Senator Martucci Sworn Into Office For First Term

GOSHEN – On January 16, 2021 Senator Mike Martucci (R, C, I – New Hampton) was sworn into his first term in the State Senate during a combined in-person and virtual ceremony that occurred in the auditorium of the Orange County Emergency Services Center.

Senator Martucci was elected in November as one of only two candidates to defeat an incumbent member of the state’s upper house. Martucci’s term officially began on January 1st and his offices have been open since January 4th. This ceremonial swearing-in was a chance for family, friends, local elected officials, and supporters to honor the Senator’s victory as well as the start of his term in the State Senate representing the 42nd District, which includes thirty-seven towns and two cities across four counties in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Martucci serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committees on Developmental Disabilities and Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development.

Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim administered the Oath of Office, and Deputy Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew served as Master of Ceremonies. The Senator’s pastor, Rev. Peter Rustico of St. John’s Lutheran Church, opened the ceremony with an invocation, while Kristyn Vellenga, a young mother and supporter from Orange County, sang our National Anthem. Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The ceremony’s speakers included Sullivan County Sheriff Michael A. Schiff, Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, and Senator Michael R. Martucci.

Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff welcomed everyone, saying, “It feels like I have known Mike Martucci for much longer than this past year because he immediately put himself among the communities of Sullivan County and fit right in here. Once you meet Mike, his compassion and personality win you over and he has an energy that does not quit. His sincerity is truly one of a kind — you know that what he says is what he believes. In addition to regularly speaking with Sullivan County residents, Mike Martucci would always take the time to listen. He wanted to understand the issues facing Sullivan County families and their struggles. That to me is the best measure of any public servant. Senator Martucci and his entire team are true professionals and I look forward to tackling the people’s business together moving forward.”

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus delivered the Keynote Address, stating, “Never have our times called for good men and women to enter public life more than now. With that in mind, Mike Martucci in the State Senate is exactly what we needed. Here locally, I believe it comes down to three key factors: accountability, vision, and leadership. Albany, particularly over the past few years, has been completely out of touch. Whether it was for law enforcement, our seniors, farmers, or working families, Albany has continuously made life more difficult. Mike’s experience, as a businessman and a father, is sorely lacking in that environment. Tough decisions will have to be made to get our state back on track, and because of his background, Mike is ready to make those decisions. Beyond his professional resume, Mike Martucci the man is someone you can trust. One of the most important aspects of any leader is recognizing and learning from past failures, and through our conversations, I know Mike has done that. Right now, this country is really torn up and there are a lot of people who need our help. I know the people of Orange County and the 42nd senate district are excited to have Mike Martucci serving us as our State Senator.”

Senator Mike Martucci closed by remarking, “When I look back over this past year, I truly could not be more grateful to stand here as your State Senator. I am incredibly honored by the confidence placed in me by the residents of the 42nd senate district. These are challenging times, and it is our duty as elected representatives to rise above the politics of the moment and make our obligations about public service, not self service. Our state, and our Nation, need us to step up now more than ever. Democrats and Republicans alike who feel called to serve know that this job is not easy, but there is a reason we do it — because we can make a difference. What I am looking to do in Albany is not to be someone, but rather to do something. I enter this role with a servant’s heart and a deep sense of responsibility. I understand that when you are blessed to be a leader, how important it is to be there to help and support the people who chose you to lead. I look forward to bringing my experience to Albany for the betterment of the people who live here, and they can count on me to work with anyone who has true courage and is there to serve. I hold a tremendous amount of optimism for the future, because above all, what I am confident in is the goodness of our people and our ability to come together.”

Senator Martucci’s swearing-in ceremony comes exactly one year to the day since he announced his candidacy for the 42nd state senate district. The in-person attendance at the ceremony was strictly limited in accordance with the state’s gathering guidelines. COVID-19 safety protocols were followed, and all guests were pre-screened. Remaining family, friends, and supporters watched online via the Senator’s Facebook page.

Mike Martucci is serving his first term as the Senator for the 42nd NYS Senate District which comprises all of Sullivan County and parts of Orange, Ulster, and Delaware counties. He is the ranking member of the Senate Committees on Developmental Disabilities and Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development. Mike is a small businessman who employed hundreds of people locally at his former company, Quality Bus Service, which was responsible for safely transporting thousands of school children each day in and near the 42nd senate district. Mike and his wife Erin own a family-farm in the Town of Westtown and established a family foundation to support local women and children in need, educational opportunities, job creation, and agriculture initiatives. Mike and Erin have three children and live in the Town of Wawayanda.