Hendel resigns from three local boards after moving out of the area

Murray resident served as EDA board chair, OC Planning Board member and town councilman

Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Hendel leads a toast welcoming a new hotel to the Medina community during a celebration on May 16, 2019. Hendel was the chairman of the Orleans Economic Development Agency board at the time.

MURRAY – Paul Hendel, an active local government official for the past two decades, has resigned from his positions after moving from Murray to Ontario County.

Hendel has stepped down from the Murray Town Board, Orleans Economic Development Agency and Orleans County Planning Board.

Hendel, a retired school principal at Sweet Home, said he enjoyed being a part of the local government. He followed his late father Art Hendel on the County Planning Board, and then joined the Orleans EDA, serving as the board chairman for about a decade. He was on the Murray Town Board for nearly 13 years.

“You reach a point a time where it’s time to pass the torch,” Hendel said. “It was a joy to work at all levels for the residents of the town and county. I will miss it. But it’s time to move on.”

Ken DeRoller, a former county legislator and EDA board member, said Hendel was an advocate for the entire county, and helped the EDA and local governments to bring in businesses and projects around the county.

“He stepped up to the plate for us,” DeRoller said. “He took a wholistic view of county. He will be missed because he has a lot of history with the county. He has a lot years involved with giving back.”

DeRoller said Hendel brought great administrative skills to the local positions, especially as board chairman for the EDA. Hendel was very supportive of the EDA staff, and his leadership was a factor in the staff staying long-term with the EDA. DeRoller said.

“He is very supportive of the process,” DeRoller said. “He was very engaged.”

The EDA only has three employees compared to other EDAs with bigger staffs and more resources. But Hendel and Orleans EDA were able to convince several companies to build in the county, DeRoller said.

Brian Napoli, the County Planning Board chairman, commended Hendel for serving on that board for about 20 years, including time as the vice chairman.

“Paul Hendel was an excellent vice chairman of the County Planning Board,” Napoli said. “He provided an insight and guidance that will be missed.”

Hendel said he is grateful he was able to be a part of the three boards and see positive direction locally.

“Over the years with all three boards I see progress in Orleans County with people moving into the county,” he said. “I’m proud of some of the businesses we brought in. And I’m proud of the individuals that work for the town or county. Anyone who works for town and county, they provide services to residents. People do pay a lot in taxes but they get a lot of services.”