His voice breaking and his eyes filled with tears, Greenport Village Mayor David Nyce bid an emotional farewell to the board and the public at his last meeting Monday night.
Nyce opted not to run again for his seat in the 2015 election; Deputy Mayor George Hubbard won the race last week and will be sworn in, along with new trustees Doug Roberts and Jack Martilotta, on April 6.
The journey for Nyce began eight years ago, when he bested Jamie Mills for the seat after former Mayor David Kapell decided not to throw his hat back into the proverbial ring.
The meeting began with a proclamation presented to Nyce from Hubbard and the board.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you for eight years, side by side,” Hubbard said, adding that he didn’t even know Nyce when they started and they’d worked well together.
“I’m touched. I’m choked up,” Nyce said.
After the meeting, Nyce took a moment to address the public. “It’s been am amazing eight years,” he said. “I’d like to thank the public,” he said. “When elected I promised three things: To be honest, to work hard, and to work hard. And I’ve done all three,” he said.
Nyce also thanked his wife, Jennifer Benton.
“My journey has been invigorating, infuriating, frustrating and absolutely amazing,” he said, adding the experience was one he never thought he’d have.
Rather than give advice to the future mayor and trustees, Nyce said the village would continue to move forward, as it always has, with new leaders at the helm; he wished them well.
Nyce also thanked Trustee David Murray, who lost his bid to retain his seat in the election last week, for his years of hard work and dedication.
And then, for the last time, Nyce made the motion to adjourn, handing the gavel to Hubbard.
