Jonathan Jacobson, surrounded by friends, colleagues and supporters, was sworn in for a third term as assemblyman for the 104th New York State Assembly District by New York State Supreme Court Justice E. Loren Williams. Justice Williams, according to Jacobson, has sworn him in for every elected office he has held.

City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey welcomed those gathered for the swearing in of Jacobson with first inviting Bishop Jeffrey Woody, pastor of the Cathedral at the House of Refuge, who delivered an invocation to begin the ceremony. “We pray today as Jonathan Jacobson has answered the call, that You would by Your mighty hand guide him, be merciful to him and our nation, as they work together to bring about the best solutions for every one in our community,” said Woody. “We ask that You would give him grace, give him wisdom as he goes from day to day.”

Newburgh Free Academy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps [ROTC] cadets marched and presented the colors, followed by Veteran SP5 David McTamaney of the U.S. Army and Quartermaster of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 973 leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilwoman Patty Sofokles led the gathered crowd in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.

At the conclusion of the presentation of the colors and singing, Mayor Harvey welcomed many elected officials from the area such as Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos, Orange County Legislator Kevindaryán Luján, Councilman Anthony Grice, Councilman Bob Sklarz, former Councilwoman Karen Mejia, and Assemblyman Christopher Eachus, along with additional union leaders and elected officials from Poughkeepsie and Beacon.

“He is not only a friend of mine, he is a mentor of mine. He is a champion for the people. You know, they say many are called, but only a few are chosen,” said Harvey. “This man has been chosen to fight for every living human being in the 104th Assembly District.”

Jacobson spoke of his work ahead and present issues he wishes to address.

“I’d like to stress that I work hard to serve the needs of every municipality in my district. I would like to thank the voters who put their faith in me by electing me for a third term to represent them in the 104th Assembly District,” said Jacobson. “Before I cast every vote in Albany, I consider how each bill will affect my constituents, my neighbors. However local or personal an issue might be, I want to be clear, there are no unimportant concerns.”

Several issues that Jacobson addressed were the rising gun violence and appearance of guns in the area and enforcing present gun laws. Jacobson also addressed the Central Hudson online billing concerns and emphasized the importance of workforce development and providing educational opportunities at various grade levels in the area. Jacobson also re-emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade passed along with the passing of Hotel Motel Tax for the city.

“I’m deeply honored and excited to begin my third term. I’ve done a lot in the past, both passing laws and delivering money and grants to the district. And I’m happy to continue my service,” Jacobson said. “People know that I show up and that we also do great constituent services. I know there is always more to do and that is why my doors to my office are always open.”