What do you do when you lose something dear to your heart, like when your world falls apart after losing a long-time partner and best friend? For many people, it means rechecking personal priorities and rethinking past actions, with a focus centered on the self, albeit justifiably. But in rare instances, when a person’s character is defined by earnest giving, like that of a career nurse, it demands getting back up on your feet and returning to duty, despite it all.

New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther is someone who was born with that kindly, earnest character, and made it a point to live a life like that, even when things got tough after the loss of her husband and sitting Assemblyman Jacob “Jake” Gunther III in 2003. When she answered the call to take over from where her late husband left off and took on the responsibility of being the voice of over 134,000 people in the midst of personal loss, she embodies a level of love for a community that could only be matched by a soul burning with passion. 

And that passion was unmistakable; showing its vibrant colors both in Albany and out in the community. However, devotion alone was not enough for a reward for Aileen to be satisfied with her cause, as throughout her political service, she brought millions of dollars from New York’s capital back to her home county by advocating for our needs. 

This decades-long success in the political sphere was built on mutual admiration and respect for the direction taken in those circumstances and even further beyond. Over the past 21 years, she has proven herself to possess a charisma and sway as a politician and as a person, a powerful combination that Aileen wielded as a sword to champion her community to success, benefiting her constituents. 

But in just a few short weeks, the Assemblywoman will lay down that sword, passing on the duty of democracy to Assemblywoman-elect, Paula Elaine Kay. In this moment of transition of power, we want to thank Aileen directly for her years of service us – Jake would undoubtedly be beyond elated to know that your tenure, laden with talent and truth, resulted in the betterment of the livelihood of your constituents. 

Enjoy your restful retirement, We’re sure your smile won’t go too far away from the home you’ve built – but if you do venture off, give the world Sullivan County’s best, just as you’ve done so faithfully for so long in Albany.