ONEONTA, 01/01/11 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) took the oath of office today for another term at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown. 

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Seward addressed the standing room only crowd, vowing to attack the challenges facing New York head-on: 

“The landscape in Albany is changing.  There will be new players, including a new governor, and a new senate majority which I am proud to be part of.  I am also hopeful that there will be a renewed spirit of cooperation with an eye toward positive accomplishments that will benefit our entire state.

“One thing that will not change is my resolve to fight for all of you who call the 51st senatorial district home.

“There are challenges, no doubt, but I am excited about the prospects that lie ahead and look forward to a successful 2011.” 

 Senator Seward was first elected to the state senate in 1986; he will be serving his 13th term.