Town Officials Take Oath of Office

A capacity crowd filled the Evans Town Hall for the installation of elected officials from the November 2007 election.  Anthony "Neno" LaRusso presided as master of ceremonies over the event, in which a new Town Supervisor and new Councilman took their oath of office, and in which a returning Councilman and Town Justice were also sworn in.

The VFW Post 5798 and the American Legion Post 928 combined as the color guard in presentation of the U.S. and New York State flags.  This was followed by an invocation by Rev. Matt Nycz of Most Precious Blood. 

Town Justice Timothy Cooper administered the oath of office to Anthony J. Barone, who has served as Town Justice for 32 years.  State Assemblyman Jack Quinn, Jr., gave the oath to Keith Dash, who was elected to the Town Board in November.  Hon. Cooper returned to the dais, this time with his brother, Eden Town Justice Michael Cooper, and both administered the oath to Paul Cooper, who was just re-elected to the Town Board.

With his wife Becky and several family members at his side, Fran Pordum accepted the oath administered by his longtime friend, Cheektowaga Town Justice Thomas S. Kolbert.  Pordum addressed the standing-room crowd, thanking them for their support.  "Going door-to-door before the election gave me an opportunity to hear from Town residents about what matters to them.  I thank everyone for their input, and I promise that my door at the Town Hall will be open to you.  Come in anytime for a cup of coffee to let me know your ideas."

Rev. Jack Bacon of the First Congregational United Church offered closing remarks, in which he commented  "As citizens, we have a civic duty to support our elected officials.  It doesn't mean that we'll always agree.  But when we disagree, we should do so in a respectful manner."  His comments received generous applause from the crowd present.  The event was followed by a reception in the Town Hall atrium, featuring holiday cookies, coffee and punch.