State Senator George Maziarz will not seek re-election in the upcoming 2014 election.
He made the announcement Sunday night. Maziarz has represented the 62nd district, which includes all of Niagara and Orleans counties and also the towns of Sweden and Ogden in Monroe County, for almost 20 years.
Maziarz, who is from Newfane in Niagara County, says he has been considering retirement for the last five years. He says as he geared up for another long campaign season, he realized he did not have the passion and commitment that he has had in the past to run again.
Maziarz also cited family obligations saying that his family has sacrificed enough for his public service through the years.
Maziarz will continue serving the rest of his term which ends December 31.
The full statement from Sen. Maziarz is below:
“It is no secret to my family and close friends that I have been considering retirement from the State Legislature for the last five years. And as I geared up for another long campaign season, I realized I just did not have the passion and commitment that I have had in the past to see it through.
“People will ask me why now and the simple answer is there is never the perfect time to step away. I had the honor of following the late John Daly into the State Senate. I remember him telling me when he left the Senate it was simply time for the next generation of leaders in the Legislature. After nearly two decades in office, I fully understand what he meant and feel that way today.
“My second daughter gets married this summer and that is a much bigger priority for me than another grueling campaign. My family has sacrificed enough for my public service through the years and I cannot ask for any more.
“To the people of Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties who I have had the pleasure to represent since 1995, I extend my heart felt appreciation for your continued support. I always told people that being your Senator was the greatest job in the world, one I dedicated myself to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accomplished great things and I did my best to help my constituents with any problem…big or small. Thank you for giving a kid from North Tonawanda the chance to fulfill his dream of serving in the State Senate.”
