Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno Passes Away At 91
by Doug La Rocque
The death of one of the most powerful political figures Rensselaer County has ever known was announced by his spokesperson Kris Thompson on Wednesday morning, October 7. The former Bulson Road resident served as the State Senate’s Majority Leader from 1994 to 2008. He was first elected in 1976 when the now 43rd Senate District encompassed both Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. Senator Bruno had been suffering from prostate cancer.
While serving as Majority Leader, he was one of the triumvirate known as “three men in a room,” which hammered out the state budgets in that era, along with then Governor George Pataki and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Senator Bruno was a champion for his district, a strong supporter of the Saratoga Race Course and a horseman himself, known for often riding one of his steeds in the many area parades he took part in. He also obtained many grants for organizations within his district, including one that kept the former Grafton Elementary School open for another year, when the Berlin School District announced it was closing the school because of budget and enrollment constraints. That school is now home to The Eastwick Press.
While often fiercely battling former Governor Elliot Spitzer, Senator Bruno had excellent relations with Governor David Patterson, who succeeded Governor Spitzer after he resigned office in conjunction with a prostitution scandal. Senator Bruno was no stranger to corruption charges himself, having been indicted by the federal government in 2009. He was convicted, but that conviction was later vacated. He was acquitted of a fraud indictment in 2014.
Reaction To His Death
State Senator Daphne Jordan currently represents the 43rd district. She released a statement on Wednesday that said “the Capital Region is heartbroken upon learning of the passing of my dear friend, our dear friend, former New York State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. Senator Bruno was a true lion of the Senate, an incredible leader, public servant, father, fighter, and friend, always working for the betterment of our Upstate region and the entire state. I send my thoughts and prayers to Senator Bruno’s loved ones during this difficult time. Upstate, and our Capital Region, in particular, are forever grateful for Senator Bruno’s principled leadership that touched and improved countless lives and communities. Senator Joe Bruno is forever the Capital Region’s undefeated champion, his legacy of service, vision, and record of achievement – from Global Foundries, to Rensselaer rail station, to The Joe (the baseball stadium located at Hudson Valley Community College) – will live on for generations. God bless the memory of this great man who so faithfully served his community, state, and nation.”
Former Rensselaer County Assemblyman Pat Casale told The Eastwick Press it was a pleasure to serve along side Senator Bruno for so many years and that he was able to work well him to push legislation and obtain grants that benefitted the people of their districts. The former lawmaker also said he respected the Senator for never losing focus on the things that were important to his constituents, even as he rose to be one of the most powerful people in state government.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin said “Joe Bruno was an absolute giant who provided years of historic and outstanding leadership. His contributions to Rensselaer County and upstate as an elected official have never been equaled.”
“From high-tech developments that created thousands of jobs to improvements at Hudson Valley Community College that gave so many students a better life, Joe Bruno was there with resources, leadership and support. He provided funding for countless community projects that had long been forgotten or ignored. Projects like firehouses, ball fields, parks, schools, community organizations and so many others, Joe Bruno was there and a positive and invaluable force for our area.”
“His leadership made our county and our region more prosperous, better educated, more modern, safer and healthier. Joe Bruno’s legacy and record of service is enormous, and it is impossible to imagine what our area would look like without his contributions and leadership.”
“Joe Bruno touched countless lives and made a difference with his work and leadership in ways that we are still calculating. It is not possible to imagine our area without his contributions.”
“I will remember Joe Bruno for his optimism, can-do spirit and willingness to take on new challenges. He greeted every day as a day of opportunity and with a hopeful spirit. God bless his many friends, family and admirers as they deal with this enormous loss.
“Brunswick Town Supervisor Phil Herrington knew him as a senator of course, but more importantly, as a nearby neighbor. He says that is how he will remember the man, most around the county, simply referred to as “Uncle Joe.” Senator Bruno was a Korean War veteran and U.S. Army champion boxer.
As of press time, funeral arrangements had not been announced.