Mid Hudson Times Jan. 13 2016

TIMES MID HUDSON Vol. 28, No 2 3 3 Nora Cronin celebration Arabian Nights Page 18 Page 12 $1.00 SERVING NEWBURGH AND NEW WINDSOR ‘We have that momentum now’ Kennedy, Harvey sworn in at inauguration ceremony By SHANTAL RILEY [email protected] “The Queen City rises again,” she said. Judy Kennedy was sworn into her second term as mayor of the City of Newburgh at an inaugural ceremony held at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus last Wednesday. Kennedy took the oath of office alongside Councilmanelect Torrance Harvey. “We have gathered here to witness our Democratic process at work,” said NFA Co-principal Matteo Doddo, who led the ceremony. “It’s my honor to have this event at my school.” Newburgh Enlarged City School District Superintendent Roberto Padilla described Kennedy and Harvey as “two individuals with the ambition and devotion to make a difference.” Padilla praised Kennedy’s commitment to the city. “Her compassion and commitment is like no other,” he said of the mayor, who, after losing the Democratic primary in September, was able to come from behind as an Independence-Party candidate to win re-election. The superintendent then spoke about Harvey, a longtime NFA history teacher. “He has touched countless lives as a history teacher here in Newburgh,” Padilla said. Harvey was joined that day by dozens of students from his U.S. and global history classes. “We are truly here to bring about effective change in the city,” Harvey said. “We must restore this great, American city… brick by brick, row by row.” Harvey concluded, citing a quote by JANUARY 13 - 19, 2016 City approves $81K settlement in Lembhard case By SHANTAL RILEY [email protected] City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy speaks at an inaugural ceremony at NFA North Campus last Wednesday. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” Continued on page 2 WWW.MIDHUDSONTIMES.COM The Newburgh City Council has approved a settlement with the estate of Michael Lembhard, fatally shot during a confrontation with city police in 2012. The settlement awards his estate more than $81,000. The council was divided over the decision, voting 4 to 3 in support of the settlement. “My heart bleeds for the whole family,” said Councilwoman Cindy Holmes. “This is for the children.” The vote authorized a total settlement of $81,378.44 following a lawsuit brought against the city by family members including Rachel McCants, the maternal grandmother of at least one of Lembhard’s three children. McCants is the executor of the estate. “It needs to be discussed,” said Councilman Torrance Harvey, who voted against the settlement with councilwomen Regina Angelo and Hillary Rayford, explaining he felt he needed more information. Holmes voted along with council members Karen Mejia, Genie Abrams and Mayor Judy Kennedy in support of the settlement. “It is a sincere wish of this council that the resolution reached in this case will provide a foundation for a brighter future Continued on page 4