To the editor:

I miss my friend, and judging by the long line inside and outside of Colonial Funeral Home, I’m not alone. People from all parts of the county: politics, education, business, and people who just liked my friend Michael Brooks.

Honestly, it was hard NOT to like him; he was the kindest of souls. A man of conviction and who was solely driven by the need to do the right thing. He had a strong moral and ethical compass, and a heart of gold.

Michael and I served on the county legislature together. I was elected chairman by my peers and Michael was elected vice-chair. He worked his tail off for the people of this county, even at the expense of his full time job.

Educating and investing in the youth of Sullivan County and pushing so hard for access to broadband were his passions. He came to every meeting (or lunch) prepared and had done his homework on the resolutions every Thursday. You never could catch him slipping. He was the consummate professional, willing to work with and for everyone.

Personally, he was a true and loyal friend that people should try and emulate. He was the driving force behind the Promise scholarship and the workshops at BOCES. He was honest and kind. Speaking of him in the past tense is painful, but restating his legacy of service and accomplishment is necessary.

One of the things I will miss most about my friend is the ability to have honest disagreements, to argue our points vigorously and still remain respectful and close friends at the end of a spirited conversation. He was the standardized test against which public servants, friends, and just regular people should be measured.

Everything I ever needed to know about a person is told in how you feel about Mike Brooks.

Rob Doherty

Bethel