Ritchie Selected for ‘State of State’ Role

ALBANY— On the opening day of the 2011 Legislative session—and her very first official day in office—State Senator Patty Ritchie was selected for a role related to Governor Cuomo’s inaugural “State of the State” address.

Senator Ritchie was elected by her fellow Senators to serve as an official emissary to “wait on” the Governor and notify him that the Senate was organized and ready to begin its work for the year. The parliamentary appointment is ceremonial, but still significant, and is part of a long tradition in the Senate.

Senator Ritchie, representing the Republican majority, and Democrat Sen. Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) delivered the message to the Governor’s Counsel. Two other Senators—a Republican and a Democrat—were chosen to “wait on” the Assembly with the same message.

“It’s a special honor that her fellow Senators have bestowed on her,” said Senate Republican Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos.  "Senator Ritchie has already impressed her colleagues. We're looking forward to working closely with her on the issues facing Central and Northern New York, and the rest of the state."