With flowers and speeches, the Erie County Legislature Thursday went through one of the annual rituals of elective politics, saying goodby to departing members. WBFO was there as Legislators Betty Jean Grant and Ted Morton attended their final meetings.
Morton left after two terms because of a defeat in November, while Grant is leaving because she decided not to seek another term.
Grant has perhaps the most unique resume in local politics: member of the Legislature, the Common Council and Buffalo School Board, as well as Buffalo mayoral candidate and co-owner of Grant Variety Shoppe on the city's East Side.
The departing legislator said she isn't retiring from activism, just from elective office.
"I tried to be as fair-minded as I could," Grant said. "I tried to recognize the other voices here, who belong on this side of the aisle or the other and I hope that when I was chairperson and minority leader, I exemplified the inclusiveness of this body because we are one body."
Legislator Kevin Hardwick pointed out that Grant started the Citizen of the Month honor, which is now a monthly event.
Morton thanked members for helping him as a new member, four years ago.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues on this side of the aisle, for welcoming me four years ago," Morton said, "and it has been my honor and privilege to work with everyone here and to represent the people of the Eighth District."
Hardwick pointed out for Morton that the retiring legislator had donated a kidney to help out a person in need.
