Nassau County Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) was sworn into office during the Induction of the Fourth Nassau County Legislature held on Thursday, January 3, 2002 at the Nassau Community College Physical Education Center.

Throughout the day, Democratic legislators touted the beginning of a "New Partnership" between the different branches of the county government that they say will bring about a revival of the county's great heritage. The swearing in of Legislator Williams and the other nine members of the Democratic majority marked the first time in Nassau County's history that Democrats have simultaneously controlled the legislature and the county executive seat. County Executive Thomas Suozzi was sworn into office on January 1, 2002.

"I am confident that this new partnership will permeate every aspect of county government and we will all work together with the common goal of providing efficient and quality government for the people," said Legislator Williams.

During the ceremony, New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer swore in Legislator Jacobs as the Presiding Officer of Legislature, a position she has held since the Democrats took control of the Legislature in 2000. Congressman Peter King swore in Legislator Peter Schmidt as the Minority Leader. The members of the legislature were sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Arthur Spatt.

Attending the induction ceremony were U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Congressman Peter King, State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, former County Executive Thomas Gulotta, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Robert Guardino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger, Nassau County Assessor Charles O'Shea, and Nassau County Clerk Karen Murphy.