Balboni Sworn to Office of State Senate

By James Kennedy

Once New York State Assemblyman representing Garden City, Michael A. L. Balboni was recently sworn in as the New York State Senator for the seventh district, which means he will no longer be representing Garden City in Albany. A happy day for Balboni was a sad goodbye for Garden City residents.

Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Stephen Bucaria greeted the assemblage of dignitaries, volunteers and supporters gathered to witness the culmination of all their hard work as Michael A.L. Balboni took the oath of office as a New York State Senator.

After the new state senator was sworn in on the bible of the Balboni family, he expressed his gratitude to his family of supporters. "I have learned from experience that this is not my victory, but ours," he said.

Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee Joseph Mondello recalled the results of the recent election that provided Balboni with the opportunity to represent the North Hempstead area on the state senate and recounted the lesson that he himself had learned.

"It was a clear signal that the people of Nassau County believe our best and brightest days are ahead of us," he said, "There is no better prepared to meet the challenge. It is on the floor of the senate that he (Balboni) will translate words into action."

Mondello commented that Balboni has a bright future with a solemn responsibility representing the people of his district. "Leadership is an ethereal thing," said Balboni, "It is something many people want but few are willing to sacrifice for."

As a leader Balboni stated he intends to address the concerns expressed to him by the people he encountered on the campaign trail, for example, concerns for senior citizens, concerns about crime in particular domestic and child abuse, concerns about breast cancer and the HMO systems.

After a standing ovation from friends and family, the new state senator greeted the supporters with whom he shared the victory.