State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk joined more than 150 friends and colleagues at the historic Senate House in Kingston for a ceremonial swearing-in to thank the many supporters from Ulster and Greene Counties who made her a Senate victory a reality.
Although Tkaczyk was sworn in on the Senate floor earlier in the week, she said she felt “it was very important for me to come here today to thank my friends and volunteers from Greene and Ulster Counties who spent countless hours going door to door and phoning voters.”
The oath of office Administered by Ulster County Executive Michael Hein and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill was master of ceremonies. Several Senate colleagues, including Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senator Liz Krueger, joined Tkaczyk.
Local officials attending the event included Elisa Ball, City of Kingston Common Council member; Karen Markisenis, Vice Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee; Frank Cardinale, Chairman of the Ulster County Democratic Committee; JoAnn Chamberlain, President of Ulster County Democratic Women and Terry McSorley, vice Chair of the Greene County Democratic Committee.
Tkaczyk vowed to work on behalf of all residents, regardless of political affiliation. She noted that her agenda was not dictated by party politics but by common sense:
“I believe it is common sense that all children in our state deserve a quality education - and that every school district, including those in rural areas and small cities, deserve their fair share of state aid… I believe it is common sense that women deserve equal rights, equal pay and equal access to quality health care and education…I believe it is common sense that we should be seeking initiatives that will grow our local economy without endangering our environment… And I believe that unless we change the rules on how campaigns are funded, people like me won't have a fair shot at getting elected. That's why I will be a strong advocate for real campaign finance reform and election reform to ensure fair elections.”
“Upstate New Yorkers have been crying out for common-sense solutions to the problems plaguing this region and state. I am honored to serve as the elected representative of the 46th Senate District, and will work tirelessly to continue to earn the trust the voters have placed in me,” Senator Tkaczyk concluded.
