By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Photo/submitted
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant officially began his third term of office at inaugural exercises held Jan. 4 at the Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School. Members of the City Council and School Committee were also sworn into office by City Clerk Lisa Thomas who presided over the event. Police Chief Mark F. Leonard and Fire Chief Kevin J. Breen led the procession of local and state officials, walking to the music of the Marlborough High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Gary Piazza.
In his opening remarks, Vigeant thanked family and friends who supported his efforts to run and perform duties of elected office through the years.
“With pride and humility,” he listed his accomplishments during the past two years – the new senior center, the restoration of Ward Park and the renovation of Memorial Beach.
“I believe I have received more positive comments about this project [Memorial Beach] than any other in my 22 years of elected office,” Vigeant said. “A new and expanded parking area, walking paths, a new playground for the younger kids, handicap accessible access to the water and if you go down there on any summer day I’m sure you will see plenty of activity on the new basketball court.
“We’ve worked very hard to attract over 5,000 new jobs to the city in the last four years from entry level jobs to high level engineers. Over two million square feet of vacant office space has been filled. This brings employees to the city that spend money in our restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, and also brings in additional tax revenue,” the mayor added.
Sworn into office were councilors-at-large Peter Juaire, Michael Ossing, Mark Oram and Kathleen Robey; ward councilors Joseph Delano (Ward 1), David Doucette (Ward 2), Matthew Elder (Ward 3), Robert Tunnera (Ward 4), John Irish (Ward 5), Edward Clancy (Ward 6) and Donald Landers Sr. (Ward 7); School Committee members Michelle Bodin-Hettinger, Earl Geary, Katherine Hennessy, Heidi Matthews, Denise Ryan and Mark Walter; and Peggy Ayres, Assabet Valley Regional School Committee member.
The invocation was given by Father Michael McKinnon of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Benediction was performed by Father Gregory Christakos of Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church. The Marlborough High School a cappella choir led the singing of the National Anthem.
Vigeant also paid tribute to former Ward 2 Councilor Robert Page who passed away last year.
Among state officials attending the exercises were Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), and Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury).
During the organizational meeting of the City Council held immediately following the exercises, Clancy was re-elected president and Delano was elected vice president.
