Former Congressman Maurice Hinchey Dies

SAUGERTIES – His first bid for public office, a run for the Assembly in 1972, was not successful, running as a Democrat in heavily-Republican Ulster County.  He tried again two years later, and won.

He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, and was elected to succeed retiring Matthew McHugh.  He remained in Congress until 2012, when he announced his retirement.

A leading progressive voice in the state Legislature and Congress, he focused particularly on the environment and education and earned a reputation as a hard-working and effective advocate for the middle class.

As a state Assemblymember, Hinchey was instrumental in creating the Hudson River Valley Greenway in 1991, and in 1996, after his election to the U.S. Congress, he sponsored legislation to create the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. These programs encourage the preservation of our region’s resources while also supporting responsible commercial development.

Hinchey worked to position upstate New York as a leader in the clean energy revolution. He helped establish a number of sustainable start-ups, such as The Solar Energy Consortium (T-SEC) in New Windsor, N.Y., which has created numerous opportunities for SUNY New Paltz students to collaborate with solar industry experts.

He was instrumental in achieving advances for the recycling movement, as an early supporter of original Bottle Bill, which created the first bottle and can deposit to incentivize recycling behavior.

As Chair of the state Environmental Conservation Committee, Hinchey led the investigation into the toxic waste contamination in the western New York community of Love Canal. The investigation helped change the way the nation deals with toxic industrial waste.

He fought to hold General Electric accountable for cleaning up 1.3 million pounds of PCBs they had deposited into the Hudson River.

Hinchey also led broader efforts to prevent abusive corporate practices, and strongly supported tax cuts for middle class families and small businesses.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Hinchey also supported the vast network of rail trails that link communities, generate tourism and encourage people to enjoy the Hudson Valley’s abundant natural recreational opportunities.

Hinchey survived one bout with colon cancer in 2011.  Earlier this year, it was revealed that he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and the condition was terminal.

He is survived by his wife, Ilene and three adult children.

The funeral will be held on Nov. 29 at St. John the Evangelical Church at 10 am.