Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs and Fifth County Legislature Installed at Induction Ceremony

Mineola, NY – Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs took the oath of office as a Nassau County Legislator for the fifth time on Tuesday, January 6, vowing that she will continue to make the difficult decisions to protect the future of the county and its residents.

Presiding Officer Jacobs was administered the oath by New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who also offered a welcome from the state, and Democratic lawmakers, who will again hold a 10-9 majority, were sworn in by the Honorable Arthur Spatt, U.S. District Court Judge. The 10 a.m. induction ceremony was held at the Physical Fitness Center of Nassau Community College.

Presiding Officer Jacobs, in remarks to the capacity crowd which included dignitaries, elected officials, friends and family members, said the majority will work to ensure that the legislative and administrative agendas, outlined by Democratic County Executive Thomas Suozzi and the majority in the election two years ago, will continue to move forward.

“We have made tremendous strides during the past two years. The election of a Democratic majority again will mean that our goals and the goals of the administration will continue to be realized as we head into the future. There is no going back to the way it was. There is only moving ahead,” said Presiding Officer Jacobs.

Legislator Jacobs has served for eight years, first as minority leader and, for the past two terms, as majority leader; a role she will continue in 2004. She is chair of the Rules Committee and vice chair of the Planning, Development, and Environment Committee.

County Executive Thomas Suozzi offered a welcome from the County and Congressman Peter King, administered the oath of office to minority leader Peter Schmitt.

The procession included the Nassau County Police Department Color Guard and Nassau County Emerald Society Pipes & Drum. Middle School students from the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District performed The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem was sung by the Freeport Select Chorale. Msgr. Thomas Hartman, of the Archdiocese of Rockville Centre, conducted the invocation, and opening remarks were provided by Matthew T. Crosson, President of the Long Island Association.

Rabbi Alan Lavin of the Wantagh Jewish Center and President of the Long Island Board of Rabbis offered a closing prayer.