In addition to the swearing-in of new Sweden Town Board members, Annie Crane was sworn-in as the newest member of the Brockport Village Board by U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter January 3 at The Center in Brockport.
Crane ran for Sweden Town Supervisor in the November election, but lost to incumbent Rob Carges. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Village Board December 21, and replaces former Trustee Val Ciciotti, who has resigned.
“We are thrilled to have Annie on the Board,” Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman told the Suburban News following the swearing-in ceremonies. “She is known for being a detail person.”
In addition to her involvement in politics, Crane is a familiar face to patrons of the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport, where she has worked for more than two decades.
Mayor Blackman said she could have appointed Crane to fill the seat without Village Board approval, but asked for a vote. She said trustees were very enthusiastic in approving the appointment.
Rich Fenton, who was master of ceremonies during the January 3 swearing-in, noted in his introduction of Crane that she has served as chairperson of the Sweden Democratic Party since 2008 – “a totally thankless job,” he observed.
Fenton credited Crane with keeping the party going, thus making the election of two Democrats (the first time since the 1990’s) to the Sweden Town Board possible. “Maybe she’s the most important (person) in the process this time around,” Fenton said.
During her remarks, Crane said she has been, “getting a lot of thanks right here,” and thanked the voters, “who are the most important part of the process.” She also thanked Mayor Blackman and the Village Board for her appointment.
Crane noted Sweden Town Supervisor Rob Carges and Town Board members have been very welcoming to newly elected council members Mary Rich and Lori Skoog – Crane’s running mates on the town slate in her unsuccessful bid for supervisor.
“I’m looking forward to working together with the village and the town for the betterment of the whole community,” Crane said.
Photo by K. Gabalski
