Surrounded by well over 300 well wishers at the State Capitol in Albany, including Elmont Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Palandra, school board member Ann Reinhardt, state commissioners, Assembly- members and senators throughout the state, Assemblyman Tom Alfano was sworn into office by State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

Assemblyman John Faso, the Assembly leader, spoke to those gathered about Alfano and praised his work as a member of the Assembly leadership. "Tom Alfano is one of the most effective members of the Long Island delegation. His input and work for his constituents is noticed and admired," he said.

In a major promotion in the Assembly leadership structure, Alfano was promoted to the top seat on the Assembly Judiciary Committee. "This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I look forward to serving in such a prestigious post in the Assembly," Alfano stated.

Alfano was also renamed to the Assembly leadership and will serve as vice-chairman of the Assembly Joint Conference Committee. In his role, he will be working on education, health care and economic issues. Alfano is also expecting to win a coveted seat on the budget conference committees. He held the sole Long Island Assembly seat on the Transportation, Environmental Conservation and Housing committee last session.

On the opening day of session in the State Capitol, Senator Skelos swore in Alfano for the 2001-02 term. "Tom Alfano is not only a great partner to me but is also a good friend. We get things done together for our communities and I'm very honored and pleased to swear him in again to another term," Senator Skelos said.

Busloads of constituents and supporters of Alfano and Skelos took the trip to Albany for the opening day of session. The swear-in was accompanied by a luncheon and activities at the State Capitol. The day ended with the State of the State Address, given by Governor George Pataki.

Dr. Palandra was given the privileges of the Assembly floor and attended the address where she sat with Alfano and other legislators for the speech. "It was a real honor to represent the district at this very special event. Tom Alfano is a special person who supports our children and participates in our schools. To be his only guest on the floor of the Legislature during the historic moment of the governor's address is symbolic of the partnership our school district has with him," Dr. Palandra said.

Dr. Palandra was the only school superintendent in attendance for the governor's address. "Maria Palandra is not only a friend and advisor to me on education issues but she is a leader in the 22nd District and I value the partnership we have in providing quality education for our students," Alfano said.

For the assemblyman of the 22nd district, it was a special day. "I was surrounded by my friends and leaders throughout the state in this very special event. It couldn't have happened if the people I represented didn't give me their vote of confidence," he said.