Even as a private citizen, Barra said, he will continue to fight for lower taxes, the restoration of property tax rebate checks and job-creating developments like the proposed Lighthouse project — and help keep his beloved New York Islanders on Long Island. He vowed to provide assistance to his successor.

Barra thanked 14th District residents for their support as well as their constructive criticism. He urged them to stay involved in helping to improve their communities. “Keep up the fight for our families,” he said. “I know I will.”

Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said residents would be losing a great leader, because Barra — who once served as director of Skelos’s state Senate office — always fought for the interests of his constituents. “Assemblyman Barra is a tireless advocate for dozens of charitable organizations here on Long Island, and has been recognized for his exemplary work with schoolchildren throughout his Assembly District,” Skelos said. “By committing his time and energy to these worthy causes, Bob has proven that one person can make a big difference.”

Anthony Santino, a Republican councilman for the Town of Hempstead, recalled how he and Barra “came up together” in Republican politics, and served on the Hempstead town board for a year together. “Bob always was an incredibly hard worker on behalf of the district,” Santino said. “He was a pleasure to deal with, a consummate professional who really put his heart and soul into everything he did. He will be very, very sorely missed. And he’ll leave big shoes to fill.”

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