Bloomingdale Councilmen, Police Officer Take Oath

The atmosphere was jovial during the swearing-in ceremony for Councilmen John D'Amato and Ray Yazdi, and new Police Officer Kevin Peirsel in Bloomingdale's standing-room-only courtroom on Sunday. 

Mayor Jonathan Dunleavy administered the oaths of office. D'Amato and Yazdi thanked their families and gave inaugural remarks. 

After taking oath, Yazdi asked all the councilmembers to step out of their seats to renew their promises.

"I'd like to start something new and maybe we can start this going forward," he said. "I'm making my promises and I'm gonna stay true to all my campaign promises. I'd like to ask all of the members of the council to join me down here so we're one unit, united, so we can renew our promises." 

D'Amato said he plans to get to work immediately on the budget.

"I want to start working with everybody and get us all to the right path," he said. "I really feel energetic to get the town going. The first thing will be the town budget. It's a priority. 

Yazdi said he will focus on numbers and finances. 

"First thing we need to work on is to really get to know the council and what the hot button issues are. I come in understanding that we’re in financial trouble, so that’s gonna be where my concentration’s gonna go. I’m gonna try and bring some balance back to the budgeting process. I’m gonna hold the council accountable to make every decision with the numbers in mind, how it’s gonna impact our taxes." 

Police Chief Joe Borell welcomed new officer, Kevin Perisel, who was selected from 12 top candidates to join the force.