The Third Induction of the Nassau County Legislature at Nassau Community College Physical Fitness Center was packed as Legislator Judy Jacobs was sworn-in as the first Democratic and first woman Majority Leader and Legislator Peter Schmitt was sworn in as Minority Leader.

Truly the highlight of the ceremony was when Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta came to the podium and after a few words of greeting called both Majority Leader Judy Jacobs and Minority Leader Peter Schmitt to the podium and standing between them raised their arms and said, "This is the sign of the times, unity, and we will all work together for a new beginning in Nassau County, a new era in partnership, a bond we will not break."

United States Senator Charles Schumer was on hand to swear in Legislator Jacobs. In his remarks prior to that he cautioned the new legislators to work together not as Democrats or Republicans, as has been the case in Washington, but to work together. He also cautioned them not to rush to judgment. He said, "It is better to do it right than to do it fast."

In his acceptance speech Minority Leader Schmitt listed a quick review of all that has been accomplished by what was a new legislature when Bruce Blakeman took over as Minority Leader.

He pointed out that literally when the legislators first started, "There was not a file, pencil, computer, desks, not even phones. Under the leadership of Bruce Blakeman not only did we birth the new legislature with convulsions or disruptions as was predicted, but we racked up an impressive record."

He listed the Public Benefit Corporation, which insures the continued availability of health care to the poor and underinsured, and also gives the county hospital a chance to adapt, survive and thrive. He mentioned the passing of a tough, constitutional smoking law to protect the health of residents and reform in the way contracts are awarded in the county. Further, he noted the creation of a Goodwill Games Council which successfully showcases the county and its facilities to the world.

Schmitt continued, "Perhaps the greatest vision of all the proposal and creation of Hewlett House, the first ever Breast Cancer Resource Learning Center in the United States."

He concluded by saying, "To Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs and her colleagues we say congratulations and let us find and focus on the common ground where we can agree and work together for the benefit of our residents and county. Harry Truman, a figure I admire in history and a Democrat said, 'I am here to make decisions and whether they prove right or wrong I am going to make them.' Can we do any less? Thank you for your attention and let's get to work!"

The last speaker of the morning was Presiding Officer Judith Jacobs who said, "On November 2 the people of Nassau County spoke loud and clear that they were ready for change and we my friends are ready to lead the way. If the message of the voters is ignored more than the political future of any one politician will be put in peril. Much more is at stake because if that message is ignored Nassau County risks becoming a textbook case of how a county rich in resources can nevertheless find its fiscal future in serious doubt."

Jacobs continued, "I have no doubt that the people were sending a message that they are sick of government with an attitude, tired of finger pointing and were demanding changes now to correct the chronic mismanagement that has blossomed into a full-blown crisis of confidence. We have heard their message and we are up to the challenge."

New York State Comptroller Carl McCall acted as the Master-of-Ceremonies for the event. Many elected officials were in the audience including: New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer; North Hempstead Town Supervisor May Newburger, Councilmen James O'Connor and Anthony D'Urso;  Glen Cove Mayor Thomas Suozzi, United States Congressman Gary Ackerman and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and New York State Senator Michael Balboni to name a few.

In the interest of safety to the many hundreds who attended the event the county had bomb sniffing dogs on the premises prior to the start of the ceremonies.

To round out the ceremony members of the various clergy in the county were on hand to offer prayers of encouragement including: Father John White, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rockville Centre; Rev. Lionel Harvey, First Baptist Church of Westbury; Al-Haaj Ghazi Y. Khankan, Islamic Center of Long Island, Westbury and Rabbi Darryl P. Crystal, North Shore Synagogue, Syosset.