Page 12 - Work Force October 2025

Zabinski honored
by NYS Comptroller
DiNapoli
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Area Retirees
Local President Kathy Zabinski
was honored by New York State
Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
at his annual New York State Fair
Breakfast for her years of advocacy
and dedication to public service.
Zabinski, who also serves as
CSEA Retiree Executive Committee
Vice Chair, was presented with a
proclamation that read, in part:
“After retiring from a 31-year
career with the Onondaga County
Department of Corrections, Kathy
has continued her legacy of service
through numerous leadership
roles—including her ongoing work
with CSEA Retirees,” noted the
proclamation. “[She became] a
strong advocate for workplace safety
after losing her father to asbestos
poisoning and using her personal
experience to drive meaningful union
advocacy. Kathy has shown strong
commitment to her community
and public service, running for
Town of Salina Supervisor in 2021
and continuing to support retiree
issues statewide. [Zabinski] is
proud to dedicate her time and
energy to the advancement of union
causes, bringing with her a legacy
of leadership, commitment, and
service.”
Central Region President Kenny
Greenleaf, a previous honoree,
lauded Zabinski’s activism and
dedication to retiree issues and
rights.
“Kathy is an unmatched asset
to our union,” said Greenleaf. “Her
dedication to helping others retire
into the best situation possible
is unparalleled. We are spoiled to
have her here in the Central Region
where she attends and helps at
every conference and countless local
and unit meetings. I’m proud of her
outstanding service and even more
proud to call her a friend.”
From left, Syracuse Area Retirees Local President Kathy Zabinski accepts
a proclamation from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli at the
Comptroller’s New York State Fair Breakfast.
While accepting DiNapoli’s
proclamation, Zabinski spoke
passionately about Social Security
and Medicare.
“These are not entitlements. I’m
tired of that word,” said Zabinski.
“Everyone here knows that we
earned them and they’re not an
entitlement. When someone uses that
word, please correct them, because
we want those things there for our
future retirees as well.”
— Nicholas Newcomb
Elected leaders greet CSEA
members working our union’s
booth at the New York State
Fair. From left, Oneida-Madison-
Herkimer Tri County Retirees
Local member and fair volunteer
Paul Stone, New York State
Senate Majority Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins, Oneida-Madison-
Herkimer Tri County Retirees
Local member and fair volunteer
Donald Page, Gov. Kathy Hochul,
U.S. Rep. John Mannion and State
Sen. Chris Ryan.
Elected officials visit CSEA’s Elected officials visit CSEA’s
New York State Fair booth New York State Fair booth
12 The Work Force October 2025