Hundreds Cheer Start of Belmont Administration

A full house of supporters welcomed the beginning of the Ron Belmont administration during a New Years Day celebration at Sunday afternoon.

Fellow Republicans Jackie Greer, town clerk, councilmen Fred Sciliano and Steve Malfitano and town/village justices Marc Lust and Nelson Canter were also officially sworn into office.

Hundreds of people were there to show support at the ceremony, which Harrison Republican Party Chairman Bob Amelio estimated was the most attended in decades.

New York State Supreme Court Justice Denis Donovan swore each official into office. Belmont will serve a two year term, Sciliano and Malfitano will each serve four year terms. Harrison now has an all Republican town board.

Belmont, who , thanked his predecessor for her work with him during the transition process before outlining some of the many challenges he will face over the next two years.

"Harrison faces real challenges. Homes are flooded, businesses are dying, parking is scarce and property values are decreasing while taxes continue to rise," Belmont said. "These challenges will not be met easily, nor in a short span of time, but I am confident they will be met."

The new supervisor also promised an end to party line politics and vowed to work with Democrats and Republicans to overcome the financial obstacles the town continues to face.

"Starting today we look to operate more efficiently, reform bad habits and spend wisely," Belmont said. "We must restore the trust between our residents and our government, this trust is vital and can only return once we collectively embrace simple values of hard work, courage, fair play and honesty."