Assemblyman Jacobson Holds Local Swearing In

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Natasha Cherry has a host of memories about when she first met Jonathan Jacobson.

He was a little shy, had a convincingly decisive voice, and walked with a distinct shuffle, said The City of Poughkeepsie Councilwoman about Jacobson when she joined him on the campaign trail. However, among all of the attributes she noted in the lawyer-local politician, Cherry was struck most by one in particular.

“He had this special way of treating everyone with the same level of dignity and respect,” said Cherry about her now close friend. “Whether it was a lawyer or doctor or the drug addict on the street, he greeted them with kindness and treated them well.”

And so it was in that spirit that Cherry introduced Jacobson Sunday afternoon in Poughkeepsie’s City Hall to a standing-room-only crowd, as they watched Jacobson take the official oath and be sworn in as the new 104th District Assemblyman, replacing the late Frank Skartados.

Cherry also detailed Jacobson’s long tenure in both law and politics. A Newburgh City Councilman who championed for infrastructure in that City, he made great strides with its streets. Additionally, an Assistant New York State Attorney General, Jacobson has a long list of successes he was involved with protecting people from illegal practices. It’s a combined profile that has won him respect and unwavering confidence in many, including Cherry.

“We look forward to your work in Albany, and we know you will also be focusing on helping Poughkeepsie,” said Cherry, as she looked at Jacobson, and then turned to the audience.

“I’m confident he will remain a champion for the people, and I will do everything I can to continue to make that happen.”

Following the official swearing in segment of the program, Jacobson spoke.

“I have walked the streets of the district I work for, and have found people want the same things: government on their side; it should promote the opportunity for all, particularly in education, as it’s the great equalizer,” said Jacobson, a product of the Newburgh City School District as well as Duke University and New York University Law School.

Jacobson also intends to fight for access to health care for all people with no discriminatory practices aimed at pre-existing conditions, a crackdown on illegal gun trafficking-banning plastic guns, as well as changing the dynamics behind how schools are funded. Pointing out some of the recent legislation already passed in this young, new year, regarding the LGBTQ community as well as the Reproductive Health Act, Jacobson expressed confidence in getting more pivotal bills approved in Albany that will better serve the people he represents.

“I’m excited to get to work,” affirmed Jacobson. “Thank you so much for this opportunity.”