Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (second from right) looking on with pride as Assemblyman Tom Kirwan (R,C,I-Newburgh) takes his formal oath of office to again serve as Assemblyman for the 100th District. Leader Kolb and the Minority Conference warmly welcomed Mr. Kirwan back to the "People's House" during a public swearing-in ceremony held in the Assembly Parlor in the State Capitol on Monday afternoon. Pictured, from left to right, are the Honorable Catherine Bartlett, Court of Claims Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice who administered Kirwan's oath of office; Assemblyman Tom Kirwan; Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Verna Kirwan, Assemblyman Kirwan's wife of 48 years who held the Bible during his ceremony.

Leader Kolb also introduced Assemblyman Kirwan on the Chamber Floor to mark Kirwan's return to public service as a Member of the "People's House" to represent families of the 100th District. During his remarks, Leader Kolb noted that Assemblyman Kirwan had previously served with distinction in the Chamber from 1995 to 2008, commended his legislative achievements and continued commitment to serving the public. The recent conclusion of Kirwan's race - the nation's last legislative contest from 2010 to be resolved - and his victory increased the ranks of the Assembly Minority Conference to 51 Members, its highest number in over a decade. Leader Kolb asked his colleagues to join him in welcoming their good friend Tom Kirwan back to the Assembly.