State Senator Peter Oberacker took the oath of office Friday for his first New York State Senate term.
Senator Oberacker was sworn in at the Town of Maryland courthouse where his mother, Carol Oberacker, served as a town justice for more than two and half decades.
He was elected in November to replace Senator Jim Seward, who has retired.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Senator Oberacker limited the gathering to a small circle of family and close friends.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, he addressed supporters and well-wishers, offering thoughts on his plans for his first term representing the 51st Senate District and New York State:
“It is my great honor to take on this esteemed position and I look forward to serving the people of the 51st Senate District,” he said.
“We are living in challenging times, however, I am certain that we will overcome the obstacles in front of us and move forward together. After traveling throughout the region over the past several months, it is clear to me that the people who live and work here are our greatest assets.
“Families and individuals along with our small businesses, schools, local governments, and countless community groups have persevered during the COVID pandemic – that is our nature here in upstate New York. Now, as we prepare to open a new legislative session, it is time for Albany to take commonsense steps to truly improve our state.”
Specifically, Senator Oberacker listed highspeed broadband, strengthening Main Street businesses, investing in our farms, and backing first responders and frontline health care providers as among the initiatives he plans to work on in his first term.