Southold Town's Swearing In Ceremony Elicits Pride: Photos

SOUTHOLD, NY — It was a day of pride and reflection as newly elected Southold officials were sworn in on Tuesday at Town Hall.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said it was his honor to introduce his colleagues, many of whom have served for years, who won the recent election with "dedication and hard work. I know they're not going to let you down. They'll work hard to execute their duties to the maximum benefit of the people of Southold Town, who deserve no less."

Pastor John Carrick of Mattituck Presbyterian Church gave the invocation, and the officials were sworn into office by Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge James Hudson.

Taking their oaths of office to serve Southold Town for the first time were Justice Eileen Powers, who brought her family, Trustee Greg Williams, whose children held the Bible as he took his oath, and Assessor Charles Sanders.

Incumbents James Dinizio and Bob Ghosio won the race to serve on the town board.

"It's indeed an honor to serve a second term as councilman, a privilege and honor to serve the people of our town," Ghosio said.

"I am grateful for the support from the people of our town," Dinizio said, after the gathering.

Other familiar faces taking their oaths of office were Justice Louisa Evans, Highway Superintendent Vincent Orlando, Southold Town Clerk Betty Neville, Assessor Kevin Webster and Trustees Mike Domino and John Bredemeyer.

Webster, voted to serve his fourth term, said he felt privileged to work for, and serve, the people of Southold Town. He also acknowledged newly retired longtime assessor Robert I. Scott, who was seated in the audience. Scott, who served 7 terms, was a mentor and friend, he said. "I learned everything from him. He's a great guy," he said.

Russell echoed Webster's praise and said whoever sets out to fill Scott's shoes has a "daunting challenge ahead."

Bredemeyer thanked the public for their support and faith in him and his fellow trustees. "It's an honor to serve in a position that goes back to our town's founding."

The supervisor told the group assembled that they had been elected to "one of the greatest honors you can have, serving the greatest community anyone can live in. You're about to come into town government and work with some of the best people you have ever worked with." Town staff and officials, he said, are sources of knowledge and experience. "Rely on them," he said.

After the event, Russell said, in response to an email request for further comment, "The swearing in was a nice way to kick of each of the officials' new terms. Now, the hard work starts. I think they know that and will work hard every day to honor the trust and faith that the public has given them."