NORWICH – Local supporters of the Baden-Powell Boy Scout Council joined a long list of New York state politicians and automobile industry executives Thursday evening to honor the council’s 2007 Distinguished Citizen, Tom Morrone.

Simulcast television made it possible for all of the approximately 400 in attendance at the Canasawacta Country Club to watch the live presentation as well as pre-taped remarks from New York State Senator Tom Libous.

“When I think of citizenship, I think of Tom Morrone,” Libous said from his office in Albany.

The award, given annually, acknowledged the long-time Christman Motors general manager and political activist for his many contributions to Chenango County and his service to the community. Eagle Scout Dylan Neubauer pointed to Morrone’s character being within the spirit of Scout Law.

“To have the Boy Scouts single him out to honor speaks a great deal about Tom Morrone,” New York State Assemblyman Gary Finch said. “His greatest asset is his integrity, whatever his investment in the business community.” Finch joined Senator James Seward, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman Peter Lopez in honoring the Norwich businessman.

Former Speaker of the New York State Assembly Clarence Rappleyea read a letter from former Governor George Pataki that thanked Morrone for “being a tremendous asset and help to me when I was governor.” Rappleyea described Morrone as “the embodiment” of a Boy Scout. “He has all the chemistry of successful leadership.”