Orangetown Officials Take Oaths of Office [VIDEO]

Patrick J. Loftus of Pearl River insisted that his wife, Ellen, stay home as he was sworn in as Orangetown's new town justice at Tuesday night's 2012 Orangetown Reorganizational meeting.

She is battling pneumonia, but wanted to attend.

"We argued about it," Loftus said. "I had to insist that she stay home. Believe it or not, she stayed, which is interesting because in the 28 years I have known this woman, it is the first time she has ever followed an order that I have given, so apparently there are some perks to this job that I did not know about."

Loftus was not the only one learning more about his new job Tuesday night. He was sworn along with three other newcomers Tuesday night -- Supervisor Andy Stewart, Councilman Tom Morr and Councilman Paul Valentine, though for Morr it was a return to the town board after four year away.

"It was a difficult election," Morr joked as he moved to the podium to speak. He has a broken leg and spent most of the meeting in a wheelchair. His family helped him stand to take his oath of office.

"This is real family support," Morr said, drawing another laugh.

Town Clerk Charlotte Madigan and Superintendent of Highways James Dean, who both won re-election in November, were also both sworn back into office.

"This is the job that I love," Dean said. "I'm still excited about it. This is my eighth term. It just feels great."

Stewart gave a state of the town address, focusing on community involvement in the town government. As he spoke of each department in the town, he mentioned ways that the residents of Orangetown can help that department.

"We are rallying together to defend the interests of the town of Orangetown in a challenging time," Stewart said. "Our town, like our country, is dealing with an economic recession. This has left many people disconnected from their communities and their neighbors. With so much on their plates, fewer and fewer people are taking part in local elections, volunteer and service activities. Many are losing faith in government as well."

Morr stressed the importance of the history of community involvement by all five members of the new town board as a strength that will help the group work together.

"I'm optimistic about this town board," Morr said. "Everyone on this board has a long, strong history of community involvement. They didn't just all of a sudden become politicians. They grew through volunteer activities. Basically, everyone has their head on straight and they know where they are going."

In addition to his comments, Stewart also announced four appointments. He re-appointed Orangetown Director of Finance Charlie Richardson and Town Historian Mary Cardenas. He also named Allan Ryff to the volunteer position of deputy supervisor and Suzanne Barclay as Deputy Supervisor of Operations, a part-time job. Ryff is a former Orangetown Councilman and Barclay previously worked as an assistant to former Supervisor Thom Kleiner.

• U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) spoke briefly about the importance of working together with the Orangetown Council. New York State Senator David Carlucci (D-New City), Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) and Rockland County Sherriff Lou Falco were among the local officials in attendance, along with the three outgoing members of the town board -- Supervisor Paul Whalen, Councilman Michael Maturo and Councilwoman Nancy Low-Hogan, how the Rockland County Legislator from District 17.
• Cub Scout Pack 22 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
• Nyack High School Student Brianna Brickman sang the national anthem.
• Nyack Village Clerk Mary E. White sang God Bless America.
• St. Margaret Church Pastor Msgr. John O'Keefe gave the Invocation
• Beth Am Temple Rabbi Daniel Pernick gave the Benediction.

Editor's note: Please see the videos attached to this article for clips from the comments by Supervisor Andy Stewart, Councilmen Tom Morr and Paul Valentine, Town Justice Patrick J. Loftus, the Invocation by St. Margaret Church Pastor Msgr. John O'Keefe and the Benediction by Beth Am Temple Rabbi Daniel Pernick.