Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis feels the love at ceremonial swearing-in
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis realized her American dream last night with her swearing-in as Staten Island’s first Hispanic elected official.
The rite took place at her alma mater, New Dorp High School.
"Thirteen years. It’s been 13 years since I walked this very stage as president of my senior class," said the fledgling legislator, who was accorded a standing ovation. "I have wonderful memories of this building and my time here, but no memory will ever surpass this moment right now."
The ritual was ceremonial only — Ms. Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) was officially sworn in on Jan. 4 in Albany — but nevertheless fraught with significance. More than 500 Islanders turned out in recognition of the young woman who wrested the seat from Democrat Janele Hyer-Spencer in a high-profile campaign.
After former Gov. George Pataki administered the oath, Ms. Malliotakis took the microphone to thank her supporters. She said she seeks bipartisan support "to make New York an exceptional place ... and to ensure that America remains the one place in the world where you can achieve anything you dream despite where you came from."
She also sounded her signature themes: Ethics reform, a cap on state spending and a reduction in government bureaucracy.
Backing her were a total of 52 borough leaders, judges and elected officials past and present, including Borough President James Molinaro, former Borough President Guy Molinari, City Council Minority Leader James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn), state Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn), City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) and Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island).
Speaker after speaker praised the 30-year-old Rosebank resident and paid homage to her parents, George and Veralia Malliotakis, who shared the stage with her. Ms. Malltiotakis’ mother was born in Cuba.
State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) said the experience of both her immigrant parents gives Ms. Malliotakis an appreciation for what makes America great "and is something that will truly make her a fantastic public servant."
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) touted Ms. Malliotakis’ dedicated efforts, stressing, "She got here the old-fashioned way: She earned it."
The night was not without mishaps. Pataki’s tardiness forced master of ceremonies Lou Tobacco, the South Shore assemblyman, to recruit several impromptu speakers, among them Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore), who proved to be a master of self-deprecation. "Well, ladies and gentleman, welcome to rock bottom," he said.
Pataki, when he did arrive, was effusive in praise of his former protegee, telling constituents: "Your pleas were heard because of Nicole Malliotakis. Your needs were met because of Nicole Malliotakis, and now she won’t have to ask me to have those needs met, she will be able to do it herself because she knows, she cares and she will be a great leader in the New York State Assembly."