[3] The visible legacy of Sen. James H. Donovan demonstrates the aggressive influence he brought to Albany on behalf of the people of Oneida County.

He was recognized by Newsweek magazine for (with attorney Phil Rayhill) leading the effort to create one of the first multi-government sewer districts in the nation.

He lent his considerable force to prevent New York City from getting a better-than fair share of state education aid.

When a motorist killed a pedestrian and drove away in Oneida County, a Donovan law significantly increased the penalty for leaving an accident scene.

Three days later, when Donovan was hospitalized with the cancer that would eventually take his life, the federation resolved to require one examination for all medical school graduates.

Similarly, Donovan jumped into the battle when it was suggested that Hinckley Reservoir be enlarged by flooding an additional 10,000 acres to augment New York City's water supply 250 miles away.

When Mohawk Indians occupied the state's Moss Lake property, Donovan was again in the forefront of local opponents urging their eviction.

Donovan secured state aid for dozens of projects in his district, which, depending on the current redistricting, sometimes included Herkimer and Lewis Counties.

It would be hard to find a town or village that didn't benefit from his actions Donovan was the primary force to eliminate or reduce abortions in New York State.

It led to Gannett News Service describing him as “having the ingredient it takes to make a great legislator – courage.” That description resulted in part from his refusal to vote on a bill establishing abortion regulations.

I will not be in contempt of human life.” During his tenure, the longest of any Senator in Oneida County history, Donovan involved himself in most of the important issues affecting the state and his own senatorial district.

He married Esther Moretti and lived in Chadwicks with their seven children: Gary, James A., Karen, Jerome, Michael, Barry and Kim.