On New Year’s Day, Judge Lynn Beesecker (left) administered the oath of office to Michael Summerfield, the newest member of the Town Board.
After taking the oath of office, Cornwall’s new supervisor promised a team approach. “We may not agree 100 percent of the time, and that’s OK,” Richard Randazzo said, “but we’ll all be working toward the same goals.”
The ceremony took place in the lower level of Town Hall at noon on New Year’s Day. Town Judge Lynn Beesecker swore in fellow Democrats Michael Summerfield and Richard Randazzo in the front of the courtroom.
Mr. Summerfield, a newcomer to the Town Council, went first. Mr. Randazzo followed him, and remained in the front of the room when the brief ceremony was over.
Inviting his running mate to join him, the supervisor addressed the audience, which included the local Democratic Committee Chairman Jon Chase. “This is not about politics,” Mr. Randazzo began, “it’s about governing.”
He spoke without notes, and gestured on occasion. “This is not a new experience for me,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been away for a while, but I’ve kept a close watch on what’s been happening.”
Mr. Randazzo begins his 11th term as Cornwall’s supervisor (see page 2), an office he last held on Dec. 31, 2007. At that time, he stepped down and remained on the sidelines as Kevin Quigley served three terms as the town’s top official. During the last two years, with Randy Clark in office, Mr. Randazzo became more conspicuous.
His running mate, Michael Summerfield, also surfaced during these years. He had two unsuccessful bids for the Town Council, before winning a seat on the board in November.
Mr. Summerfield told the New Year’s Day audience that he has ideas for economic development, and that, in some areas, Cornwall will be competing with its neighbors.
He acknowledged knowing fellow council members Helen Bunt and Kerry McGuinness, who were seated in the courtroom. And he said he looks forward to meeting Town Board member Peter Russell, who was away.
The brief ceremony ran smoothly. Before it ended, Mr. Randazzo got a cue from Mrs. Bunt, who was sitting in the last row. As she pointed to the men in front of her, Mr. Randazzo introduced Mayor Brendan Coyne and County Legislator Chris Eachus.
Mr. Randazzo promised to work closely with them — reinforcing the team concept he emphasized at the start of his speech.