Newly Elected Officials Sworn In At Brief Sunday Ceremony

By John Voket

More than two dozen newly elected or reelected government officials were sworn in to office Sunday, November 27, in a brief ceremony in Newtown Municipal Center council chambers. And while the entire prereception program clocked in at just under 20 minutes, it was not without a few moving and humorous moments.

The event, which was organized by Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, featured State Senator and Minority Leader John McKinney as master of ceremonies, and state Appellate Court Judge William Lavery, a longtime Newtown resident, administering the oaths.

During brief introductory remarks, Sen McKinney recognized not only those in attendance who were elected, but all those who ran unsuccessfully for an opportunity to serve.

“Whether you are Democrat, Republican, or from the Independent Party, putting your name on the ballot takes a lot of commitment and dedication, and it shows your love for the town and your willingess to involk that to improve it,” Sen McKinney said.

Sen McKinney then introduced Taylor Varga, who sang an acappella version of the national anthem, which resulted in thunderous applause and Sen McKinney commenting that the moving rendition gave him goosebumps.

Before standing beside James Gaston, Sr, his Democratic selectman colleague, to be the first to receive their oath of office, incumbent Selectman Will Rodgers led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Monsignor Robert Weiss of St Rose of Lima also drew laughter from the gathered officials and the audience prior to his Invocation when he remarked, “I’m very proud as the pastor of St Rose to see so many of you stepping forward to volunteer for this community. I expect in return…”

Then it was Judge Lavery’s turn at the podium, where in turn, he administered the oath of office to the selectmen, members of the Legislative Council, Boards of Finance, Education, Assessment Appeals, Planning & Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals, incoming police commissioners, and the Board of Managers for Edmond Town Hall.

When calling for assessment appeals officials, Judge Lavery also elicited laughter as he looked back and forth animatedly searching the room as the lone board member in attendance, Maureen Crick Owen, stood waiting.

The final official to receive the oath of office was incumbent First Selectman Pat Llodra, who then addressed the standing-room-only audience.

“To all of you who have been sworn in, I thank you for being ready, willing, and able to serve Newtown. I believe there is no greater calling for folks like you but to serve the common good of our community,” Mrs Llodra said.

Looking around to the many officials surrounding her, Mrs Llodra said she shared the “same special feeling that the government work that you are about to engage in is important and valued by many.”

She reminded her elected colleagues that their service “will provide opportunities to help our community to grow, and continue to prosper.” And while the first selectman recognized the extreme economic challenges and needs facing Newtown, she encouraged all the officials on hand to join her in seizing “every opportunity to craft and clarify a vision for our community’s future, and move toward achieving that vision in an incremental, manageable, and financially responsible fashion.

“I think we have a terrific team whose talents and gifts abound, and I know we will be successful,” Mrs Llodra concluded.

Following the ceremony, most of those in attendance convened to the hallways outside where they enjoyed cello music provided by Alex Lampel, and appetizers prepared by Council Representative Kathryn Fetchick, Rene McManus, Pam Campbell, and Lucy Kortze. Hollandia Nurseries donated the plants that adorned the municipal center, while the decorations were installed by Carey Schierloh and Debbie and Karin Aurelia.