Mayor Gary Herzig welcomes newly elected officials and their family and friends to the swearing-in event.
Before anything official could happen, City Judge Lucy Bernier had to be sworn in for a second term; the oath was administered by state Supreme Court Judge Michael V. Coccoma. At center is Bernier’s husband, Joe, now retired, but formerly longtime Community Development director at City Hall. Thus empowered, Judge Bernier then swore in the mayor, Common Council and Oneonta’s county representatives.
City Judge Richard McVinney is sworn in for another term by his colleague on the city bench, as his wife Kathleen holds the Bible.
County Rep. Andrew Stammel, D-Town of Oneonta, takes the oath. His husband, David Brower, holds the Bible.
Mayor Herzig is sworn in; wife Connie hold the Bible. The mayor was appointed to the vacant position in October, so to participate in the development of the city budget for 2016.
Veteran county Rep. Kay Stuligross, D-Oneonta, passes the watchful eye of young Dannah Levinson, 4, en route to taking her oath of office for a fifth term.
First Ward Common Council member Paul van der Sommen accepts good wishes at today’s swearing-in ceremony at Foothills’ Atrium. He is accompanied by wife Sue and their daughter.
Mayor Herzig snaps a photo of Melissa Nicosia; she and her husband, Charles, are friends of the Herzig family. He represents Ward 2.
Young Gabriel Rissberger watches with admiration as his dad, Common Council member David Rissberger, is sworn in for a second term, representing Ward 3. Gabriel’s mom Rachel and sister Julia help hold the Bible.
Ella Osterhoudt – “my campaign manager,” her mother said – holds the Bible as mom Michelle Osterhoudt, newly elected to the Fourth Ward seat, is sworn in.
It was a heavy lift, but the Levinson children all helped hold the Bible as mom Dana was sworn in to represent the city’s Fifth Ward.
Council member Russ Southard, Ward 6, acting mayor for much of the past year, bounces his grandson Bryler, 1, on his knee after taking the oath of office. Next to them is Bryler’s grandmom, Tammy Southard.
Newcomer John Rafter accepts the responsibility of representing the Seventh Ward. His wife Elizabeth hold the Bible.
Len Carson, newly elected to the Otsego County Board of Legislators, representing the city’s Wards 5 and 6, accepts applause on being recognized by Mayor Herzig.
