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Massachusetts Senate Honors Departing Senators Susan Moran and Walter Timilty
Summary
The Massachusetts Senate held a ceremonial farewell for Senators Susan Moran and Walter Timilty, with colleagues praising Moran’s leadership on coastal and education issues and Timilty’s long public-safety work; both spoke to the chamber about their service and next roles.
The Massachusetts Senate convened for a ceremonial session in which colleagues paid tribute to departing members Senator Susan Moran of Falmouth and Senator Walter Timilty of Milton.
Senator Susan Moran, who won a special election in May 2020 and was sworn in on May 28, 2020, was lauded by colleagues for her work on tax and revenue issues, coastal protections and regional transit. Miss Filker, who introduced Moran, said Moran "has empathy, kindness, and good humor in spades and she always, always shows up very well prepared," and credited her with leadership on the joint committee on revenue and advocacy on housing and clean-energy matters. Moran thanked colleagues and staff and described her feelings about leaving as "bittersweet," saying her "foremost feeling is that of gratitude for having had the honor of serving." She also noted the challenges she worked on for Cape Cod residents, including vaccination efforts and housing.
Separately, Senator Walter Timilty received extended remarks from colleagues who highlighted his long record of constituent service and public-safety leadership. Senator Feeney described Timilty's "encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the Massachusetts legislature" and a work ethic that led him to serve communities across his district for 26 years. Senator Tarr noted Timilty's work as chair of public-safety committees and his efforts on emergency preparedness and first-responder protections. Timilty told the chamber he will "be succeeding come January as the Clerk of Courts for Norfolk County," and thanked family, staff and local partners for their support.
Speakers from across the chamber recalled specific achievements: colleagues credited Moran with helping secure major federal funding for Cape Cod bridge projects and championing early education and regional transit, and they credited Timilty with advancing technical-rescue programs and legislation to protect firefighters and veterans. Tarr said an honorary induction was planned later in the day to recognize Timilty's service.
No formal legislative actions or votes were taken as part of the farewells; the session focused on remarks, recognitions and expressions of thanks. The ceremony also included the introduction of a visiting ensemble, Encore, which performed for the chamber at the start of the session.
The Senate will continue its scheduled business after the ceremonial remarks and the planned afternoon recognition events.
