Kelly Fitzpatrick sworn in as Steuben County Legislature chair for 2026–27

Kelly Fitzpatrick was elected chair of the Steuben County Legislature and sworn in at the body’s organizational meeting. After nominations were closed and a roll call vote, Fitzpatrick took the oath, stating, "I, Kelly Fitzpatrick, do solemnly swear I will support the Constitution of The United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and then I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of the chair of the Steuben County legislature for a 2 year term of 2026 and 2027." (Speaker: Kelly Fitzpatrick.)

The election followed a nomination and formal roll call. The motion to appoint Fitzpatrick to the chairship was presented and carried by roll call; members recorded affirmative responses during the vote. The body then moved immediately to administer the oath and continue organizational business. The meeting record shows members addressing procedural questions about whether to wait for the passing of Resolution 1 before proceeding with subsequent items and confirming that nominations would be acted on promptly.

Fitzpatrick told colleagues she preferred to speak briefly and instead offered a story-based acceptance, urging cooperation across county departments and levels of government. "We are a collaborative and cooperative group," the chair said, urging protection of county finances and careful management of state mandates. The chair emphasized using the county's strong financial position to "build security and stability for our county for years to come." (Speaker: Kelly Fitzpatrick.)

The next procedural steps listed by the chair included establishing a priorities list to share with department heads and partner agencies, and directing committees as permitted under newly recognized chair authority. The organizational business then proceeded to fill other leadership posts and adopt administrative resolutions.