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NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - More than 100 friends, family members and local citizens attended the formal swearing-in of North Salem's newly elected officials Monday at the reading room of the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library. State Assembly member Steve Katz and Denis Castelli, representing US Rep. Nan Hayworth, also attended the event.
The swearing-in began with Justice John Johnstons administering the oath of office to Justice Ralph Mackin. Mackin, entering his 11th term as justice, then swore in Johnston, who will be serving his seventh term on the Town Court.
Mackin then administered the oath to Supervisor Warren Lucas, serving his second term, as well as council members Amy Rosmarin, in her second term, and Bruce Buchholtz, who begins his first term, and Veronica Howley, taking on her fourth term as Town Clerk.
Lucas expressed his gratitude to his family, the town board, the staff of Town Hall and the many committees that have served the town. He reviewed the various events and problems of the past term, highlighted the achievements and spoke of some of his plans and hopes for the future.
In addition, Deputy Supervisor Peter Kamenstein made a brief speech.
Politics is like a four letter word these days. But its not here in North Salem," he said. "We were especially fortunate to have a great group of people who put their names on the ballot."
Kamenstein said that North Salem is different from other places because it has such a strong level of participation from its citizens.
"This town is run by us. We have an elected town board, but the majority of the things happen through the many, many committees that are both governmental and non-governmental," he said. This is what I call truly participatory democracy. We are all blessed and fortunate to have people willing to help maintain the unique character and spirit of our town.
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