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“Richard’s been a real asset to the board,” Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy said at a recent board meeting. “He jumped in with both feet. He helped us get through various issues, not the least of which was emergency preparedness.”
“You made three promises when you took office,” board member Richard Clinchy said to Benedict. “You said you’d be an independent voice, that you’d use common sense and that you’d do what's in the best interest of the town. You made those promises and you kept, even exceeded, them.”
Benedict thanked the board and the citizenry for the opportunity to serve. “I got more from you than I’ve given,” he said. “I’m proud and grateful that you asked me to participate.”
Addressing remarks to Anthony Cirieco, who will take the seat in January, Benedict said, “Tony, you’ll have some humbling experiences, like when someone asks and you have to say no, or when you have to tell them something they don’t want to hear. But you’re going to encounter wonderful people, who are always ready to assist you. We’re the luckiest town around, because we have dedicated professionals serving on our boards, and we have wonderful employees as well.”
Benedict, who also serves on the condominium board and the society board at Heritage Hills, received a proclamation from the town for his community service. Murphy pointed out that his work at Heritage Hills has resulted in a great number of improvements, including a fitness center and the acquisition of the lake lodge.
Along with the proclamation, Benedict received two coffee mugs, compliments of the Somers Historical Society, and a small silver elephant.
Murphy concluded by saying, “I did take the opportunity to create a day for you. I proclaim Dec. 31, 2012, as ‘Richard Benedict Day.’ ”
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