Kennedy newly elected NYCOM president

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Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy was elected as the president of the New York State Conference of Mayors, NYCOM on May 6 at a conference in Cooperstown, NY. NYCOM is an association of cities and villages in New York State. As an organization, NYCOM advocates for cities and villages before state legislature and the governor. Kennedy will serve as president for the next year, May 2019-20.

Village and cities are the closest form of government to the people,” Kennedy said. “The Conference of Mayors will be there to strongly represent the needs of our members and their constituents. I cannot thank you enough for the trust you have bestowed upon me.”

His work with NYCOM will include presiding over all meetings of the executive committee and lead the association throughout the year in working in conjunction with the NYCOM staff.  

According to Peter Baynes, NYCOM executive director, Kennedy was nominated by the Nominating Committee and out of eight candidates, the members elected him unanimously.

Baynes attributes Kennedy’s success as mayor of Freeport for his nomination and election. Kennedy’s accomplishments in Freeport includes — holding the line on taxes for six consecutive years without cutting village services, the village’s efforts to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and the recently, Moody’s AA-3 credit rating, that according to NYCOM officials, “vividly reflects the financial and economic stability of Freeport.”

Such accomplishments, Baynes said, are criteria, paired with leadership skills, success as a municipal leader, active involvement in the meetings, training and advocacy of NYCOM, that the organization looks for in a president.

On Long Island, Kennedy has been known for his position as the past president of the Nassau Counties Village Officials Association, NCVOA and nationally a member of the United States Conference of Mayors.

NYCOM is a 109 year-old organization, established in 1910 and known to train and educate local officials. The conference represents 575 cities and villages in New York State — from the smallest village to New York City.