To the Editor:

In the Spring of 2010, I moved to Watertown to work on Patty Ritchie’s campaign for the New York State Senate. She won, and then she took a chance on hiring me. After nearly 8 years on Senator Ritchie’s staff, I learned a lot.

Professionally, she taught me what it means to have patience; even if I don’t always show it. She led through her example; rising above the fray and being the bigger person when issues are of little consequence but at the same time, she’s inspired me when taking the fight to the mat for her constituents.

Personally, she taught me no matter how busy you are, there’s always enough time to show up for a funeral, a birthday, or to the hospital when a friend is sick.

She’s easy to work for because Senator Ritchie leads by example. She’s the first one to work every day and the last one home. She works hard for her constituents day in and day out and remembers that customer service is the number one priority.

Senator Ritchie taught me sometimes you catch more flies with honey but on other occasions it’s your job to fight the system with all your might because the bureaucracy can ignore common sense.

St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Oswego Counties are very fortunate to have her advocacy in State government. She sets the example for what an elected official should be and it was my distinct honor to work for her, learn from her, and serve the people she represents. I will certainly miss the great team Senator Ritchie’s assembled; her staff is top-notch and acts like a second family.

I write to the editor to share with the reader that aside from policy-making and playing a critical role in the checks and balances of our democracy, state legislators are employers as well. Senator Ritchie was a great boss.

Mark C. Walczyk

Watertown