YONKERS, NY -- December 31, 2011 to January 1, 2012 -- Anticipation consumed the day. It was the last of the too many days consumed by Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone. As the clock ticked toward Midnight, it was Yonkers’ Lady Gaga that took center stage before the world. She satisfied our primal and visual desire for music and movement. Even so, she could not deflect from the family that gathered to support their son, their husband, their father, and their brother within his mother’s and father’s house. Michael Spano was the focus Saturday evening. Not one action took away from the limelight his family would shine upon him. All his brothers and sisters were gracious hosts. The buffet table was overflowing with one dish better than the next. This was a special night.
The close familial ties were evident. Brothers and sisters supporting one another. Respect for their mother and father was the mothers milk upon which they were weaned. Forty grandchildren could be counted; one was also on the way. The comfort level was genuine. The respect was evident. The support of one another bode well for a city needing exactly what the Spano Family shared in spades: family values. It was in 1906 that grandfather Spano moved to Yonkers. The family would grow in the City of Yonker. It would work hard, grow a family, invest in themselves, and evolved as the city evolved. The roots were deep. Yonkers became part of the Spano tree. They trace their lives with awe and wonder. They are a hard working lot; laziness escapes their philosophy.
At 11:59 pm, the countdown to Midnight was recited in unison, especially at the 10 seconds before mark. And when it did, Mike Spano, on his way to the spot designated for the swearing in ceremony, had a bowl of lentil soup, an Italian tradition that was the precursor to gaining wealth. This reporter did likewise. Mike Spano was next seen with one hand on a family bible dating to the 1800’s, with his wife, Mary Calvi by his side, and the rest of the family witness to that special moment, heard Deputy Clerk Vincent Spano swear his brother into office. Yonkers City Clerk Joan Deierlein relinquished the honor of the swearing in ceremony to embellish the memory and honor for the family’s sake. It was a humbling moment. Mike Spano thanked his family for giving him the strength to focus upon staying the course. He did just that. He had acceded to the office of Mayor of the City of Yonkers.
Some people have mentioned that Mayor Mike Spano has yet to formulate his vision for the City of Yonkers. This is contrary to the truth. Mayor Mike Spano’s vision for the City of Yonkers is to infuse a sense of self worth among Yonkersites. A sense that we are challenged to find a vision to better the City of Yonkers together; the directive is clear… working together to get Yonkers on its feet. The slash and burn mentality was extinguished at 12:01 am, Sunday, January 1, 2012. Celebrating the strengths of the city, finding purpose by doing what serves the public good, and getting it done IS the vision of Mayor Mike Spano.
Upon conclusion of Mayor Spano’s swearing in ceremony, Mayor Spano conducted the swearing-in ceremony of Sue Gerry to the Office of Deputy Mayor of the City of Yonkers. The Lewisboro resident is in search of residence in Yonkers with her husband and effervescent daughter.
Mayor Spano also swore former New York State Assemblyman Lou Mosiello, and former Westchester Board of Elections Deputy Melissa Nacerino, wife to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano’s Chief of Staff Steve Levy. The positions they were sworn to was the Yonkers Charter Revision Commission.
After attending morning church services later that same morning, Mayor Mike Spano came to Yonkers City Hall to greet dignitaries that came to congratulate the new mayor. By 12:00 Noon, a public swearing in ceremony of Mayor Mike Spano took place, as did the ceremony for incoming Yonkers City Councilmember Chris Johnson (1st District), Michael Sabatino (3rd District), and Michael Breen (5th District).
