Rep. Thomas Reynolds, left, stands with Daemen College President Martin J. Anisman outside of the Thomas Reynolds Center for Special Education and After-School Programs on the Main Street campus. Photo by Jim Smerecak Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com It started in the small town of Concord, in a modest government building, overseeing very local happenings.

And it ended 370 miles away in Washington, D.C., in a major governmental body, overseeing national issues.

Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-District 26, has had a lengthy political career, rising through the ranks, serving thousands of constituents.

That ends this week as he vacates his seat in Congress, leaving the duty to Clarence businessman Christopher Lee.

"I never looked at it as a job — I was elected to an opportunity," Reynolds said. "Looking back, I can say I made the right decision."

His political career began in 1974 on the Concord Town Board. He served as a member for eight years, rising to deputy supervisor before earning a seat in the Erie County Legislature. He was a legislator from 1982 to 1988 and served as the Republican leader.

Having already served 14 years in public office, Reynolds was not done yet. He pushed forward, gaining a seat in the New York State Assembly in 1988.

In 1995, he was named the Assembly Republican leader, becoming the first Republican from the eight counties of Western New York to lead an Assembly party conference in more than 60 years.

Reynolds served as chairman of the Assembly Minority Affordable Housing Task Force and was honored as Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange Council for his work championing affordable home ownership initiatives.

From the town level to county to state, Reynolds still felt he had more to do. He campaigned for and won a seat in the House of Representatives.

In January 1999, he was sworn in to the 26th Congressional District, which includes seven Western New York counties and encompasses parts of Erie, Monroe, Orleans and Niagara counties and all of Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties.

When people think of Congress, they may think of major automaker bailouts and debates about the war. But there is a lot that Reynolds did on a local scale during his eight years there.

"There is no problem too big or too small," he said. "All politics is local."

He added that he remembered that phrase throughout his career.

He reflected on helping a widow who had problems with her Social Security or the many veterans who finally received their medals. Reynolds has held several military services during which he recognized members of the armed forces. He also secured funding to help veterans through various programs.

Those are just two examples of the people he said he helped along the way.

There were, of course, regional problems.

One of his greatest successes, he said, was his work in keeping the Niagara Falls Air Force Base open when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission suggested it be closed.

"I take a back seat to no one on the amount of work and effort done by me and others. We were able to turn the BRAC decision," he said.

Being a native of the rural Town of Concord may have enriched his interest in agriculture issues. More notable in his coverage area of Wyoming and Genesee counties, Reynolds promoted issues surrounding cash crops and dairy and apple production.

He also has worked closely with former Buffalo Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, in advocating for newborn screening. Reynolds secured funding to expand a law that would require additional testing.

Impressed with the dedication of volunteer firefighters, Reynolds takes pride in being able to secure millions in funding used for training and equipment.

The University at Buffalo's medical campus, Daemen College and the Rochester Institute of Technology have also developed thanks to funding secured by Reynolds.

In August 2003, Daemen College was awarded nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to create an after-school program to address the academic, social and physical requirements of public school special education students. In July 2004, the college also was awarded an additional $626,283 to continue the programs. The funding was obtained through Reynolds' efforts, and the building was named the Thomas Reynolds Center for Special Education Services and After School Programs.

He said he wasn't sure what he would do with his free time, saying anyone who knows him would be surprised that he doesn't have a schedule.

"I'll have freedom, time, something I haven't had since elected to public life," he said. "Life will be slow, easy-going. People who know me wouldn't expect that."

He said his years in office were fast-paced, and he enjoyed every minute of his time in Congress.

He was in the majority, a luxury that Reynolds' successor, Lee, will not have. The November election results changed the majority to Democrats.

Reynolds said he hopes that the representatives look at the good things government can do for the people without focusing on the party lines.

"They should make sure their representatives are doing the right things on behalf of the people who sent them there," he said.

Reynolds added that constituent input was always beneficial when he served and encourages that same interaction as Lee takes office.

"I think we are coming to a new chapter in American politics," he said. "History was made when the majority of the Senate and House became Democratic. It will be a busy 111th Congress."

He predicted the Republicans will take back control in his lifetime but it will take time and effort.

"The people have given me the great honor of representing them," he said. "I never forgot I was sent to do a job."

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com