Elected officials gathered on January 1 to formally take their oaths of office, marking the start of a new term dedicated to public service, community preservation, and civic pride.
New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater moderated the ceremony, which saw the swearing-in of the Town Supervisor and two Councilmen. Slater, a former Yorktown Supervisor himself, set the tone for the event at Yorktown Stage by highlighting the profound impact of municipal leadership.
“Local government matters because it affects people’s lives every single day,” Assemblyman Slater told the crowd. “For me, this moment is especially meaningful… No matter the role, the mission remains the same: to protect the quality of life that makes this town such a special place to call home, a special place to live, work and raise our families.”
Councilman Sergio Esposito was the first to take his oath of office. Afterwards, he expressed deep gratitude for his reelection. He emphasized that his governance is shaped directly by his interactions with residents, from discussions on public safety to preserving local character.
“Serving this town has allowed me to meet so many neighbors, hear your concerns and better understand what matters most to you,” Councilman Esposito said. “Those conversations, often informal and sometimes difficult, are what guide me and remind me of what this job is really about.”
Councilman Ilan Gilbert then took the podium. He reflected on his unique history with the town, having previously served as a Town Judge for five years and as Town Supervisor.
“This is now my third run at serving the town in different capacities,” Councilman Gilbert said. “Every job has a different requirement and capacity, but it all stems from the same aspect of public service. I’ve been a public servant all my life, and I will continue to serve all of you.”
Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman concluded the speeches with a message focused on integrity, transparency, and results. He spoke about the progress made in the previous term regarding infrastructure and economic growth, framing the town not just as a location, but as a shared responsibility.
“Yorktown is more than a town; [it] is a promise, a community built on shared values, service, responsibility, respect for our neighbors and stewardship of the place,” Supervisor Lachterman stated. “Your confidence is not something I take lightly, but a responsibility I carry with gratitude.”
Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli and Judge Aviah Cohen, who also begin new terms of office, were unable to attend the event.
