By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
Manlius’ town board held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 18, using the gathering to bid farewell to three
long-serving councilors.
Councilor and deputy supervisor John Loeffler has occupied a spot of the board for a total of 25 years since
1992.
Richard Rossetti served on Manlius’ zoning board of appeals for one year before moving on to the planning
board for the next 10 years and then the town board for the following five.
Nicholas Marzola’s tenure as councilor will be ending after 18 years on the board.
Town Clerk Allison Weber said the three departing officials taught her the inner workings of local
government.
Fellow councilor Karen Green said the trio had a “profound impact” on the town and thanked them for their
patience and for being “gentlemen.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the town,” Rossetti said.
Loeffler said he appreciates those he has worked with in the town government over his years spent on the
board.
“I’m just so thankful,” Loeffler said. “It’s been a long time. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been really
rewarding.”
Marzola said he first became impressed by the process of running for office after his uncle Thomas was
elected in Glens Falls.
Marzola, who also served as a Village of Manlius trustee beforehand, said an individual can bring value to a
community through their service.
“It has been an honor,” he said.
Onondaga County Legislature Chairman David Knapp stepped to the podium in the town court room,
addressing Loeffler, Rossetti and Marzola.
“Being an elected official is not easy,” Knapp said. “It’s very, very difficult at any level, and I have the utmost
respect for anybody who is willing to put themselves out there in the public arena and go through what we go
through.”
He said elected officials put themselves out in the world to be spoken to by constituents with regards to a
range of topics at various places such as grocery stores or football games.
Kevin Holmquist, the county legislator for the 10th district, also spoke at the meeting.
“There’s so many things that the three of you have contributed to the town of Manlius,” Holmquist said.
“There’s no way to put that in a short speech or even a long speech.”
He said Loeffler, Rossetti and Marzola have been responsible for successes on the town’s financial side,
owing to “hundreds and hundreds of hours of work.”
Town Supervisor Ed Theobald handed proclamations to the three councilors, each of whom has lived in
Manlius for over 30 years.
“Thank you for all the dedicated service that you’ve given to us,” Theobald said.
