Family Members Help Swear-in Peekskill Officials
The New Year’s Day swearing-in ceremony of Peekskill officials at city hall was a family affair as various family members participated in their loved ones’ new terms as elected representatives.
“It is a commitment of the whole family,” Mayor Mary Foster said after being sworn in by her son and daughter for her third two-year term. “It is a new beginning and our goals are ambitious. It’s a great team that will forge ahead…so that everyone in the community is having their needs met. We want to make sure everything we do in the next two years will make everyone proud.”
Councilman Don Bennett was sworn in by his son, Damon, a major in the U.S. Army, for his third four-year term after being the top vote-getter in the November election.
“It’s been eight years of fun and labor,” Bennett said. “I’m hoping within those eight years that it has been effective to the City of Peekskill and surrounding communities. Hard times don’t last but hard people do.”
Joining the Common Council after being part of the Democratic sweep are Kathleen Talbot former Democratic Committee Chairman Darren Rigger.
“I’m humbled and extremely grateful,” said Rigger, who was joined on the podium by his wife Katria. “I did not know a lot going into this and I still have a lot to learn.”
Talbot was sworn-in by her son Bryan and her two grandchildren and promised to devote her energies to moving the city forward over the next four years.
“I think Peekskill is going in a wonderful direction. I love its promise. This is a train that everyone gets on,” Talbot said. “This is a huge honor. Hopefully I will serve the next four years in a way I hope you’ll appreciate. This is a great city and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Bishop Michael Champion of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association urged the council to follow their conscious when making decisions.
“Peekskill is that kind of city where we all work for the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, as part of the organizational meeting, Councilwoman Drew Claxton was named deputy mayor and Brian Havranek was officially appointed acting city manager, a role he has served in since Dec. 7 following the resignation of former City Manager Rick Finn.
By Rick Pezzullo
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.