Kelly Fitzpatrick sworn in as chair of Steuben County Legislature

Kelly Fitzpatrick was elected chair of the Steuben County Legislature and took the oath of office during the legislative organizational meeting. The clerk presented a resolution appointing Fitzpatrick to a two‑year term for 2026 and 2027; members participated in a roll call and voiced assent. Fitzpatrick came forward to be sworn and stated her name aloud: "Kelly Fitzpatrick," then repeated the oath to support the U.S. and New York constitutions and to "faithfully discharge the duties of the office of the chair of the Steuben County legislature."

In brief remarks after being sworn, Fitzpatrick said the legislature should be "collaborative and cooperative" with department heads and partner agencies and should work to prevent new unfunded mandates from the state. "We have come through our state audit, and we are in a very strong financial position," Fitzpatrick said, and she urged the body to "stretch" program dollars and to protect both vulnerable residents and taxpayers. She said the legislature will establish a list of priorities to share with departments and partners and to guide work over the next two years.

The designation was presented and read by the clerk as a formal resolution; the transcript records members answering in the affirmative during the roll call, after which the clerk and chair moved on to nominations for other leadership posts. The organizational meeting concluded after the remaining business was completed.