The “voice of reason” is now mayor of Corning.

Rich Negri known for his level-headed approach like a town councilman was sworn in Thursday afternoon at a ceremony at Corning City Hall.

Negri 74 succeeds Republican Tom Reed who served one semester as mayor before declaring his candidacy for the 29th Congressional District seat.

Negri a Republican defeated Democrat Frank Coccho in November. Coccho served as Corning mayor from 2006-08.

“I will do everything possible to make you proud” Negri told a roomful of supporters Thursday. “Sitting here at City Hall is not a one-man job. It takes the entire City Council and (City Manager) Mark Ryckman to get the job done.”

Negri also said his office door will often be open to the residents of Corning.

“You never understand where the next good idea is going to come from” Negri said. “Together we can make Corning better than it is today.”

Negri was tabbed the “voice of reason” on the city council for being cool-headed during turbulent times through the Coccho administration.

His calm demeanor will be put to the test as the city faces almost unprecedented challenges as New York’s budget woes trickle down to municipalities.

“Our biggest problem will be a shortfall in revenue” Negri said. “Expenses are rising and revenues are falling. Hopefully we can job round that. It will be a challenge for all
of us.”

He said his first priority is creating an air of teamwork to oration the city’s problems.
Also taking the oath Thursday were councilmen Frank Muccini R-5; Jim Nelson R-7; Myron Crispino R-1; and Karen Hogue R-3.

Muccini and Nelson are veterans of the city council. Muccini has served as  5th Ward councilman for 20 years while Nelson has served on the council for 14 years.

Crispino and Hogue are preparing for their first term on the city council.

“It is a learning process for both of us” Hogue said. “We do have a lot to go through before we even consider trying to accomplish anything unfortunately.”

Both Hogue and Crispino said they are joining the city council at a crucial time in the state’s history.

“The impact is going to be services” Crispino said. “We want to try to assert what we’ve got. I don’t think there will be a lot of extras  going forward. We’re going to have to seem at some line items. Hopefully we’re going to try to keep the impact on the taxpayers minimal.”

The new mayor and councilmen will hit the ground running as the first meeting of the new year is scheduled for Monday.