the Senate’s Budget Subcommittee on Public Protection — which he currently holds.

Throughout his career, Senator Michael Nozzolio received numerous distinguished awards and honors. Most recently, he was honored with an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Daily Messenger reports the senator was chosen for the award for “his efforts to establish the Agricultural and Food Technology Park and the Finger Lakes Viticulture Center and improvements to the Geneva Experiment Station campus, including the construction of new greenhouses and the addition of a Hyperbaric 55 high-pressure machine.”

Fewer than two weeks ago, Nozzolio was reappointed Chairman of the New York Senate’s Budget Subcommittee on Public Protection. During his acceptance speech, the senator said he will continue providing support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and first responders.

Regarding Senator Michael Nozzolio and the @NYSenate. #SD54 #FLX pic.twitter.com/bGaFpGd64D

— Bruce Sherman (@BruceDSherman) February 2, 2016

AuburnPub.com reports the first subcommittee hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 4.

In his official statement, Senator Michael Nozzolio thanked the residents of the Finger Lakes for their ongoing support over the last 31 years. He also thanked his staff and specifically mentioned Joan Grela and Meagan Fitzgerald for their “excellent service.”

Michael also offered heartfelt thanks to his wife Rosemary.

“… for her many sacrifices and steadfast support throughout my many years of public service. Never seeking the limelight for herself, she has given much more to me throughout the years than I could ever repay. She has always been a pillar of strength and I am very fortunate to have her by my side.”

Senator Michael Nozzolio’s decision to retire was obviously not taken lightly. However, as he will undergo open heart surgery, and will be in recovery for many months, he felt it was the best decision for everyone involved.

[Image via Facebook]