SENATOR RHOADS HOSTS LOCAL INAGURATION CEREMONY

WANTAGH, N.Y. — The Hon. Steven D. Rhoads was sworn into the New York Senate on January 21, 2023 joined by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, faith leaders from Bellmore, Merrick, Hicksville, and Plainview, community leaders from across the district, local New York State Assembly Members, as well as family, friends, and local residents at Wantagh High School, where the Senator went to school. The Oath was administered by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Quinn, also a Wantagh-native. Rhoads was introduced by former New York State Senator Chuck Fuschillo and the event was emceed by former New York State Assemblyman Fred Parola for whom the new Senator worked as an intern while in college. 

Echoing themes from the campaign trail, Rhoads vowed to fight to return New York State government to the People of this great State by reaching across the aisle to build consensus on issues like cashless bail, economic development, tax relief, supporting our police, keeping communities safe, and making New York an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. 

“My goal is to represent all 325,000 residents of this district – whether you voted for me or not – and try to make State government work for you,” Rhoads said, “but make no mistake, there are elements in Albany that want to transform this State into something unrecognizable from the one in which we grew up, and there will be no compromise in defending our families, our safety, our values and our future. You deserve nothing less.”

The homecoming was special for Senator Rhoads. “The Capitol in Albany is beautiful and historic, but it’s not home. I am someone who owes everything to the childhood, education, and support I received from the people and communities I’m now blessed to represent. This ceremony was for them, just as my focus in the Senate will be about them and working to build a safer, stronger, and brighter future for us all,” Rhoads added. 

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to represent the hard-working families of the Fifth Senate District in Albany. I am truly humbled by the trust that so many residents – of all political parties – have placed in me. I will work to defend our safety and our suburban values while fighting to return New York State government to the People of this great State,” said Rhoads.

“Senator Steve Rhoads is a strong partner in government. I was proud to join him as he took his Oath of Office. Together, we’re working to make Long Island safer and more affordable,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. 

“I am thankful that Long Islanders have a fighter like Senator Steve Rhoads advocating for our community in New York’s capital. I look forward to working with Senator Rhoads to deliver for the people of Nassau County by advancing our shared agenda of safe streets and lower taxes in both Albany and Washington, DC,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. 

““It was wonderful to join so many community leaders and neighbors to celebrate the swearing-in of Senator Steve Rhoads. Steve Rhoads was a hard working, effective public servant and advocate for our communities during his service in the Nassau County Legislature. Having served our community in the State Senate for nearly 16 years, I know that he will fight just as hard for us and the issues that are important to Long Island in Albany as our new State Senator,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., former New York State Senator. 

“The 5th Senate District is fortunate to now have a representative who embodies the true spirit of public service. I look forward to forward to continuing our partnership in delivering results for the residents of America’s largest township,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin.

“We’re thrilled to have a new advocate in the State Senate who represents our best interests and suburban quality of life. From fighting to protect single-family zoned neighborhoods to fighting for repeal of cashless bail laws that free dangerous thugs, Senator Steve Rhoads will protect your wallet and your safety as he takes on the issues important to us. I look forward to working with him as we deliver real results for the families and seniors on Long Island,” saidOyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

“Steve Rhoads has always been a fighter for our taxpayers and I’m thrilled to have him join our State legislation delegation. He will put public safety and affordability first and be a loud voice for preserving our suburban way of life,” said New York State Assemblyman Ra. 

“I would like to congratulate our new State Senator, Steve Rhoads, who was a very supportive colleague of mine while serving in the Nassau County Legislature and I look forward to working with Senator Rhoads in the New York State Legislature. He has been a proven and effective advocate for his constituents while in the County Legislature and now I know he will continue to do so for all of the residents of the Senate District and the State of New York,” said New York State Assemblyman David McDonough. 

“I was honored to be there to support Steve Rhoads at his swearing in, looking forward to working with him in Albany and know he will be a great Senator,” said New York State Assemblyman Mikulin. 

“I was honored to have attended Senator Rhoads Inauguration as he starts his work in our district representing us in Albany. I am looking forward to working with him for the benefit of our communities,” said Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt.