There are typically two kinds of congressional representatives: Those who seek the national spotlight and offer highly charged opinions on big-picture issues such as abortion or national security and those - like retiring U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford - who focus on the day-to-day duties that come with constituent service.

The longest-serving Republican congressman in New York would much rather talk about the grant he secured for a town's sewer line than the pros and cons of free trade.

The results meant millions of dollars in federal funding for Cayuga County communities since 2002, the year he began representing a large chunk of this county thanks to redistricting.

While it's true that Boehlert has the good fortune to be a member of the majority party, he still must figure out who should share in the pool of money that comes his way. And in that respect, Boehlert has excelled because he thrives on cultivating relationships with local officials.

Because Boehlert stays in tune with local needs, he has secured funding for projects as diverse as water lines in Springport and Victory, town offices in Mentz, employee training at McQuay International in Auburn, renovations at the historic Willard Chapel and a new sound system at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Owasco.

He has also been a key leader in securing funds for local fire departments, which has enabled them to update trucks and equipment.

Boehlert has advocated for needed changes in Cayuga County. We hope his successor continues to push local officials to centralize economic development efforts.

One of Boehlert's best moves for Cayuga County was his decision to keep an office in Auburn. And that has brought the congressman to Cayuga County dozens of times each year, something that U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton (those who seek the national spotlight) have not.

This newspaper has challenged Boehlert on a number of issues during the three-plus years of his representation. We have felt he should be a more active leader in building central New York's sagging economy, and we have been concerned with his stance regarding Indian land claim issues.

But, on the whole, this county, this district and this state owe Boehlert their thanks for 24 years of integrity, honesty and service to his constituents.