Marasco resigns from Legislature; cites declining health

Freshman Niagara County Legislator Ric Marasco, D-Niagara Falls, resigned from the Niagara County Legislature today, citing health issues.

The resignation, in a letter dated Oct. 5 that was mailed to Legislature Chairman William L. Ross, becomes effective immediately.

The freshman lawmaker, who was a teacher in the Niagara Falls school system, offered kind words for former colleagues.

"Working with such talented colleagues has been an experience I will forever treasure," Marasco wrote of his 18 peers in the Legislature. "I will truly miss seeing all of you on a regular basis."

Marasco also thanked colleagues for making him feel welcome in the deliberative body as a first-term lawmaker and teaching him the ins and outs of the lawmaking process.

"My heartfelt thanks and appreciation are extended to my colleagues for their assistance in my first term on the Legislature," Marasco said. "Their help has been invaluable."

Ross said he was saddened by Marasco's departure.

"I speak for all of my colleagues when I wish Ric Marasco well and offer my prayers for his recovery," Ross said. "I appreciate his willingness to work for our community, and I know many of us will miss his spirited exchanges in the chamber."

Marasco offered a word of thanks to his former constituents, and asked that they "keep me in their thoughts and prayers."

"I would like to thank my constituents in the 1st Legislative District for putting their faith and trust in me during the November 2009 election."

The 1st Legislative District includes the DeVeaux neighborhood and much of downtown Niagara Falls.