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Ritchie chosen for traditional role to inform governor Senate is ready for work

Posted 1/6/11

ALBANY -- State Senator Patty Ritchie was chosen for a traditional ceremonial role on opening day of the 2011 Legislative session Wednesday -- her first official day in office. The 48th District …

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Ritchie chosen for traditional role to inform governor Senate is ready for work

Posted

ALBANY -- State Senator Patty Ritchie was chosen for a traditional ceremonial role on opening day of the 2011 Legislative session Wednesday -- her first official day in office.

The 48th District senator was selected by her fellow senators to be the official emissary to the governor and notify him that the Senate was organized and ready to begin its work for the year. The parliamentary appointment is ceremonial, and is part of a long tradition in the Senate.

Ritchie, representing the Republican majority, and Democrat Sen. Tim Kennedy of Buffalo delivered the message to the governor’s counsel. Two other senators were chosen to deliver a similar message to the Assembly.

“It’s a special honor that her fellow Senators have bestowed on her,” said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

"Sen. Ritchie has already impressed her colleagues,” Skelos said. “We're looking forward to working closely with her on the issues facing central and northern New York, and the rest of the state."