(Binghamton, NY) – Former Town of Conklin Supervisor Debbie Preston took the Oath of Office on Sunday making her the 8^th Broome County Executive. Preston had been a member of the Conklin Town Board since 1995 and served as Supervisor since 2003.

Judge Jeffrey A. Tait administered the Oath of Office in front of a crowd of over 200 supporters on the 18^th Floor of the State Office Building in Downtown Binghamton.

After she was sworn in, Preston thanked everyone in attendance, especially her 90-year-old mother Ruth, husband Paul and daughter Christina.  She went on to thank her supporters, those who joined her at numerous hot dog picnics over the summer, and former County Executives Barbara Fiala and Patrick Brennan for their service.

“Thank you to everyone who believed in me. Now it’s time to get to work,” she said.

Preston reiterated her priorities which will guide her during her tenure as Executive, including:  

·         A 5% pay reduction for her, key staff and department heads

·         Working with employee unions to find long-term cost savings

·         Working with the IDA and private sector to create and maintain jobs

·         Groundbreaking on a new Nursing Home

·         Helping our Towns and Villages with Broome Builds Grants

·         Exploring privatization of some County functions

·         Making government accountable to the people

·         Helping to facilitate safe Natural Gas Drilling

Preston will finish the unexpired one-year term of Barbara Fiala, and will seek re-election in November to a full four-year term.

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