Pictured above: Assemblyman Mike Norris takes his Oath of Office to officially represent New York’s 144th Assembly District today in Albany. Norris is joined by his mother Mary, Assembly Minority Leader Kolb, and with New York Supreme Court Justice Ann Crowell presiding.
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,I-Lockport) was officially sworn into office today in Albany by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) and the Honorable Ann Crowell, New York Supreme Court Justice, 4th Judicial District. Norris was among seven new members to take the oath of office as a member of the Assembly Minority Conference today.
“The people of Western New York continue to feel ignored by the downstate interests in Albany, and I am eager to challenge the status quo and make sure our residents are not only heard, but also receive our fair share of funding and services. My experience as Town Attorney has prepared me to go to Albany and fight against the excessive bureaucracy of New York State and return local control to our community,” said Norris.
He continued, “My priorities in Albany will be very similar to those of Jane Corwin. I will fight against the ‘tax and spend’ culture that is rampant in Albany, support substantial ethics reforms such as full disclosure of outside income for elected officials and term limits on legislative leadership positions, and advocate for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in upstate and Western New York.”
Norris took a ceremonial oath on December 31, 2016 at the Lockport Town Hall, conducted by his former boss and mentor, retired Assemblyman and Niagara County Family Court Judge Hon. David E. Seaman. That ceremony was led by state Sen. Rob Ortt (R,C,IP-62nd District), included a speech by Norris’ predecessor, Jane Corwin, and was attended by elected representatives throughout Western New York, including Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst), Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (R,C,I-Ref-Niagara Falls), Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour as well as Norris’ family, friends and supporters.
Outgoing Assemblywoman Jane Corwin expressed her support for Norris and is confident that he understands the will of the voters and will be a strong representative for Western New York. She said, “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mike for many years. He is dedicated, smart and above all he understands the needs and concerns of our community. I am sure he will be a strong representative in Albany for all upstate and Western New York residents.”
A lifelong resident of Lockport, Norris said he is proud and humbled to be serving in a seat that was once held by Seaman. Norris said, “It was very special to have David Seaman administer the oath of office to me in Lockport. He was a great teacher and is a great friend. In many ways, this journey has come full circle and I could not be more proud to be serving in the State Assembly.”
Norris has been appointed by Leader Kolb to serve as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Election Law Committee, and he will serve as a member of the Aging, Cities, Health and Higher Education committees.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A biography and headshot of Norris are attached for your use.
Pictured below: Newly elected Assemblyman Mike Norris is sworn into office on December 31, 2016 at the Lockport Town Hall. Norris was joined by his parents and grandmother with former Assemblyman and Niagara County Family Court Judge David Seaman presiding.
Pictured above: Assemblyman Mike Norris takes his Oath of Office to officially represent New York’s 144th Assembly District today in Albany. Norris is joined by his mother Mary, Assembly Minority Leader Kolb, and with New York Supreme Court Justice Ann Crowell presiding.