Mayor Steve Brescia, after serving over 33 years for the Village of Montgomery, announced at the village’s December 19 meeting that he would officially resign as mayor on December 31 as he transitions to his new role as town supervisor. Before he left, however, numerous local and state officials expressed their respect and gratitude for Brescia’s legacy and impact on everyone in the community.

Darlene Andolsek, the village’s deputy mayor, presented a plaque to Brescia commemorating his services to the community over the past 3 decades.
“The Village of Montgomery presents to L. Steven Brescia, in recognition and appreciation for 37 years of dedicated service, 34 as mayor to the Village of Montgomery and its residents. We will miss you,” Andolsek said.

State Senator Rob Rolison and State Assemblyman Brian Maher presented a proclamation to Brescia and commended his leadership, wisdom and passion as mayor.

“In my time in this office and seeing this great village, you have done one remarkable job as this mayor and you deserve all of our admiration,” Rolison said. “Congratulations on your new role as supervisor. You get to bring all of your knowledge and your other positions, still in the same community, still with the same drive and desire.”

“You are part of that cloth of elected leaders that I got to witness over the last several decades that helped allow me to be in the position that I’m in today,” Maher said. “You didn’t just work with me, you didn’t just answer the phone, you gave me guidance.”
Kathy Barnett, a member of the Orange County Office of Aging, handed Brescia an award and thanked him for the work he’s done for seniors in the village and county.

“We’d like to present you with this outstanding award for your dedication to the Village of Montgomery seniors and also the Orange County as a whole,” Barnett said. “We appreciate everything you’ve done and we know you’re going to do a great job as supervisor.”

Paul Arteta, Orange County Sheriff, complimented Brescia for his collaboration with first responders and for ensuring the village residents’ safety. Members of the Montgomery Fire Department, including First Assistant Chief Robert Reynolds Jr., shared Arteta’s sentiment.

“I can honestly say this is probably one of the best villages in Orange County, New York State, probably in the nation, safety-wise. This guy here, Steve, cares about the police, the fire department, EMS. He takes care of all of our folks throughout the county,” Arteta said. “We wouldn’t have the contracts we have today without the help of Steve. He’s just a great man.”

“For the years that I’ve known Steve, it’s boots on the ground, hard worker. Steve, you did a short stint as an active firefighter before my time, but I did see a dedication that your family had,” Reynolds said. “Anything we’ve needed, you’ve done it for us.”

Ronald Feller, the town supervisor, gave Brescia a certificate and spoke about some of his achievements, including Brescia’s management of public works and his support for veterans.

“We have so much stuff that Steve has initiated. In my 50 years of being up here, I can’t say thank you enough for me and my family,” Feller said.

Feller also recounted a story from when he was 45 and Brescia was 30; after a night at Copperfield’s Pub, Feller challenged Brescia to a football-throwing contest at 2 a.m. To Feller’s dismay, Brescia proved to have the stronger arms.

“Much to my chagrin, Steve’s throwing the football farther than I am,” he remarked, prompting a chuckle from the room.

Grady Schenck, the first commander of American Legion Post 521, thanked Brescia for his dedication to veterans and the village’s multiple events honoring them every year.

“I’ve seen people line the streets for parades, standing quietly for memorial services, and attend special events to show that our veterans are appreciated,” Schenck said. “At the center of this team is our mayor, Steve Brescia, who has spent years working for Montgomery. My commander, Mark Merring, and I would like to thank you Steve for your vision and commitment which has made it possible for this team to make our village something to be truly proud of.”

Stacey Brescia, Steven’s sister, and Deborah Delgado, assistant clerk-treasurer, played two videos they assembled that featured Brescia throughout his entire career, including a few childhood photos.

Brescia, who became teary-eyed following all the speakers, thanked the community for the love and appreciation and highlighted various individuals for helping the village run smoothly. He asserted that, despite moving on as the town’s new supervisor, he is not going anywhere.

“This is overwhelming, I’m really taken aback by the overwhelming support here and the friendship and the love,” he said. “I’m not retiring, I’m still going to be around.”

Brescia also confirmed that he would officially resign from his position as mayor on Sunday, December 31 near midnight, and wished everyone the best moving forward.