UNANIMOUS RESOLUTIONS PASSED

Clark, Koutnik, Shannon

Praised At Final Meeting

COOPERSTOWN — In its final meeting of the year, the Otsego County Board of Representatives today bid farewell to three of its members in unanimous resolutions:

•  Kathy Clark, R-Otego, former board chairman, was praised for “sincere effort … to represent the county’s best interests,” and — as the first woman to chair the board — “an important role model for young women and girls.”  She served six terms, or 12 years.

•  Gary Koutnik, D-Oneonta, the current vice chairman, was thanked for his “diligent commitment and sincere interest” as six-year chair of the Human Services Committee, and also for “advocating for the protection and preservation of the environment.”  He served four terms, or eight years.

•  Liz Shannon, D-Oneonta, who served one term, was remembered for “her infectious laugh that echoed throughout the County Office Building.”

They will be succeeded Jan. 1 by Rick Brockway, Clark Oliver and Jill Basile respectively.