GENEVA, N.Y. — He was the nation’s first African-American president and came into office with the nation on the brink of depression.

He promised hope and change. His critics and even his supporters can debate whether he accomplished that in his eight years as president.

As he exits the White House we asked some local Democrats their views about President Barack Obama — good and bad.

• Geneva Fifth Ward Councilor Jason Hagerman:

“President Obama campaigned on a message of hope and change, and he took office as the economy was collapsing. He was intelligent and well spoken, and pursued diplomacy over battle. I read that during his term, America has seen the greatest growth in jobs creation over any prior president. And our country has never seen the word scandal associated with President Obama.

“President Obama bailed out the American auto industry, saving millions of Americans their jobs; tightened regulations to reduce the likelihood of another Wall Street meltdown; led the world in climate care; succeeded with special forces in eliminating bin Laden. And whether you’re a friend or foe of Obamacare, which is actually the Affordable Health Care Act, the concept is unarguably, innately good for the whole. …

“There is no doubt that things could be better, but President Obama has accomplished plenty of good. Having had President Obama lead our country for eight years, I am proud to call myself an American. What follows frightens me.”

• Geneva Third Ward Councilor Steve Valentino:

“My comments about President Obama’s eight years of service would be that of respect for his efforts. With the resistance over many issues of importance from the House and Congress to create a unified focus it would make any administration less effective than it could be. The last eight years have provided growth and opportunity for the majority of the country and for that I am thankful.”

• Former Geneva Councilor Jackie Augustine:

“Sometimes you can measure a person’s impact by contrast with someone who’s the opposite, and I think that’s what we’re seeing now. From my view, Obama expected the best from the American people and didn’t let ideological differences get under his skin. He led the country with focus and surrounded himself with the best and the brightest in the fields that he was most concerned with. … And that’s the impact Obama had on me: Find the best people to solve the hardest problems and be a statesman. No matter what policy disagreements I had with him (and there were many), I always felt he was taking things seriously and trying to get it right.”

Canandaigua Mayor Ellen Polimeni:

“The good: The economy. 2008 was a difficult time for most people. Unemployment was high, hopes for improvement were low. Obama’s actions turned things around. He was articulate and explained his decisions. Universal health care was passed and many who had not been able to get coverage were able to receive treatment. The Paris Agreement regarding containing global warming. (Reviving our) relationship with and visit to Cuba.

“The not-so-good: Lack of success with Congress even though it was their plan to not work with him. He could have gone to Congress more often to try and get action; the number of mass shootings during his terms; the Russia/Syria problem.”

• Rose Town Supervisor Kenan Baldridge, who ran and lost against Republican Pam Helming in the race for the 54th State Senate seat:

“I know he’s taken a lot of hard knocks for Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act), but it put a lot more people into health insurance than ever before. Down the line I think you’ll see (with greater healthcare coverage) that there will be a reduction in diseases with better outcomes and lower costs. … I think down the line that we’ll find there’s been a huge benefit.”