Catalina Starts Second Term in Peekskill with Optimistic Message
Optimism and a call for unity and cooperation kicked off the New Year during a swearing-in ceremony Friday at Peekskill City Hall.
Mayor Frank Catalina was sworn-in for a second two-year term by Justice Lewis Lubell and briefly became choked up as he spoke about being reelected, his plans for the city and the support he has received from his mother and children.
“I want to thank the residents of Peekskill, not just those who voted for me, but all residents of Peekskill. Wherever I go, no matter what I’m doing, I have the honor every day of representing every resident,” Catalina said. “Being mayor of this city has, without any doubt, been the greatest honor and privilege ever bestowed upon me, in my lifetime.”
Councilman Vincent Vesce, who served as master of ceremonies during the standing-room-only event, introduced Catalina, a fellow Republican.
“The man wears his heart on his sleeve. What you see is what you get,” Vesce said. “Frank loves this city. He’s everywhere and he’s really doing a great job for the city.”
Catalina, who will once again oversee a Common Council with a Democratic 4-3 majority, pointed out many accomplishments during his administration, particularly in cutting costs and getting the city on firmer financial footing, and recognized the entire Council for “sharing my vision for Peekskill’s future.”
“Two years ago, as I stood here, the city was on the brink of financial collapse. We saw over $18 million in operating deficits in just six short years, an average of over $3 million per year representing about 10% of our annual budget,” he said. “I stood here and likened the city’s condition to that of a patient in an emergency room in very critical condition. I said the first thing any doctor would do would be to stop the bleeding; and we have.”
“The city, as a patient, was stabilized and today, I am declaring our fiscal condition, as well as our long range prognosis for growth, is good; and the patient is hereby removed from the intensive care unit in guarded, but much better, condition, we have much work to do,” Catalina continued. “As I stand here, I vow to balance the budget in this term and I call upon the Council to make this their absolutely highest priority. Together we can accomplish this.”
The mayor also said he promised two years ago to “open the doors of Peekskill to new, smart growth that will expand our tax base,” and noted there were currently almost half a billion dollars worth of development projects pending before the city.
Also returning to the Council are Democratic councilwomen Vivian McKenzie and Kathy Talbot, who were reelected to four-year terms.
“I’ve grown to respect her greatly,” Vesce said of McKenzie. “She’s passionate about her beliefs, but she’s willing to compromise. Vivian gets it.”
Talbot was sworn-in by Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who mentioned Talbot’s commitment to helping people in the community.
“I hope I live up to everyone’s expectations,” Talbot said.
Taking the oath for the first time was Democratic Councilman Andre “Noodle” Rainey, who was warmly welcomed by everyone on the Council and his many supporters in attendance.
“What can I say Andre? It’s a Noo day,” Vesce quipped. “We’re really looking forward to you bringing a new perspective to the city. It will be really dynamic.”
“It is a New day in Peekskill,” Rainey said. “There are a lot of people out there trying to make things right. I think we’ll all realize the importance of working together.”
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/
