By Stefan Yablonski
“It’s impossible to imagine Oswego County without the influence and presence of Assemblyman Will Barclay.
His tenure is filled with tireless advocacy and impressive achievements, but I think most of all I’ve appreciated his enthusiasm for dialogue. It was always clear that he valued what the other person had to say, that he considered their thoughts and sought a middle ground when he had a different approach than them. That decency is invaluable in leadership. We thank him for his years of service and wish him the best in his next endeavor.”
— Brian Durant, President of Cayuga Community College
“I’m normally happy when a Republican leaves office, but Minority Leader Will Barclay is a distinct exception to that rule. In all seriousness, he has been a good friend and partner in government. Even when we disagreed on policy, I knew we could always work together with respect and collegiality. I wish him all the best.”
— NYS Assembly, Speaker Carl Heastie
“I’ve always admired how effective Will Barclay is in the Assembly, which is no small feat when working from the minority party in a tough, highly politicized Legislature with a strong downstate bias. His leadership and political skills were critical in securing Albany’s support for many local needs over the years, perhaps most notably the successful effort to save the FitzPatrick nuclear plant. During my 36 years in local government I’ve seen many elected public servants come and go and I can honestly say Will Barclay ranks very high among the best of them.”
— Philip Church, Oswego County Administrator
“Assemblyman Will Barclay has been a steady, respected voice for our community, our region and New York state for many years. Throughout his time in the Assembly, he has been known for his accessibility, his thoughtful approach to public service and his commitment to the people he represents.
Here in Oswego, we have valued his partnership on countless issues, from economic development and infrastructure to education and quality-of-life priorities. He has always been willing to listen, to collaborate and to advocate for the needs of our area. While his decision not to run for re-election marks the end of an important chapter in state leadership, his impact will continue to be felt across Central New York. I thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him and his family the very best in the years ahead.”
— Robert A. Corradino, Oswego Mayor
“As both a longtime family friend and constituent,
I congratulate Will on his decision to not seek re-election to the Assembly. He proudly represented Central New York for 23 years and has always been a responsive partner in the areas I served in economic development, higher education and banking. Best wishes to him and his family.”
— Pamela D. Caraccioli, President and CEO, Fulton Savings Bank
“Will Barclay has been an outstanding wonderful person. He served our district and New York state very well.”
— Tony Leotta, Former Oswego City Engineer
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Assemblyman Barclay for his many years of dedicated service and leadership in our community. His work has made a lasting and meaningful impact on those he has represented, particularly in a community where his family’s legacy is so deeply rooted. Seeing his family’s name at our legacy Community Health Center will continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the values of service, commitment and care that he carried forward throughout his tenure.
On behalf of ConnextCare, we offer our heartfelt appreciation for his dedication and leadership.
His contributions, both personal and professional, will be long remembered and we wish him continued success and fulfillment in the chapter ahead.”
— Tricia Peter-Clark, CEO at ConnextCare
“Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay has always been a true friend and valued supporter of our university. As a man whose family is rooted in serving Oswego County,
he understands what is best for the Laker families and the communities he has served.”
— SUNY Oswego, President Peter O. Nwosu
“I think it is a great loss. I have known Will all his life. It is nice to have somebody in the community that is connected like he is. He is great with constituent service. He has always retained his closeness to the everyday person in Pulaski. He and his wife eat out at local restaurants in town. Will has always been very, very approachable and very kind. He hasn’t forgot his roots here. We have always got along well; we disagree on things here and there. I have always had a close relation with their family. He’s been very supportive, even if we disagree. Generally, we don’t. Will is all about Pulaski; making things happen and keeping things going. They are very good people. We are glad we will nave him around more in the community, but we are all going to lose something with him not being in Albany anymore because he really was an asset to us all. If somebody needed something done at the state level, you just called Will.”
— Shawn Doyle, Former Oswego County legislator from Pulaski
“On behalf of Oswego Health, I extend our sincere gratitude to Assembly Leader Will Barclay for his more than two decades of dedicated public service. Since 2003,
Assemblyman Barclay has been a trusted friend and steadfast supporter of Oswego Health, helping to lead and advocate for the transformation of healthcare across our region. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy, and we thank him for the positive impact he has made on our community.”
— Michael C. Backus, President and CEO, Oswego Health
Read the cover story: What’s Next for NYS Assemblyman Will Barclay
