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By DENISE RAYMO
MALONE — Franklin County Legislator Earl Lavoie announced Thursday he will not run for re-election this fall.
Lavoie, a Democrat who has served in Legislative District 4 (Malone) since 1998, said he had been thinking about walking away "for a couple of months" and that after speaking with his family decided 50 years in public service was enough.
His colleagues were quick to offer their thoughts about his departure and praise him for his years of service, as a legislator, as chairman of the Finance Committee and as chair of the County Legislature.
"I'm sad to hear it because you've been a valuable member of the Franklin County Board of Legislature," said Timothy Burpoe (D-Saranac Lake), calling Lavoie the best legislature chairman the county has had.
Legislator Daniel Crippen (D-Burke) thanked Lavoie for being a mentor and joked that the announcement will give Lavoie more time to work on his golf game.
Legislator Paul Maroun (R-Tupper Lake) said he became good friends with Lavoie, having served together a number of years.
"Earl is really a gentleman, and when he gives you his word, that's it," Maroun said. "I've enjoyed working with Earl on the Finance Committee, both when he was chairman and I was chairman, and I'm really going to miss him.
"I know there comes a time in everyone's life when they want to retire, and he served the people of Malone and Franklin County well. I think the people of Malone are going to be hard pressed to find someone to replace Earl Lavoie."
"I hope I've done my job," Lavoie said, adding that even though he won't be a candidate for re-election, "I will do my utmost until Dec. 31st."
E-mail Denise A. Raymo at: draymo@pressrepublican.com
