Inauguration Day in Southold as Elected Officials Take Oaths

A cheering public crowded into the Peconic Lane Community Center in Peconic Monday to welcome their newly elected Southold Town public officials during this year’s inaugural ceremony.

Master of Ceremony Denis Noncarrow kicked off the proceedings, welcoming the audience and lauding the newly elected, a “great group of people. We so appreciate what everyone does.”

After the Pledge of Allegiance and a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Christina Stankewicz, Reverend Cornelius Fulford offered the invocation, asking the newly elected to make “sound and wonderful decisions for the Town of Southold.”

Justice William J. Condon administered the oaths of office: Taking their oaths were new Town Trustees Glenn Goldsmith and Nicholas Krupski, Receiver of Taxes George Sullivan, Assessor Richard Caggiano, Town Justice Brian Hughes, Town Councilman William Ruland and Councilwoman Jill Doherty, and Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell.

Russell, who is commencing his fourth term as supervisor, spoke to the crowd. “We’ve been given the trust, faith and confidence of the public to do a good job.” With the campaign now over, Russell said, “Every action we take and don’t take has consequences and an impact on people’s lives. It’s our responsibility to promote robust discussion and to be thoughtful and deliberate with the decisions we make, keeping in mind the need to represent all voices. Not just the loud voices, but the people who don’t come to board meetings but still have passion. We need to hear every one of those voices.”

He added, “We need to remember to leave politics at the door,” putting the needs of the community first. “We need to remember we won’t have all the answers,” he said, adding that the talent and input of the community can “be a great guide,” something the public has long been “gracious” in offering.

Stankewicz sang “God Bless America” and the audience enjoyed a social hour with refreshments immediately following the ceremony.