ALBANY – St. Lawrence County’s newest State Assembly members were welcomed by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) and the Assembly Minority Conference Tuesday, Jan. 8 during a public swearing-in ceremony in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Mark Walczyk, 116th Assembly District (which includes Canton, Potsdam and the St. Lawrence County towns along the river) and Robert Smullen, 118th Assembly District (which includes Madrid, Clifton, Fine and other St. Lawrence County towns) took their oaths of office from Kevin Engel among friends family, elected officials and other dignitaries.

Walczyk and Smullen were joined by seven other new Assembly members from around the state.

“I am honored to welcome these incredible individuals to the Assembly Minority Conference,” said Leader Kolb. “Each of these new Members has already exhibited so much enthusiasm and excitement to work on behalf of their constituents and I am certain they will carry that energy into the upcoming session. Their passion, hard work and dedication will go a long way toward making New York a better place.”

“I am excited, energized, and can’t wait to get to work on behalf of the people of our community,” said Walczyk.

“Now more than ever New York needs strong fighters in Albany that will stand up for the people of the North Country and our values. As session begins, I plan to hold our legislators in Albany to a higher standard, pushing for ethics reform measures and fighting the culture of corruption that has taken hold there. I will fight to make New York more affordable and business friendly for its residents by pushing a permanent tax cap and working to eliminate regulations that are strangling North Country businesses. I will also step up to the plate and fight for our children by ensuring they receive their fair share of education aid and the opportunities that they deserve,” Walczyk said.

Walczyk was appointed by Kolb to serve on the Social Services, Cities, Energy, Higher Education and Transportation committees.

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Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) sworn into the State Assembly. Christopher Hanse | State Assembly

“I can’t thank the people of the 118th Assembly District enough for placing their trust in me,” said Smullen. “By working to lower taxes, eliminate burdensome regulations and fighting for our Constitutional rights, I hope to make New York the Empire State once again. I am ready to serve with honesty, integrity and respect for our values, and promise to be a strong voice for upstate New York.”

Smullen was appointed by Kolb as the ranking minority member of the Libraries and Education Technology Committee. Additionally, he will serve on the Banks, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation Committees.