Newburgh Council Welcomes New Members

NEWBURGH – The newly elected members of the Newburgh City Council took the oath of office on January 1 at the Newburgh Activity Center.

More than 100 people braved the frigid temperatures to witness one of the pillars of our democratic society – the peaceful transfer of power.

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, Cornwall Supervisor Richard Randazoo, Orange County Legislator James Kulisek and New York State Assemblyman Frank Skartados were some of the elected officials who were there to show support.

The traditional induction ceremony included prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

Bishop Jeffrey Woody of the Cathedral at the House of Refuge offered the prayer, followed by the presentation of colors by the Newburgh Free Academy ROTC. Regina Angelo who served on the Council for 40 years, led the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Honorable E. Loren Williams, Newburgh City Court Judge, officiated the ceremony.
One by one, newly elected councilmembers were called up to the podium, and took the oath of office.

Karen Mejia, representing Ward 1, was sworn in for her second term.

Ramona Monteverde, representing Ward 2, Jonathan Jacobson, representing Ward 3 and Patricia Sofokles, representing Ward 4, each were sworn in for their first term.

Each of the newly elected members seemed to be energized and ready to get to work for the people of Newburgh, in an attempt to move the city forward. From the drinking water, to paving the street, to jobs and housing, each seems to be full of ideas and eager for positive change.

Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy, and Councilmembers Torrance Harvey and Hillary Rayford were also present.