Even Colin Schmitt seemed surprised at the turnout for his inauguration. More than 200 people filled the Knights of Columbus Hall for the Jan. 6 event in Washingtonville.
If the youngsters in the crowd were listening, they heard a message that was intended for them. The new assemblyman recalled having a goal at an early age and working hard to pursue it.
So he said it was ironic that County Clerk Annie Rabbitt administered the oath of office on Sunday afternoon. Mr. Schmitt was about 12 years old when he started doing volunteer work for her. He was so persistent that she eventually found a position for him on her staff.
In recalling those days, the young assemblyman said his mother was never a soccer mom. Instead, she drove him to places where he could do things to prepare for a career in public service.
So when he won the election in November, it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. “I can say with certainty,” he told the audience, “that every little boy and girl has the ability to realize their greatest hopes and dreams in this wonderful country. I know because I have.”
In addition to that message, he cited his priorities for the next two years,
-Ease property taxes
-Solve the heroin epidemic
-Fight welfare abuse
-Oppose the expansion of Kiryas Joel, and
-Support term limits
And he informed the crowd that “New Yorkers have been disappointed for too long, We have become accustomed to accepting less than we deserve. And that mentality should end now.”
Throughout the afternoon the Assemblyman’s wife, Nikki, was at his side. They had been married on Sept. 29, but had postponed their honeymoon until after the election. “Not many wives would have put up with this craziness,” Mr. Schmitt said. “She’s my most important advisor.”
He also had “shout outs” for a few family members and previous supervisors. His father, John, was his “co-best man” at the wedding. “I hope I can do for my future children all the things he did for me,” the assemblyman said.
He mentioned his sister Hannah, a law enforcement officer, and said that some of her colleagues have mentioned stuff she was too modest to tell him.
Mr. Schmitt also cited his most recent boss, New Windsor Supervisor George Green. “He’s already working on his list of requests,” the assemblyman quipped.
The ceremony was followed by lunch and music. Before the program ended, however, a staff member made an important announcement. “Our office is open and fully operational,” he said.
