It appears all was quiet today from Syracuse to Albany to Washington as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office, with no apparent efforts to oppose or disrupt the inauguration. WAER News checked some key locations around downtown as Biden gave his inauguration speech.
At Syracuse City Hall, there was nothing out of the ordinary...no protest or rally of support. The same was true at the Onondaga County Courthouse, where two officers patrolled the front of the building as usual, with no visible additional security.
The federal building was the most likely place to see any activity. But once again, it was very quiet, with no apparent gatherings or additional security.
But the lack of activity on the streets doesn’t mean there isn’t any reaction to a new Biden/Harris administration taking office.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement, calling the inauguration a demonstration of the American people’s resolve and optimism.
"While our nation continues to face an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the inauguration was a moment of hope, and the start of a journey to not only recover from the pandemic, but to rebuild and strengthen our nation. To see my friend Kamala Harris, a daughter of immigrants, be sworn in as our nation’s first woman vice president and first Black and South Asian vice president, was a truly historic and unforgettable moment. President Biden will be a president for all Americans and I’m ready to work with him to lay the foundation for a brighter future.”--Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
In the other chamber of Congress, Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) says he’s eager to move forward, together, after the nation has ensured a pandemic, bitter election fight, and unprcedented tests to our democracy.
“Since 2015, I have had the privilege of serving Central New York in Congress under both Republican and Democratic Administrations. Under Presidents from both parties, I have worked across party lines to find common ground on key issues, but have not hesitated to actively oppose proposals which run counter to the needs and values of Central New York. I pledge to continue that work in the face of the many challenges ahead of this Congress," Katko said.
“As I have said with every previous Administration, regardless of party, I hope this Administration is successful in strengthening and protecting our country. As President Biden and Vice President Harris are sworn into office today, I’m urging greater cooperation from both parties so we can unite to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation, ” Katko concluded.
One of New York's leading environmental watchdog groups also chimed in. Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY Peter Iwanowicz is optimistic.
"Today we turn away from the country’s worst President for the environment and take more healthful steps forward with the Biden administration. One of President Biden’s first acts is rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, demonstrating to the world that the U.S. is back in the business of fighting climate change. He is also cancelling the Keystone Pipeline, showing the country the dirty ways of the past have no place in our future. We wish the new administration well and look forward to once again working with a federal government that prioritizes science and values the environment.”--Peter Iwanowicz
