Newly elected state Sen. Leroy Comrie was joined by many of his friends, family and other members of government as he was sworn in to his new duties on Jan. 11.
The ceremony was held at York College and bought together a small army of elected officials, including U.S. Sen Charles Schumer, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James and Borough President Melinda Katz, among others. They praised Comrie for his work as a city councilman and as deputy borough president in the past, and wished him well in the Senate.
“Leroy Comrie is an exceptional public servant with a tireless work ethic and a proven track record of working on behalf of the interests of his constituents,” Katz said. “I know Senator Comrie will do an outstanding job in Albany because he always puts the concerns of his constituents first. I congratulate Senator Comrie on his inauguration today and wish him all the best as he represents the people of southeastern Queens.”
The state Senate opens its first Legislative session of the year in Albany today. Comrie will join his fellow Democrats in Albany, where Republicans this year retook the Senate majority.
He left his position as deputy borough president in April of 2014 as he was making his bid for state Senate against his democratic primary opponent Malcolm Smith. Comrie defeated Smith, who is battling federal charges connected with his alleged attempt to bribe his way onto the ballot as a Republican candidate.
Smith’s first federal prosecution ended in mistrial. His new trial started last week in a federal court in White Plains.
Comrie now takes over the Senate seat in District 14 and is looking forward to his new role.
“Thank you to all of my colleagues in government, clergy and faith leaders, community leaders, my great friends in the labor movement, family, friends and community members that came out to my inauguration ceremony,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. “It was truly a blessing to share time with you this evening and I am always humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement as I begin my new role as state Senator representing the 14th District in Queens.”
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