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From the President:
Thomas Augostini, 2005

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Acceptance Speech of 2005-2006 President Thomas Augostini, Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Johnson City.

Honored Members/officers, NYCOM Staff, NYS Comptroller’s Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today I feel like a student who has, unexpectedly, come out top of the class. I feel a sense of excitement as well as a slight feeling of bewilderment as to exactly why I was chosen. It goes without saying, though, that this position is one of which I am extremely proud. The world of government is a challenging one and associations such as ours have much to offer.

This professional organization is one that has a successful history. It has a track record of demonstrating all that is best about our profession. That is a responsibility and an inheritance that I take very seriously indeed. As a member and a practitioner of our craft I have cared very deeply about not just our reputation but about the services that we provide. There are many demands on those in our profession. The world of government changes rapidly and makes new demands on them continually. They need the support we can offer

We would not be in this position without the wonderful work that has been accomplished in the past by the previous holders of this post who have worked so hard for us all. Bonnie Page is no exception as I have learned a great deal from her in the past year. I stand therefore as someone who is ready to learn and with your help ready to achieve our goals as we have set them out. Of course it takes a little while to get used to any new crew member at the helm. While I hope that my hand will be a steady one, the way I go will very much depend upon what you desire and how you wish to see us progress.

I know too that everyone accepting such a responsibility should seek help from those whose support are vital to him or her. No incoming president would be wise to announce a course of action without carefully considering where we have been before and where we wish to go from here. You will be looking to me for the experience and the passion that I can bring to this position. I will in turn be looking to you for guidance and for a view point that I could not possibly formulate on my own. I believe that your input is invaluable and that our unity is indeed our strength.

I know that we will be seeking to build on our successes and to take advantage of the lessons we have learned in the past. Everyone makes mistakes and although I would like to think that I am wise enough not to, experience tells me, that I too may make them. I can only hope that the things we do will be well considered and for the benefit of all of us in this organization

I would hope too that our work will be as much about our profession as it is about our wider family. Our profession, after all, extends wide and its influence reaches far beyond our immediate needs and concerns. I appreciate that you are all busy people and that you have elected me hoping that I will not be adding to your burden. On the other hand I am well aware that if I want something done the person to ask is a busy person. I know that you wish to be kept informed and valued too for your experience. As such I hope you will be able to contribute much and that I can draw on that experience. I want you in your wisdom to help me make this presidential appointment one that will expand, develop and further this wonderful organization for the benefit of all.

Our membership is our strength. We must use that strength to expand the organization and to improve it. Every year there are new challenges to be overcome, problems to be tackled and improvements to be made. You understand those problems and I know you will be behind me in overcoming the challenges. Let us then take as our motto the words of Abraham Lincoln who said, “Determine that the thing can and shall be done and then we shall find the way”.

Thomas Augostini
President
NYS Society of Municipal Finance Officers