Lieutenant Governor Mary Anne Krupsak stands behind Gov. Hugh Carey as he gives the State of the State Address in the Capitol's Assembly chamber on Jan. 4, 1978.

In memory of Mary Anne Krupsak, an extraordinary woman ahead of her time who raised expectations for women in New York politics, and whose eloquence and considerable political skills during her tenure as lieutenant governor and beyond made this state of ours a better place to live.

In short, a politician, and later a dedicated-to-public-service ordinary citizen, who made a significant positive difference. A rarity, and worth a monument. Sadly, she never quite got the credit she deserved.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

As Mike Nozzolio, a retired Republican state senator, noted at her funeral Mass last week in Geneva, we need to remember who she was and what she did. A theme amplified by state comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who at 18 was a volunteer in Krupsak’s shoebox gubernatorial campaign in 1978. She lost in a landslide. To fellow Democrat Hugh Carey, who four years earlier was her partner in taking down 16 years of Republican leadership. Krupsak felt deeply disrespected by Carey during their tenure, so she split.

The mid-1970s were anxious times in state and national politics. Believe it or not, even more so than today. About the time Krupsak was whipping party choice Mario Cuomo in a primary battle, Richard Nixon was resigning as........

© Times Union