EASTHAMPTON – City Council President Joseph McCoy’s 14th and final year on the Easthampton City Council came to an end Wednesday night with his last meeting as a council member. And, despite the veteran councilor’s best effort to prevent it with his unsuccessful attempt to rapidly adjourn the meeting, McCoy’s colleagues took the time to honor his service with speeches, a plaque, and even a custom T-Shirt.
“We hope that your time without us is just as fruitful as your time was with us,” said City Council Vice President Salem Derby, before presenting McCoy with a plaque. “It really has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you.”
McCoy has served as the council’s president for the past eight years and earlier as its vice president for four years. First elected in 2005, McCoy was one of the first gay men legally married to a man to be elected to public office in the country.
In his post-council life, McCoy said he intends to play more pickleball and spend more time with his husband, Stan, and enjoy their goats. He also said he plans to work on state and national political issues and serve the city on a board or committee.
State Rep. Dan Carey, D-Easthampton, also read and presented McCoy with a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives honoring his service.
City Councilor Owen Zaret said that he had heard that McCoy had liked his campaign slogan, Owen027.
“We all have to respect the OG, the original GOAT,” Zaret said.
As such, Zaret presented McCoy with a T-Shirt that said JOE1027, with a goat in the middle of the letter “o.”
City Councilor JP Kwiecinski also took the time to praise McCoy’s husband, Stan as the “person behind the person.”
McCoy’s service was also recognized during the public comment period. Patrick Brough read comments about McCoy posted by people on Facebook, including from one former resident who described him as the “real McCoy.”
“Joe, I will say you have been more than a good city councilor, you have been one of the great city councilors we’ve had,” Brough said.
When his colleagues finished, McCoy spoke. He said there have been city councils that haven’t been as cordial in the past and that he considers everyone on the council his friend.
“Please continue that,” said McCoy. “Continue to be good friends and work for the city.”
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.