The swearing-in ceremony for New Windsor officials was a standing-room only event on New Year’s Day.

The first to be sworn in was Town Clerk Kelly Allegra. She won the position last November, defeating opponent Deborah Green in a close race. Allegra earned 1,990 votes while Green garnered 1,796 votes. She, along with the rest of the elected officials, were sworn in by George Meyers Jr., a New Windsor town court judge and son of Town Supervisor George Meyers.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve New Windsor,” she said. “I will work to the best of my ability to be there for each and every one of you.”

Councilwoman Sylvia Santiago was joined by many members of her family when she was sworn in. She is a 16-year community activist elected to the Newburgh school board and a 20-year financial comptroller for GCG Connect. She chose to run for councilwoman, as she wants to give back to her community.

“I look forward to working to the best of my ability along with my fellow council members and I thank you all for your support,” she said.

Newly sworn in councilman Stephen Bedetti has held leadership positions in New Windsor before. He is communications supervisor for New Windsor’s police department. He is also the president of New Windsor’s Civil Service Employees Association union and the Vails Gate Fire Department.

“I promise to everyone that I will serve you all to the best of my ability,” he said.
This town board will be led by Town Supervisor George Meyers, who brings a wealth of experience to the table. He was previously New Windsor’s town supervisor from 1994-2005. He chose to run for the position in order to improve the accessibility and accountability of the town’s government. At the November election, Meyers earned 2,749 votes, far outpacing incumbent George Green who received 1,066 votes.

“The most important thing is that you’ll be able to talk to us [the town board],” Meyers said. “I always have an open door policy. You can just walk into my office, you don’t need an appointment. Whenever you call my office, I will call back.”