Byrne Touts “A New Beginning” at Swearing-In Ceremony in Carmel
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Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne promised to deliver “a responsible, affordable, accountable government” during his swearing-in ceremony at Carmel High School, his alma mater.
With hundreds of family members and supporters in attendance, the former three-term New York State Assemblyman took the oath of office from newly elected Congressman Marc Molinaro.
“This is a special occasion to mark a new beginning with a new administration led by a new generation of leadership. This is a moment to show gratitude, to provide vision, instill confidence and lead,” Byrne said. “We have an ambitious agenda to pursue over our next four years. Joined by so many talented new and returning county employees, I know we are up for the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will improve our county, protect our families, and ensure our amazing county continues to prosper. Now let’s go get it done.”
Byrne, a lifelong Putnam resident, ran unopposed for the seat vacated by MaryEllen Odell, who was term-limited.
“I remain grateful to all those who served, and continue to serve, in county government who have led with a desire to better this community so it may continue to prosper. Together, we will continue to promote opportunity, freedom, and respect for one another,” he remarked.
Byrne vowed to work closely with the Putnam County Legislature “to cement administrative guard rails that will better control the growth of county government spending; open up county government, make it more transparent and accessible to the average citizen; update and upgrade our county’s infrastructure, both traditional and digital, to bring Putnam County Government and its public communications into the modern age; and enhance efficiencies, streamline services and identify cost savings to limit government’s need to raise property taxes.”
“A well-oiled, functioning county government is essential to supporting a thriving community and county. We will work to ensure that the services provided by the county, mandated or not, will be delivered in a professional and respectful manner,” Byrne said. “As a former state legislator, I have always had a strong appreciation for those who serve in any legislative branch of government. I congratulate all our newly elected and re-elected county legislators and thank them as well as our incumbents, from both parties, for the kindness they’ve shared and the willingness to work together that they have demonstrated to me. The Legislature is the body that is closest to the people, who we all work for. It deserves respect. Know that it has this from me as your County Executive.”
“I’m sure we’re going to have many debates and a few disagreements over the next four years, but I know that we will work well together when we make policy- not personality- the core of our debate,” he continued. “And despite any disagreements we may have in the future, at the heart of every spirited discussion there will be an underlying understanding that we are all standing up for what we believe is in the best interest of Putnam County and its people.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
