Albany County swore in its first new district attorney in 20 years on Monday.

Democrat Lee Kindlon, who won election to the position in November, received his oath of office at a ceremony held in the Albany County Office Building. Judge Elizabeth Garry presided over the event.

Kindlon, a Democrat and well-known defense attorney in the area, called it his "dream job," and pledged "bold leadership in challenging times." 

He said since being elected in November, he and his transition team had met with many of the criminal justice and law enforcement stakeholders in Albany County to start planning for a successful first 100 days in office.

Kindlon said his mandate from the voters was to create a DA's office that is responsive and responsible.

He said he intends to addess gun violence, attack wage theft and organized retail crime, bring increased accountability to the office and ask the county comptroller to fully audit the office. He also said he wants to reinstate restorative justice in the county and grow the crime victim outreach office. 

“These are the first steps toward a safer and better Albany County,” Kindlon said.

Kindlon defeated Republican Ralph Ambrosio and longtime DA David Soares, a Democrat who Kindlon defeated in a primary in June and ran a write-in campaign, in November's election. Soares had been in the position for the last 20 years.

Kindlon received about 65% of the vote.