Monroe County, NY Swears in County Executive

Saturday saw Maggie Brooks take the oath as the first person to start a third term in the role of Monroe County Executive. Brooks took the oath of office back in January of 2004 as the very first woman to head the county since it was established in 1821. Brooks was reelected to a second term in 2007, grabbing 74 percent of the vote, which was the largest margin of victory by a candidate for the position of Monroe County Executive.

“I am humbled by the support of this community,” Brooks, a Republican, said on New Year’s Eve. “I promise to work hard and to spend tax dollars wisely,” Brooks said.

Brooks is well-known within the Rochester area.

“Since 1977, I have shared an incredible journey and an amazing bond with the people of Monroe County,” she said.

Brooks was raised in Irondequoit before working as a reporter for WHAM-AM 1180 and then as an anchor at WHEC-TV 10. She has also worked as the county legislator and a county clerk before she first ran for county executive.

The oath of office took place at the Monroe County Office Building on Main Street. It was packed with Brooks’ friends, family members, and other local leaders. The mayor of Rochester, Thomas Richards, was in attendance along with Jeff Adair, the president of the Monroe County Legislature. Others in attendance included County Legislator Anthony Daniele, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley and state Sen. Joseph E. Robach, R-Greece.

Remarks were made by Assemblyman Bill Reilich of the Monroe County Republican Committee.

“Maggie puts service above self,” he said. “She understands our community and puts the needs of taxpayers before anyone else.”

Robert Wiesner, the husband of Brooks, took the podium when Reilich was finished his remarks. Wiesner said that he can sum up his wife’s terms in one word: “leadership.”

“A good leader is a good communicator,” Wiesner said. “Maggie is in a league of her own in this category.”

The election was won in November, when Brooks took home 57 percent of the vote. She was able to raise close to a half-million dollars in campaign funds. Brooks defeated Democrat Sandra Frankel, who served 20 years as the town supervisor for Brighton.

“It’s not all about smiles and accolades,” Brooks said. “It’s also about tears and frustration.”

Brooks did not mention any specifics when it came to frustrations, but her administration has struggled with problems caused by its previous two airport directors. Even through all of the struggles, Brooks remains optimistic about the future, noting that she is working on property tax stability, creation of jobs, and issues regarding quality of life. Rumors have arisen about Brooks running for Congress, but she did not make any comments alluding to those rumors during her speech.

“The time has come to roll up our sleeves … and get the job done,” Brooks said. “I continue to be honored to serve as your Monroe County executive.”