Shelter Island Town Justice Stanley Birnbaum. (Credit: Eleanor P. Labrozzi)
Except for the swearing in of a new Justice Court judge, Tuesday’s Town Board reorganization meeting was generally routine.
Stanley Birnbaum, who won election in November, was sworn in Tuesday by the other town justice, Mary-Faith Westervelt.
“You have some big shoes to fill,” Supervisor Gerry Siller told the new justice, referring to Helen Rosenblum, who served at the Justice Court for decades.
She came to the bench in 2003, initially to fill the unexpired term of Justice Edward Hannabury who had died. She was subsequently re-elected, until last November when she was defeated by Mr. Birnbaum.
JudgeHelen Rosenblum (Credit: Reporter file photo)
New year’s Eve was a day for the Shelter Island Town Board to celebrate two public servants one who chose to retire and the other who will continue serving in other capacities, but no longer as a Justice Court judge.
State Senator Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Judge Helen Rosenblum who has long served the town, initially as town attorney and later on the Justice Court bench were saluted for their years of contributions to Shelter Island.
Supervisor Gerry Siller called the presentation of proclamations to the two public officials “bittersweet,” noting the intent was to celebrate the two in person, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced virtual presentations via Zoom.