Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul participated in a swearing-in ceremony for local elected officials in Peekskill. The event included remarks from the Governor and recognized several community leaders and public servants.
During her speech, Governor Hochul addressed the audience with reflections on public service and the importance of community leadership. She praised Mayor Vivian Mackenzie, stating, “what an extraordinary leader you have in your Mayor. I just want to say, and I’ve been to a lot of cities and towns and across the State since I’ve been elected. I was on a town board in 1994, I was elected to a town board, and I’ve seen everybody. But she really stands up, stands out. She loves her work, she loves her community. She has a common sensibility about how to solve today’s problems, but is forward thinking and has a vision for the future. And that’s what gravitates me to where I wanted to be here today to officially swear her in along with our other council members. So let’s give another round of applause to our Mayor Vivian Mackenzie.”
Governor Hochul also acknowledged other officials present at the event including Senator Pete Harckham, council members Jim Creighton and Brian Fassett, Patricia Riley, Darren Rigger, Beverly Chang, Charles DiGruccio, as well as Adam Renwick who was recognized as the new chief of police.
The Governor highlighted Peekskill’s progress on development initiatives such as its Downtown Revitalization Initiative project: “She reflected on how when I was Lieutenant Governor, I came and announced your $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. And so she is overseeing this project… Like 90% – that’s better than most communities, so congratulations on that.” Hochul emphasized the need for continued housing development in Westchester County and Long Island: “But also what I really appreciate is her desire to overcome all the obstacles that exist in places like Westchester and Long Island… about building more housing.”
She encouraged local government officials not to be deterred by traditional approaches or resistance: “Don’t lose that ambition… You must build more housing. And that’s the only thing that’s holding back our State and beautiful regions like the Hudson Valley.”
The Governor also spoke about waterfront development along the Hudson River: “Any community along the Hudson should be vibrant magnets for tourism and living… I’m so glad to see the development there.”
Reflecting on her own experience in local government since 1994—including lengthy council meetings—she said: “That’s democracy… But this is where communities make a real difference in the lives of their constituents…”
Hochul advised new officeholders: “Number one advice I have is don’t read the comments…” She recounted personal experiences from earlier political campaigns highlighting challenges faced by candidates.
Emphasizing public safety as foundational for thriving communities, she stated: “If you can’t walk the streets and feel safe nothing else matters.” The Governor noted investments made toward law enforcement support: “And we’ve made a real difference in driving crime down. And I’ve supported law enforcement locally with $3.9 billion no one has ever spent that much money…”
Governor Hochul concluded by congratulating those being sworn into office.
