Assembly Minority Leader James N. Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) and his colleagues welcomed a new Minority Assembly member into the fold at a swearing-in ceremony in Albany today. Governor George E. Pataki presided over the event.

The new legislator, Mike Cole (R,C,I-Alden), was victorious in a special election held May 2nd to fill the seat of the late Sandra Lee Wirth in the 142nd District. Assemblyman Cole was surrounded by friends and family members as he was sworn in at the State Capitol.

"I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am honored that my neighbors had enough confidence in me to allow me to represent them in the Assembly," said Cole. "I'm excited to face all the challenges my new position will present, and I will work hard to advocate for the needs of Western New York."

Cole began his political career in college, when he served as an aide to then-Congressman Bill Paxon. He also served as Legislative Assistant to the late Senator John B. Daly, and as General Counsel and Senior Field Representative to former Congressman Jack Quinn.

In 1998, Cole was elected Alden Town Councilman. He most recently served as Alden Town Supervisor, where he was instrumental in bringing the company Greatbatch, Inc. and its 400 new jobs to the community.

Cole is a graduate of Alden Central High School and State University College at Brockport. He earned his Juris Doctor from the State University at Buffalo School of Law and was admitted as an attorney in February, 2001.

Assemblyman Cole will assume his legislative duties at the start of session today. He will serve the remainder of his predecessor's term, and then face re-election in November.

Cole was joined by his wife, Lori, who held the Bible, his daughters Emily and Allison, his parents Wayne and Dorothy Cole, his in-laws Ralph and Nancy Witt, his brother Dennis with wife, Jennifer, and his brother Daniel with wife, Amy.