Before a standing-room-only crowd at Hempstead Town Hall last Monday, America's largest township inducted the first woman ever elected supervisor, three councilmembers, the receiver of taxes and town clerk during a special ceremony.

At the start of the ceremony, Fred McFarland of the Levittown Fire Department led the audience in the singing of the National Anthem, followed by CSEA Town of Hempstead, Local 880 President Bill Flanagan leading the pledge. Sister Evelyn Lamoureux of St. Boniface RC Church in Elmont then offered an invocation. After announcing local representatives and dignitaries in attendance, Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Mondello swore in the first honoree, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Murray was first appointed supervisor following last year's resignation of Rich Guardino. She has been making history since her 1998 election as the first woman (and first Levittown native) to represent the 19th District in the State Assembly. Similarly, she was the first woman and attorney to be elected to the position of town clerk. She made history again in November when she was the first woman to be elected supervisor in the town's 360-year history. Murray was recognized for setting forth an aggressive agenda to preserve the town's superlative fiscal standing and improve the quality of life enjoyed by all residents.

The supervisor noted that while she is privileged to be installed as the first chief executive of the Town of Hempstead, she felt the day's proceedings mark a special victory for all residents, especially women.

"While I will continue to be a forceful advocate for all residents, I hope that young women will view my election as an affirmation that they can achieve their goals, even in traditionally male-dominated positions," Murray said. "Women, indeed all persons who confront obstacles, should never accept historical precedent as a limiting determinant in pursuing dreams and aspirations."

The supervisor thanked town residents for their confidence and promised to continue to represent them in the most fiscally responsible way while preserving their quality of life.

"Residents of Hempstead Town have provided me with an important opportunity to lead our municipal government. Similarly, a guiding principle of my administration continues to be focused on providing genuine opportunities for residents," she said. "Looking forward, my administration's agenda includes efforts to enhance the quality of life experience for all residents, increased programs to protect the environment and initiatives to support economic growth and vitality."

Councilwoman Angie Cullin, who has served on the town board since 1987 in various capacities, was next to be inducted. Cullin, who represents the town's Fifth Councilmatic District, was sworn in by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. Cullin was recognized as a trailblazer for women in government. As a former receiver of taxes and as town councilwoman, Cullin was recognized for having displayed boundless energy and an abiding commitment to improving the quality of life enjoyed by town residents.

The next inductee was Councilman James Darcy, who was sworn in by Supervisor Murray to serve in the town's 3rd Councilmatic District. Darcy was recognized for having established himself as a leader as village mayor in Valley Stream, as an assemblyman in the state legislature and as councilman. From establishing a program to provide free cell phones to senior citizens for emergency use to spearheading one of the town's newest downtown revitalization projects in Franklin Square, Darcy was noted to be an effective and caring public servant.

Ed Ambrosino, councilman of the town's 2nd District, was sworn in by former Councilman Joseph Kearney, his predecessor. This was Ambrosino's first election victory, as he was appointed councilman following Kearney's resignation last year. Ambrosino was recognized for having added his enthusiastic spirit to town government. It was noted that Ambrosino, former majority counsel to the Nassau County Legislature, has proven to be an accessible and capable official. He has overseen the establishment of affordable senior condominiums in Elmont and is assisting the West Hempstead Library Board as they pursue construction of a new facility.

Prior to the induction of town clerk and receiver of taxes, the Reverend Eric Mallete of the Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport offered some reflections and Bilee T. and Marcia Thomas Pharr performed He'll Do It Again.

Mark Bonilla, the first Hispanic American town clerk in the town, was inducted next by Congressman Peter King. Bonilla was recognized for having already placed his stamp on the office, enhancing the already impressive array of services offered. Bonilla was recognized for having established the mobile passport center, working with the supervisor in establishing the town's Mobile Pet Adoption Center, and expanding bilingual services at the town clerk's office.

Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin Jr. was the final inductee of the ceremony. Clavin was recognized for instituting a host of innovations that have benefited taxpayers - including the advent of the mobile Receiver of Taxes office, satellite payment locations, extended service hours and a number of guides to help residents understand their tax bills. Clavin was inducted by District Court Judge Sandra Feuerstein.

Cullin, Darcy and Ambrosino join current councilmembers Dorothy Goosby (1st District), Anthony Santino (4th District) and Gary Hudes (6th District). All those inducted thanked their families, friends and those "behind the scenes" who helped them not only get into office, but also provide tireless effort in making sure that they can get their jobs done to the best of their abilities. All vowed to work together to continue to enhance services and improve the lives enjoyed by town residents.

The ceremony concluded with Rabbi Sean Gorman of the Bellmore Jewish Center offering an invocation. The supervisor then invited all in attendance to join the officials in enjoying some refreshments.

"I am so proud of the services that we offer in this township, and I must thank each of the elected officials on the Hempstead Town Board for making Hempstead Town a great place to live, work and raise a family," Murray concluded. "We will work together to continue to pursue a progressive agenda that provides great services and programs and creates genuine opportunity while respecting the wallets of our taxpayers."