Patricia McGee

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Sen. McGee with Rep. Randy Kuhl

Patricia K. "Pat" McGee (born October 12, 1934, died April 4, 2005) was a longtime New York State Assemblywoman and Senator from Franklinville, New York.

[edit] Political career

McGee was a registered Republican for her entire political career, and was frequently cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party of New York.

Prior to her foray into politics, McGee worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at Franklinville Central School and the Olean campus of Jamestown Community College.

McGee's political career began in 1978 as she was elected to the Cattaraugus County Legislature, where she served for 10 years, and served as that county's first female majority leader.

In 1988, McGee was elected to the New York State Assembly, where she served on many committees. In 1998, she was tapped to replace Jess Present, who had recently died, in the New York State Senate. Moving to the Republican-dominated Senate led to McGee earning the title of chairperson on the Agriculture Committee, the Commission on Rural Resources and the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, as well as serving prominently on numerous other committees.

[edit] Death and legacy

On April 4, 2005, McGee died at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Kenmore, New York due to pulmonary fibrosis.

To this day, McGee is seen in a high regard as a New York State politician, and her status in Cattaraugus County borders on legendary. The Pat McGee Trail, the cornerstone of Cattaraugus County's trail system built on 12 miles of abandoned railbed from Cattaraugus, New York to Salamanca, New York, bears her name.

McGee was succeeded in the State Senate by Catharine Young.

[edit] External link

Article from the Olean Times Herald on McGee's passing
Senator McGee's Web site, right after her death via the Internet Archive

Preceded by unknown	New York State Assembly 149th District 1988–1998	Succeeded by Catharine Young
Preceded by Jess Present	New York State Senate 57th District 1998–2005	Succeeded by Catharine Young