Lancaster, NY -( RELEASE) Patrick M. Gallivan (R, C, I – Elma), was joined by family, friends, supporters and an array of elected officials from both sides of the aisle this morning at the historic Lancaster Opera House in Lancaster as he was formally sworn in as New York State Senator for the 59th Senate District. The Oath of Office was administered by the Honorable M. William Boller. Gallivan, a first-term legislator, was elected in November following the retirement of long-time Senator Dale M. Volker.
Prior to Gallivan taking his oath of office remarks were given by Congressman Chris Lee and Elma Town Supervisor Michael P. Nolan, while the invocation and the benediction were delivered by Rev. Msgr. David Gallivan and Father Joe Bayne, respectively.
The newly-minted Senator used the occasion to express humility and gratitude, accompanied with a strong sense of optimism to the standing room only crowd at the Lancaster Opera House. In accordance with his campaign message of reform, Gallivan promised to be a common-sense legislator, putting the concerns of his constituents and the taxpayers first, saying, “I will choose right over wrong, I will choose to represent the interests of my constituents before all else.”
Gallivan was victorious in a three-way Republican primary in September before defeating Democrat Cynthia Appleton of Wyoming County in the general election, but he articulated the need for all of Western New York’s elected leaders to work together in a united effort regardless of political party. “New Yorkers need leaders who are ready, willing, and able to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents, protect taxpayers, and provide solutions for the tough challenges facing New York, and I intend to be just that kind of leader,” said Gallivan.
Prior to being elected State Senator, Gallivan served as Sherriff of Erie County from 1998 through 2005 after a distinguished tenure as a member of the New York State Police. He is also a small business owner and lives in Elma, New York with his wife and two children.
The 59th State Senate District includes parts of Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario Counties.
