Bergen's Mayor LeSage responsible
for many projects during his tenure

Bergen's Mayor Thomas LeSage will long be remembered for his community spirit, compassion and love of his village. "Tom didn't go into the job of mayor thinking he was going to make wholesale changes," Roy Hill, long-time friend of LeSage said. "He always had the community at heart -- he loved this place."

LeSage, 62, succumbed to cancer Thursday, March 18, 2004 at his home. He had been battling the disease for several months. He was born February 16, 1942 and owned and operated Tom LeSage's Service Station for about 30 years. The shop was located at Routes 19 and 33 prior to a move into the village.

Following unsuccessful runs for the mayoral seat in 1994 and 1998, LeSage was elected in 2002, garnering more than double the vote count of the incumbent. While LeSage may not have had political experience, his gregarious nature made him a natural when it came to working for the public as their mayor. "He always tried to respond directly to the residents who elected him," Tracy Jong, village administrator said. "He often personally spoke with residents to hear their complaints in order to see what the village could do to remedy their situation."

Jong remembers that Mayor LeSage always made informed decisions. "He sought out the advice and knowledge of others when needed to make critical decisions," she said. "He was not confined to traditional government resources, often drawing upon the experiences of his associates in the private business world."

The practical approach was usually the path that LeSage sought, Jong said. "He always wanted to know why it was done a particular way and was not restricted by the way things had always been done," she explained. "We often heard, 'doesn't it make more sense to do it this way?' "

Creating holiday spirit within the downtown business community was another of LeSage's projects. He worked with the Triangle Club to generate holiday cheer by having the village provide a cash prize for the best holiday light display.

Chris Fay, a village public works employee, remembers the mayor as approachable, fair and flexible. "Mayor LeSage always had an open door policy and took a personal interest in his public works employees," Fay said. "He regularly joined the men for coffee or lunch and kept the lines of communication open. The mayor always said what was on his mind but he was compassionate and humble -- willing to learn and admit if he made a mistake."

The mayor's career brought many accomplishments. Mayor Thomas LeSage was elected on March 19, 2002 and took his oath of office on April 1, 2002. During his tenure as mayor, the Village of Bergen: completed the construction of 6.5 mile 34.5kV transmission line along West Sweden Road; internalized local street maintenance with village crews and equipment; completed the construction of a second 4160kV substation on Church Street; annexed approximately 60 acres to the village's southeast quadrant; adopted local laws providing for increased property tax exemptions; as well as implemented the IEEP program to promote and provide energy efficiency technologies to municipal electric customers. Also, during his tenure, Mr. LeSage, worked with the town, county and IDA to implement the Empire Zone at Appletree Acres and Birds Eye Foods, Inc.; implemented the annual village holiday decorating contest: and enhanced efforts to promote and assist local businesses in the historic downtown business district.

His friend Roy Hill said, "If you'd ever met Tom, (you would know) he was the kind of person you would want for your best friend."

LeSage was remembered in a memorial service on Sunday, March 21. He is survived by his close friend, Cindy Favata; five daughters; a son; a sister; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.