McKevitt Sworn in as New Assemblyman for 17th District

Took Oath During Ceremony at State Capitol

By Joe Rizza

Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt (R.C.I-East Meadow) was recently sworn in as the new assemblyman representing the 17th Assembly District. Joining McKevitt at the ceremony, from left , were his mother, Patricia, wife, Samantha, and Assembly Republican Leader James N. Tedisco (R.C.I-Schenectady-Saratoga). The Hon. Vito C. Caruso, administrative judge for the Fourth Judicial District administered the oath of office.

Tom McKevitt of East Meadow won the 17th Assembly District seat convincingly but he has one regret - that because it was a special election, there wasn't much time to campaign. Therefore, he didn't get to meet as many people in the district as he wanted to. But now that McKevitt is an assemblyman and will have to run again for the seat this November, he is looking forward to meeting all the people of the district.

"I'm honored and thankful to the citizens of the 17th Assembly District. I will do my best," he said.

The East Meadow resident was sworn in during a ceremony at the State Capitol. He said his attention would be focused on addressing property taxes and school aid.

The seat became available when longtime Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell ran successfully for county clerk. McKevitt faced off against Democrat Zahid-Ali Syed and won by a 3,414 to 1,653 margin.

As a Republican, McKevitt is a minority member of the Assembly. "It won't be easy," he said, but added, "I've always worked well with people from both parties."

McKevitt will keep O'Connell's district office at 224 Seventh Street in Garden City and phone number 739-5119. He said residents should not hesitate to contact him.