McDonough bids farewell to life in politics

After 16 years serving the town of Carmel as a councilwoman, Suzi McDonough took part in her final Town Board meeting on Wednesday (Dec. 10).

McDonough, who announced last year that she would not seek re-election to a fifth four-year term, was honored with a plaque commemorating her service to the town, along with a large bouquet of flowers and several speeches praising her contributions.

Supervisor Mike Cazzari described the many projects McDonough has been involved with over the years and the wide range of services she has provided as a volunteer.

“[We are looking back on] 16 years on the board and all the community-plus stuff that you have done,” Cazzari said to McDonough during the plaque presentation. “Five kids and 10 grandchildren with one on the way. You work full-time and still do all the Recreation and MSA things. Besides taking care of all of us, like a mom taking care of the town, you looked after our veterans—Thanksgiving dinners for the vets. We are a Purple Heart Community.

“Then there is CYO basketball and all the volunteering at St. John’s,” he continued. “And the Jimmy McDonald Foundation—what a great thing you did to honor him (her late husband). And the scholarships for high school seniors that you created. With everything you’ve done as a mom and as a community member, you deserve all the accolades.”

Deputy Supervisor Frank Lombardi noted that he and McDonough served together for 14 of her 16 years on the board.

“It really is an honor to say a few words about you,” he said. “We sat up there together for 14 years. The first time we met, we were putting the playground equipment together for Baldwin Place. Suzi said, ‘Oh, you’re Frank? You and I are going to win [the election].’ And sure enough, we did.”

Lombardi said they accomplished a great deal during their time together.

“We have done so many things together over the past 14 years,” he said. “We didn’t publicize it—we just did it because we love this town. Suzi surely does, being born and raised here. There were a lot of triumphs as well as a few tragedies that we went through, but it has been a real honor working with her.

“Sometimes we would argue about the right way to do something for the taxpayers of this town,” he continued. “But we’d always go somewhere together and work it out.”

Jessica McDonough, the councilwoman’s oldest child, said her mother’s impact on Carmel runs deeper than most people understand.

“For as long as I can remember, she has loved this town with her whole heart—not just in words but in action,” she said. “She chose to raise her truly phenomenal, amazing children right here. Now she gets to watch her grandchildren grow up in the very community that shaped her. This town is not just where she lives; it is part of her identity. She never once sought recognition or the spotlight. Her motives have never been self-serving.”

Jessica noted that after her father passed away, her mother didn’t retreat from public life.

“She carried forward the love that he had for this town. She honored him with every act of service, every moment of commitment, pushing forward for the people of Carmel,” she said. “Her impact cannot be summarized with one story—it is woven into the fabric of this community and the countless people whose lives she has touched.

“She never wavered and always stood her ground,” she continued. “So, thank you for your strength, your commitment, and your endless love for this town. Carmel is better because of you.”

Councilman Mike Lugo said McDonough helped him navigate the complexities of town government when he first joined the board.

“I thank Suzi for her leadership and her mentorship, especially for me being the new guy here,” he said. “I grew up in Mahopac, and the McDonough name has been a staple for as long as I can remember. I appreciate all that she has done.”

On Facebook, Councilman Rob Kearns praised McDonough’s work.

“I want to thank Suzi for her 16 years of service to the town of Carmel,” he wrote. “Whether you agreed or disagreed with her at times, Suzi always did what she genuinely believed was best for our community. You don’t get elected for 16 years by accident. It’s a true testament to her dedication to the town she has called home her entire life.”

At the end of the ceremony, McDonough thanked everyone for their support throughout her time on the board.

“It has been a true honor and a privilege to work for every single one of you,” she said. “I know we sometimes had disagreements and sometimes we fought, but I always tried to do the best I could. I just want to thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Guests in the audience who came to support and honor McDonough on her final day included former councilman John Lupinacci and former town clerk Ann Spofford.

McDonough said she has no plans to disappear from public service. She said she will continue to attend Recreation Commission meetings.

“I am going back to where I started,” she said.