Ossining Inaugurates Town, Village Officials
The village and Town of Ossining kicked off the New Year by inaugurating village and town elected officials.
Bob Daraio and Manuel Quezada joined the Ossining Village Board while Eric Blaha joined the Ossining Town Board. Geoffrey Harter kicked off his sixth term on the town board.
Sue Donnelly took over as Ossining’s new town supervisor in place of Catherine Borgia. She was inaugurated as Westchester County Legislator of District 9, which represents Ossining, Croton, and parts of Cortlandt and Peekskill.
Daraio said he was very excited begin his service on the village board. In preparation for his term, Daraio sat in on budget meetings throughout November, learning how the village operates.
“I watched every department head justify ever nickel being spent,” Daraio said. “I was so impressed with how much they really care. It gives me great hope for the future.”
Quezada said he plans on giving 150 percent to the village board. Quezada, an Ecuadorian, said he looks forward to representing Ossining’s burgeoning Ecuadorian community.
“It means a lot to me,” Quezada said. “I look forward to working with the village board and improving what we have done.”
Blaha said joining the town board was a great way to begin his 2012 and said he is looking forward to serve.
“I am excited to get started,” Blaha said. “I hope to see more of the people in this room.”
For Harter, inaugurations have become old hat for him, though he said his sixth inauguration was just as exciting as his first.
“I enjoy it,” Harter said. “This is the fun part of town government. On Tuesday we get back to work.”
Borgia said she was grateful to everyone that helped her in her campaign, and is happy to leave the town in good shape.
“I was sad to leave a job I love, but I am excited for this new challenge,” Borgia said. “I am feeling optimistic.”
By Sam Barron
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.