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Rochester Democrats reflect on Obama's years in office

Members of various organizations including the Monroe County Democratic Committee and Rochester for Obama gathered to watch the President’s farewell speech and take a look back at his work during the last eight years.

Ken Preston is the founder of Rochester for Obama and said he’s been working and campaigning since the beginning.

"All this time since the president became president we've been making calls, knocking on doors, anything to get his points out to the public."

Preston said it’s sad to see Obama leave office, but that he is grateful he got to work on such a historical campaign. He also said it was important for him to watch how support for the president spanned generations.

"So many young people and older people as well, actively involved in working for him. It’s just something that will last me a lifetime. I don’t think I’ll do anything on a higher public scale than what I’ve done the last 9 years. I’m satisfied. I can die now and go to heaven and I’ll be happy."

Jamie Romeo is the chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee and said volunteers and community organizers were especially important during Obama’s presidency.

"Being active and talking at the very basic level to friends and neighbors about politics and government and the decisions that are getting made."

Preston agreed, thanking the volunteers who worked with Rochester for Obama over the years, and said its sad to see the president go, but he'll carry the memories of this work with him.

"It’s just a wonderful thing, you know all the memorabilia I have, my great, great, great, great, grandchildren will be able to see that."