Cheney, Iurato sworn in as village trustees

Warwick — Bill Iurato and Barry Cheney took their oaths of office Monday night as the village reorganized and continued crafting its 2008-09 budget. Monday marked the beginning of Iurato’s ninth year as a Village of Warwick trustee. He took the oath of office, which was administered by Village Clerk Jo-Ann Rome. Cheney became the newest member of the board. He was the top vote-getter in last month’s election when he and Iurato bested local business owner Dave Bartnowski for the two board seats. Cheney was surrounded by his three children - Brad, Brendan, and Kristin - as he took the oath on his family Bible. Cheney, 58, resigned his seat on the village Planning Board last night, which he has held for 22 years, six as its chairman. He won’t stray far — Mayor Michael Newhard appointed Cheney liaison for planning and zoning. In addition, Cheney will be the board’s liaison to the Jones Chemical Citizens Advisory Panel, the Partnership for a Quality Community Committee and the Town of Warwick. An engineer by trade, Cheney will also oversee village engineering and infrastructure issues. Eileen Patterson was named deputy mayor, a spot that was held by Roger Metzger for the past seven years. Metzger chose not to run for reelection after serving on the board for 12 years. Patterson remains trustee in charge of parks and recreation, the village office staff, senior citizens, St. Anthony Community Hospital, the Warwick Valley Community Center and its youth program, sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian issues. Iurato, 57, will remain liaison to the merchants and Chamber of Commerce, Department of Public Works, water and sewer daily operations, concerts and celebrations, traffic and parking, the Weekender bus and transportation issues, green building practices and alternative energy options. George McManus will be liaison to the Albert Wisner Public Library, the school district, police, ethics, cable and issues of emergency and security.