DUTCHESS COUNTY – The candidates who were elected to office in November officially begin their work today, January 1, 2024. While those elected must take their oath of office with their town clerk or city chamberlain, many also hold a second, ceremonial swearing-in ceremony so family, friends, and supporters can take part in the special day.
On Monday, the Town of Fishkill held its inauguration, including the swearing-in of Carmine Istvan as Highway Superintendent. Istvan, a former town councilman is replacing Glenn Scofield, who served as highway superintendent for the town since 1970. .
In the Town of Poughkeepsie, Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18_ administered the oath of office to town officials, including newly-elected Town Supervisor Rebecca Edwards. Democrat Edwards defeated incumbent Republican Jay Baisley for the hotly contested position. Ryan told Mid-Hudson News “It was an honor to administer the oath of office to these dedicated public servants, and inspiring to see their strong commitment to work together, regardless of party, to make Poughkeepsie safer and stronger.”
In Pleasant Valley, the swearing-in ceremony for town officials, including Town Supervisor Mary Albrecht, also took place on Monday. Albrecht previously served as a member of the town board before running for the town’s top position. Albrecht is the third woman in the town’s 200-year history to hold the position. The oath was administered by former town supervisor and newly-elected Town Justice Jeffrey Battistoni. The judge joked that he and Albrecht had taken guitar lessons together in their youth.
Photo gallery below video.