Remembering former Assemblyman Bob Nortz

Remembrances are pouring in for former North County Assemblyman Bob Nortz, a fixture in Lewis and Jefferson County for years serving from 1976 until 2002. He died in Sarasota Florida following a brief illness.

He last ran successfully against Darrel Aubertine in 2000.

Here’s state Sen. Aubertine’s statement: “I’d like to express my deepest condolences to his wife Beverly and his family. He will be missed.”

And here’s 7 News WWNY-TV’s write-up:

Nortz, a native of Lewis County, represented Lewis and Jefferson counties for most of his career.

Late in his tenure, Democrats who controlled the state assembly redrew the lines of his district, cutting out Lewis County.

Nortz, who owned property in Cape Vincent, was able to hold onto the seat, narrowly beating Darrel Aubertine in his last election in 2000.

And here’s a remembrance from Rep. John McHugh:

“The North Country lost a great man and public servant today with the death of Bob Nortz. What most of us will remember about Bob was his great attitude and his terrific sense of humor. And, Bob backed that up with an unparalleled passion for service to the people of the North Country. Over the two and a half decades that Bob served in the State Assembly, he led the North Country through some tumultuous times and, without fail, always put the interests of New Yorkers first.

“Bob was one of my first mentors when I entered politics as a State Senate staffer in Albany, and he set the example as to the right reasons to enter politics. Bob cared about people as individuals, and had so much to give – which is what made him such a special man and dedicated servant to the North Country.”

“At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Beverly and his three sons.”