Archive: Around Town

The Legislature, by unanimous vote, recognized the “extraordinary contributions” and expressed its “sincere appreciation” to long-time legislator and Chair Harris B. Dates, who died September 26. 

Mr. Dates, who always called himself just a “Country Boy from Lansing,” served the County for 29 years—first on the old County Board of Supervisor, then became the first Chair of the new Board of Representatives (now the County Legislature) in 1970, serving as Chair for a total of nine years, until his retirement in 1986.  The resolution of appreciation, advanced by Legislator Frank Proto, the only member of the current Legislature  to serve under Mr. Dates’ leadership, recognizes Mr. Dates as “having a profound and positive impact” on the community, which benefited both county residents and County government.

Among those many accomplishments—establishment of Tompkins Cortland Community College, transition of the old Tompkins County Hospital (now Cayuga Medical Center) to private, non-profit status and its building of new facilities, a new jail, a County library, service on the Tompkins County Area Development board leading to development of the Cornell Research Park, establishing 25 new County departments, laying the groundwork for a new airport terminal, consolidation of Solid Waste facilities, restoring the Tompkins County Arts Council, and work with the Chamber of Commerce.

The resolution notes that Mr. Dates “willingly gave of his time to oversee transition (to the Board of Representatives), while encouraging those serving with him to stay the course, always remaining the gentleman statesman he was, knowing he had the generous support of his family.”

Director of Emergency Response Lee Shurtleff, who served as a high school intern with the Board of Representatives, said he is one of the many Mr. Dates inspired to become involved in public service and county government.  He said the resolution does not just memorialize Harris Dates, but serves as a tribute to what public service is all about.

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