Reciting the oath of office before a packed crowd of family, friends and supporters in the County Office Building, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks officially began her second term in office. Brooks is Monroe County’s fifth elected County Executive, and was re-elected this past November with 74% of the vote.

 

“For your support, your inspiration and your trust, I want to thank all of you, the citizens of Monroe County, for placing your confidence in me for four more years”, County Executive Brooks stated. “I remain humbled by this incredible honor and opportunity to serve as your County Executive.”

 

At the County Executive’s request, today’s ceremonies were centered on her family. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Pete Kennedy, a well-known Rochester-area radio personality, and a cousin of the County Executive. Daughter Jensen Darden and stepson James Wiesner held the family Bible, while husband Robert Wiesner administered the ceremonial oath of office to the County Executive.

 

Senior Pastor George Grace of First Bible Baptist Church in Greece delivered the ceremony’s Invocation and Benediction. Additionally, Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Stephen J. Minarik offered remarks, and introduced a bi-partisan slate of state and local leaders to the gathered well-wishers. 

 

County Executive Brooks began her address by thanking her family, friends and supporters, and also extended a special thank you to her team in County government. Brooks also took a moment to recap the many accomplishments achieved by her administration over the past four years.

 

“There are more jobs in this community than when we started. Resources and support have been raised for important community projects. The County budget has been balanced, an historic deficit reduced and residents have not been impacted by higher taxes or reduced services,” Brooks continued. 

 

The County Executive also remarked that that for the community to continue in a direction from crisis to comeback, it is critical that all Monroe County leaders put aside their political differences to work for the common good.

 

“As I have said often in recent months, there is a time for politics, and there is a time for governing. And make no mistake about it; this is the time for governing. We are one community, and one County. The bonds that unite us are far greater, and much stronger than what can ever divide us,” Brooks continued. “I pledge to you that I will continue to lead in the spirit of bi-partisanship and openness taxpayers should expect from their government.”

 

Brooks also outlined her vision for the next four years during her address. While noting that her administration would continue to fight for more jobs, develop the talents of young professionals, and harness the power of alternative energy resources, the County Executive focused her attention on protecting the interests of Monroe County’s property taxpayers.

 

“We will continue to lead by example, maintaining our fiscally conservative approach to governing by seeking new ways to make County government leaner, and more efficient, Brooks continued. “Most importantly, we will continue to stand up for the interests of our County’s property taxpayers; because they and they alone are the only special interest that our County government shall ever serve.” 

 

Brooks concluded her remarks by noting that her administration has chartered a course of progress and success over the past four years, and the need for our community to continue along this course well into the future. 

 

“It was the Legendary Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes who said that greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. Justice Holmes also told us that we as a people must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it; but at all times we must sail, not drift, nor lie at anchor,” Brooks continued. “My friends, we’ve charted a course and are ready to sail. We may encounter rough and choppy waters, but the anticipation and excitement of successfully reaching our destination will keep us from turning back.”